Thursday, December 22, 2011

Is it really almost Christmas??

So my mom sent me a text the other day and asked when I was going to blog again. She said it was "old". Well, it's true. My blogging has gone to pot lately, and my response to her was that I will blog again when it becomes important... meaning more important than something else I am already doing in the daytime because it would have to take the place of something else. Perhaps I would feel more motivated if I thought people were actually reading it, but since I think my mom might be the only one who reads it and I talk to her on a weekly basis, it isn't quite enough incentive. I keep telling myself it will be easier if I have an iPhone and can post whenever with photos on my phone rather than downloading them from my camera every time, but who am I kidding? Anyhow, I was feeling guilty, so here I am.

This might just be post of things on my mind, so forgive me if I bore you.

First, if you don't have Spotify, get it. It will change your life. It's like Pandora but a thousand times better. You have access to practically every song known to man at your fingertips for free... at least for the first 6 months and then it's only like $5 a month. Do it, you won't be sorry. And when you do, if you need some quiet and lovely Christmas music, look up Favourite Carols from King's College Choir. I especially love "In the Bleak Midwinter." It's beautiful. And while you are at it, put She&Him "Baby It's Cold Outside" and anything from Sufjan Stevens. 

Second, I took the boys to Santa at Macy's a couple of weeks ago. We went early to avoid the lines, which proved to be a wise decision. I didn't make a big deal about it because I knew neither of them would sit on Santa's lap. I only wanted to avoid major meltdowns, which I did, so I consider the trip a success. I didn't think the Santa that impressive anyway. He didn't even have a real beard. So Cameron and I took them to see Santa at ABC Carpet and Home because we have been hearing that he is the best Santa around... probably the real one. We were not disappointed. Real beard, vintage suit and boots, kindly face, real fancy candy cane lollipops. Awesome. Still no real luck with the boys on the lap, but whatever. I liked him. ABC is amazing and beautiful. We looked around for a bit after our Santa visit, but I quickly realized once I saw that the pillows were $950 that I not only did not belong in that store but having 2 young boys roaming around was a very bad and potentially expensive idea. So we left and went to Barnes and Noble instead. Glad we saw ABC Santa. Highlight.

Our Christmas party this year was a success once again, and I do love the way it helps me set the tone for Christmas in our house... a season of giving and thinking of others. We delivered 12 very full boxes of food to 6 deserving families with the help of all our good friends and neighbors. This has been one of my favorite traditions. This year John went with Cameron to help deliver, and I hope it's something that he grows increasingly more excited about. We also attended our Stake Christmas Concert, which was amazing as always. I spent a good portion in the doorway as I let Grant run around in the foyer. It was past his bedtime and there was no chance he was going to sit for an hour and a half. But every time a performance finished he rushed in to start clapping. Cutest thing ever. And I just finished baking some treats to hand out to our friends and neighbors. John assisted in decorating the sugar cookies, and I hope that becomes a tradition too. Other than that, John has been watching Disney's Prep and Landing once or twice a day and gets excited anytime he hears Frosty the Snowman or Grinch music. He has also been introduced and is familiar with Charlie Brown Christmas tunes and all. It's beginning to look at lot like Christmas. 

Cameron got called to be the First Councilor in the bishopric of our ward, which means I see him a lot less on Sundays and he's out visiting and on the phone a lot. I remember a time when I used to really enjoy and look forward to Sundays, but sadly that time seems far gone. It's hard managing two active children for over an hour during sacrament meeting who just want to sit with their dad and can't because he's on the stand. I get to hear about 15% of the meeting while the other 85% I am trying to keep the boys quiet and entertained. John basically refuses to go to nursery and Grant isn't old enough to be there yet, so it makes the next 2 hours a complete wash as well. Luckily, Cameron often takes John with him, so I just have to chase Grant around. Sometimes I wonder why I am even there, but I know the answer to that. It wouldn't be so bad if Cameron didn't leave 3 hours before church starts and often isn't home for dinner. Call me crazy, but for a day that is set aside for worship and families, this seems like an awfully crummy arrangement. I am sure it will get easier or at least I will just get used to it, but sometimes it really stinks. But I love my husband and his willingness to give it his all... in everything he does. Really not looking forward to getting 3 kids ready for church by 9 am and dealing with that alone during sacrament. Nightmare. Yes, that's what I said. Three. 

So if you actually read all of this, then you just got a little surprise gift. Merry Christmas.

19 comments:

Brooke said...

I am a faithful reader, so don't give up. :) Congrats on having your third! When are you due? I hope you're feeling well.

Mari said...

