Christmas Service

I have read some really great blog posts from friends of mine who had similar experiences helping others this season. I would love to just copy and paste so many of the things they wrote—such beautiful, sincere words and thoughts. I will try my best to share my own story, even if they align quite easily. I have learned, again, that serving others is quite simply an honor and a privilege and the blessings, selfishly, seem to be so much more mine than anyone else's.

My ambitious and vibrant neighbor has been organizing huge service projects for a school just outside Logan for a few years now. It is a head-start program made up entirely of the children of migrant farm workers in the local area. I have some old friends who live in the same city but didn't know much about it. Truth is that across the main highway a ways live many transient, hard-working but very needy families. Kristin, said neighbor and friend, sent out a Facebook plea for help for some 25 families in the area. As soon as I read her post I signed us up—I was thrilled with the opportunity to help. I have wanted to do a Sub 4 Santa project every year of my married life. Ever since our days in Phoenix (when we had some actual income) Joseph and I have found ways to serve others at Christmas time—sometimes for our own families, many times for those in our own wards (through anonymous donations to the bishop or anonymous deliveries) and often times through Joseph's work service project. This finally seemed like the perfect year for Sub 4 Santa. And it felt like Kristin just placed it in my lap so easily and with great organization on both her end and the school's.

We were assigned the Cruz family in mid November. Papa Cruz, as we called him throughout our preparations, works on a dairy farm for very little pay in every weather condition, and Mama Cruz takes care of her family of 4 kids (ages 4, 7, 10 and 13—3 boys and 1 girl). They simply stated on their form that they would like warm winter clothes for all the kids and a bunk bed if possible. That's all they had on there! Seemed like such a humble, honest wishlist and Joseph and I were determined to make those needs a reality and add whatever else we could. I immediately pulled out the bins of Bentley's old clothes and found everything I needed to donate to their 4 year old boy. Then a generous neighbor (via Kristin) gave us her daughter's old size 8 snow clothes and fleece jacket, all in mint condition. I also dug through our family stash of winter gear and found great things for the parents and young kids. Many of my family members were wanting to help out and sent us cash, so I went to work shopping deals all over the place: boots, down coats, fleece pants, gloves, hats, fleece pullovers and thick socks—all purchased with donated money (Old Navy Stuff'N'Save + clearance rack became my new best friends!)

Then it was time to rally my kids and ask for their help in sorting through their own things to help the little Cruz family. They did so happily. We found tons of books, many puzzles, a big Ziplock full of Hot Wheels (this was very hard for Bentley—he hates to give up any of his many, many cars but he did), a few games, a doll and 2 outfits for her, some play jewelry and other cute girlie things. I also made a dollar store run for some fresh, new gifts and prizes like coloring books, crayons, Nerf-like guns, silly putty, candy, hair stuff, and more. I spent $25 and felt like we came away with a lot of great treasures.

I also roped my kiddos into tying fleece blankets with me for each of the four kids. They loved this project and were very excited to have such a hands on task. Olivia tried some knots and couldn't quite figure it out, but Caroline and Bentley tied at least one whole side of each blanket. I have to remember this simple little service idea in the future.

3 of the 4 finished blankets

Joseph took on the job of the bunk bed. We were prepared to buy this ourselves if we needed to—just seemed like such a necessity for a big family and really the one thing they had hoped for. Our friends the Williamsons were quick to reply to Joseph's Facebook inquiry letting us know they had a bunk bed to donate and they wouldn't let us pay them anything. Marianne even delivered it to us since we a) forgot to grab it the weekend we said we would (oops!) 2) didn't have a big car to grab it in. It was a huge success. Joseph then went to work on mattresses. He has trade at several stores so we were willing to use that to help our family out if we needed to. He ended up calling Beds and More just off Bangerter and I-15 since we have shopped with them before (this was after a long list of calls to other places for prices and asking about donation options). The amazing owner told Joseph he wanted to donate 2 mattresses for such a good cause, and then told him he actually had an extra bunk bed he wanted us to take too. No charge. He said they'd had a successful year, that the good people of Herriman had used his store often and he wanted to help how he could. Awesome. Joseph came home from work quite giddy that day. Since we didn't need two bunk beds we were able to give one to friends of ours who were helping a different Sub 4 Santa family. Still can't believe we found two complete bunk beds to be put to great use—and for free. I love the giving spirit of Christmas!

