A Blast from the Past

In January, my friend Sally turned 40. Being a child of the 80's, she had 80's party to celebrate. We were supposed to dress in costume. As I was researching what acceptable 80's attire would be, it was pretty hilarious how ghastly some of those clothes were back then. I was kind of embarrassed that the clothes I wore were all in my own closet! Here's what we came up with...

Me and Steve - Go turtles!
We borrowed the mullet wig from the Miles. I was very surprised and happy that Steve played along so well.

Michelle a.k.a Olivia "getting physical"

Cherri in her 80's Prom dress and Jeremy
demonstrating "the sway"

Joe, Kassie & Jonathan
I loved Kassie's belted sweater, leg warmers and heels!

Showing some of that 80's preppy attitude. The flare jeans were kind of hard to peg, but I thought with the double opposite socks and canvas shoes I did pretty well!

Joe, Jason, Mindy, Sally, Del, Cherri, Jeremy & Steve
Michelle, Kassie, Jonathan and Me

We had treats and snacks, talked about all the crazy things we remembered from our teen years (childhood for some) and watched 80's music videos that Steve had downloaded to his laptop for our viewing pleasure. We sang along and laughed til our sides hurt. It was so much fun!

Addicted to Chocolate...

Okay, I had a little reality check a couple of weeks ago when I threw away another emptied large bag of m&ms. I was really upset at myself for having absolutely no self-control, and did some searching for help on lds.org. Most of the articles were pretty specific about certain kinds of addictions, but there was one that helped me get a little perspective. I wrote an article for our Dixon Family Newsletter sharing my feelings. It really sums up what I was thinking...

As I stepped on the scale this morning to weigh-in for The Dixon Girls’ Biggest Loser, I thought back through the week and realized three things about myself. 1) There is something seriously wrong with my calorie intake/burn ratio. 2) Eating most of a 13 oz. bag of m&ms in two days or 7 brownies at a time is not normal. 3) I have an addiction to chocolate. I know this sounds kind of funny, and I’ve been known to admit it lightheartedly, but I started thinking about my obvious lack of self-restraint, and it made me feel really bad about myself. In my mind, addiction is an obsession that causes us to neglect things of greater importance. When we think of addiction, we usually think of drugs, alcohol, pornography, or gambling. But, I believe that addiction can also apply to things like food, television, shopping, politics, Face book, or anything that we find ourselves so involved in or with that we lose control over our bodies, time, or priorities, and it hurts to change our behavior.

I found a talk by Elder Robert D. Hales that really hit me in the heart when I read it. Here’s some of what he said: “I speak to all whose freedom to choose has been diminished by the effects of ill-advised choices of the past. I speak specifically of choices that have led to...addictions...that diminish one’s sense of self-worth. We must turn to the Lord and follow His commandments. We must want more than anything else to change our lives so that we can break the cycle of our uncontrolled wants. Our challenges, including those we create by our own decisions, are part of our test in mortality. Let me assure you that your situation is not beyond the reach of our Savior. Through Him, every struggle can be for our experience and our good. The Lord will never allow us to suffer beyond what we can endure. We must remember that the adversary knows us extremely well. He knows where, when, and how to tempt us. If we are obedient to the promptings of the Holy Ghost, we can learn to recognize the adversary’s enticements. Our success is never measured by how strongly we are tempted but by how faithfully we respond. We must ask for help from our Heavenly Father and seek strength through the Atonement of His Son, Jesus Christ.” (Ensign, May 2009)

I thought about that and realized that because I am a child of God who loves me, and because He gave me this body which he expects me to have control of, and because what I want and feel matters to Him, I can turn to Him with this struggle, too. I must ask for help, and then do whatever I can myself, relying on His strength to sustain me. Mom told me she’d joked about giving up chocolate for Lent. I decided today that I don’t have to give it up temporarily, or even forever. I just have to “gather my wits” again, and exercise and strengthen my self-control. With God’s help, I know I can make weak things become strong.

Snowshoeing with Bryson

In January, Bryson's fourth grade class went snowshoeing at the Mink Creek Nordic Center near Pocatello. Steve took the day off so I could go with Bryson's class. We had such an amazing time together. I borrowed snow gear from my sister-in-law, and for the first time in my life in Idaho, I was actually warm while being in the snow all day. First, we gathered in the yurt for instruction and then got our snowshoes. They were a lot different than we expected, nothing like the "tennis rackets" we expected from watching cartoons. We went on a hike (about 3 miles round-trip) over hills, through gullies, and across fields. The guide stopped often enough that we didn't get too tired, and taught little nature lessons throughout the hike. We also played hide and seek in a gully. It was so fun, so beautiful, and we had such a good time together. My little Bryson was such a trooper. He just kept going with an energy I hadn't seen in him before. I think it had something to do with being in nature. It must have energized him.

