Megan's Date

Well, everyone knows I'm a check-off-the-list-kind-of-girl, so after taking the test I quickly planned our date, got a sitter, and was ready for our fun-filled evening. I had received a decent score--56, but I still had a lot to make up for. I was lucky enough that most of the questions I missed were food-related. You think I would know my husband's favorite foods--after all, the way to a man's heart is his stomach. But, I think all his traveling has changed his food preferences; or perhaps, I'm not used to cooking for him anymore:)

So we began the evening with his favorites: broccoli, watermelon, and my homemade fettucini alfredo (I used to make this all the time when we were first married, but then I recognized that butter and heavy whippping cream--the 2 main ingredients--are horribly unhealthy, so I stopped making it. And an embarassing side note--I made this meal the first time I cooked dinner for my super-healthy-in-laws. They must have cringed when they saw the butter-soaked noodles.)

During dinner, each of the family members had their own age-appropriate math worksheet to work on, since math is Nathan's favorite subject. For the record, I never once recall Nathan coming home from MBA school excited about math problems--yet he was always enthusiastic when he spoke about his marketing classes. Hmmmm....I think he got this one wrong--not me.

After dinner we went in the family office for some random dancing (he claimed he didn't know what dancing was on his answer sheet--so I didn't even have a chance of getting it right); and we danced to his favorite song "Eruption." Also, "Eruption" has no words to it, so I don't think it should have counted. I thought his favorite song was one that he had written. What a humble man.

After dinner Nathan and I met my sister and brother-in-law at The Cheesecake Factory for Nathan's favorite dessert--Godiva Chocolate Cheesecake. He ate it so quickly that I didn't have time for a photo.

When we got home Nathan serenaded me with his Les Paul (favorite toy) and we watched The Bourne Identity (favorite movie). The easiest points I earned were from the question: What's your favorite activity...I thought it was recording music, but it was spending time with Megan...aaahhhhh! I got those points just for showing up!

We had a fabulous time spending time together. Thanks Dad and Mary Lee!

The Date--Part One

For Christmas, my parents gave us a wonderful Christmas present. The next series of 3 posts will cover it in detail.

Megan and I each received a series of envelopes with careful instructions about when to open them, and in which order. After reading, skimming, or getting the gist of the necessary legalese warnings, we opened the first envelope which contained the following (with some minor, non-meaningful edits made by me):

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PART A
You may not know it yet but this is your favorite Christmas. Like you would expect it is one in which your participation is an essential part.

Step 1: Each question requires your candid and precisely accurate response--no hedging or dodging.

My favorite--

1. song is __________.
2. nice restaurant is __________ and fast-food restaurant is __________.
3. activity is __________.
4. movie of all time is __________.
5. form of attire is (circle one): a) formal; b) semi formal [Sunday best]; c) upscale casual [nice pants. dress shirt, jacket, but no tie, dress shoes]; d) casual [slacks, dress shirt no jacket or tie, dress shoes]; e) rough and tumble (levis, tee shirt, sneakers or sandals, socks optional]; f) swim suit
6. dance style is (circle one): a)traditional ballroom - waltz, quick step, fox-trot, Viennese waltz; b) Latin ballroom - cha cha, rumba, samba, salsa; c) disco; d) modern; e) tap, clog; f) free style; g) square dance, western, line dancing; h) other __________.
7. food is: main course __________; side dish __________; vegetable __________; bread __________; fruit __________; cheese __________; dessert __________; ice cream __________
8. sport to play is __________ and to watch is __________.
9. book (novel or story) __________.
10. color is __________.
11. place to go for vacation is __________.
12. President of the United States is __________.
13. celebrity is __________.
14. subject/class at school is __________.
15. type of music is __________.
16. TV show is __________.
17. super hero is __________.
18. game is __________.
19. toy is __________.
20. hobby is __________.

Step 2: Fold this questionnaire you just completed, seal it in the "DATA - Do not open until instruced to do so" envelope, and give it to (your spouse).

Step 3: Open the envelope marked Part B and proceed as instructed therein. Allow 15 minutes for Part B.

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PART B
Congratulations, you have come this far without turning back in despair, giving up in frustration or hiding in the closet (if you are in the closet please disregard the last phrase).

Step 1: Now it is your task to search your mind, rack your brain, peruse your notes and thereby determine the answer to the top secret questions below. (Important: Do not use any other sources of information.)

