Mischief

We tried making traps to catch the leprechauns this weekend. We hoped that they would show us their gold, but instead they got mad and made all kinds of green mischief around the house. It was rather hard to get Persephone to sleep with the excitement of leprechauns coming to our home. At Christmas, she scoffed at the idea of a person going down the chimney, but little people that come to your home and make a mess? Well, that made perfect sense to her 3 year old sensibilities.

New and Improved?

What do you have planned for the new year? I love to get inspired by the goals of others. I actually set my goals during September. I associate that time of year with a new school year and it is also my birthday month. I found that when I made January goals, they were often motivated by the guilt of December overindulgence instead of sincere desire. I reevaluate the goals frequently during the year, and some of my September goals have already been accomplished, while others have been axed.

I was recently asked to share how I make my resolutions a reality, so I thought I'd share a few ideas that have helped me and I hope you'll share yours as well.

1. Only make goals that can be easily measured
2. Reevaluate goals often
3. Break larger goals down into smaller tasks

I use a moleskin note book to help me with the 3rd item on that list. At the front of the notebook are my top 3 target goals. I make tabs in my notebook for the yearly goals, then a place for the monthly tasks and then a third tab for weekly tasks. I also put tabs on my notebook for lists like Christmas gift ideas, movie recommendations etc. Setting goals on a monthly and weekly basis has really helped me with my long distance races and other larger goals.

Here are a few of the goals I have set for this year:
1. Buy a house
2. Complete a sprint distance triathlon (Check :)
3. Get approval for another adoption (Check :)
4. Get 72 hour kits ready for all family members
5. Make an adoption story book for Persy
6. Get CPR and First Aid certified
7. Complete at least 6 more knit projects and learn at least 6 more knitting skills (This one should be pretty easy for me, but I didn't want to turn my joy of knitting into a burden.)
8. Take Persy camping
9. Take an anti-gravity yoga class
10. Complete a mud run or other adventure style race (I am signed up for the extreme Tough Mudder in Colorado with Gabe this summer and we are actively training together.)
11. Get a new half marathon personal record (Check :)
12. Complete at least 4 long distance races of 10K or more

I hope you have a wonderful new year! We ushered in 2012 a little early at our house since the entire family was feeling under the weather. We played games with Persy and ate pizza. When the 8:00pm "new year" came we turned on African drumming music and pulled down my collection of international percussion instruments. We jammed and danced together and then opened the doors to let in the good luck. It was a simple celebration, but it felt just perfect.

Joy to the World

We hope you had a joyful and peaceful Christmas! I had so many moments during the past week when I felt overwhelmed with love for my little family and for all our extended family and friends. Thank you!

Gabe with his little brother Rob

Persy with a cousin and Aunt Rachel. Everyone is wearing the snugly PJs.

Nativity

Every year we gather with extended family to reenact the the nativity story and sing Christmas hymns. It is always a memorable night, but this year we were thrilled to have my brother and his kids visiting from Texas. Merry Christmas everyone! What are your favorite holiday traditions?

This year's Troupe. Persy played the roll of Mary, but she still wanted to wear an angels halo to jazz up the costume a bit!

The festive table is set for a meal of clam chowder, rolls and homemade candies.

Advent

What a fun month we've had in preparation for Christmas! Last year, we started the tradition of an advent calendar with daily treats and an activity. It was something my mother did with me and I loved as a child. Some activities are just plain fun, and others center on service projects or things to remind us of the Savior. Here are a few highlights:

A trip to the Aquarium with friends

Singing Christmas songs by candle light

Playing with indoor "snow"

Witchy Fun

We've had a flurry of fun and festive fall activities the last week. There have been hayrides, pumpkin picking, farms, and farmer's markets. Last week, we saw the witches at Gardner Village together. Persy thought they were pretty hilarious.


Persy is very excited about Halloween this year and keeps asking everybody what their costume is going to be. Last night she said to Gabe, "Daddy, what are you going to be for Halloween?"

"Um, I'm going to be an attorney," replied Gabe.
"Ooooooh, that is going to be SO scary!" Persy exclaimed. We both cracked up. I just love having a three year old.

We Talk of Christ

Easter was spent with Grandma and Grandpa in their condo in San Diego. We had a wonderful time, but I realized that there are very few Easter traditions that actually center around our Savior. I do our egg hunt on Saturday and keep it low key without presents, but I still want to incorporate more meaningful traditions. What do you do in your house to keep this a spiritual holiday? I would love to hear.

"And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins." 2 Nephi 25:25 from The Book of Mormon

Advent

Christmas celebrating is in full swing around here. We are doing an advent calender with activities each day. So far, Persy's favorite event has been playing with the expandable fake snow I bought at Smith's. We also have plans to make cookies, see lights, and do kiddie art projects. It has also been so exciting to teach Persy about the birth of Jesus.