A Winter Poem

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

Whose woods these are I think I know.

His house is in the village though;

He will not see me stopping here

To watch his woods fill up with snow.
My little horse must think it queer

To stop without a farmhouse near

Between the woods and frozen lake

The darkest evening of the year.
He gives his harness bells a shake

To ask if there is some mistake.

The only other sound's the sweep

Of easy wind and downy flake.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep.

But I have promises to keep,

And miles to go before I sleep,

And miles to go before I sleep.

~Robert Frost

It's Official

I'm kicking myself because I didn't bring my camera, but last night Sylvia made her recording debut! In January, a documentary about our Aunt Janie will be airing on BYU television. We are so excited to watch a show dedicated entirely to crazy Janie! Anyway, Janie wrote a children's song, and asked if all of us with little ones would come and record it especially for the documentary. There were eight or nine of our little children, aged 3 to 10 all with their headphones on at a recording studio in Provo singing their little hearts out! (I got to sing too, just to help the kids stay in tune...) It was a lot of fun!

Smoker Man?

We were in the car today, asking the kiddos what they wanted for Christmas. Sylvia mentioned to us that Ben would probably really like his very own "Smoker Man." I thought about explaining that Smoker Man is not a real toy, but a character on an anti-smoking commercial. Then I just laughed. And laughed. And laughed some more. I think she may watch a little too much television.

Santa Baby

It just doesn't get any cuter than this! Today we took Sylvia and Ben to visit Santa Claus at Evans Gatehouse No. 1 in Orem. I'm telling you, this is the best place in Utah County to see the big guy. No waiting in line, Santa hasn't touched 1000 other grubby kids, and the store is absolutely beautiful. The antique sleigh was gorgeous! But Santa is only there on Saturdays from 3-5pm. It was worth the drive. By the way, Sylvia told Santa she wanted a baby doll, and Ben told Santa he wanted a truck.

More Christmas Cuteness

I was asked by the Relief Society to sing at Canterbury Place, a rest home that is in our ward. The rs president asked me to bring the kiddos at the last minute, saying something about a "nativity." I had my doubts, considering the general behavior of my kids, I didn't know if we could pull something like this off. So when we got there, we dressed up Sylvia as the angel, and Ben was the inn keeper. Some other super cute kids in the ward were Mary and Joseph, and our dolly was sweet baby Jesus. Sylvia did an awesome job, but as usual, Ben chose not to cooperate. He looked adorable nonetheless.

Christmas Tag

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Definitely wrapping paper, Ben would just empty out the bags the minute I set them out.
2.Real tree or Artificial? Artificial, with some pine tree smell or something to make things a little more "authentic."
3.When do you put up the tree? The day after Thanksgiving
4.When do you take the tree down? New Years Day
5.Do you like eggnog? No, but Nate and Sylvia sure do. There's some in the fridge right now.
6.Favorite gift received as a child? My bike, and Holiday Barbie dolls!
7.Hardest person to buy for? Nate--it isn't hard, it is impossible.
8.Easiest person to buy for? Ben. Give him a cardboard box and he's set.
9.Do you have a nativity scene? 2, but I haven't put them out since Ben started terrorizing the place.
10.Mail or email Christmas cards? I love getting Christmas cards in the mail, but don't look for one from us this year. I'm taking a year off!
11.Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Oh there are plenty, most from well meaning grandparents!
12.Favorite Christmas Movie? I love A Christmas Story and Elf.
13.When do you start shopping for Christmas? I'm such a procrastinator. I blow our last few paychecks before Christmas.
14.Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? I'm sure I have!
15.Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Nate's homemade caramels, my dad's prime rib, my mom's pie, and my mom's homemade almond roca.
16. Lights on the tree? White, but I'm liking the big old fashioned multicolored ones more and more.
17.Favorite Christmas song? Christmas Time is Here (The Charlie Brown Christmas song) And all the songs on the Carpenter's Christmas album.
18.Travel at Christmas or stay home? I guess it depends on the financials...
19.Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Of course!
20.Angel on tree top or star ? An angel.
21.Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Both! Presents Presents Presents!
22.Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Lack of courtesy when shopping. I am pushing a double stroller, so you'll have to move out of my way. Get over it! (Please)
23.Favorite ornament theme or color? I love red, silver and green the very best.
24.Favorite for Christmas dinner? My dad's prime rib, but I also love Nate's grandma's orange glazed yams.
25.What do you want for Christmas this year? Everyone buy me books! And I need some perfume.
26. Favorite gift ever? My pearl ring (last year), and my Doc Marten combat boots (when I was 15)
27. I tag..... Everybody!

