Evening Post

Christmas Eve with the Gearhart Family is always entertaining.

With the promise of a gift to open the night before Christmas, talents are displayed for all to enjoy.

Alli played her recorder with beauty and grace,

Ainsley told jokes with laughs and a silly face.

Claire showed us her speed at stacking cups,

and cousins alike showed us "waz up!"

Family talents were shown as well.

Mostly singing, harmonizing like bells.

GP, that's Grandpa, showed us his magic skills,

cutting large oranges and burning dollar bills.

Grammy cheered for the whole Gearhart clan,

and Great G&G Gearhart read a story about a jolly old man.

Thomas and I performed with pictures to fear,

and a song about Santa's special reindeer.
Best of all, who stole the show?

But Santa the Clause shaking his mo-jo-jo.

Finishings.

Button Accessories were made.

Martinelli's Delivered.

And all the gifts actually did get wrapped.

I may have survived Christmas.

Jollies.

Are you feeling like this too?

Trying to get all the last minutes done?

Just wait, take a long, deep breath.

This feeling too shall pass.

And we'll be able to enjoy,

the taste of the Holidays.

Only 3 days to go.
One vehicle to pack.
(Good luck with that Thomas.)
12 hours and 600 miles to drive.
(Ditto Thomas)
Unpack.
Wrap every single Christmas gift I have.
Unwrap.....
and then.........
RELAX.
Vacation time!!!!!

I win Ladies...

Oh now, don't be sad, we all knew it would happen.

It's true I am making an official announcement.

I win the Mother of the Year, no the Century AWARD.


All because of this beautiful little shiner my 15 month old now beholds.

The story, "Oh he fell." Oh wait, he doesn't walk yet. Yes, that's right he's 15 months and doesn't walk and he still only has a single tooth. Why would he need to walk he has 5 other family members that dote on his every whim.

Ok the real story. I am such a classy lady instead of me taking my kids for a walk, I allowed them to take themselves for one. Alli was taking the dog, Claire was riding her scooter and Ainsley was thrilled to be pushing Rainier in the stroller, all buckled up safe and sound. They were going to the mail box just up the street and I figured all was well. That is until I heard the door swing open and Alli was crying louder than Rainier.

Apparently Claire bit it on her scooter, and she bit it good, landing flat on her belly. Alli being the kind hearted sister she is immediately went to her aid, tied the dog to the stroller and checked on Claire. All the while Ainsley had let go of the stroller and the dog decided she was not done with her walk. Bolting away, taking stroller, and baby Rainier with her. The stroller overturned and Rainier was brought back to me with a humongous goose egg on his noggin along with some nice pavement streaks all across his face.

So ladies, I'm sorry I win, and if you were thinking maybe your husbands could snag a victory for you, Thomas is close to stealing the crown for Father or the Year award with his exemplary acts tonight. We were doing some "Secret Santa" drop offs and were allowing the girls to drop the gifts off and run, well they're a bit slow, and we're a bit anxious, so as Alli lost her flip flop on the run back our anxiety heightened, the girls just barely got their last toe into the car and Thomas punched it, burned some rubber, and almost broke a few of our children's bones, inducing a cry fest for the ride home. Oh the merriment!

So don't be jealous when the Gearharts take it all.

My recommendation to you, and you, oh and you too!

My life, it's changed. It's true I am an entirely different woman, a different mom, a different wife.

What?

Why?

Well let me tell you why.

Recently I started running at the gym (no, believe me, that's not why I have changed). Since I was running on the treadmill at the gym, two things I hate treadmills, and running, I needed something to entertain me. What?

I swiped Tommy's IPod. He has always asked me if I wanted one, but I have always said "No." I didn't see the reason. I drive from point A to point B in about 3.4 minutes every day and I take classes at the gym where the instructors have their own music, so I really had no use for one. That is until I found the magical, amazing, power the IPod has. Like I said, it's changed me.

As I was saying, I swiped Tommy's IPod, got through my horrible run a bit easier with the distraction of music, and as I was driving home from the gym I kept it in. I was digging some tunes so as I walked in the door, I kept those earphones in and I happily strolled in. What happen next? I kept those puppies in for the next 2 hours and my life has been different ever since.

There are no more children in the background "Mom, she said this." "Mom, I don't want to!" "MOM, MOM, MOM, mom, mom, mom, mom, MOM!" no more squealing laughs, you know those ones that shouldn't make you mad because your kids are just happy but they hurt your ears and head so much, you can't help but be irritated. There are no more fights, no more kids playing games instead of doing chores, no more cries or whines...all there is, ladies and gentlemen, is pure bliss followed by your favorite tunes.

There is now a more patient mom, one who might be working a bit harder with those tunes blasting in her ears and little distraction, an understanding mom when it takes her daughters 2.49 hours to clean their room, because I didn't keep reminding them every 1.2 minutes that they should be working instead of cleaning, and a happier mom, because come on, music does put you in a good mood.