Trudging down the trail

Rabbit tracks in the snow Bryson spotted in a clearing

Bryson's class

A tree-chair we just HAD to try out

After the hike, we went back to the yurt and had lunch. Then we went back outside and the grown-ups (the old tired adults) watched the kids play games in the snow... tundra, fox and geese, and capture the flag. The grown-ups were actually recruited for the last game, and that's when I was exhausted. Imagine a 37 year-old, running through the snow in snow bibs and boots trying to catch 10 year-old boys... Yeah. I was pretty sore. But, it was a glorious day and such a great time with my Bryson boy!

A Brand New Basement Bedroom

The girls' Christmas gift from Santa (and Mom and Dad) this year was new bedspreads and pillows for their bedroom. We also spent days (literally) cleaning out, throwing away, reorganizing and then redecorating the whole thing. The girls threw away and got rid of more than 2/3 of the stuff in their room. I was so proud of them!! They helped paint and Steve put up more trim and new carpet. The carpet was given to us from some good friends. It fit, almost exactly perfect, including the closet, with no seams! Must have been meant to be! I wish I had before pictures to show how awful it was before, but here's proof of how absolutely cute it is now!!

Rachel's bed and wall...

Sarah's bed and wall...

The very organized shelves and closet...

One of the best things about their new look is that they love it so much that they love to hang out there and it is is clean almost all of the time! The clothes only stay on the floor for a few days at a time, and the junk disappears at least every Saturday! I'm so proud of them, and it was a great learning/teaching/relationship building experience for them! It's one of the best things we've could have done for (and with) them! Great job, girls!

Road Trip to Alaska

On our way to Utah at Christmastime, Steve and I were talking about what we wanted to do with the kids this summer. We talked for a while about some things we could do, and then I said, "You know what I wish we could do. I wish we could take the kids to Alaska." My sister, Shaunna, and her family live there and though Steve and I have both been on separate trips there, the kids haven't ever seen it. Steve's face broke a smile and he said, "Why can't we?" I told him it wasn't nice to tease me, and if was serious, he'd better promise. We spent the rest of the trip figuring out when we could go, how we could afford it, and how to make it all work. After a very excited call to my sister, and a solemn oath from my husband, we announced to the children that we were going to Alaska in June.

I can't wait to show them all that I loved when I went. I remember the incredible waterfalls and roadside lakes on every highway. The monstrous glaciers were amazing, as were the sunsets in the middle of the night. I remember how much I loved the beautiful wildflowers, picking wild raspberries, digging for clams and seeing all the wildlife. I'm sooo excited to experience it with my kids, and my husband this time!

The only thing that could be problematic in our plan is all the car-time. We've decided to take a road trip (can't afford to fly 7 - or even 2 - of us there). We will take a week or so to get there so we can see and experience Northern Idaho/Washington or Montana and Canada on the way, stay in Alaska for 10 days or so, and take about 5 days to get home, by another route. Steve and I decided that if we have some destination each day, and lots of activities, snacks and movies, it could be bearable...even an adventure. We've decided that each day will be a mini-trip, with stops in national parks, camping, tourist stops, hotels, and hikes and such along the way. As I've told people about our plan, many of them have thought we are absolutely crazy to take 5 kids on a trip like that. I actually think it will be a lot of fun. We love being together, we'll have our dad all to ourselves for 3 or 4 weeks, and make memories of a lifetime. Sounds pretty awesome to me!

So, we've got an Alaska savings account going, with about 75% of the money we need in there. We're working on new tires for the suburban, passport cards, routes, fishing trip and day cruise reservations, etc. The hardest part I think, is deciding what we want to do while we're there. We've promised the boys a trip to go clamming, and lots of fishing. I've promised the girls a girls-only shopping trip in Anchorage. Steve's promised me a Halibut fishing excursion. I've promised Steve a couple of days to just hang out, without any stress or pressure. I'd also like to take a wildlife day cruise. Not sure if we can afford all of that, so I'm not sure what else to plan. Our tour guides, Shaunna and Eric, have many ideas, suggestions, and plans of their own. So, we'll get that tied down in the next month or so, and then all we have to do is wait for June to come!! ALASKA, HERE WE COME!!

Playing Catch-up

Okay, here I am, three months past December, and finally stealing a minute to catch up. Life has been absolutely crazy, and not a moment to myself...okay, a few, just not many. The next six posts (though not in the correct ascending order, but a more traditional descending chronological order) are a little run-down of what we were up to just in the month of December.

Sing, Sing a Song...

