Last night while working on the Christmas puzzle and eating cookies I said, "My favorite part of Christmas Eve is that we get presents the next day!"
Brandon got this smug look on his face and turns to his oldest daughter, Elle, and asks her, "Elle what is your favorite part of Christmas?"
Immediately she responds, "My favorite part is that we get to learn about baby Jesus!"
Ugh. Kids. Always trying to ruin Christmas.
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Monday, December 24, 2012
Friday, December 21, 2012
Grandma, because it's been too long
It was Father's idea to gift Grandma a day of driving her around. It sounded like a pretty good Christmas present, seeing how I love shopping, she loves shopping, and also I couldn't find the pickled peaches Brandon wanted me to find which was the original gift idea. I felt a little bad bailing on the pickled peaches plan, but then I remembered that he can just give Grandma a picture of his kids for Christmas and call it good.
Anyway, the date was set for today! It had been too long since I had hung out with G-ma.
I had forgotten.
First, she has a new walker wheeled seat. I wish I could explain it better to you. I think the official name is the Smooth Walker 3000 or something. Does that help?
That thing is very difficult to get into the trunk. She wanted me to call Mother and ask her how she does it, but I was too prideful, so instead I struggled for a few minutes every time I had to get it in or out of the car.
The day started at 10 am, and we were going to Kohl's. As soon as we pull into the parking lot, G-ma starts talking about an article she read about how all the Mormon women are trying to change some things in the Church by wearing pants last Sunday.
Sigh.
Okay, G-ma, it's not ALL the Mormon women. Please don't classify me into a group of women who have forgotten that God loves them and that He is perfect, and has a plan and a reason for everything, even if it's not completely clear at the present time. I have three problems with this 1) Whatever article G-ma read made it into a newspaper. I think this is absolutely the wrong publicity. 2) I attend Sacrament Meeting to renew sacred covenants. It is not a time for protesting. 3) It worries me when members are just waiting for the Prophet to, essentially, change his mind. That indicates that the Prophet gets to do whatever he wants, which is false. The Prophet does what has been revealed to him. Wearing pants to church will not cause the Prophet to ask God to give women the Priesthood and then God will say, "Oh, why didn't I think of that? Absolutely, let's do this." And the Prophet has no authority to make that decision on his own. This isn't a company we are dealing with. This isn't a government. This is God. It just surprises, saddens, and angers me to know that this many people don't understand the way God works, how he speaks to His prophets, that His timing is not our timing, and His infinite love for us.
Anyway, I couldn't say all that to Grandma. I was trying to get that darn Smooth Walker 3000 out of the trunk during this time. And then a car alarm went off, and Grandma was yelling over the car alarm about how that is her main problem with the Church, how women can't do what men do (which she didn't specify, I just let it slide) and also how Dad won't be able to see me married. Those are two different topics, but just to ease her mind on the last one, I'm in no danger of getting married anywhere, so don't worry about it. She said, "Those two things I have a problem with, the rest I don't care about."
This should be an interesting day. Our first stop: Intimates.
On our way to hunt down a bra, G-ma says, "You know, I was married to Al for 30 years before I changed my religion."
What? When did you do that? How come I've never heard of this? G-pa was Catholic. So what is G-ma? Also, if G-pa was raised Catholic, it must have been his mother's doing, because Great G-pa was Jewish!
I was trying to sort all this out in my brain as I was searching for a bra size that doesn't exist. But G-ma said it would be there, so I kept looking.
I couldn't find it.
Also, we are looking for a terry cloth robe if you happen to have one. Maybe I'll just order her a Juicy Couture track suit.
In other areas of the store we found elastic waist pants, which are perfect, and also three fleece tops because it's just "so damn cold" outside.
Then, we went to JC Penny. They did not have the magical bra size. So we had to go to Walmart, where my soul died a little and where we did not find this particular bra we have been so madly hunting for. She did, however, find some cozy pajama pants with a Hello Kitty print, so that's a win.