So my recommendation for mothers, headphones: INGENIOUS. I'm just sorry it took me 10 years to figure this baby out. And if you already knew this sweet little secret why didn't you tell me?

Oh and as a side note, and possibly a warning, it may not be wise to leave the said magic maker in, all day, all the time. That might amount to harm, disaster, and unwanted surprises. Also the husband doesn't think it's so cute when he's talking to you and your bobbing your head. But it does offer a little sweet relief on those days when it's much needed.

Oh and sorry Tommy, I think you just lost your IPod. Better luck next time.

Jolene's questions on Christmas.

Why is it that the happiest time of the year is actually the most stressful time of the year?

Does everyone go from one Holiday event to the next, hoping that you really did get all the chocolate/I don't know what, wiped off your child's face since you didn't have time to have them take a shower before the perfomance?

Why is it easier to set up a Christmas tree all alone than to have "help?"

Why do baby boys have to turn into little boys, who like to throw everything on the ground and exclaim "Ball!" while they do it?

How come I LOVE shopping every day in every month except in the month of December and can I really do this for umpteen more years when I am already running out of gift ideas?

And last, but not least, when will my children be old enough to figure out that all those bags in my closet can be opened and start sneaking peeks instead of just looking at the bagd and asking if those are their Christmas presents and walking away when I answer "Yes."?

I don't look forward to those days either.

Got Served.

This Season our Family did a little bit of service, below are a few emails that describes why and how it happened. I guess I will admit to being too lazy to write all about in its entirety right now.

11/01/2009

Hello Friends and Family,

I am generating a mass email asking for help. This past general conference was an inspirational one for our family, particularly President Monson's talk on service. As a family we decided that we would do a service project this season. One to help others, two, to learn work together as a family on a common goal, and three to show our love for our Savior who has blessed us with so much. After doing some research and some leg work we have decided we would collect socks on behalf of a non-profit organizations called Comfort Socks. http://www.comfortsocksonline.org/ This organization collects new, adult sized athletic socks on behalf of the homeless and distributes them nation wide. Now you may ask why socks? The answer is simple: comfort. It just feels good to put on a new pair of socks, and this warm and comfortable feeling can help to ease the pain of someone who feels lost or forgotten by this world. Socks are an important part of health and a constant need for homeless people, who are mostly on their feet, and often do not change socks on a daily basis.

So now the help request. Our family will be collecting socks until November 30th,and we would greatly appreciate your help. For those of you who live here in town, if you would like to donate we would be happy to pick up your donations, or if your children attend Sunset Hills your children can bring your socks into school. We were thrilled when the elementary school the girls attend said the could help out with the sock drive. If you live out of state sock donations can be mailed: via US Postal Service to:Comfort Socks - PO Box 477 - Supply, NC 28462To send us socks via UPS or Fed Ex - please contact Theresa Tese at 910-269-8577 for the address.Or you can send them to us and we can send them in with all that we collect. Also if socks aren't on the docket to donate or your willing to help out some more, the organization has asked for me to collect cards of well wishes made by children to hand out with the socks. The director says that it lifts the spirits of the homeless tremendously to receive a homemade card. What a great FHE activity to do. (hint, hint). :) We sure hope this email reaches you all in safety and happiness and thank you for any help you can offer towards are family goal.Please feel free to forward this email to anyone you think would be interested.

Thanks Again.

The Gearharts

12/10/2009

Dear Friends and Family,

I had quite the morning this morning as I was able to tape a shipping label on quite a large package. I must admit to you all that I was filled with an incredible amount of warmth and love as I stuffed each and every last sock I could into that box. Thank you so much for helping our family out in our very first attempt at our own service project. As a whole we were able to collect more than 350 pairs of socks and over 100 hand made Christmas cards for the homeless, equaling a total of 52 pounds! This was no small feat for sure and we would not have been able to accomplish this without the help of you all. My heart is filled with gratitude for those of you who put forth your resources to donate and help out. We feel so blessed to be part of such a great world, a great community, and a great family.

Thanks Again.

The Gearharts

Theresa, (Founder of Comfort Socks)

The reason we wanted to do this is because this past October was an inspirational one for our family. We are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and twice a year our church has meetings, called General Conference, where we have the opportunity to listen to prominent leaders of our church give us guidance and spiritual up-liftment. Our family was particularly inspired by our church president, Thomas S. Monson's talk on service. After listening to his talk we decided that we would do a family service project this season. One to help others, two, to learn work together as a family on a common goal, and three to show our love for our Savior who has blessed us with so much. After doing some research and some leg work I came across your listing for help on the United Way website. Comfort Socks seemed like the perfect fit for our family. Having small children, Allison 10, Claire 7, Ainsley 6, and Rainier 1, its not easy finding a project that your whole family can do together. We liked the idea that we could do this from our home, on our own time, and invite friends and family to help out.

We were so excited when our school agreed to help out and were able to hold a month long sock drive there. My children were thrilled with the idea and were more than pleased to be able to tell the teachers that their family was the one responsible for the drive. My daughters teachers were very supportive and had their classrooms make cards for the cause also. This experience was one of much worth for all of those involved. It gave each of us, young and old alike, a common purpose and goal. Unfortunately the Walmart sock drive didn't work out, time got away from us, but we were thrilled to have collected more than 350 pairs of socks.