(Your spouse's) favorite--

1. song is __________.
2. nice restaurant is __________ and fast-food restaurant is __________.
3. activity is __________.
4. movie of all time is __________.
5. form of attire is (circle one): a) formal; b) semi formal [Sunday best]; c) upscale casual [nice pants. dress shirt, jacket, but no tie, dress shoes]; d) casual [slacks, dress shirt no jacket or tie, dress shoes]; e) rough and tumble (levis, tee shirt, sneakers or sandals, socks optional]; f) swim suit
6. dance style is (circle one): a)traditional ballroom - waltz, quick step, fox-trot, Viennese waltz; b) Latin ballroom - cha cha, rumba, samba, salsa; c) disco; d) modern; e) tap, clog; f) free style; g) square dance, western, line dancing; h) other __________.
7. food is: main course __________; side dish __________; vegetable __________; bread __________; fruit __________; cheese __________; dessert __________; ice cream __________
8. sport to play is __________ and to watch is __________.
9. book (novel or story) __________.
10. color is __________.
11. place to go for vacation is __________.
12. President of the United States is __________.
13. celebrity is __________.
14. subject/class at school is __________.
15. type of music is __________.
16. TV show is __________.
17. super hero is __________.
18. game is __________.
19. toy is __________.
20. hobby is __________.

Step 2: Obtain the sealed "Data - Do not open until instructed to do so" envelope from (your spouse) and with him/her present to verify and acknowledge your genius, open and compare responses.

Step 3: Although there are 20 numbered questions there are actually 29 answers neeed. Each answer is good for 4 points and there are 4 bonus questions so technically it is possible to have 116 points. You must somehow get 100 points before the end of January. If you do not have the correct response you can get credit for the correct answer using the technique outlined int he enveloped marked "Part C."

Step 4: In a secluded place open the enveloped marked Part C.

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Part C
It is amazing that you have come this far. Perhaps you are even astonished yourself. As you know by now thyere have been perils along the way. Maybe you have heard such exclamations as: "Oh, you should have know that" or "Is is not!" or "What made you think that?" or even "What were you thinking?"

Nevertheless, you have proceeded with the dogged determination for which you are admired. You have withstood the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune and are now bravely pursuing the last leg of your quest for 100 points.

Okay. Chin up, take a deep breath, go for it.

Step 1: You may get replacement points for each questions that you got wrong by planning and implementing a special with (your spouse). There are the requirements:

1. You must fit into a single evening the activities or memorabilia that will allow you get the points you need. To do this you must take (your spouse) on a date so you could both experience first hand the correct answer in some way.

For example: Let's usppose that you missed questions 1, 2, 5, 6, some of 7, 10, and 12. To get the need points your date you might (1) learn and sings the favorite song; (5) buy an article of favorite attire (10) of that favorite color; (2) go to that favorite restaurant and (7) order the favorite dishes then (6) dance in the parking lot while you (12) talk about the history of the U.S. during the administration of that favorite president and you just happen to have a picture of him in your pocket.

2. To assit you in the implemention of this step you will find enclosed a check in the amount of $XX. It is exclusively for this purpose. It is not to be used as a down payment for a Lear Jet or any othe little thing. If you lucky enough to miss question 11, perhaps you could use it towards going there.

Step 2: After completing your date, you last and maybe most difficult taks is to call us (video call is preferred) and then blog about it.

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We thought it was such a great present, we reproduced the contents here so that you could try it on your own--making this a gift that keeps on giving.

The next several posts will recount our experiences in implementing the aforementioned, previously detailed, prior instructions regarding "The Date" Parts A, B, and C.

Enjoy.

The Big Apple

As many of you know, my job requires quite a bit of travel. Over the past year-and-a-half, I've frequented such exciting places as Washington D.C.; Basking Ridge, NJ; Charlottesville, VA; Battle Creek, MI; Pittsburgh, PA; Princeton, NJ; Memphis, TN; and Chicago, IL. Recently, however, I've had to go to Manhattan. You know, New York City.

Most of the time I don't have much (that is to say, any) free time to see the sights. However, several weeks ago, after a particularly long day, I heard that I was within just a few blocks of several notable NYC landmarks, so I decided to take the scenic walking route back to my hotel from the office and search for this "Big Apple" that I've heard so much about.

I found a "Big Christmas Tree"...

...a "Big Building" (the GE Building)...

...with a "Big Address" (or at least one with a TV Show named after it).

But, no "Big Apples" any where. I did find some "Big Ornaments" though.

I also passed a "Big Sign" where "Big Name" shows take place.

If anyone knows where this giant-sized apple is located, please let me know.

The Art of Sledding

Earlier this month we were the beneficiaries of the Great Midwestern Freeze. It snowed enough to actually play in the snow. (The cold temperature to keep the snow around was never an issue.) Megan's sister has a great hill at their house for sledding and were gracious enough to invite us over to use it with them without requiring that we sign any waivers beforehand.

As we starting playing, it quickly became apparent that each person in our family had their own idea of how to have a good time in the snow.