Then we went to lunch across from an assisted living home. Grandma then entertained me with stories of her friend Millie, who used to be at that home, but she got kicked out because she once went outside practically naked in the middle of the night. She got kicked out of a lot of places, that Millie.
Anyway, I told G-ma that I would like to go to our local jewelers if she wanted to come with me.
She did.
When we got there, everyone greeted her by name. She's a regular! I had no idea. I knew she liked jewelry, but I had no idea that I should immediately go back to her place and try to place dibs on pieces and stones I particularly like.
Anyway, all in all it was a pretty good outing. I went home and Greta and I started wrapping some Christmas presents. The phone rings, and it's G-ma.
"Myriah, wouldn't you know it, not one of the things we bought today fits me properly. You're going to have to exchange or return it all. Can you go tonight?"
"Sure. Sure I can. I'll be over in ten minutes."
Anyway, the date was set for today! It had been too long since I had hung out with G-ma.
I had forgotten.
First, she has a new walker wheeled seat. I wish I could explain it better to you. I think the official name is the Smooth Walker 3000 or something. Does that help?
That thing is very difficult to get into the trunk. She wanted me to call Mother and ask her how she does it, but I was too prideful, so instead I struggled for a few minutes every time I had to get it in or out of the car.
The day started at 10 am, and we were going to Kohl's. As soon as we pull into the parking lot, G-ma starts talking about an article she read about how all the Mormon women are trying to change some things in the Church by wearing pants last Sunday.
Sigh.
Okay, G-ma, it's not ALL the Mormon women. Please don't classify me into a group of women who have forgotten that God loves them and that He is perfect, and has a plan and a reason for everything, even if it's not completely clear at the present time. I have three problems with this 1) Whatever article G-ma read made it into a newspaper. I think this is absolutely the wrong publicity. 2) I attend Sacrament Meeting to renew sacred covenants. It is not a time for protesting. 3) It worries me when members are just waiting for the Prophet to, essentially, change his mind. That indicates that the Prophet gets to do whatever he wants, which is false. The Prophet does what has been revealed to him. Wearing pants to church will not cause the Prophet to ask God to give women the Priesthood and then God will say, "Oh, why didn't I think of that? Absolutely, let's do this." And the Prophet has no authority to make that decision on his own. This isn't a company we are dealing with. This isn't a government. This is God. It just surprises, saddens, and angers me to know that this many people don't understand the way God works, how he speaks to His prophets, that His timing is not our timing, and His infinite love for us.
Anyway, I couldn't say all that to Grandma. I was trying to get that darn Smooth Walker 3000 out of the trunk during this time. And then a car alarm went off, and Grandma was yelling over the car alarm about how that is her main problem with the Church, how women can't do what men do (which she didn't specify, I just let it slide) and also how Dad won't be able to see me married. Those are two different topics, but just to ease her mind on the last one, I'm in no danger of getting married anywhere, so don't worry about it. She said, "Those two things I have a problem with, the rest I don't care about."
This should be an interesting day. Our first stop: Intimates.
On our way to hunt down a bra, G-ma says, "You know, I was married to Al for 30 years before I changed my religion."
What? When did you do that? How come I've never heard of this? G-pa was Catholic. So what is G-ma? Also, if G-pa was raised Catholic, it must have been his mother's doing, because Great G-pa was Jewish!
I was trying to sort all this out in my brain as I was searching for a bra size that doesn't exist. But G-ma said it would be there, so I kept looking.
I couldn't find it.
Also, we are looking for a terry cloth robe if you happen to have one. Maybe I'll just order her a Juicy Couture track suit.
In other areas of the store we found elastic waist pants, which are perfect, and also three fleece tops because it's just "so damn cold" outside.
Then, we went to JC Penny. They did not have the magical bra size. So we had to go to Walmart, where my soul died a little and where we did not find this particular bra we have been so madly hunting for. She did, however, find some cozy pajama pants with a Hello Kitty print, so that's a win.
