The most wonderful time...

Christmas Day...  I love the anticipation (must be the kid in me).  I get absolutely exhausted from the preperation (I really do need to start earlier and get more organized!).  I sometimes stress about the giving (making sure I have it right, didn't forget anyone, did enough, etc.) and always am in awesome wonder at the receiving (we are so blessed!).  I'm always excited at the first sight of the Christmas decorations and how they look perfectly pretty when you first put them up, but always wonder how they can look so sad, tired, and cluttered the day after Christmas and can't wait to get things cleaned up and back in order.  Yet, I still cry every year I take the tree down.  Go figure!  It's still my absolute most favorite time of year (cold weather and all!)
We had a great Christmas this year.  Santa was very good to us... no doubt more than we deserved.  A highlight of our day was the phone call from Lance.  We were able to talk for almost an hour and a half.  He's doing great and tells everyone hello.  He said he really is having the best two years of his life.  It was awesome to be able to hear his voice and talk to him, even though Mom probably got a little too emotional at the end (oh my stars it was hard to hang up that phone!)  But what a blessing it is to have a missionary out in the field and there's no place we'd rather have him be.
A big thanks to all of you who helped to make our Christmas so special this year.  We are truly blessed and are thankful for all your love and friendship.
Here's some pictures from our Christmas 2009!!!

 

Tanner made the kids beanies this year and was WAY proud of his accomplishments!

 

 

 

 

SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN!!!!

Wishing you the Merriest Christmas ever!!!

 

(And happy birthday honey!  I love you!!!!)

Christmas Is Coming!!!!

Can you just feel it?  It's beginning to feel a lot more like Christmas.  Yesterday kicked off our Christmas week with a wonderful Sacrament Meeting.  I always love "Christmas Sunday" and what could be better than starting this week thinking of the birth of our Savior and all of our many blessings.  Today is the first day of Winter Break for the kids  And, yes, Mom has a busy day planned cleaning and baking.  I figure why should Mom have all the fun!  They usually make presents for their friends and we usually try to make something fun and different every year.  It's getting harder and harder to be more creative!  It's also email Monday for our missionary....YEAH!  We can't wait until we get to talk to him on Friday!  Mom wants her Christmas present to be an unlimited amount of minutes on the phone!  (Just in case someone is reading!  hahaha)  And to top off our Christmas week it's supposed to snow tomorrow!!!  Will definitely make it feel like Christmas!

Nicki's First Christmas Dance!

Dress...................................$On Sale!
Shoes..................................$What a deal!
Hair.....................................$By Jamie!
Boutineer.............................$Must have!
Staying up till 3 a.m. to tell mom about her date.....$$$
Missing the family Christmas party to help Nicki get ready......$$$$

The look on Nicki's face the night of her first Christmas Dance.... PRICELESS!!!!!!

She was absolutley beautiful!  She had the time of her life!  They started with a "day activity" - bowling.  Dinner was at her friend Sarah's house.  (Thanks Sarah's mom and dad!) And the dance was up at the University of Utah.  Then they went to her friend Rachel's house for midnight snacks and a movie.  I think she'll tell you it was the best first date ever!

 

 

This Year for Christmas

We skipped the sales after Thanksgiving.
The thrill just wasn't there.
No pictures taken with Santa,
My decorating has no flair.
His presents are shoe covers, treats, and ties,
Two hats and scarves...not much fun.
It's off to the post office to stand in line because...
This year we're giving Christ our son.

We've spent more time in the temple,
Felt strength come from His words.
We've reread November's Ensign,
and our testimonies are stirred.
Our family prays more frequently,
My tears are quick to run.
Abraham seems closer because,
This year we're giving Christ our son.

I wonder how those Lamanite mothers,
gave their sons to war?
Or how the pioneers chose Zion,
Their sacrifice was so much more.
Our loss will be his presence,
We'll miss his smile a ton!
We'll wait impatiently for his call on Christmas Day,
We're giving Christ our son.

We stare at his face in pictures.
We've memorized his eyes and how they shine.
He's out there sharing the gospel,
That makes his soul divine.
He's touching so many people,
And changing lives one by one.
We'll put our faith in God's hands,
This year, we're giving Christ our son.