The last step was just organizing, boxing and labeling all the items we had gathered up. It was a big task but fun to do with Joseph once our kids were in bed. He graciously donated his unique typeface skills in labeling each box (if you don't know my hubby he was obviously making fun of himself over this :)

Our delivery was scheduled for Friday evening, December 7th. We borrowed my parents' flat bed trailer, loaded it and our car, and we were off with all four kids. The drive was easy and much faster than we had thought. We arrived about 20 minutes before our appointment and we met with Maria right away—our contact at the school who knew the Cruz family well and would be taking us to their little apartment. Maria was lovely. I could tell she had the kindest heart and she was very helpful as our translator that night. We arrived at the tiny 2 bedroom apartment and met our family and enlisted their help in unloading. As Joseph took mattresses back to the kids' bedroom with the older boys he noticed that there was one double-bed in that room. ONE bed for 4 kids. It made us so grateful that finding a bunk bed had worked out so beautifully. After we unloaded, mother Cruz tried to share her gratitude with us. She was in tears and thanking us so tenderly. I couldn't help but reach out and hug her and she gave me a warm hug in return. It was truly my pleasure to be helpful in any way but I don't think I conveyed my feelings very well. We gathered for a quick picture and Bentley was feeling right at home there, hanging his coat on their dingy couch and very curious about everything. Caroline and Olivia stayed very close to me but were sweet and smiling a lot. I knew they felt awkward and unsure but I was so proud of them for being involved and coming inside with us.

And then we drove home, trailer empty but our hearts full. Our kids accidentally spilled BBQ sauce (for chicken nuggets) all over the backseat after I had told them no sauce in the car at least 3 times. They were in some trouble before we even got back to the main highway (life with kids!) The hubs and I tried not to let it spoil the good mood of the night though and in the front seats we commented again and again on how happy we were to have done some good for a family a lot like ours but in such rough circumstances. During this whole process actually I have felt overwhelming gratitude for the easy, happy life I lead. For the stability of my husband's job, for the beautiful city I live in and the gracious, helpful people all around me, for my health, my comfort, my home, my family. And so much for my Savior. I truly hope to see all others around me as my brothers and sisters the way He does—to love them and want joy for them no matter their circumstance or situation. I am learning, slowly. This Christmas will always remind me of that life long goal and I'm thankful for the blessing it was to help the sweet Cruz family. I hope to have many more experiences like this with my own little family. Blessings abound and I am indebted to my Father in Heaven for all.

December Advent

Where have I been little blog? Oh, I know. Elbow deep in a huge Sub 4 Santa project followed immediately by finishing up the kids' yearbooks by today so I could use my Picaboo Groupon. Every time I wanted to be blogging I was working away in one way or another, which is a very good feeling most of the time (and other times I just want to sit with my feet up and unwind...like right now).

I hate to let too many days fly by without documenting our December advent fun. It has been a very busy start to the month so maybe things will slow down over the next 2 weeks (maybe?) At least Jr. Jazz is on hold until the new year (one more thing we added in since Thanksgiving!)

Advent for the first 10 days of December:

Sat. 1st: Picking out a tree from the lot with Horsley cousins and Smith grandparents. We ate at Hires after and then stopped by Trader Joe's on a whim. It was the 2nd day it was open here in SLC and it was packed like crazy with shelves almost totally cleared out! Crazy. I will have to get my chocolate PB pretzels on another visit.

Sun. 2nd: We watched Home Alone after church and then went back to my parents' house for cake and ice cream to celebrate Lukey bear's birthday (even if it was 3 weeks early :) Love seeing that babe fully enjoy his cake!

 

 

Mon. 3rd: Frost & decorate Christmas trees (upside down ice cream cones)

Tues. 4th: Snowman coloring pages & Elementary School Singing Program

 Caroline right in the middle singing "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas"

She was so animated and darling through the whole thing. Loved watching her!

 Bentley in his gray suit singing "Frosty Hand-jive" (jazzed up version of Frosty the Snowman)

Wed. 5th: Lego Christmas creations (building a Christmas tree, snowman, and for Bean, the whole North Pole)
Ths. 6th: Christmas window gels
Fri. 7th: Sub 4 Santa delivery in Logan (more on that later).
Sat. 8th: Ward Christmas party
Sun. 9th: Watch Polar Express and drink cocoa
Mon. 10th: Make sugar cookies

I had to include this adorable letter Bentley left for the tooth fairy about 2 weeks ago. So sweet and very sincere. My kids are losing teeth like crazy right now—keeps me on my toes!

