the Nutcracker

Saturday we started a new tradition. Ainsley and I went with some friends to see the Nutcracker.



First, we went out to lunch at Oreganos. On my way out the door I asked Ainsley to grab my camera. "No, I'll grab MY camera." Fine. Whatever. We took a couple of pictures at the restaurant of the 3 girls and also the 3 moms.



On our way to the theater, Ainsley deleted all the pictures. "Well, it IS my camera, you know." Grrrr.



We got to the theater. The girls loved the costumes, the music. Other than the occasional "why can't anyone walk? Do they have to dance EVERYWHERE?" It wwas going pretty well.

Until the tights came on. Giggle giggle. Laugh laugh.

"Mom! Why don't those men wear UNDERWEAR????? You can practically see their TENDERS! YUCK!"

What could I say? I was thinking the same thing. Why is it that the girls have to wear tights, leotards AND tutu's, but the men can let it all hang out?

Ainsley's Thanksgiving Essay

Before I post the story, Brandon had some fun decorating the family picture.

What I Am Grateful For
by Ainsley Sims
November, 2009

I am grateful for my family. I don't think my TV would hug me but my parents do. I am thankful for my bed. My dad went to China and said that people have to sleep on the floor. At church the person in charge said to write down as many things as you could but many people just put cheese.
I am thankful for my clothes. I am thankful for school. If you did not have school you would not be educated. I am thankful for trees. If we didn't have trees we wouldn't have oxygen. If we didn't have oxygen we would all be dead. That would be sad.

Feeling SO Martha part 2

I REALLY don't think any family actually read this blog... but if I am wrong, Julee, please shut your eyes. :)

Here are a few other handmade goodies for the family Christmas presents. I made these cute dolls for Julee's twins. One is still faceless, but I will change that. Alexa loves these and keeps trying to steal the brunette.

You probably have no idea what this is. It't for all the great grandparents. I made them these cute rice bags for ailing joints. The D rings are attached with velcro so they can go in the microwave, and the rice bags are inserted on the other side. There is an additional rice bag to be kept in the freezer. I LOVE the way these turned out and made one for Ryan, too. He uses a sock filled with rice and it's just not as cute.

I wish I could photograph this necklace better, but it's not in the cards. I've tried. The girl cousins all get these tile necklaces Ainsley and I made. (Not this particular one, however.) They are from glass tiles and scrapbook paper. We added resin, bails and chains.

It's been fun creating all of these presents! There are still more to come, but I am not quite finished.

Again, if anyone wants any patterns or directions, let me know. I will forward them or post them! I surely didn't make them up myself!

Feeling SO Martha part 1

I've been making Christmas presents this year for everyone. Here is Alexa's haul...

Felt Food! My friend Amy and her 18 month old Kiah have been coming over and we've been putting this collection together little by little. It's been so fun! eggs, strawberries and citrus

banana. apple and watermelon (these look much cuter in person)

pizza, cookies and donuts. I didn't show the pizza toppings, but I assure you they exist.

If anyone is interested in making their own, I can send you the links to the free patterns.

Trip to the Mesa Visitors Center

We had a fun time at the Mesa Visitors Center the other day looking at Christmas lights. Can't you tell?

Hats and gloves are absolutely necessary in 60 degree weather.

Single Ladies

Decorating the Tree - Without me!

I am involved in a Chirstmas Choir this year. So while I was off practicing the Hallelujah Chorus and other tricky Handel pieces, the family put up the Christmas tree.

Alexa dragged the stool in from the kitchen with more perserverance the the other two kids put together. And we know how headstrong they are!

And I wanted to give my appreciation to Ryan for actually photographing the moments - without being asked! Wow is all I can say. He is the bomb!