Presents From Santa

Stockton has been needing a bed for about a year, but since we don't have any other kids on the way, we haven't pushed the matter. Well, since Stockton is over three years old now, we decided that we needed to break down and buy some furniture, so that's what we did for Christmas this year. Not too exciting, but I wouldn't have wanted anything else. Stockton loves his new bed and his room is one of my favorite rooms in our house.

Stockton's Christmas was a little more exciting. He got "Shake n' Go Crash-Ups" from Santa. He loved it!

The Howe Family Christmas Pageant

I think it is safe to say that our family Christmas pageant could use a little work and a few more grandkids.

Brethren Get-together

Last night, we got together with Clark's friends from high school, or "the brethren" as they are also known. Clark has such a great group of friends, and even though they've been out of high school for almost 15 years, they still do things together. All of his friends married extremely well, too. I love all of their wives--they are some of my favorite people ever! At our get-together last night, there were 7 of the original 10 brethren present--not too shabby.


The Brethren (two had already left before this picture)


The Wives

Stockton's New Sport

We took Stockton skiing for the first time a week ago. I wish I could say he loves it, but that wouldn't be perfectly honest. He doesn't dislike it, though, so that's a good sign. He absolutely loathes his ski boots, but doesn't everybody? He is a little apprehensive about getting his skis on, but he knows once he does he gets to go down the "slide" (ski slope), which he likes, and then go on the "swing" (chair-lift), which he loves.

Last week, his instructor pretty much carried him down the slopes, but this week, he kept his balance better and mostly skied on his own (with the instructor right next to him). We are working on his snow-plow or "triangle," as Stockton likes to call it. I think we're getting close.

Christmas Home Tour

Every year, for the December Enrichment activity, my ward does a Christmas/traditon home tour. The women in the ward visit three different homes to see the decorations and to hear a few traditions, and our home was selected this year. It was so much fun to have everyone come and hear the traditions Clark and I have carried on from our families. It gave me an excuse to take pictures of our decorations, too! :)
Our Living Room, and pretty much the only room with decorations. (Sorry this one is blurry, but it is the only one I have with the candles lit.)

My planter box, outside.

Very Sweet

Yesterday, we put Stockton to bed at my parents' house so we could watch a Christmas movie with them. When we woke him up to go home, he decided he wasn't quite ready. I think this is one of the sweetest pictures ever!

(This was taken on Clark's camera phone. Sorry it's a little blurry.)

The Good and Bad in Christmas Music

It was the best of songs, it was the worst of songs . . . Unfortunately, there is a lot of bad Christmas music out there. Fortunately for me, my husband knows all of the great oldies songs that have withstood the test of time (actually Clark took over to write this last sentence). Even though Clark does have great taste in everyday music, he and I differ somewhat in our taste in Christmas music. So, you tell me. . .who's favorite Christmas song is better, mine or Clark's?

Maquel's Favorite Song: Carpenters' "Sleigh Ride"

Carpenters - Sleigh Ride
Uploaded by catrin345

Clark's Favorite Song: Jim Nabor's (i.e. Gomer Pile) "Go Tell it on the Mountain"


Luckily, we both have a sweet spot for the music from The Muppet Christmas Carol

Stockton's 3 Year-old Pics

We recently took pictures of Stockton since his preschool picture was only so-so. Here are a few of the candids. I thought they turned out really well.

Mommy Tag . . .

I have never done a tag before, and I've always said I would never do one, but I thought this one was kind of sweet. I enjoyed reading Mindy's, in any case.

1. What time do you wake up?
I'm spoiled! Clark usually gets up with Stockton so I get to sleep-in until 7:30 or 8:00!

2. On a good night, what time is your child in bed?
Between 7:00 and 8:00—it depends if he's had a nap that day or not.

3. How long have you been a mommy?
3 years now!

4. How old were you when you became a mom?
23

5. What is your favorite chore?
Probably vacuuming, but that is the last thing I do when I clean. It kind of loses its "fun" after I do the more painful chores.

6. What is your favorite meal to cook?
Probably Roast Beef or Pork Ribs--anything with potatoes and gravy.

7. What meal do you cook most often?
If truth be told, Macaroni and Cheese. Stockton would eat that for all three meals if I'd let him.

8. What are 5 things about being a mom that make you smile?
1-When Stockton takes credit for everything anyone does by shouting "I did it!"
2-Watching Stockton's arms tense up when he gets excited.
3-When Stockton plays with (or torments) our dog, Tawny.
4-Having Stockton repeat everything we say with perfect inflection.
5-Stockton's time-outs. Unfortunately, they are pretty dang cute!