Mr. Potato Head

Our speech therapist came the other day, and brought a Mr. Potato Head for Ben to play with. The point was to get him to say body parts, such as nose, eye, ear, etc. He points to body parts, but won't say anything, usually. I just thought that I should document his first attempt at putting together a Mr. Potato Head and share it with the world. Not bad, if I do say so myself. (Note, this is put together all by himself. And yes, I saw how much fun he had with it that I went to the store and purchased one for him for Christmas.)

Too Cute

From left to right: Amber, Sylvia, Mackenzie, Annabelle and Emily.

We got these girlies together on Monday night at Amy's house to take a picture in their show dresses for Aunt Janie's Christmas card. For those who don't know, our family (and some very patient and kind friends) put on a musical show in the Provo Tabernacle this last July during the Freedom Festival celebrating the Constitution. It was lots of fun, and we got to dress up in fabulous colonial costumes. These girls were the tiniest in the whole show, but you better believe that they got up on stage and sang their little hearts out! So adorable.

Dress up, anyone?

Sylvia cracks me up! I love that a 3 year old thinks that this is acceptable attire in which to run daily errands. Good thing that we're not going anywhere today. Ben just gives her this look, like "you are completely nuts." He refuses to suffer her foolishness.

I apologize about a lack of Thanksgiving pictures. It was a wonderful day. We sat around in our jammies all morning and watched the parade, and then made some delicious cookies and fudge (our contribution to the spread). We spent the day at Grandpa Bill and Grandma Susan's house eating ourselves sick, playing guitar hero, enjoying fine conversation and perusing the Black Friday ads. The most glorious part is that there were enough people present that I didn't really have to look after my own children! Ah, the holidays.

Fun Christmas Craft

My friends Nancy and Sara helped some of us make this adorable advent calendar just in time for Christmas. All you need is a 24 cup mini-muffin tin and Christmas themed paper and voila! Each paper circle is fixed to the muffin tin with adhesive magnets, and you put a little candy or surprise in each cup for your kiddies (or yourself!) I'm going to have Nate drill a few holes at the top of the tin and I plan on hanging it on the wall with a ribbon. Mine is quite simple, but I think it is cute nonetheless.

Head Wounds Bleed...ALOT

I picked Ben up off of the floor this morning, and he leaned back and hit his head on the doorjamb. Both he and I ended up covered with blood from such a tiny little cut! We went to Urgent Care and got 2 staples in his scalp. Seriously, after that incident I felt like I needed a heavy dose of chocolate to calm myself. And how is Ben? Absolutely fine! The whole thing didn't even bother him.

Twilight, uugh...

Ok. I'm absolutely ashamed to say it, but I've read the entire Twilight saga. Why am I ashamed? Because there is so much better reading material out there! I know that lots of people really liked the series, but the books were poorly written, and the character development was so-so at best. And Bella really irritates me. Alot. But you know what? The story itself was engaging, the books are a very quick read, and the subject material is appropriate for all ages (as opposed to Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles, thoroughly adult vampire fare.) Yet, I'm still not sure that the pro's outweigh the con's.

Anyway, I'm convinced from what trailers I've seen that the Twilight movie might actually be enjoyable. The soundtrack is excellent, and Robert Pattinson is dreamy. I actually think that this story will translate well to film, maybe be even better suited than novel form. 'Cause the novel wasn't that good. Sorry! I guess we'll just have to wait and see for the movie.

Oh Love

The big guy

Nate is so awesome! For my birthday, he gave me a card and inside there were 4 one pound gift certificates for See's Candy! This guy really understands my constant need for high quality chocolate. And this is kind of random, but today after church, I really wanted a fried egg sandwich, and he offered to make one for me. I come over with my toast, and he had cooked the eggs inside a heart shaped cookie cutter. "Just to show you how much I love you," he said. It is small things like this that make me laugh, and I have to give him lots of kisses. I love you too, Nate.

