The wooden rocking horse: Christmas 2008

It was chilly out in the woodshed this winter, but Grandpa Al was determined to get that little toy finished. He picked up the wood piece by piece to test if it would fit. Some pieces seem to slide perfectly into to scheme as Grandpa's little creation began to take shape.

Whiddling and drilling four legs stood strongly along soft curved runners. Two large boards ran the length of the back, leaving ample room for a special grandson to mount. Grandpa carefully carved the nose, long and slender for many fond strokes. Much like a wild stallion the eyes glazed in a permanent peering at the wild surroundings. Soft leather ears were tacked into place to complete the head as it slipped into the strong planked shoulders.
It would work just fine, thought Grandpa Bowman as he sanded and stained the horse in the chill air. It was winter time in 1982 and his grandson, almost one, deserved just such a rocking horse for Christmas. With the lasting firmness of fine workmanship, Grandpa Bowman carved on the under belly "Joshua, Love Grandpa Bowman 82."

In a conversation nearly 27 years later Joshua casually asked about that little rocking horse. "Hey, Mom, you remember that old horse Aaron and I used to play on? You don't happen to still have it around do you?" Kept all those years, after play and neglect, the wooden horse made its journey back to its original owner. Joshua now had his own son, not quite one, who would also appreciate just such a toy for Christmas.

The piercing eyes were now clouded with age, and the soft leather ears were chapped with wear. A leg had been beaten out of place by rowdy boys, and the handle bar jarred from the whole. 'Aw, I can fix that!' reflected Joshua as he glanced over his once cherished rocking horse. As he turned over the woodwork to assess the damages he noticed the scratched in words, etched so many years before. "Joshua, Love Grandpa Bowman 82."

In the same chill air in the winter of 2008, hand worked again to restore the wooden horse as it once was. This year little Danny's Grandpa Hancock screwed and sanded to put the pieces back where they had been. Adding a few more scraps of wood, the ancient rider was reinforced in preparations for many long rides over rough terrain. Some more stain and sanding placed lovingly by the now big Joshua restored the horse to its first Christmas glory.

Under the Christmas tree the little horse stood, once again, waiting for a little boy he already loved. And in the soft twinkle of that quiet eve, a bit of the wild look glinted back in his eyes. The underbelly carried one more cherished mark of creation "Joshua, love Grandpa Bowman 82." was now accompanied by "Danny 2008."


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Happy 27th on the 26th - Josh is the BEST!

My sweetheart celebrated the big 2-7 today! The way he talks you would think that he is close to retirement (if you round up you are practically 30, I'm not ready to be middle aged, my hair line just keeps receeding). If you ask me, he has just gotten more and more stunning as the years go buy (maybe it is the light reflecting off of his larger forhead?). For one whole week I get to tease him about how OLD he is. And it is true, Josh is OLLLD! When he asked Noah today how old he thought he was, Noah replied "46!" Ah, the candor and truth of childhood.

Josh has made every day of my life since I met him something wonderful. I remember the night that we had our first kiss (and many others) he asked if I was prepared to be treated like a queen. I thought it was just some corny line he used on all the girls to get some good smooching in, but I have been astounded everyday day since at how well he treats me. And how well he treats everyone else around him! He is a true people's person and does his best to put everyone at ease around him.


This year I tried so very hard to surprise him with a gift. I managed to transport his painting from Rexburg to Boise without his knowing it was in the car, but then one morning he decided he had to crawl around under the house and use the secret hole in the present hiding closet. So, he knew what he was getting. I had to find some other way to surprise him, so last night I sneakily re-decorated the Christmas tree as a Birthday Tree! Josh usually sleeps like a log, but last night he was a bit uneasy which made the decorating task a bit stressful for me. I was certain one of the ballons would pop as I put it on the tree and Josh would come out in a running tackle (you ought to try sneaking up on this guy, his reactions are prompt, hilarious, and lethal). All went well, and he didn't even see the tree until I was waking up this morning.