Thanksgiving

We were all over the place last weekend but it was wonderful to spend so much time with so much family. On Wednesday night we spent the night at the cabin with my parents and 2 older siblings and their families. Thursday morning we came down to the valley for our 5K, went back to my in-laws for the afternoon and for our delicious feast, and then we drove back up to the cabin just before dark to spend another night up there. It felt a little rushed and crazy, especially now that there are 6 of us and one is a baby with more needs than any of us combined (bottles, diapers, change of clothes, blankies for nap time, a binkie, snacks, baby food...it can get overwhelming!)

It was a lovely weekend though. My poor big sis got hit with something hard and basically hibernated in her room in the cabin ALL day Thursday. So sad for her to miss out entirely, and sad for us to have her "gone" too. We had a lot of fun with her kiddos and hubby though!

 hot tub on Wednesday night

 Caroline and Uncle Tommy prepping dinner on Thursday

 Three of Nanny's four 3 year-olds (did you follow that?)

 Caroline and Tillie

The table set and ready for Thanksgiving dinner

My hubby, his mama and our baby niece Adelaide

 decorating the tree at the cabin Friday morning

my big brother in town from Phoenix

For every day in November leading up to Thanksgiving I posted a pic on Instagram about something I am grateful for. It was such a fun challenge and really made me look at all around me with a renewed sense of gratitude and joy. I have so very much and my heart is filled with love for my Father in Heaven who has blessed me beyond measure. Truly. Especially with these 5 people who are my greatest gifts and the best thing about every day. I love them with all my heart.

1st Annual Turkey Trot

Joseph is the king of health lately. Since the beginning of June he has been participating in 3 consecutive healthy living/weight loss challenges which focus on eating well (only 3 treats a week, 5 servings of fruits/veggies a day, no eating after 9:00 pm) and working out for at least 45 minutes 5 days a week. Each last for 8 weeks. It is seriously paying off—he's lost more than 30 pounds and is as strong as an Ironman. Seriously. He is killing it on his bike these days and has been able to run a few 8 minute miles—um, fast. He is loving it too which makes the crazier schedule worth it. Man, I miss the days of his 6 am bike rides and my 7 pm rides—I love summer. But we are figuring it out (aka spin class at the gym & family 5Ks!)


I am so proud of him, and he is a great motivator for me. Since July I have been pretty consistent with 4 days of working out each week and I am trying to limit treats too so there aren't hundreds of tempting things around making life hard for the hubby :) It took a while for me to notice any difference but once I quit nursing the baby in September I have felt more and more comfortable in my pre-baby clothes. Burning 700 calories in spin class or 1200 on a long bike ride has got to help somehow! I am becoming a big fan of killer cardio workouts and love how much stronger I feel because of them.

Anyway, Joseph and his family planned a LeBaron family Turkey Trot for Thanksgiving morning this year. It was arranged to meet a fitness goal set by the wellness challenge which many of them are participating in together, and it became a big family event. We ran a little 5K route along the Jordan River Parkway—flat and meandering and totally safe from traffic. The hubs designed cool shirts and family members brought bagels, bananas, and Gatorade to help replenish after the run.

As you can see a lot of us were pushing wee babes (and not so wee toddlers) in strollers. Slowed me  down some but once Joseph and Bentley had rounded the halfway point, and met me on their way back, we traded and he took the littles and the stroller. Meant that I ran almost 2 miles without any kids to worry about and it was a glorious part of my morning. It felt so good and even though my knees are not happy about running, my heart is stronger than ever and I just ran and ran (well, jogged and jogged :) in the crisp morning sunshine. I loved it.

 The whole group in our shirts (Joseph's uncle and cousin on the far left. And Jessica's family joined us too but did so last minute so we hadn't ordered them any shirts)

Classic LeBaron dirtiness. These boys love this kind of thing—ditched their shorts for a lovely "tight pants" moment. My hubby's legs...love those skinny things! And watch this if you need a good laugh (Jimmy Fallon and Will Ferrell goodness).

Here's the world's sweetest baby boy! 

He was just hanging in the stroller the whole time. What a champ.

Instagram collage from the day. Bentley pounded out that race! He had to stop and walk a few times but was faster than almost all the adults. I think that boy is a runner!

It was such a great event. We are thinking it should be become a regular thing but that a) we will run it on Friday or Saturday so Thanksgiving is not so hectic, and 2) we would like to make shirts again but charge just a few dollars more than cost so we can use the extra money for Christmas service (aka Sub 4 Santa/Angel Tree family). Let me know if you want to come trot with us next year! It was really very fun. And I need some friends/family to wear snazzy printed tights with me! I think they make you run faster...