Max's Perspective:
Step 1: Try to be convinced by your father that this is actually a good idea. (Why would anyone go outside in this weather? It's freezing.)
Step 2: Fight tooth and nail putting on your new winter snow coat that Megan bought. When you lose that battle, fight tooth and nail putting on your hat and gloves.
Step 3: With your coat, hat and gloves on, cautiously sit in your father's lap on the sled at the top of the hill.
Step 4: Go down the hill. When reaching the bottom exclaim, "Again!"
Step 5: Repeat Step 4.
Step 6: Repeat Step 4, but get a lot of snow in your face as your father steers the sled into some undisturbed powder.
Step 7: Ask to go inside.
Step 8: Stay inside until everyone else is done.


Kaitlyn's Perspective:
Step 1: Find your cutest skirt to wear.
Step 2: Determine that your legs will get cold and put on some tights. Also find some cute boots to wear.
Step 3: Pose for anyone with a camera.


Step 4: Take some trips down the hill with your cousin and with your mom. Try to avoid crashing into the trees and sheds. Run over your father who is trying to ensure your safety.
Step 5: Go inside for some hot chocolate. Say "hi" to Max.
Step 6: Repeat Steps 4 through 6 until it's time to go home.


Ali's Perspective:
Step 1: Put on your snow pants and heavy snow coat, hat, gloves, boots, and extra layers of sweaters so you can stay outside the maximum possible time before having to come inside due to snow down your back.
Step 2: Bypass the sled action and try to become proficient at the standing sled/snowboard-thing that your boy cousins are using.
Step 3: Devote your entire time and attention to learning how to do the standing sled/snowboard-thing until you have a successful run without a wipeout at the end, nevermind the fact that you have snow caked on you from head to toe.

Step 4: Show your mom how to do it.



Megan's Perspective:
Step 1: Nobody calls me chicken.
Step 2: Take Ali's challenge of using the standing sled/snowboard-thing that she is using.
Step 3: Wipeout.
Step 4: Try a second time and make it to the bottom before wiping out.
Step 5: Successfully make it down the hill sans wipeouts.

Nathan's Perspective:
Step 1: Pretend you are 10 or under again and go down the hill on the sled as many times as you can with Max in tow. (In other words, go down the hill 3 times.)
Step 2: Try to get some other runs in while taking turns with Megan watching and snapping photos of the kids.
Step 3: Blog about it.

Happy Merry!

The Christmas Post! The Christmas Post! (Take that New Year's Resolutions! In your face!)

Now that we're a full family of 5 with commitments to both Arizona and Indiana in-laws, it looks like we're officially on the "Every Other Year Every Other Holiday" plan. We spent last Christmas in Utah, which meant Thanksgiving was spent in Arizona so that this Christmas could be spent in Indiana.

We officially began the official activities on Christmas Eve by having the missionaries over along with Megan's parents and brother. After a delicious and delectable meal, we sat around the piano to sing Christmas carols (despite the poor accompaniment by the pictured below) and hymns. After we were all sung out, we moved into the family room.


In the family room we read the Christmas story from a beautifully illustrated book which compiled the relevant events from all of the standard works. This has been a Christmas tradition of ours for several years (ever since we got the book).

After that, we allowed the kids to open one selected gift each (which gift was, of course, selected by Megan for them to open and which contained...

...Pajamas!)

We're not sure if this is going to be a tradition or not, but we tried it this year. Let's see if it sticks next year.

After the pajama-ing, Max thought he would contribute to the festivities by starting a new Christmas tradition of his own: eating toothpaste.

While this was certainly sticky, I hope that this tradition doesn't stick around next year.

Then, it was off to bed for the kids with visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads. While the kids were busy trying to figure out what dancing sugar plums looked like, we conned the Elders into playing a few rounds of Boggle with us before they had to head home themselves.

Before sending the children to bed, I gave them strict instructions that they were not to wake us up before 8:30 a.m. the next morning. As I was giving them those strict instructions, Megan reminded me that we had a scheduled meeting (involving delicious and delectable cinnamon rolls) with her parents and her sister's family at 10:30 a.m. and that we needed to be sure we had enough time to open our presents before heading to that meeting. We settled on a start time of no earlier than 7:00 a.m.

At 7:01 a.m. I felt the gentle shaking of 3 sweet, excited children.

We made our way downstairs, but not without peeking over the edge to see what, if anything, Santa had left for us.


Kaitlyn examined the stockings which were overflowing with sugar related items (perhaps the very items about which she had been dreaming). Max thought another great new Christmas tradition would be to consume all of the candy in sight as quickly as possible without regard for pesky chewing.