Past gifts have lost their glitter,
I think we finally understand...
Christ's birth should be celebrated
By giving Him a hand.
It's because we know Christ lives and reigns
That makes the months fly by one by one.
Our gift has taken years to make,
This year with loving hearts....
We're happily giving Christ our son.
~ Author Unknown with adaptations by Kim Schofield

May the Lord bless you and all our missionary children as they serve Him with all their hearts!

The Lights On Temple Square

Okay, we decided that our visit to temple square deserved a post all it's own.  It's been years since we've taken the kids to see the lights and tour temple square.  I realized just how much I missed it!!!  It's absolutely gorgeous...words just can't describe.  And the feeling...the spirit there is so strong!  What a wonderful way to begin the Christmas season.   And to be able to attend the production of Savior of the World - we were definitely uplifted and our testimonies strenghthened.  We are so thankful for our Savior and the gift of the atonement.  And for the knowledge we have that families are forever.   We are truly blessed to have the gospel of Jesus Christ!

 

 

 

Thanksgiving Week...Truly Thankful!

We had an absolutely awesome Thanksgiving!  And talk about busy!!!  It started with Nicki's first basketball game Tuesday night.  They were incredible!!!  Way to go "Pickle"!  Then Jordan got in Wednesday afternoon.  We were so busy I actually don't even remember what we did Wednesday evening!  We were just busy busy prepping for the big day.  Thanksgiving was great.  Everyone pitched in and dinner was fabulous!  The Sister Missionaries came over for dessert and talked and played games with us.  We had no idea Sis. Falemoa was allergice to pecans and she had Butter Pecan Ice-cream!  Her tongue started swelling and we had to call around the neighborhood for some Benadryl.  Never a dull moment at the Schofield's!  She's was laughing about it though and we checked on her the next day and she was just fine.  Whew!  Friday we went to see the movie The Blind Side.  Everyone loved it.  Great story!  Saturday we went to dinner, saw Savior of the World, and saw the Christmas lights on Temple Square.  Nicki gave a great talk in Sacrament Meeting on Sunday.  We can't believe how grown up she is!  Then Sunday afternoon we decorated the tree.  Sunday was also Lance's 21st birthday!  Yeah!  Oh oh....we received a call from a sister he baptized on Friday night.  She wanted a recipe for Mom's infamous wings for Elder Ririe's birthday dinner.  My heart did 20 extra beats when I told her to make him help her with dinner because he KNOWS how to make those wings and she told me he was standing right there!  Oh the temptation!!!!  Really, I was perfectly happy just knowing he was loved and was being looked after by a fantastic family.  And that was pretty much our week.  We were sad to see Jordan go back to school.  It was fun to have the family together again.  Jordan kido, we can't wait for Spring Break!!!!  And a big congrats to Tawni and Terry on their temple sealing!  We're so excited for you and wish so much that we could have been there!

BEWARE...CHILDREN AT PLAY!

Okay, chalk this one up for most embarrassing moment!  Or gratitude for an awesome husband and helpful ward members!

So, the story goes like this.  We're sitting there in Sacrament Meeting and it's nearing the end, when Nicki whips out some Smarties and hands a few to Tanner.  I teasingly try to steal one and Tanner quickly draws his hand away.  Dennis reaches behind me and gives Tanner a little tickle-pinch on his side and says something like, "Be nice to Mom."  All very playful!  Well, Tanner has a very strong reflex when Den does this and lurches his head back.  Where does it land?  Right square in the middle of Mom's face!!!  I grab my face and Den quickly asks if I'm okay.  All I could think about was how bad it hurt.  I removed my hands from my face and saw blood. I quickly stood up to walk out and told Den he better follow me.  Good thing we were sitting on the back row!  We made it as far as the foyer when I started feeling dizzy. (Oh why why why didn't I just lay down on the bench??!)  Next thing you know I'm being carried down the hall out of the way of a hall full of people and kids running to primary.  Blood all over me, passed out, and wanting nothing more than to throw up.  Thank heavens we have a million nurses in our ward, a few of which ran to my aide!  Talk about embarrassing moments!!!  After what seemed like forever and a day laying in the hallway with freezing cold and wet papertowels all over my face, arms and hands covered in blood, and various men's suit jackets over me (I was freezing and couldn't stop shaking not to mention my legs had to be held above my head) Den took me home where me and my nose recouped for the rest of the day.  Nicki and Hunter said Tanner was in full blown tears after seeing me walk out of the chapel.  I thought....ahhh...he was probably scared to death!  But....oh no.....apparently he was upset that he was going to be GROUNDED and that's all he could think about!  Nicki said it took a while to calm him down before he could go to primary!  Poor kid!!!  Definitely one to go down in the journal and a BIG lesson in reverence for the Schofield Family!  And I don't even LIKE Smarties!