Then we went to lunch across from an assisted living home. Grandma then entertained me with stories of her friend Millie, who used to be at that home, but she got kicked out because she once went outside practically naked in the middle of the night. She got kicked out of a lot of places, that Millie.
Anyway, I told G-ma that I would like to go to our local jewelers if she wanted to come with me.
She did.
When we got there, everyone greeted her by name. She's a regular! I had no idea. I knew she liked jewelry, but I had no idea that I should immediately go back to her place and try to place dibs on pieces and stones I particularly like.
Anyway, all in all it was a pretty good outing. I went home and Greta and I started wrapping some Christmas presents. The phone rings, and it's G-ma.
"Myriah, wouldn't you know it, not one of the things we bought today fits me properly. You're going to have to exchange or return it all. Can you go tonight?"
"Sure. Sure I can. I'll be over in ten minutes."
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Christmas Time Is Here
Last Saturday, one of the stakes in Chicagoland had a movie night. We all met at a theater downtown, and watched A Christmas Carol. You know, the newish one that was shown in 3D. Well, afterward we walked up Michigan Ave, and ended at Ghirardelli's. Well, I spotted a chocolate croissant, the kind Hope and I had been looking for since we met each other. Searching for chocolate croissants was actually the first thing we did together. So we bought a croissant, and it was truly delicious and I think the First Christmas Miracle of the season.
We also stopped for a pic with the big tree in front of the John Hancock building. I liked how blue it looked from far away. It doesn't look so blue in this picture however.
I've always thought that the biggest trial in my life might be to have children who are allergic to normal food. I've given this a lot of thought, and I think that is the thing that would cause me the most trouble. Well, that night we met a guy who was severely allergic to peanuts and some metals. And then it hit me: Could my biggest trial in life be to marry a man with food allergies? That sounds terrible! And what if our children were also allergic to everything? It would be a huge trial, that's for sure.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
California Christmas
My Christmas vacation started with a car accident. But, lots and lots of friends were around to cheer things up and make things a little bit better.
Wes needed a shampoo, and Amanda, who was one of the friends in town, had the skills to do a hospital bed shampoo and deep condition treatment. So she made it happen. I like that about her. The making it happen quality is important.
Amanda was in the area with her husband, to possibly be pictured later, and her youngest, to be pictured in my arms right now.
After a visit to the hospital to crack jokes and help Wes with his hair so he would look fine for all his lady visitors, we went to Sylvester's.
Please note the arrangement in that last picture. Napkins in easy reach. Fries close by. Drink with straw close enough to just lean over and sip. Hair pulled back. Oh, you couldn't see that. But it was pulled back. I think the best foods require physical preparation. And fo' realz, that Hana Burger was freaking delicious. Oh. man. I just got hungry for Sylvester's. Sigh.
So it was a bit on the rainy side during the Ball's visit, but we went to check out our favorite apple place anyway. As assumed, and possibly known, it was closed for the season.
But we found an awesome waterfall, and Tyler climbed it. He's such a waterfall climber. We couldn't hardly keep him in the car.
While I was home, we also decorated the tree,
went to the tree lot to try and find a reindeer,
took a few pictures with Mary,
and of course celebrated the birth of baby Jesus. (Oh fo' realz, please say you've seen that episode of Modern Family.)
The family on Christmas Eve, when we did most of the present opening:
Soon after Christmas, Elle lost her first tooth. Turns out she lost her tooth one day before I lost my first tooth 20 years ago. She was happy to have beaten me by a day. She's so competitive.
On New Year's Eve we went for a hike. Bryn, Elle and Wade were particularly excited.
Greta was less excited, but that's how we like her: calm submissive.
Somehow I've never actually taken this hike. So here we are at the top.
We brought binoculars and tried to find all the Atascadero landmarks. It was a bit hard to find our house because of all the trees. At first I was sad I couldn't see the house, then remembered that I liked trees a whole lot, and suddenly I didn't mind not being able to see the house.