Josh's favorite gift by far was a gift certificate from Brooke and Jaime to Home Depot (insert Tim Allen 'ar, ar ar' here). Perhaps they were sick of us borrowing all Jaime's power tools for every little task around our house. With the help of all the lovely monetary donations of parents, Josh got the super-duper delux (and mega sale) set of drill, saw, light and dust buster! When he got to the check out line, they told him he had forgotten to get his bonus tool with the set! BONUS! Josh was so happy that when he called to tell me how his shopping spree had gone he was speechless. He has been playing with his toys all afternoon, happy as little boy with a Tonka truck. They never do grow up.

We love you Josh/Daddy! YOU ARE THE BEST!

hats & tu-tus :Christmas 2008

The only time Danny doesn't smile

two words: pea soup

Come to Zion

This General Conference address took a few days to sink in. The concept of Zion has seemed ellusive for the greater part of my life. Such intangible definitions as "the pure in heart" have left we longing a bit for a better understanding. Thank heavens for Apostles! Elder D. Todd Christofferson explained so very consicecly what it is to build Zion.
1-become unified in one heart and one mind
2-become individually and collectively a holy people
3- care for the poor and needy wiht such effectiveness that we eliminate poverty among us.

Because the city of Enoch followed those three steps to perfection, they were taken up to live with God before the flood (although Noah fit all the animals on the ark, a whole city might have been a stretch, although I am sure he would have appreciated the help mucking the stalls). They were a Zion society.

Zion is both a noun and an adjective. As a noun it describes a few places spoken of in the Bible and the Doctrine and Covenants. As an adjective it describes a group of people, or the attributes of one person (particularly their heart).
In order to get the rest of my learning across clearly, I will just quote the rest from Elder Christofferson:

"The Lord calls upon us to be beacons of righteousness to guide those who seek he safety and blessings of Zion"
"Zion is Zion because of the character, attributes, and faithfulness of her citizens."
"We become of one heart and one mind as we individually place the Savior at eh center of our lives and follow those He has commissioned to lead us."
"Much of the work to be done in establishing Zion consists in our individual efforts to become 'the pure in heart'."
"Nevertheless, as we pursue the cause of Zion, each of us should prayerfully consider whethe we are doing what we should and all that we should in the Lord's eyes with respect to the poor and the needy....Perhaps we can learn to be content with what is sufficiet for our needs."

Once again, these are only the highlights (literally in my copy) of the address, see the whole article for your own benefit.

Tub-O is 6 Months Old!

I have fallen in love with this little man! I can hardly believe he has been with our family for six months already - half a year! Danny is a delight. You just have to look at him to get a HUGE smile. He loves sitting, giggling, rolling, and eating! I have never seen a more handsome boy (don't tell Josh, but Danny really is more handsome!). My life has become more meaningful with him in it. What a blessing our Danny boy has been. I pray that he lives up to his namesakes, Dan Button, JD Hancock, and Josh Button. This is my small tribute to my little man. Oh, I love him!

snowflakes and sledding

We have been loving the glorious snowfall! knowing we don't have to get anywher makes it a lot more enjoyable.
Faith learned the finer art of catching big fluffy snowflakes on her tonge, and Danny went sledding for the first time!

Filling Spiritual Reservoirs

The best part of getting back in to a routine of things is getting back to some personal scripture study. Even in the last few days I have felt a great power in the words of Prophets, Apostles, Priesthood holders, converts and General Authorities of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I must express how wonderful it is to learn simple truths and to be challenged to become better! I know the Gospel is true!
Here are a few pearls I have found just in the last few days (please follow the links and read the whole article!):

Our spiritual journey is the process of a lifetime. We do not know everything in the beginning or even along the way. Our conversion come step-by-step, line upon line.
We each have moments of spiritual power, moments of inspiration and revelation. we must sink them deep into the chambers of our souls.
- Elder Neil L. Andersen "You Know Enough"

"Without reservation I promise you that if you will prayerfully read the Book of Mormon, regardless of how many tiems you previously have read it, there will come into your hearts... the Spirit of hte Lord. There will come a strengthened resolution to walk in obedience to his commandments, and there will come a stronger testimony of hte living reality of the Son of God"
Pres. Gordon B Hinkley qtd by Elder Marcos A. Aidukaitis "Because My Father Read the Book of Mormon."

