New Year's

I am ridiculously behind in updating this thing-- still need to post pics of our trip to DC and SLC in OCTOBER....

But until then, some quick anecdotes.

So, last year when the fireworks starting going off and the twins were showing signs of permanent trauma due to the sounds of what could only be interpreted as, oh, I don't know, the end of the world... we had to come up with some coping methods. Fireworks are fun, the are happy, colorful, etc. A lot of " I LOVE fireworks" was thrown around by every adult just to convince the little ones that all was well.

Well, they started to get the idea and somehow, Linda managed to relate the noise and excitement of the fireworks to something that was a little closer to home-- like, her flatulence.
So last year, when a little toot escaped her, we heard her announce quite proudly one afternoon that there were "fireworks in her bum" and yes, there was a huge, proud smile on her face.

This year, after several lessons about the TRUE meaning of Christmas, which they actually got to some extent ( I think), Linda, once again, after tooting explained, "That was fireworks for Jesus." How nice is that??

They both also ALWAYS refer to Jesus as "baby Jesus"-- yes, like Ricky Bobby. It doesn't matter if it's a picture of him during the Last Supper or washing the feet of the Apostles- it's always, Baby Jesus. It's still funny every time I hear it because they say it with so much love in their voice.

We really exploited the whole Santa's watching thing this year too-- we even had a mechanical Santa Doll in the living room who was, of course, one of Santa's helpers who was essentially a spy, making sure there was no pouting or crying or naughtiness. Lucy was very good at pointing out when Linda was naughty and then reminding her that she was not going to get any presents ( I know, obviously, the parenting method she was mimicking here was not exemplary but you gotta do what you gotta do). Lucy's astuteness regarding "naughty vs. nice" behavior extended to all: When the notorious shoe-throwing reporter almost struck President Bush, and Lucy heard about it on the TV, she quickly proclaimed: "That man forgot Santa is watching." Yes in deed.

And...we went up to San Marcos to visit my grandma for Christmas ( a six hour drive) and when we arrived there were several presents there under the tree. Lucy immediately ran for Linda, got behind her and wrapped her arms around Linda, holding her hands against her. She then yelled, "DO NOT get close to the presents Linda. DO NOT get close to the presents. Santa is watching."

I have tons of pictures to post soon, just enjoying our 2 week vacation right now. The factory was closed and we have been enjoying relaxing and watching an obscene amount of football. We are super-excited to watch the Utes tomorrow play Alabama ( excited and terrified). We are hoping for nothing short of miracle tomorrow. Until then, we will keep ourselves busy with the karaoke machine Dave bought me (or him?) for Christmas. I am AMAZING at singing Meatloaf's " I would do anything for Love" and Dave has mastered Roxette's "She's got the Look." I will post some video as soon possible for all to enjoy. :)

So with that, I bid adieu and GOOOOOO UTES!