And, the ghetto-rigged picture that I said I would adjust and crop. Well, I didn't do that.
California in the winter means green. Oh, I love it so much.
Check out the green! We went over to Marie's house to look at the creek, but you can't see the creek in this picture because of all the green. I'm fine with that.
While I was home we did about 4 puzzles. This was the last one we did:
1,000 pieces, finished in a week. It was mind numbing. I'm glad to say we accomplished this puzzle, but I'm sick of it. I'm so sick of it, that I won't even bother turning the picture the right way. We were so sick of this puzzle that we gave it to Goodwill. I wanted to give it to the trash, but Mom suggested letting it live a bit longer. My condolences to whoever picks it up.
Wes needed a shampoo, and Amanda, who was one of the friends in town, had the skills to do a hospital bed shampoo and deep condition treatment. So she made it happen. I like that about her. The making it happen quality is important.
Amanda was in the area with her husband, to possibly be pictured later, and her youngest, to be pictured in my arms right now.
After a visit to the hospital to crack jokes and help Wes with his hair so he would look fine for all his lady visitors, we went to Sylvester's.
Please note the arrangement in that last picture. Napkins in easy reach. Fries close by. Drink with straw close enough to just lean over and sip. Hair pulled back. Oh, you couldn't see that. But it was pulled back. I think the best foods require physical preparation. And fo' realz, that Hana Burger was freaking delicious. Oh. man. I just got hungry for Sylvester's. Sigh.
So it was a bit on the rainy side during the Ball's visit, but we went to check out our favorite apple place anyway. As assumed, and possibly known, it was closed for the season.
But we found an awesome waterfall, and Tyler climbed it. He's such a waterfall climber. We couldn't hardly keep him in the car.
While I was home, we also decorated the tree,
went to the tree lot to try and find a reindeer,
took a few pictures with Mary,
and of course celebrated the birth of baby Jesus. (Oh fo' realz, please say you've seen that episode of Modern Family.)
The family on Christmas Eve, when we did most of the present opening:
What was everyone doing in this picture? Well, we were watching the Utah Cohens open presents! Hi guys!
Soon after Christmas, Elle lost her first tooth. Turns out she lost her tooth one day before I lost my first tooth 20 years ago. She was happy to have beaten me by a day. She's so competitive.
On New Year's Eve we went for a hike. Bryn, Elle and Wade were particularly excited.
Greta was less excited, but that's how we like her: calm submissive.
Somehow I've never actually taken this hike. So here we are at the top.
We brought binoculars and tried to find all the Atascadero landmarks. It was a bit hard to find our house because of all the trees. At first I was sad I couldn't see the house, then remembered that I liked trees a whole lot, and suddenly I didn't mind not being able to see the house.
And, the ghetto-rigged picture that I said I would adjust and crop. Well, I didn't do that.
California in the winter means green. Oh, I love it so much.
Check out the green! We went over to Marie's house to look at the creek, but you can't see the creek in this picture because of all the green. I'm fine with that.
While I was home we did about 4 puzzles. This was the last one we did:
1,000 pieces, finished in a week. It was mind numbing. I'm glad to say we accomplished this puzzle, but I'm sick of it. I'm so sick of it, that I won't even bother turning the picture the right way. We were so sick of this puzzle that we gave it to Goodwill. I wanted to give it to the trash, but Mom suggested letting it live a bit longer. My condolences to whoever picks it up.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
More Chicago Christmas
Chicago has a plethora of skating rinks this time of year. This is the fanciest (read: most expensive) rink in Chi Town. It's down town, right next to the Bean. Actually, it turns out the Bean is actually called the Clouds' Gate. Or something. I went with some friends caroling at the Bean, or CG, and then they went ice skating. I would have gone skating too, except I didn't want to pay for it, and it looked too crowded, and plus I'm a bit petrified that I will get knocked over and some little punk will zoom right over my fingers, and then I wouldn't be able to type. Hey, that's a legit fear.