No matter how bleak the chapter of our lives may ook today, beause of thelife and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we may hope and be assured that eh ending of hte book of our lives wille xceed our grandest expectations.
President Dieter F Uchtodrf "The Infinite Power of Hope"

The latter days are not a time to fear and tremble. They are a time to be believing and remember our covenants.
Indeed heaven never seems closer than when we see the love of God manifested int eh kindness and devotion of people so good and so pure that angelic is the only word that comes to mind.
Elder Jeffery R Holland "The Minishtry of Angels"

People who try to find God sometimes think that they have to look for HIm in intellectually complicated concepts. However, our Heavenly Father is always available to us. He adapts to our level of understanding.
Elder Gerald Causse "Even a Child Can Understand"

There is only one way to happiness and fulfillment. He (Jesus Christ) is the Way. Every other way, any other way, whatever other way, is foolishness.
Life is hard, not the gospel.
Every good thing depends on getting and keeping the power of the Holy Ghost in our lives.
Elder Lawrence E Corbridge "The Way"

Ametuer Potty Training

We have been working on getting Faith to do her buisness in the toilet. She has given us the necissary cues that she is ready (strained face and tight body when BM is coming on) to put her on the pot. Unfortunately, because she is a pro butt squeezer we have several false alarms. On Tuesday we had such a day -- several runs to hold her on the toilet with no results. Well, at least I know it is getting through to her when I noticed that she had taken her dolly into the bathroom, lifted her dress, and calmly sat holding her on the edge of the toliet telling her to 'push.' I asked Faith how she was doing, she gave me a patronizing look. Then when all was done, I asked if Dolly had made a stinky in the toliet. Faith said yes. Faith was more than a bit jealous when we gave Dolly her due treat when Faith had not gotten her 'potty treat' all day.

Merry Christmas!!!

It wasn't hard to fast get into the Christmas spirit once arriving back home in Boise. The snow followed us in, laying a nice blanket of holiday white. We drove in late Friday night and Saturday morning was the ward party "Breakfast with Santa." Faith was excited to see the jolly old man, and had no issues butting in line to sit with him several times. I had made sure we had everything unpacked first thing in the morning so after seeing Santa we would be set to get our house all decorated for Christmas! We cut our tree on the east side of the state, strapped it on top of the van and brought it home for us. We put it in the tallest part of our living room, ten and a half feet of mountain tree. It is lovely! Josh was wedged on top of our plant shelf to get the angel on. I love having Christmas in our home, oh so festive!

Sitting

Danny decide to sit up by himself last week. He is a pro now.

Faith is starting to catch on to the concept of consequences. Granted, most almost-two-year-olds can't see very far into the future to know that if you kick your brother he will be sad and mom will get mad, but that is why we teach them consequences. Such as: you will sit on your bed if....
Well, Faith is full of twists and turns. So just as I was teaching her the result of some of her actions she learns how to put together a negative phrase (she became a talking champ with the "I want to" and "I need a" phrases last week). I tel her if she kicks mommy in the back of the head one more time she will go sit on her bed. "I don't want sit on bed" she replies. What do you do? The kid can express her feelings all a sudden and you just got a foot to the cranium? So much discussion has to take place, all the while I am thinking, 'she can't really be understanding this.'

Later that night as Faith is once again kicking things (really what has gotten into this kid? she is like a toy soldier gone wrong), before I have a chance to even give my consequence statement, Faith cuddles up to her brother, strokes his head and says "I-shcorry broddee, I don't sit on bed." She is brilliant. Took the wind right out of my sails.

Moral of the story; I am still a softie and have some serious dicipline learning to get under my belt if I am ever going to keep ahead of this girl.

