Top Ten--December 2008

Top Ten things done, heard, seen, or experienced by the B's in December 2008

10-Amazing fall-like weather for the first few weeks of the month. We were outside without jackets till the middle of December. Kye was thrilled. He told Isaac, “If it doesn’t snow for Christmas, that means you get a LOT of presents.” Must have been heart-wrenching for him to see it snow and snow and SNOW just before Christmas. At least he didn’t have to wonder why he didn’t get more gifts than usual.

9- M: What do you think we should get Dad for Christmas?
I: Mmmmmm, I fink we should get him a eyeball.
M: Excuse me, what?
I: A eyeball.
M: But WHY?
I: Because then he could have thwee.

8-Zach’s complete inability to tell a lie. Though I’m proud to have married a man with amazing similarities to George Washington, and I know it is a wonderful feature, and an envious strength, it really doesn’t serve him well when he’s trying to keep a secret. It gets especially hairy around Christmas, which (as I often remind him) is supposed to be filled with secrets and surprises.

7-The end of a wonderful 2 ½ years serving in the Primary Presidency. At our last meeting with the Bishopric on the morning we were released, it was said that our greatest friendships are made as we work together to build the Kingdom of God. I can’t tell you just how true this was for me. I learned amazing things from each of the women I served with. Among other things, R. taught me the power of personal growth through our callings, P. taught me about pure Christlike love for Heavenly Father’s children, E. taught me to take things as they come b/c when we are doing our part, all will work out, T. taught me the joy that comes to others when we are willing to serve with all our strength. I’ll miss it, but I’m so pleased to be serving in our junior nursery this year. After all, "the Church starts training leaders at 18 months."

6-The boys’ unfortunate propensity for injury. Bloody noses were this month’s winners. Kye took several knees to the nose on the trampoline and Isaac stuck a chop stick up one nostril waaaaaay too far. Results=instructions to be a little less crazy on the tramp and no more chop sticks for Isaac . . . ummmm, ever.

5-Dinnertime conversation:
M: What does Daddy need to hold in order to baptize you?
K: The Priesthood.
M: Right! Now, what do deacons need to hold to pass the sacrament?
I: The food.
Technically correct, but I was going for a something a leetle different there.

4-Our binkie-sucking, blankie-loving, temper tantrum-throwing, sugar-eating, non-talking, growling little man. He’s growing up and I’m not sure I like it. We love that kid.

3-I find myself saying the most ridiculous things to my children. Should these things REALLY be necessary? “Kye, if I let you play the Wii, you have to agree not to complain about going to the movies.” Was I was making him watch some intensely boring, want-to-shoot-your-ears off documentary? Nope, I had to bribe him with the Wii so he would go see “Bolt,” for crying out loud. Turns out he loved it—well, tolerated it anyway.

2-Adam’s future career based on this month’s interests: professional thief, embezzler, or perhaps a pirate?? When the new primary secretary came over for a training one day, Adam snatched her keys unbeknownst to us. After searching the house for over an hour, she walked home, broke into her house and came back with the spare keys. The next day, Adam walked out of who-knows-where with the keys and dropped them on the kitchen floor. At least he remembered where he’d stashed his treasure.

1-Could there be a better Christmas surprise than my parents showing up for a New Year’s Eve breakfast at my house when they should in actuality be in S.D.? (When I say “surprise,” I mean the surprise I felt the day before they showed up when Zach gave in and told me they were coming. Remember how he can’t tell a lie?)