A New Calling

As of last Sunday, I was officially released from serving as the Primary chorister in our ward. I know that I am in need of a change, as I have been singing and teaching in Primary since just before Ben was born. And there's no rest on the horizon--I've been called to serve as the Relief Society midweek activities person. What that entails, I do not yet know, but I'm sure it will test my organization and creative skills. I haven't set foot in Relief Society or Sunday school for two years, so hopefully I don't go into shock! I'm actually excited to be able to sit for a few hours every Sunday actually learning, instead of entertaining young kids. But it was so much fun in Primary, and I'm going to miss all of the fun that I had.

Halloween!

The cutest little kids! We've got ages 2 months to 4 years in this pic.

Sheriff Ben and Sylvia the Beautiful Witch

The Scary Ormes

Oh my gosh, we had such a busy holiday! We started the day with a Halloween party for all the little kids in the ward. Then, it was home for naps, and before we knew it, it was time for trunk or treat at the church building. It was so much fun seeing all of my cute primary kids all dressed up. (I'm going to miss being in primary so much!) After that we went to Grandma Susan's for meal in a pumpkin, which was awesomely delicious. We did some regular trick or treating in the neighborhood around Grandma Susan's house, and then made the rounds to visit great grandparents (and Barby and David as well.) What a day!

Fall Leaves

I can't tell you how much I love Fall. To me, there is no better time of year! Yet, there is one thing that I don't look forward to, and that is getting the garden "winterized." Pulling all the old weeds and the plants which have by now been killed by frost. We pulled out the tomato plants a little late this year, and we still haven't tilled the garden. (Heck, there is football to watch, right?) But, we had a great time repeatedly raking leaves for the kids to jump in! This is the first year that we've really let the kids run loose, and it looks like they had a wonderful time.

Pumpkin Carving

Sylvia's witchy-poo fingers

Ben with Mommy's completed pumpkin

Auntie Melissa posin' with her pumpkin


Dad enjoying delicious pumpkin goop

Yesterday we went to Grandma Susan's house for a family night full of pumpkin carving fun. We all enjoyed Grandma Susan's homemade chicken noodle soup, and then we got to work! Susan made the kiddies a Halloween goody bag with a pumpkin gun, chattering vampire teeth, and haunted house stickers. We added a new tool to our carving arsenal-a electric dremel! I recommend this for only the most serious pumpkin carving enthusiasts.

Sylvia's method for pumpkin carving: (Her actual words)

First we cut off the pumpkin's head,

Then we scoop the goop,

Then we play with the seeds,

And then we cut the pumpkin with a knife!

Orme Family Halloween Party

Great Grandma Orme! She's freakin' hilarious.

Look at me, the scary housewife!

Sylvia and her cousin Cassidy

Nate is a skeleton! But apparently, dressed to go to work...

Every year, Grandma and Grandpa Orme host an annual Halloween party. I would've taken more pics of Nate's family, but most people took off their costumes within 20 minutes of arriving! Lame. Anyway, we had a very fun time, ate lots of delicious food, and played some spooky games.

Mommy Tag

Mommy Tag
I’ve been tagged! Are you ready for this?
1. What time do you wake up? I refuse to get up before the kids, so it's generally around 8 am
2. On a good night, what time are your kids in bed? They don't make it past 9 pm ever.
3. How long have you been a mommy? 3 whole years!
4. How old were you when you became a mom? 24, but I turned 25 a few months later.
5. What is your favorite chore? I don't have a favorite chore, thank you very much. I hate chores! (Don't I sound like a 7 year old?)
6. What is your favorite meal to cook? Manicotti. It is one of the (few) meals that I make that everyone loves.
7. What meal do you cook most often? Hamburger Helper. That is so sad.
9. What are 5 things about being a mom that make you smile? 1-Ben's attempts at speech, 2-big wet kisses, 3-Sylvia's dancing and singing, 4-seeing the kids retain gospel principles, 5-watching the kids play together (actually cooperating).
10. If you could take your kids anywhere, where would it be? When they're old enough to appreciate it, I'd love to take my kids to Europe. Let's get some culture!
11. When was the last time you went out without your kids? The last BYU home game. Thanks, Margaret!
12. What is your most heartbreaking moment as a mom? Watching my kids get any kind of shot. Vaccinations, Flu shots, you name it. I cry almost as much as they do!
13. When was the last time you told one of your kids I love you? I tell them all the time. But I think it is most important when I tuck them in at night. It needs to be the last thing they hear before they go to sleep.
14. When was the last time you were told I love you? Today. Sylvia is so cute. She says, "Mom, I love you Mom!"