In December (sometime), Sarah had her Holiday Choir concert. She's in general choir this trimester and has really enjoyed it. The concert was really nice. I was impressed with the director and how well the students sang—from the select choirs to the general choir, that had only practiced for six weeks. It was fun to see Sarah so excited about something she enjoyed. She's also made a whole bunch of new friends. It's always good to be involved in high school!

Christmas Recitals

In December, Rachel also had a couple of piano recitals. First, she had one for her students, three cute little kids that play one finger at a time. They had all been taking lessons from her for less than 8 months, one child for only two. They all did really well. It was so cute to see how much support they all had in their first recital. We filled the whole Relief Society room of the church. After the kids all played, Rachel played her Christmas piece for the children. We spent almost as much time taking pictures afterward as they took playing. It was really quick, but we finished off with delicious brownies and punch (made by one of the moms). It was a milestone, and such a fun night for us to watch our Rachel shine!

Kersten, Tyson, Rachel, Erica and Andrew. (Andrew is Kersten's brother and performed at the recital, too.) Such cute, proud kids!

The next one, only a couple of days later, was her recital. She did an amazing job, as always. I love to listen to her play! Here's a video for your listening (and viewing) pleasure...
(Sorry it's sideways. I spent an hour trying to convert and fix it, but to no avail. I'll replace it if I ever get it to work. Just turn your head, or close your eyes and enjoy!)

Dixon Christmas FHE Traditions

The Sunday before Christmas, we all went to Grandma and Grandpa Dixon's house for our annual Christmas clam chowder and Family Home Evening. As always, the clam chowder was amazing (my mom's is the best ever) and the kids were very excited. Grandma had purchased nativity costumes from Oriental Trading and the kids had colored robes, hats, halos and crowns to wear, complete with crooks for the shepherds and gifts for the wise men. As Steve read the scriptural account of Jesus' birth, the kids acted it out and we paused for photo-ops in between each scene.

The Holy Family...
Kassandra (Baby Jesus), Becca (Mary) and Justin (Joseph)

The angels (Samantha and Macey) declare glad tidings of great joy
to the shepherds (Bryson, Nathan, Jessica, Joshua and Kyle)

Wise men (girls) traveling from afar to worship the Holy Child...

Sarah, Hailey, Rachel and Shannon
(Angel Macey smiling on, as I'm sure the angels did!)

My happy little shepherd, Nathan

...And the silly ones, Bryson and Josh

Following the nativity, we had a program where each family presented Christmas songs or stories they wanted to share. There was enough of the spiritual side of Christmas to balance out the sillies. We got to hear a flute, guitar, cello, trumpet, piano and beautiful voices. It's such a good opportunity for the kids to perform recital or concert numbers and share their talents with the family. Michael and Shaunna and their families were missing, so it didn't quite feel right, but it was nice to carry on the Dixon Christmas FHE traditions another year!

Cousins' Christmas Party

I talked last summer about how my mom is either amazing or totally crazy that she holds the cousins' campout each year with all the grandchildren. I recall that I decided she was just amazing. And that brings me to another tradition she does with them every year. My mom's favorite holiday is Christmas, hands down. She loves the decorations, the smells, the treats, the lights, the songs....everything about the season. In the past, she's been known to have the decorations up right after Thanksgiving dinner and not down until after new year's. Needless to say, she's carried that love of the holiday to her grandchildren with her annual Cousins' Christmas Party. This year's party included...

Decorating Cookies - red, white and green frosting and any sprinkles and decorations you could think of! A child's paradise. Joshua's frosting was twice as thick as any of his cookies!

Making Nativity Snow Globes - I got to help with this project. They were really cute. The little ones especially loved them.

Story Time - Grandma read one of her favorite books, "The Mitten", by Jan Bret. She gave each family an anniversary edition of this book to take home.

They also colored fuzzy poster style ornaments, glued together cheese and cracker candy trains, had lunch, and played together (always with Christmas music in the background, the obnoxious kind just for kids). Besides the book, she also gave each family a little nativity that the kids can touch all they want to! The kids had a ball, Grandma was wiped out, and it only took most of the afternoon to clean up the mess! What a saint my mom is for keeping these traditions alive. My kids have the greatest memories of these times with their cousins and Grandma. Hope I'm crazy enough to be such a good grandma!

Christmas at Our House

We were all counting down the days, but nobody in our house was as excited for Christmas to come as Nathan was. He wore his Santa stuff, shoved toys in bags, and wandered around the house yelling "Ho, Ho, Ho! Merry Christmas!" It was so cute!

Well, the blessed day finally came and after eating our traditional pizza, we opened up our annual Christmas Eve jammies! Nothing feels better on the body that brand new fuzzy fleece...