9. If you could take your child anywhere, where would it be?
Probably a water park. He would be in heaven!

10. When was the last time you went out without your child?
Last night--I went to the University of Utah vs. Wisconsin Green Bay basketball game. Let me tell you how exciting that was!

11. What is your most heartbreaking moment as a mom?
When Stockton got diagnosed with PDD NOS (an autism spectrum disorder). That, by far, has been the most emotional experience for me, though Stockton is coping with it just wonderfully.

12. When was the last time you told your child "I love you"?
An hour ago, when I put him down for his nap.

13. When was the last time you were told I love you?
This morning when I dropped Clark off at the airport.

I tag Laura because she is anti-tag like me! ;)

Stockton's 1st School Picture

I knew not to expect much, but when Stockton's preschool gave the option of having pictures taken with the rest of the elementary school, I thought I'd give it a try. Despite the fact that he can't sit still on a chair for one minute, look into the camera, and smile, all at the same time, I thought there was someting kind of cute about the picture. It's nothing I would blow up big and I'll definitely have to get other pictures done, but kind of cute nonetheless.

Stockton is 3!

Stockton's birthday was on Tuesday and we went bowling to celebrate. I've decided that bowling will probably be Stockton's favorite recreational activity. It is the ultimate combination of his favorite things: balls rolling, spinning, falling, being thrown, knocking things over, and it's all in one great activity! What could be better?

Unfortunately, Stockton looks upset in a lot of these pictures. I guess it's his "wonder and awe" expression, but he really was having the best time of his life. Thanks to all of you who came to celebrate with us!

We Voted

Halloween

We had a very low-key Halloween this year. Clark and I went to a play in the evening, so we didn't even take Stockton trick-or-treating. Usually, we go to a trick-or-treat thing at my dad's office, but he was out of town, so we didn't even bother getting a costume. Stockton doesn't really like candy and is still young enough not to care about the holiday--it was really nice to not worry about anything, to tell you the truth.

We still had some fun Halloween festivities, though (I don't want to sound like a scrooge). We went to Gardner Village again (we actually saw the witches this time) and on Halloween day Stockton, Tawny, and I went up Millcreek Canyon with April and her dog, Sway. We had so much fun, and even though all the leaves have fallen, it was such a beautiful fall day.

Gardner Village
Jefferson and Stockton
Jefferson, Ellie, Brooklyn, Madeline, Scout, and Stockton
Millcreek Canyon

Country Boy

Time-out Stockton

Recently, Clark and I decided that we needed to make an addition to our home and purchased a time-out chair for Stockton. So far, it has been a really good buy. Stockton will often kick and scream getting his diaper changed or putting his clothes on, but is a perfect angel after he's had his time-out. It usually takes just a couple of minutes. Sometimes he'll try to act really angry while he's sitting on his chair; other times he tries to change the subject by asking for different things; but the last few times, he just smiles at us and tries to charm his way out of his punishment. In the end, he does what we want him to do, so it isn't much of a concern to me. I have the hardest time not laughing, though.

Well, in church last Sunday, Stockton was behaving really badly. He was being loud and throwing things at the people behind us, so he earned himself a time-out. As I was walking him out of the chapel, he was grinning from ear to ear and saying for everyone to hear, "Time-out, time-out." Well, you can probably guess that he tried to charm his way out his this one. I give you exhibit A, taken on Clark's camera phone:

Now, Stockton won't usually smile for pictures, but a picture in time-out, why not? His smile was even bigger just before this.

I have know idea when Stockton decided time-outs were fun. Clark and I never give into him and usually ignore him completely, but we may have to rethink our strategy. Stockton's behavior last Sunday took three time-outs, the last being an angry time-out.

And So It Begins . . .

We are going to begin potty-training Stockton tomorrow. Yikes! I'm a little apprehensive about the whole process considering bribery has little to no impact with Stockton. Unfortunately, there is no treat or toy that will motivate him. On the plus side, he acts very ready: he doesn't mind sitting on the potty and even asked to go at preschool today, but we have never had any luck catching it. And, considering he is turning three in a couple of weeks, I think it's time to push the matter. I'm open to any suggestions. We're planning to stay home and have a very boring next few days, so we'll see what happens!

Dog Lover

Stockton loves dogs! He has a really cute relationship with our Golden Retriever, Tawny. I would imagine their relationship is all one-sided, though. Usually, Stockton torments Tawny in one way or another--tail-pulling or eye-poking are among his favorite games--but Tawny doesn't seem to mind and is willing to devote many hours to Stockton's amusement.

Last Wednesday in preschool, Stockton's teacher brought in her dog for the kids to play with. Naturally, it was a big hit: