December 22: Random Moments that Make Up My Life

This is Warren's super helpful and obedient alter-ego, Captain Weirdo. When some job around the house isn't getting done, Andy and I often start wondering where Captain Weirdo is and what a good job he would do if he were here. We tease Warren that we don't know it's him and he still tries to convince us that it is just him. It's funny that he isn't sure if we're joking or not.

Family pictures are not fun to take. I really think it is the worst hour of my year. I almost wish I hadn't deleted all the rejects so you could see how hard we had to work just to get this slightly blurred picture.

Abigail makes the best faces. I think this one is so cute.

So last week we made 6 different kinds of cookies by doing one a day and then freezing them. We had a good time and I stayed mostly calm throughout the whole child-involved process, and I think they look so festive, so here is a virtual plate for you. Merry Christmas.

December 5: It's all about the legs...

For a long time, Avery has been able to stand unsupported and to walk using all sorts of furniture. She even was able to take 1 step to go from couch to couch, but she did this rarely. But tonight, we were all in the kitchen and I turned and there she was, taking about 8 steps across the kitchen! She was great! I grabbed the camera and took her into the family room for this video. Avery will celebrate her 1st birthday on December 18. Congratulations Avery!

Before Abigail naps each day, we read books together. Today I chose, “I am a Child of God,” a book illustrated with paintings by Greg Olson. As we arrived at the picture of the Savior seated with a little child leaning on His lap, Abigail said, “Mom, let’s sing, ‘I am a Child of God.’” So we did. I began with verse 1, and Abigail sang along, looking pretty confused. We finished and she said, “Mom , that didn’t go with ‘so my needs (pronounced knees) are great,” as she pointed at Jesus’ knees, prominent in the seated position he was painted in. Then I asked her to sing the second verse, and sure enough, she clearly sings, “I am a child of God, and so my knees are great.”