Needless to say Tanner is NOT grounded and mom and nose are both doing fine.  Eyes may be a little blackish-gray this morning and way tender, but all is well.  Too bad it wasn't the Sunday I had to teach my  lesson!  haha

We Are Thankful...

We know it's a little early and this should probably be our post for next week instead of this week, but I'm afraid I'll be so busy that I won't have time to post!  Here's a list of just a few of the things we're thankful for.  See if you can guess who said what!  :)

1.  Our family
2.  A warm place to live
3.  Den's new bike
4.  Legos
5.  That Elder Ririe is serving a mission and doing awesome!
6.  That were able to serve others
7.  Friends
8.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ
9.  Fall leaves (until we have to pick them up)
10.  A good rainstorm
11.  Flatirons
12.  Vacations
13.  Mom's cooking
14.  Someone to love and being loved in return
15.  Basketball
16.  Long letters from Lance
17.  Temples

Leave a comment and tell us what you and your family are thankful for!

S C O R E !!!!!!

Yes!  She made it!!!  Now I can stop living on Tums and Rolaids and not be so grumpy!  Congrats Pickle!  We knew you could do it!  Now let the games begin!  And welcome to our chaotic and wild life for the next 4 months....but we wouldn't have it any other way!

Go Nicki! Go Vikings!!!

Today starts a whole new level of stress and chaos in the Schofield household... the first day of girl's basketball tryouts for Viewmont High.  I'll have knots in my stomach for the next two days crossing fingers and toes and praying all goes well at tryouts.  Then if/when she does make the team a whole new chaotic world begins with practices 6 days a week and games every Tuesday and Friday for the next 4 months, which means up to 12 hours a week of watching games for us between Sophomores, JV, and Varsity.  She's trying out for JV this year.  We know you can do it Pickle!!!!!  MWAH!

Schofield's Welcome Their New Addition To The Family!

She doesn't have a name yet, we just call her "Sweeeeeet" for now.  She's absolutely beautiful and definitely Daddy's pride and joy!  hahaha!!!  We all love her to death and everyone loves to "play" with her.  Meet Dad and Mom's new hobby!  She's a 2008 Victory Kingpin.  She's quick, she's quiet, and she's quite comfy!  We can't wait for warm weather again so we can get out on the highway!

That's What Halloween Is Made Of!

Jack-o-lanterns galore, front door decor, costumes with gore...that's what Halloween is made of!  Trick-or-treating with friends, candy with no end...that's what Halloween is made of!  Scarey movies downstairs - OUCH, watching football on the couch...that's what Halloween is made of!  Wishing you were all near so we could share in the "fear"...that's what Halloween is made of!

"Nerm" Heads Back To School Today!

Ding-Dong the flu is gone!!!!  Knock on wood!  "Nerm" headed back to school today after a week of being home with the flu.  He was bouncing off the walls yesterday.....definitely a good sign and a major signal that it was time to head on back to school!  Let's keep our fingers crossed that no one else comes down with it!!

"Nothing Makes You Feel Better....."

I learned a long time ago that when you're going through a rough time, or having a bad day, or are just stuck in one of those blah moments, nothing makes you feel better than doing something for someone else.  For me it usually seems to be making something in the kitchen.  It's gotten to the point where if I'm busy in the kitchen the kids will either ask "what's wrong" or "who is this for".  And that makes it sound like I have a lot of yuck days!  On the contrary.  I think now its just become second nature but, yes, it still makes me feel good no matter what the reason!