This is my street. Can you see my bus coming?
The next two pictures are of the Chicago Temple after the first snowfall.
Zoo Lights! The Lincoln Park Zoo gets all gussied up every year, and every year people go wandering through the Zoo, looking at the splendor.
The Fruity Pebbles trees:
Candy cane trees, and me and Diana.
Okay, there are two seriously cool things about Zoo Lights. First: Ice sculptures.
Second: Sleeping monkeys. The Chimp House was phenomenal. I wrote about it here.
Also, I went to see Wicked. It was simply amazing. I saw Wicked in San Fran, but the Chicago production knocked the socks off of SF. Holy jeez, it was amazing.
No one mourns the wicked. Just sayin'.
This is my street. Can you see my bus coming?
The next two pictures are of the Chicago Temple after the first snowfall.
Zoo Lights! The Lincoln Park Zoo gets all gussied up every year, and every year people go wandering through the Zoo, looking at the splendor.
The Fruity Pebbles trees:
Candy cane trees, and me and Diana.
Okay, there are two seriously cool things about Zoo Lights. First: Ice sculptures.
Second: Sleeping monkeys. The Chimp House was phenomenal. I wrote about it here.
Also, I went to see Wicked. It was simply amazing. I saw Wicked in San Fran, but the Chicago production knocked the socks off of SF. Holy jeez, it was amazing.
No one mourns the wicked. Just sayin'.
Chicago Christmas
Ever since returning to Chicago from Thanksgiving in Missouri, I've been going full force to celebrate Chicago Christmas before I left for a California Christmas. On the list: Macy's.
I had to explore their window displays, and more particularly, explore their awesome take on "Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus."
You see, Virginia decided to go to the library to learn all she could about Santa Claus. Recognizing that Virginia had a good idea, I decide to select a book too.
That same day I attended Christkindlmarket, as evidenced by these photographs.
Baked apple deliciousness. It was so supremely good, I've started a countdown to Christkindlmarket 2011.
Chicago lights up Michigan Avenue with a Lights Parade every year, and being a resident of Chicago, I felt it my duty to attend. I went with my friend Tamry, and we got a few pictures of the river before the lighting.
For you Trump fans, I give you Trump Tower. Apparently (enter extreme vagueness) the guy who was the son of the guy who was the guy that The Pursuit of Happyness was made about (don't be confused, it's not Will Smith) lives on the floor right above the part of Trump Tower where it gets smaller.
Phew. That story was confusing, but totally worth it.
If it didn't take three buses to get there, I would totally use this mail box all the time. If you want to use it, you simply have to go to the Museum of Science and Industry.
A bit north of Chicago is the Baha'i Temple. It's basically awesome.
I had to explore their window displays, and more particularly, explore their awesome take on "Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus."
You see, Virginia decided to go to the library to learn all she could about Santa Claus. Recognizing that Virginia had a good idea, I decide to select a book too.
That same day I attended Christkindlmarket, as evidenced by these photographs.
Baked apple deliciousness. It was so supremely good, I've started a countdown to Christkindlmarket 2011.
Chicago lights up Michigan Avenue with a Lights Parade every year, and being a resident of Chicago, I felt it my duty to attend. I went with my friend Tamry, and we got a few pictures of the river before the lighting.
For you Trump fans, I give you Trump Tower. Apparently (enter extreme vagueness) the guy who was the son of the guy who was the guy that The Pursuit of Happyness was made about (don't be confused, it's not Will Smith) lives on the floor right above the part of Trump Tower where it gets smaller.
Phew. That story was confusing, but totally worth it.
If it didn't take three buses to get there, I would totally use this mail box all the time. If you want to use it, you simply have to go to the Museum of Science and Industry.
A bit north of Chicago is the Baha'i Temple. It's basically awesome.
While the last few photos didn't have anything to do with Chicago Christmas, I have been dying to share them with you, and now looked like the perfect time. It seems as though the present is always rather perfect.
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