Nikki,
Congratulations!!!
My jaw dropped.
Awesome punch line!
(you know our daughter, Emily, who lived in NY; and I know and love your sisters, Meryn, Mallory and Margo.)
I just read the last paragraph of your post and we all squealed.
(I haven't posted in a year and a half so can relate to the mother pressure.)
Congrats and Merry Christmas!

Mom said...

Awesome. Thanks for the update. It does get easier. When they are grown you will wish they were young again at least for a while. Love you.

Eliza said...

I read your blog. Every single post.
Re: your Sundays, I feel your pain & share it. I spend most of church in the hallway. Clara asks me, "when r we goIng to the rocking chair room?" which is what she calls the mothers lounge. :)

Janice said...

Congratulations. (On everything--baby, new calling, etc.)

Michelly said...

Congratulations!!!! BTW...I read every blog post you write. Merry Christmas to you and yours and the blessing on the way!!!

Cameron said...

I'm Cameron Kelly, and I endorse this message.

The Mylers said...

Nikki & Cameron-Congratulations and Good luck! I feel your pain-Josh is in the bishopric again but I only have one running around. I hope you continue to find a couple peaceful moments over the holidays. Thinking of you! Heather Myler

Jared said...

I read your blog too...

Kassie said...

I made it through and congratulations!! i hope you are feeling great xo

Kristyn said...

Congrats on the soon to be newest member of your clan...saw the pic & I'm so excited for you guys! Merry Christmas!

Beth, Cody, Morgan, Pepper, Hazel said...

I also follow and read all of your blog and am SUPER excited for you guys! Having 3 little ones is proving to be hectic but fantastic. I remember those days when Cody was in the bishopric and I feel your pain. Good luck:) Congrats again and Merry Christmas to your little family!

Rachel McEwen said...

Congratulations to you and your family!! very exciting. Maybe you will get a girl this time:) I hope you have a merry christmas. Love you all!

Tristen said...

Nikki! Congratulations!!! I'm a faithful reader too, and I'm always so happy to see a post from you (always have been, actually). But don't give up something else more important to post on the blog, it's waaaay more important to be nice to your family and get things done than to write, but when you do you a-get a journal to keep and b-we get to hear about what is going on!

Also I hear you about Sundays, some of my most miserable parenting experiences have come on Sundays. In fact I just woke up from a terrible nightmare about my kids running wild in church on Sunday while my husband is at work, ha ha, true story. It's hard because I kind of need those hours at church to recharge and with young kids it doesn't feel at all like a recharge, I'm going to try to remember that one day when I have moved past this stage and I'm going to do my best to help a young mom out. I never knew how empty and exhausted they could get, especially at church.

And congratulations on baby #3! This is amazing news, so exciting and hard and also easy. I was scared to death when I found out I was pregnant with #3 and my friend told me to just take it one day at a time and make every single day of my pregnancy awesome for my other two kids and that it would all work out when baby #3 was born, and it was so true. I focused on being an awesome mom every day while I was pregnant and by the time #3 was born, we were all ready, and she has been a pure delight. Shocking since we had some seriously hard years beforehand. But the waters cleared RIGHT before Penelope was born-- Avery was potty trained, both kids finally were napping and going to bed pretty well, the kids were in nice, easy stages. Also no postpartum with #3 for me I think because I already knew how to juggle, and juggle effectively finally. I hope you are happy and excited for this!! Good times! :)

Unknown said...

Congrats Nikki! Exciting news :) <3 Shawna

catherine young said...

Awesome that you are having another baby and I hope it is a girl!
I love your blog and read it often because that is the only way to keep up with you!
Happy new year and keep in touch!

kimberly said...

Haha!! Merry Christmas! And congratulations on the new baby :) and I sympathize with your frustrations about Sundays. You'll just have to stop being so stinking nice to your boys and convince them to go to nursery!!! Well, once Grant is old enough too :) love ya!!

Hepworths said...

Nikki, It sounds like you have had a wonderful holiday. I love your giving tradition, so great. AND NUMBER THREE!!! YAY!! congrats. Hope you're feeling ok. Just told Adam last Sunday I would DIE if he ever got put in the bishopric. You are a good wife:)And I always read your blog, keep it up, I love it!

Val said...

Nikki I'm a reader too. I always love to read your writing. I got three kids by myself during sacrament meeting. No lies...it sucks. No idea what the talk topics are most of the time. I guilted an older couple to sit by us and help when I have to take a kid out. It isn't getting better I just used to it now. And people tell me my 21 month old's screams out for "daddy" are so cute. But some how it isn't as cute as the mom. I just tell myself that my service opportunity to let my husband serve everyone in the ward while I take care of the kids ALL the time. Not what I'd choose but too bad for me! Love you.