The Bottom Shelf

For years I've kept my small appliances (crock pot, waffle iron, rice maker, etc.) on the bottom shelf of my pantry. It has worked for us quite well...until now.

Junior has quickly learned that if the pantry doors are left open (which happens often around here) he is in prime position to procure any of the above-mentioned appliances for his own personal entertainment. Yesterday was the waffle iron (more than once). Today's appliance of choice? The crock pot. 

And, as you can tell, he's loving it.

O Tannenbaum...Revisited

This year's Christmas tree experience was significantly different from our adventure last year. We chickened out and decided to buy a tree from the tree lot vs. braving the wilds of the Utah landscape like last year. We were able to find a beautiful 7 ft. noble pine for a steal. We simply drove a couple blocks, grabbed a tree, and drove back to our house. No freezing required for this Christmas miracle.

The kids were thrilled to officially usher in the Christmas season. One of the first questions was, "Now where are the presents?" Patience, little ones, patience!

A main component of our Christmas decor is the lego train which surrounds the tree. Ian's son seems to share his love of all things lego...we just wish he would wait a few years before diving in. The poor train has been rebuilt many times already.

The Jones family is officially prepared for Christmas. See you soon, St. Nick!

Yeeouch!

Today my accident-prone second born got in a fight with the coffee table. 

I think, as a rule, one should always expect the furniture to come out on top. Poor little Ellie.

And, of course, I was planning on having their pictures taken with Santa tomorrow...wouldn't you know it!!!

Ward Christmas Party

Saturday night was our annual ward Christmas party. As co-chairs of the activities committee, Ian and I had a front row seat to the behind-the-scenes work that goes into pulling off such a party. It was an eye-opener. Things went really well...mostly due to the amazing committee and ward members that pitched in and helped pull it off.

For me the highlight of the evening was the short video we put together of the primary kids. I had such a fun time talking with all of these sweet children and was absolutely amazed at the faith and spirit behind most of their answers. It made me realize how absolutely innocent these children of our Heavenly Father really are...and how much responsibility I have, as a mother of three of them, to teach them the truths they need to know in this life. 

My only regret is that I didn't have more time to talk with more kids. But I was pretty pleased with what we were able to throw together with such short notice.

A BIG thanks to everyone who contributed and helped make the Christmas party so much fun. The committee rocked, my friends were amazing, and everyone's food was DELICIOUS! Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

P.S. For those of you who would like a DVD-quality copy of the video let me know.

Stop, Drop, and Roll!

There are advantages to living in a big city. (Now, before you scoff at my use of the word "big", keep in mind that I came from a town of 3,500--that makes most places seem big. But I digress...)

One advantage, in particular, that I sincerely enjoy is the fact that there are stores that stay open past six o'clock in the evening. It was a novelty when I first moved here...and I still revel in it!

Last night I found myself wandering the aisles of Target at 10:15pm. While it was supremely enjoyable (because I didn't have three screaming children with me) it was not a pleasure trip. I actually arrived at Target with a mission: to procure a new hairdryer. Why, you may ask, was it imperative that I find a new hairdryer at ten o'clock at night? Well, because earlier that day my old one CAUGHT ON FIRE!

No...I'm not kidding nor am I exaggerating. In the midst of my usual hairstyling routine I actually witnessed my hairdryer spontaneously bursting into flames. Several pieces of it then fell to the floor and singed my towel. Before you ask...no, my hair did not catch on fire. (Phew!!...Can you imagine what would have happened if this unruly mop would have ignited? Poof!) I was, thankfully, saved from the embarrassment of premature balding. A tender mercy. 

So today I'm grateful for two specific blessings in my life. My hair and holiday shopping hours. My glass is half full, people.