Disney & Art

Just before Thanksgiving we won free tickets to see Disney on Ice! (Thanks Kristin! Yes we totally live across the street from her but won through her random drawing—wahoo!) It was such a fun event with our little family. Biggest highlights included the awesome shark trio from Nemo and their amazing costumes (ocean lover Bentley's fave) and the section of the show devoted solely to the princesses: Ariel, Belle, Cinderella, Snow White all skating with their princes together (the girls were giddy and singing along to all the theme songs...so cute!) Luke was a champ and just sat on my lap or Joe's lap the entire 2 hours. He did eat his whole cup full of snacks and then watched in a daze. I couldn't believe he was so still (and cuddly). And when we're downtown we can hardly resist eating at Settebello. Yummy.

 Princesses performing (not the best pic from a phone with no zoom)

Magical Light Parade

Just the other day I had to document my kids as they got into their art projects after school (a near daily ritual around here). Writing and illustrating books is a new obsession:

 And a picture of this cutie that day too. He is just so smiley!

11 Months

Almost 1. I cannot believe it! This year has been the swiftest and the craziest ever. I wouldn't have it any other way, but how will I soak up this beautiful life if it is constantly flying by so quickly?

The baby boy is just as busy and bubbly as ever. He loves to mimic sounds and has such range! Maybe he will be a singer like his daddy :) Luke can now stand for a few seconds without holding onto anything and he loves to be up on his legs. I still think walking is several weeks away but he sure loves climbing to standing on couches and furniture and then transferring to a new thing with a step or two in between. I have to lock him in the bathroom with me when I shower so he won't crawl off anywhere risky and he loves to stand up right against the door and try to join me (makes it hard to get out when I'm done!)

Ever since daylight savings time started Luke has wanted to start the day at 5:00 am. I have been trying to get a binkie in him pronto and send him back to sleep for at least an hour or so but it's getting old. I was all set to let him cry it out but then we were going to the cabin for a few nights over Thanksgiving and I knew I couldn't make the whole cabin suffer. And he now has a lingering cough and gross nose. But last night I finally just made him cry come 5 am. He did for 90 minutes and then slept until about 7:15. Of course it meant he and I were awake that whole time he was fussing but I tried to hide my head under the pillow and block out the sad sounds.

Sweet Luke is a champion at going to sleep though—he is the easiest baby to put to bed and it has been a huge blessing when we have so many kids who need us in the evening hours. Luke also loves bath time and especially splashing and leaning forward for a little drink of bathwater (gross). He is officially on real milk now and he likes it so much more than formula—although he is kind of over bottles these days. He gets bored with them easily and hardly finishes them off unless he's really ready for bed. We keep trying sippy cups but he thinks they are just a funny toy. I'd love to just move to those entirely though—hopefully soon.

 

The darling babe fills my heart every day. He loves this mama so so much and I am equally smitten. His rushed little crawl over to me as soon as he sees me enter the room is so endearing and fun. What a chubby, silly, perfectly kissable mush he is!

YW in Excellence

We held this early in November and it was a wonderful evening. All our young women spoke about one of the values and since we have 11 girls, a few spoke on experiences at the temple, with seminary, and personal progress. I was so proud of all the talks and the beautiful spirit of each girl. I really love each one so much. I was super excited about every single talk that night—like a proud mom of 11 young women :)

I also felt like I should be a speaker in the program that night, just to share some brief thoughts and tie everything together. For some reason I felt really calm about preparing my talk and I had almost a month to be thinking about it as I read my scriptures and reread conference talks. We held our meeting on a Sunday evening so I sent my sweet hubby off to his mom's house with all 4 kids for dinner and gave myself almost 2 hours to complete my talk and get ready before heading up to the church for early preparation. I really needed that completely quiet time to pray before our night, and to pray before I finished putting all my gathered thoughts together. Of course once I got to the church it was a crazy roller coaster of setting up and organizing and making sure everything was in place. But all of it turned out so well (minus the part when I realized I had sent Joseph with my car and therefore my keys to the building and YW closet...I borrowed some building keys from a neighbor but I totally made my hubby rush home from his mom's so we could get last minute supplies and decor out of the closet just minutes before the program started. Too stressful!)

We borrowed a darling idea we found here and then worked to make ours sweet but simple. I'm really happy with how it all turned out and that my new presidency and I can check off our 2nd big event together (after youth conference...do you sense that YW is kind of taking over my life? This is such a  huge calling. Awesome and I love it, but it's truly huge.)