Now I tag: Nancy and Shannon!

Disneyland!

We went to Disneyland last week with Nate's family, and we had such an awesome time! I know the kids are so little that they may not remember much of the trip, but we documented our trip pretty well. The next couple of weeks will be spent scrapbooking the (over 200) photos of our little vacation. I will forever cherish every foot aching, toddler screaming, line waiting moment of the entire getaway. The favorites:

Sylvia-The Matterhorn, lovingly termed "The Yeti Ride."

Ben- Gadget's Go-Coaster, in Toon Town. This is the only ride that Ben applauded and yelled "yay" when it was over. He also loved the Carousel in Fantasy Land.

Nate-Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blasters. Shooting at targets with a laser gun in a moving ride? For Nate, this is quite close to heaven.

Rachel- Space Mountain. Because it rocks. But Soarin' Over California in California Adventure makes a close second.

The Pumpkin Patch

We recently visited the pumpkin patch at the Vineyard Garden Center. I would have loved to spend a little time perusing all of the pretty pumpkins, but Ben chose his pumpkin quite early in the trip and was ready to leave immediately! We had a great time, despite the frigid temperature. We absolutely love Halloween, and we are definitely gearing up to carve our pumpkins to screamin' perfection!

Sylvia Has Been Tagged

Name and Meaning: Sylvia Louise Orme. Sylvia is Latin, meaning "of the forest". She is named after Nate's great grandmother Sylvia Goodrich. Louise is German/French, meaning "fame and war". It is my mother's middle name, as well as Nate's grandmother's middle name.

Age: 3

Birthday: August 21, 2005

Nicknames: Sylvie Boo, Sylva-Bling

Favorite Activities: Dancing, puzzles, singing

Least Favorite Foods: She isn't really a meat eater, except for chicken nuggets!

Favorite Music: She loves any Disney song, but she also loves pop music on the radio

Favorite Toys: Dress up clothes, tiaras and wands, general princess fare

What Makes Her Happy: Dance class, watching a Disney Sing-a-Long Song, jumping on the trampoline.

What Makes Her Sad: When mom won't indulge her addiction for milk. This child would drink milk all day long!

I Tag: Anyone who would like to play!

4 Generations

We were able to get a great 4 generation picture with all of the Orme boys. They're so cute! Personally, I like pic #2 much better than pic #1. The second one shows Ben's true personality!

The Big 2!

Ben is officially a 2 year old! We had a lot of fun on his birthday. We had a small party at Bicentennial Park in Provo to celebrate. The park was the perfect place for my busy boy. He was able to play as much as he wanted, and I didn't have to do anything at my house! We were so happy to see family and friends that came, and I want to thank everyone for the wonderful presents.

After Ben's party, we took him to Build-A-Bear and built him his very own special soccer star bear. He was so busy running around the store, I wasn't able to get any good pictures of him with his bear. Anyway, he loves it!

Flu, or Just a Virus?

Uuuuugggggghhhhh.

I started feeling ill yesterday evening, but I was up all night running to the bathroom. I HATE being sick, mostly because my kids are so crazy active. I end up propping them in front of the television all day, and that is just bad parenting! Well, what else can you do when you're so sick you're stuck on the couch with no energy to move?

Body Ache
Head Ache
Stomach Craziness
Stuffy, Runny Nose
Excessively Tired

Somebody shoot me now. I'd post a picture of myself, but I don't want to punish you sweet readers.

Birthday Countdown...

This little goob turns two years old on the 30th. I need to plan something, some type of grand celebration! I'm thinking a restaurant get together with family and any friends who want to come, because I don't think I have the strength for another party on my back porch. I welcome any suggestions and good ideas, meanwhile I will be searching the internet for inspiration...

Feeding the Ducks

Margaret and I took the kidlets to feed the ducks at the pond on BYU campus. My camera skills were terrible, but the babies had a blast! It brought back memories, because our aunties (and sometimes our dad) used to take us to the same spot to feed the ducks when we were little. With my kids there wasn't a lot of time for reflection, though, due to the fact that both Margaret and I were preoccupied with making sure Ben didn't dive in to swim with the ducks! And these ducks are obviously trained, because they just stood at our feet and waited to be fed. I don't remember any ducks quite so "friendly"! It took Ben chasing them and yelling "quack, quack" as loud as he could to get the ducks to scatter.