So yesterday was Sunday.  Early Sunday morning I received a phonecall from someone in the ward that I don't know very well asking if I could please take her place in nursery as she had a really bad cold.  I would've LOVED to take her place in nursery (it's a calling I've always wanted!) but it was my week to teach Gospel Doctrine and "Nerm" was still home with the flu so we were all "tag teaming" and taking turns staying home with him.  (Which, by the way, he is feeling MUCH better and could MAYBE go to school but I'm being an over protective mom and having him stay home until EVERY little cough and sniffle are gone.  His fever broke on Friday night!!!!)  It turns out that several people in the ward/neighborhood were home sick with the flu or a bad cold, so we decided to make our infamous carmel corn and take it to some friends and neighbors that we knew weren't feeling well.  I know Chicken Soup would've been better, or maybe even chocolate, but we were on a time crunch and this was something that was quick and everyone could help with (with the exception of "Nerm" who still wasn't allowed in the kitchen) and was the next best thing!  "Rosie" also made some Jell-O for one of her friends that wasn't feeling well.  The best thing was we were able to laugh and spend time together while at the same time doing something for others, which in turn made us feel even better (and my guilty feelings for having to say no to nursery went away).  I hope this is something the kids will always remember....to put others before themselves, to serve with a happy heart, and most of all that service simply makes you feel better even if its the simplest task.

UPDATE!!!

The doctor just called and it's 100% positive.....Tanner definitely has H1N1 - Swine Flu  :(
He's doing a little better today but we still can't break the fever.  Say a little prayer for him!

BREAKING NEWS: H1N1 Hits The Schofields!

And we were being sooooo cautious!  We even got our regular flu shots the other night for our family night.  Not sure how this happened.  Well,  that's not altogether true.  I am pretty positive it was no doubt from germs at school.  "Nerm" woke up this morning hotter than Haitis, coughing, dizzy, and achey all over.  An early morning call to the doctor (only to find they are booked until next week) sent us driving over to Instacare this morning.  Doctor said he has every symptom in the book and she's 95% positve he has H1N1.  We'll know for sure tomorrow afternoon when his rapid test comes back.  (Which, by the way, doesn't seem very rapid!)  They ran a throat culture to rule out strep just in case.  Sure enough, that was negative.  Poor baby!  Nothing is worse than seeing your little ones sick and knowing there's not a whole lot you can do except try to make them comfortable.  I should mention that the doctor said NOT to give him Tamaflu as they are finding it is causing mental confusion and hallucinations in children.  Hope everyone loves their new matching masks because I think they just became a fashion staple in the Schofield house!  We'll keep you posted!

"Warming" Up The House!

Okay, even though I'm not a huge fan of the weather turning colder, I have to say I always look forward to fall because I LOVE making the house feel warm and cozy and decorating the house in those wonderful fall colors.  There's just something about those fall colors and the yummy scent of spiced cider candles that make everything seem a bit more peaceful.  It must be a mom thing!   I remember my mom being the same way.  And though sometimes as wives and moms we might think our efforts to make things feel a little more calm and cozy this time of year go unnoticed, I bet if we were to forego hauling out those boxes with all the fall decorations in it one year we would surely hear about it!  And, in a way, that is recognition enough.  Trust me, they probably look forward to it just as much as we do.  So if you haven't already yanked down those dusty boxes from the garage, or merely scattered some fall leaves on your mantel or dining room table, get up and do it today!  Then light a candle, sit down for a moment and count your many blessings that make your life so "warm."  I promise it will be one of those moments you come to love and look forward to....and your family will too.  "Warming" up the house, one of life's greatest pleasures!

"Come Listen To A Prophet's Voice"

What a blessing it is to be able to hear the words of our beloved Prophet!  I know we sometimes take all of today's technologies for granted, but what an amazing thing for the church to be able to broadcast conference world wide in 92 different languages!  And to think we'll soon have over 150 operating temples around the world!  How blessed we are to live in this dispensation and have the fullness of the gospel in our lives and to be able to share it with the ones we love the most! 

"A Legacy of Love"

Family!  Is there really anything better?  And how well do we actually know our family, know our ancestors and where we came from?  Den and I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the memorial service for his Grandma Helen this weekend in Milbrae, CA (pictured here with her sisters, Lee, Audrey, and Joy.  Helen is the young girl in the top center).  What an amazing legacy of love Helen left behind.  What an amazing woman!  What an amazing family!  It was so nice to finally meet Den's aunts, cousins, and family friends and to learn more of that side of the family and spend time with them.  We were also able to drive the few minutes away to Burlingame and see where Den was born and grew up; from the hospital where he was born to the field where he played little league, to the high school where he has MANY fond memories.  How great it was to finally see the things we've heard so much about over the years.  And the stories!  So many many family stories!  It was the perfect weekend and I'm sure Grandma Helen would've loved every second of it.  Family!  Nope, there's nothing better!