We quickly noticed a note from Mr. Claus indicating that we should go downstairs to the basement for a family gift he had left:

Foosball! (Or as we now call it when we all play, "Family Foos.") Santa also left a treadmill downstairs (my new favorite gift--also New Year's Resolution related). However, he must have spent too much time assembling the foosball table because the treadmill was still in the box!


Additionally, each of the kids got a bunch of presents (more than they really knew what to do with), but the unwrapping was done in a comparatively orderly manner--with enough time to capture at least 2 pictures. (Note Kaitlyn's nose scar from "sledding" down the stairs on Max's old infant mattress and coming to an abrupt stop when hitting the last stair).


We wrapped up the evening with a round of "Pass the Pigs." I was unable to win (or even come close), so I developed a strategy measuring the number of rolls (or "tosses") taken before losing your turn. It turns out that the distribution has quite a long tail, but that the optimal number of tosses is between 3 and 4. Of course, once I had developed this new knowledge, we were done playing.

In closing, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

New Year's Resolution

I'll tell you something you already know--I only posted twice in the last 2 months of the year last year, and I got severely behind in posting about our events even before that. In the first 6 months of the year I averaged 2.50 posts per month, but fell off significantly to only 1.67 posts per month in the last 6 months of the year (with the poor November and December postings being offset by decent showings in August and October).

Enter New Year's Resolutions stage right.

My goal for the year is to return to posting once per week (targeting Sunday nights for new material). So, since I was batting 1.000 after Week 1, I thought, "Forget about the fact that it's 12:12 a.m. and I have to get up early...let's keep this hitting streak alive!" So, here I am.

Now, I know I owe you a post about Christmas. And one commenter has already asked, "Think we'll get a Christmas post before Valentines?"

While I can't answer that question, I can post pictures tonight about 1) Kaitlyn's latest crazy outfit, 2) a "handsome pose" from Max, and 3) a stock photo of Alison.

#1:

#2:

#3:

2 for 2. Take that New Year's Resolution!

I Want to Rock and Roll All Night...

...and have surprise birthday parties for Kaitlyn every day!

The whole surprise birthday party idea came up during a Family Home Evening lesson several weeks before her birthday. We had just read about how President Thomas S. Monson was asked what he wanted for his birthday and he responded that he wanted all of the members of the church to do a good turn for someone else. Although Kaitlyn accepted that as an alright idea she quickly clarified how she would respond to the question and said: "I would ask for a surprise birthday party!" Later she expounded further that the surprise birthday party should be princess themed, and include a carnival "just like Ali's birthday."

With the help of our in-house Stampin' Up demonstrator, we had her stamp and make birthday party invitations sans the date/time/place--so that although she knew she was getting a party, she had no idea when it would be.

Max interpretted "princess party" to mean "heavy metal concert" and used Megan's mascara to put on his best KISS / Alice Cooper face.


Once that was done, my job was to take Kaitlyn Christmas shopping for Alison (if only to get her out of the house so her friends could arrive undetected). And, I must say, I did a pretty good job of arriving precisely at 2:10 p.m. at the house. It took "accidentally" driving the long way home (as Kaitlyn observed, "Dad! You missed the turn into our neighborhood that way!") to make sure we didn't arrive too early.

When we walked in the door, Kaitlyn wasn't quite sure what was going on at first...


...but she figured it out pretty quickly, and felt very loved.


While I was gone, Megan (with the kind help of her parents) had piled seven 5 year-olds (and 3 older sibling "helpers") into the kitchen to yell "Surprise!" when we walked in. After settling down from all that excitement, we had the girls make princess crowns to match the princess outfits they were invited to bring and wear to the par-tay.


The second part of the party was the carnival games (a-la Alison's birthday party) and the redeeming of tickets won at the games for worthless trinkets and treats at least as valuable as those exchanged for Manhattan (show below after being ransacked, er, bargained for).

We wrapped up with the opening of the following wonderful presents from her friends (so you can see what items are of interest to 5 year-old girls these days):

• Disney Princess coloring scroll and markers
• Pink skirt for playing dress up
• Box of candy canes and Dora notepad games
• "Alexis" Liv doll
• Littlest Pet Shop (or "LPS" as Kaitlyn abbreviated when she wrote her 'thank you' notes)

I think everyone involved had a great time. And, everyone involved over 18 had a good time enjoying the peace and quiet once it was over.

And since we're talking Kaitlyn let us provide another representative "Funny Things Kate Says (or Said)":

Megan was hugging Kaitlyn for no reason one afternoon and said, "Kaitlyn, you know we love you. We're so glad you're in our family. Do you know that?"

Kaitlyn responded, "I know. You tell me all the time...and it's giving me a headache!"