The Christmas Card Insert SCRATCH

I have been struggling this year to put together a little update to go with our Christmas cards. I have been creative, and almost good in times past. This year I started with this:

“Momma, what’s Christmas?” asked little Faith as she watched the Chistmas ornaments placed on the tree. Mother was up on the stools taking the shimmering balls from her tiny daughter.
“Christmas is when we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem.” She replied without noticing the intent look on Faith’s face.
“No Mamma. What’s Christmas for us?” she pressed the question again, a bit more earnestly. Mother turned around from the colorful lights of the Christmas tree she had been hurriedly decorating.
“Christmas for us? Well, I guess it is when we think about all the best things that have ever happened to us because of what Jesus did for us.” Mother replied, tentatively at first, watching carefully to see if this answer would ease the searching look on Faith’s face.
“The best things? Like how we get presents and cookies and have people over to visit a lot?” Faith rebuttled.
“Yes, but more too. It’s the best things

That was obviously going nowhere quick in my brain, so I turned to this:


Top 10 Reasons why this Christmas will be the Best for the Buttons yet:
10- We got to cut down our own live Christmas tree.
9- We figured out some lovely presents for the

When I realized I can't count backwards.  Which lead to this diatribe

My train of thought has crashed, my creativity gone caput!  Whatever on earth do I have to say! No rhyming, no reason for this Christmas season just a bunch of

blah blah blah Okay, count your blessings and keep it short so people will at least get to the good stuff.

We had a great year

no duh! Are you kidding think of some thing new and alluring!

 We’re happy and healthy this year

Well that got me snoozing, got anymore bright ideas?

 having been blessed and full of great cheer!

Josh finished one year of graduate classes, seems slow as molasses, and now he’s only got one left

Good grief that was a horrible! Who ever rhymed  molasses on purpose? Get moving lady, this card’s almost full!

Nancy and Faith spend most of their time at home. Danny stays with us too, usually smiling. We called lots of places our own for awhile; Just moving about, trying not to shout, and being supportive during trials.

You almost did it with out rhyming, but of course you blew it and got into a rhythm

At least you said something of substance.

We’re back in Boise now as Josh faces he last few rotations. Looking forward is much easier than looking back at the year we have conquered.  Nevertheless, we are grateful to have had such blessings in our life as 2008 comes to a close.  We love remembering at this time how much we are grateful for Jesus and His Gospel. 

Merry Christmas to you all in snow or sun.

Finally, a perfectly good Christmas insert statement!  Hey if you keep this up, you might have something figured out for your 2009 Christmas cards!  Oh, and don’t forget to let everyone know you love them and are grateful for their support too.

And then I gave up and just wrote SOMETHING out of spite.  Well, Merry Christmas card insert writing this year.....blah blah blah.

Traditions

Thanksgiving was a wonderful time to be with my family! We had half of the family at the cabin at various times. Time at the cabin is WONDERFUL!! I am so grateful for my parents' frugality in bringing that wonderful Haven into existence. The kids love both the indoor activities and the outdoor.


As far as the traditions go: I made the mashed potatoes and rainbow jello this year for the Thanksgiving feast. Both were a disappointment. The potatoes were clumpy and the jello runny. Boo. Brooke made excellent rolls however (which I usually muff up of course) and we had Chocolate Haupia pie - a tradition that came of family visiting me in Hawaii one year for Thanksgiving.

The day after Thanksgiving is the Christmas tree hunt day. We drive to the mountains and cut down trees of our own picking and height. We always get a lovely tall one for the cabin. Josh and I got a 10 footer for our home in Boise. Jeff was smart this year and let the kids play while he went and cut the trees that would work instead of making the kids try and pick a tree in the forest that was good enough for them. I staked out at the heating hut - our van. It was all perfect timing as the kids were getting cold and bored we had hot cocoa and then loaded up the cut trees and came home. It was a pleseant time.



We also went to Green Canyon Hot Springs. I was disappointed that there were more people there than usual, making it a big more challenging to locate the kiddos, and a longer line for the diving board (they long since removed the swing, bummer).


We put a few twists on a few other traditions:
instead of the classic spagetti - Jeff put the noodles in a Lo mein dish.
instead of a wiener roast outside, we did the hot dogs in the fire inside and later burnt a few mallows over a gasoline fire outside.
instead of endless hours on Rastan and Raiden, video game time was spent more so on the Wii Rockband (we unlocked all the songs)

Showing him the ropes

While packing for our week at the cabin, I put a Baby Einstein on the compy so Faith would stay still...well what a good sister she is, she showed Danny how it is done.
this photos are totally unstaged!