We hopped in the car and went for a drive to see the lights. It was so late that we had to wake Nathan up when we got there so he wouldn't miss them. Poor tired little thing. After we got home and had some special gourmet hot chocolate and egg nog, put out snacks for Santa and the reindeer, and checked the internet to see where Santa was, we tucked the kids all in their beds. They all sleep together, just like I used to with my brothers and sisters when we were young. I have such good memories of those times. Well, just like we used to, the kids had a hard time settling down. I heard one of the boys tell the girls to hurry and go to sleep so Santa would come faster. It was cute. Steve and I went downstairs to wrap up some more presents and do the grown-up thing and went to bed when all was quiet and perfect for Santa's arrival.

The next morning came really early... I think it was 5:30 this year. Thanks to the big kids, the little ones never sleep in too late! Santa was so good to us this year, bringing very special presents for each one of the kids. He really outdid himself this time!

New bedspreads and things to redecorate a dark
basement bedroom

Castle blocks for building and playing with
medieval treasures

A work bench to build with dad
...and wood from Santa's own workshop!

A genuine pirate treasure chest,
complete with pirate treasure and clothes

We had so much fun opening presents, watching each person open one at a time. It made it last a lot longer, and it was fun to enjoy each moment together.

I got some new clothes and shoes, a wii workout game, jewelry, and some other great presents. My special present this year was from Rachel. She learned a song by Taylor Swift called "The Best Day", and sang it for me while she played it on her guitar. (You can listen to Taylor's version on my music player.) She had typed up the last refrain and framed it for me to keep. It made me cry. The best presents always do! She cried too. It was so sweet, straight from her heart to mine, and such a special mom and daughter moment.

After all the presents were unwrapped, closely examined, separated from the trash and wrappings, and played with for a while, we had breakfast...our traditional Ham and Cheese Souffle. The rest of the morning (it was only 8:00 when breakfast was over) was spent re-examining, re-separating, and playing with our new toys. We got dressed and spent a wonderful afternoon and had dinner at my mom and dad's. It was such a nice day!

When it was all over and the kids were tucked in later that night, Steve and I (like every year) sat and cuddled on the couch as we marveled at the blessings we have. It was a wonderful day, and though we also got some very fun and special presents, the greatest presents we've ever received are the incredible family we shared so much joy with that day, and the knowledge of the birth of our Savior and the incredible love He has for each of us. Christmas is truly the most wonderful time of the year!!

Christmas with the Browns

The day after Christmas, we drove down to Utah to meet Steve's family for Christmas again. We had a fun day playing and visiting together. All of Steve's brothers and sisters were there, with most of their kids. It had been such a long time since we'd been with all of them. It was so fun! We also had the traditional "Brown Family Christmas Carol" program. Families sang, kids performed, adults read and family members shared their testimonies. What a beautiful spirit and testimony-building moment together. Sometimes there is whining and complaining about having to do the annual program, but every single year it brings us closer together and the Spirit touches our hearts one way or another. (Thanks, Mom and Dad Brown for putting up with us and making us do it every year. We'll never admit it, but we love it, and will never let it go...it's part of Christmas!)

The next day was Sunday. Steve's nephew, Matthew, had returned home from his mission in Ecuador, just in time for Christmas. He gave his talk in Sacrament meeting, and then we had a fiesta afterward with his extended family. He's such an amazing young man. As his sister says, he's just so "shiny". He's got such a beautiful kind spirit, radiating with light and joy, and grew into an incredible man on his mission. It's amazing what placing your boy into the Lord's hands for two years can do for him, not to mention all the lives he touched!

We spent the whole weekend with Steve's parents. His sister, Jennie and her family were there, too, and Kathy's family came to visit. We played games, did puzzles, played in the hot tub (kids played), talked, ate (always lots of delicious food at Grandma Brown's!), and had a marvelous time together.

Jennie's Trey, Bryson, Grandma Brown, Me, and Sarah
playing a very intense game of Doodle Dice

Steve's parents: Grandma and Grandpa Brown
(Yes, he is trying to shove that ball in Josh's mouth.
And...he must have deserved it!)

Dad's legs, Mom, Kathy's Cami and her baby Alex, Kathy's Britney,
Sarah and Me (wearing Nate's pirate treasure) watching a funny
home video from 30 years ago together

Me and Jennie's little Kamryn

I've decided that Heavenly Father was really smart when he planned for us to live our lives with families. Family brings so much joy. I'm so blessed to have three incredible families - the one I was born into, the one I married into, and the one Steve and I are raising. How can a girl be so lucky to have so many incredible people in her life to be guided, comforted and blessed by?