Julie's Life With Boys

http://www.salon.com/life/feature/2011/01/15/feminist_obsessed_with_mormon_blogs My thoughts: I feel overwhelmed by all the perfect blogs sometimes. My life definitely isn't perfect, in fact it is pretty difficult to keep a positive attitude about child rearing. I agree that Mormons blog because of our focus on " journaling " and that is why, in fact, I keep it up. Also, I think blogging gives me time to reflect on the special parts about wifehood and motherhood (and sometimes the crazy and hard things) I think if I were not a mother I would not be a stuffy, overworked professional. I would probably be a slightly underachieving, semi-depressed, knowledge seeking, smiling, sort of talented, frustrated with the world, happy with the world, big idea not goals, people loving, family loving, socially awkward person. In all, I would be a normal person with talents and abilities unique to myself. For me, the choice isn't "be perfect and happy as a mother" or an...

Taylor's version:

Love you Josh!!! p.s. Taylor really wanted the pink frosting and Josh allowed it.

So, Grandma Black sent us a big package that they tried to deliver on Dec. 8th. Not knowing what the package was, we got online and scheduled it to be re-delivered on Dec. 10th. On Dec. 9th, however, they tried again. Then on Dec. 10th a package did come, so we thought we were all taken care of. But, it turns out that the mailman got the wrong re-delivery date (Josh tracked him down and talked to him about it). Anyhow, not knowing that Grandma's package was sitting at the post office for ten days, we never picked it up. It got sent back care of sender. Then re-sent. It arrived on New Year's Eve. Despite the frustration (especially for Grandma) it was so much fun to have another opening spree. Josh received a web cam and we set it up and finally web cammed with Grandma and Grandpa Black. Thanks so much!! p.s. I am laughing at that mirror behind the couch. Typical fare.

When we were visiting Dan and Michelle at Thanksgiving, Jacob had a star cape that Taylor wanted to wear the whole time. So I decided capes had to be a Christmas gift this year. And yes, I actually sewed them. (Josh bought me a sewing machine last Christmas) The kids are loving the capes. I am so glad because I don't think I love sewing and that took a ton of concerted effort.

Metronome GPS and heart rate monitor P90X & cutest hat from my favorite and cutest friend, Jenni Moody !!!!

We invited a family in our neighborhood over for Christmas Eve. It was fun, but the Christmas program was a little funny! Anybody else stressed??

Our friend David Shelley of Vikings vs. Pancakes asked Josh to read it. Josh asked for it for Father's Day. And just as David Shelley didn't read it in Greek, Josh didn't read it in English. Here's to new New Year's goals!

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1 T honey 1 T worchestershire sauce 1 t Fresh Rosemary 5 T tomato paste 2 large uncooked chicken breasts, cubed 10 oz cherry tomatoes skewers Mix honey, sauce, rosemary, tomato past, and cubed chicken in a large bowl. Thread alternately tomatoes with chicken onto skewers. Broil 8-10 min. turning every two minutes.

I love Andes Mint baking chips by the way. I bought 6 packages last time I was at wal-mart (the only place I consistantly find them) I went to a cookie exchange party and I made 13 dozen of these cookies. Too bad I didn't get more pictures. I came home with 13 dozen different cookies and candies. We were going to give them out to friends and neighbors, but we only gave one big bag away and the kids and I ate all 10 dozed of the rest. I gained 7 lbs this month. YIKES!!!!!

First treat of the Christmas season. I bought a few disposable pans and there was a picture of a snowman cake on the packaging. Taylor was convinced there was to be a snowman cake no matter how many times I told him I was putting lasagna in it. Finally I whipped together a cake and some frosting and then left the project to Josh to finish with the boys while I was at Young Women's. This is how it turned out.

Whitney & Mandy, Sharon, Kelly, Sara, and Melinda I went to the Harry Potter opening, midnight show and some of my friends dressed up. People were coming up to them and taking pictures like they were characters at Disneyland. I didn't dress up, so I got to be the photographer. We actually got kicked out to take pictures; it's against the rules to take pictures anywhere in the building. But the officer totally stole a few camera phone shots of his own before we got kicked out.

This year we were able to go to Josh's brother Dan's house for Thanksgiving. Michelle had an awesome menu planned. Ohhh so good. We felt bad because Michelle was really sick the day before Thanksgiving, but somehow managed to be ready for us anyway. Thank you so much Michelle!!!

Caleb loved Karate this fall. He loved to be the best. During the mock tournaments he almost always won. To advance belts, among other requirements, you have to compete in a tournament. He wasn't able to compete in a real tournament because it was while Iverson's were visiting and we were in Corpus and the other tournament was on a Sunday. Caleb and I talked about it for a long time and Caleb decided that he would just wait until next year to advance belts. After the last class was over, Caleb went up to the instructor and said "Thank you. Oh, and if you keep having tournaments on Sunday (insert tears) I will never be able to advance." The instructor took pity on him and he counted the karate workshop he attended and then tested him on the spot. And for just $25 he got a yellow belt. hmmm. Anyway, he was very excited. We took all of these pictures when he got home that night.