Den's Great-Great Grandmother Florence Bills

(Far left)

"Falling" Back In Step!

I can't believe it's the first day of Fall already!  Where did summer go?  Do you ever feel like you just fell out of step with everything?  That's the way this last month has been; I just feel like we've fallen behind in just about everything and need to get back in step!  We've done a little more with the house remodel this month adding granite countertops in the bathrooms and kitchen.  What a mess!  But I have to say we love it and it was well worth it!!! (Thanks honey...shmily!)

And then it was on to the next "remodel" project which was surgery last week for me (Kim).  That makes it sound like it was some sort of cosmetic surgery...haha...if only!  Trust me...was NOT elective and I'm glad I never have to do it again...but how much I've learned in the last couple weeks.  Things like you are often served by the people you are least likely to expect and not to ever deny people the chance to serve.  I've also learned that when the chips are down you really find out who your friends are.  And last but not least, and this isn't something I had to learn but was reminded of, I have the best family in the world.  I couldn't ask for a better husband or kids (although I did discover just how dependent our kids are when it comes to mom cleaning the house....did I really not teach them all that?).  I wouldn't trade them for anything!

Our other news this month was the passing of Dennis' Grandma Helen.  We were so sad to have her go but are so thankful for the Plan of Salvation and the knowledge we have that family's are forever and we'll be able to see her again someday.  What a blessing it is to have that knowledge that we sometimes take for granted.  Her funeral will be in San Francisco on September 26th.

So now you know why we've "fallin" behind a little...but hopefully we'll be able to stay on track for the next little while.  By the way, everyone is doing great!  Lance just got transferred outside of Spokane back to a more rural area and is more than happy to be out of the "ghetto" and with a companion from Utah!  Jordan is getting used to her life as a college student but did come down with Shingles of all things!  Poor kid!  She sounds like she's doing much better this week.  Nicki is busy as ever with X-country now and Powder Puff Football.  I don't think she ever sleeps!  The boys are great and keeping busy mostly by teasing each other non-stop on a daily basis.  But I don't think either one of them would have it any other way.  They both get bored out of their head if the other isn't home.  Bruthaly luv!  Den is getting ready to take his motor cycle safety course.  He's hoping to get a bike so that he can play with the big boys.  Saturday football just isn't enough these days!  I'm excited too (it really is a pretty bike honey...just do it!  :)  And me, well I'm just happy to be out of bed and able to spend time with my family...and actually looking forward to the day when I can dust and vacuum again. And I never thought the day would come when I would say that!  Haha~

School Days! School Days!

Was it just me or did summer just fly by way too fast?!  I can't believe the first day of school is already here!  With backpacks loaded, lunches packed, and mom's traditional first day of school pictures taken, they one-by-one headed out the door.  Ready or not, they shall be taught!  I usually love the first day of school and have ever since I was a little kid.  But today for some reason I'm feeling a little sad about it.  Maybe it's the fact that summer seemed to zoom by this year, or the fact that Lance is on a mission and Jordan is starting her first day of college today. And I can't believe Nicki is a junior this year, Hunter is a freshman, and Tanner is a 4th grader!  And maybe it's just the light rain outside (yes, can you believe rain on the first day of school, which right at this moment is no longer on the light side!  Kind of nice though).  Whatever the reason, I'm feeling a little nostalgic today.  Maybe that's called old age!  I can remember every first day of school since Lance started preschool.  I always feel a few nervous butterflies for the kids on their first day.  Since they won't admit to having them I always tell them I have enough butterflies for all of us!  I do the typical worried mom thing and worry about them making new friends, finding their way, doing well in school, and not eating lunch by themselves if their friends don't have lunch the same period.  And you know what, with all that worrying every year it always ends up just fine!  I can't wait for them to come home this afternoon and hear about their day, or read Lance's email, or get Jordan's phone call this evening.  And I hope they all started out their day knowing how much we love them and how proud we are of each and every one.  Yep, we are definitely blessed to have the greatest kids in the world!