Thank you for the opportunity to be able to help your great nonprofit organization out and allow our community to grow a little bit closer because of it.

Thanks Again.

Jolene Gearhart

Great, Thanks.

What a great Thanksgiving we had this year.

The week flew by fast as we spent time with our families in Utah.

Thanksgiving week made us even more thankful for...

(in no particular order)

Rainier Boone who will now proudly wear this hat for a good 10 or 15 minutes and give a good hearty laugh about it.

There's nothing quite like truck stops in Panguitch,UT to supply you with a beauty like that.

My Dad, for playing with my kids all week long. Taking them to the park, painting with them and even organizing a scavenger hunt for them.



Nancy, for taking such good care of us, making us great meals and keeping her pantry stocked for all of our needs. Not to mention she is one dedicated shopper like me.

The fun guy in the middle, and Rainier's cute cousin who is only a month younger.

Being able to see Thomas' parents for a day.
They flew in to spend Thanksgiving with Thomas' younger sister who lives in Salt Lake.

Grandpa Rentz and his willingness to give tractor ride after tractor ride, especially when Rainier would crawl up to him, put his arms out and say "Vroom, Vroom."

My old college roommate Emily, for meeting us at a Chick-Fil-A so we could catch up and I could see her super cute boys, who waited so patiently while we talked to go and get a Transformer.

I'm so excited she is having her first little girl in a few months, she is going to be such a fun "girly" mom too.

The opportunity to go see the Teels, some old friends who moved out of our ward. Nothing like 7 girls reuniting once again.

For all of the good family times we had....

and all of the extra love we developed.

For our Colorado Cousins taking time out of their Thanksgiving trip to California to make a pit stop and go bowling with us and our other Utah cousins.

For little boys and their deep obsession with any kind of ball.

For sharing.

For the way all the cousins get along so well.

Ditto....

And last, but certainly NOT least, this Thanksgiving week made me more thankful for:

my sweet, fun sister, and her crazy willingness to watch 8 kids for 24 hrs even when my baby had an ear infection. She's the best.

Forgotten

My handsome husband does a lot for me. Like that beard, he grew it for me. Pretty nice huh? Anyways the weekend before Thanksgiving he did something really nice for me. He loaded up all of our luggage, no swearing at all (well I wasn't really around so I'm not sure) and we started our Thanksgiving vacation a bit early.

My bff, Cindy, from high school was getting married in San Diego. So we left Friday evening, dropped off the kids at my sisters at 11:30pm and made it to San Diego around 1am to check into our hotel room, got a little shut eye and got up and ready the a 10am wedding.
(Are you impressed that she and I can hold a basketball in our hands like that? I am a true baller I tell ya.)


My other bff Kathleen was going to be there also. So Tommy was going to get to be part of a sweet reunion for sure.

We were pretty inseparable through the high school years. Since I was the only kid left at home I think my parents were happy that I had close friends to keep me entertained and keep me company. Every day after school I would go to Cindy's house, we'd eat her moms leftover dinner from the night before, she was an awesome cook, and then we'd spend numerous hours talking about who knows what.

I think either I spent the night at Kathleen's house every weekend or vice verse and during the summer I think we just spent weeks on end at each others houses. I have many fond memories spending time with these girls and a few hard ones as well. They were there for me when my mom died, spent the night with me that night and all, they were there at the funeral, and their parents were there to help try to fill a hard void afterwards.

I'll be frank and say I was a dumb high school teenager and probably had the hardest break-up of my life when Kathleen and I ended our friendship. (Why are girls so mean in High School?) I have to laugh a bit when I think of the aftermath of our break up with each of us dropping off the others things. I literally had a black garbage bag of her things, and she the same, apparently we had already moved in with each other. We tried to patch things up, but it was off to college and onto our perspective new lives.

Needless to say I was a bit nervous about attending the wedding. We all have kept in some sort of contact through out the years, but I hadn't seen either one of them in over 8 years.

Thomas and I arrived in the nick of time, after getting lost when our hotel was less than a mile away and the first person I saw was Kathleen.

It was a great day. I had forgotten how much these girls mean to me, how much their families had done for me and what a deep impression they had on my life. I think that in my family we run away from high school thinking we never should look back, but this was a lesson to me, that every part of our lives, whether it is in immature years, or mature years, they are important and there for a reason. We are all here in this life to buoy each other up, to learn from eachother and to try to do better.

I think our lives take certain paths for a reason and that at different times we come into contact with different people. Whether it's so we can support them, or they can support us, I truly believe that our Heavenly Father guides our friendships in life for a direct purpose. I'm sorry I wasn't the best friend I could have been to these girls in high school, I was young and stupid, but I was so happy to have had the opportunity to 'rekindle' my friendship, to be able to partake in some of their joy and learn of some of their sadnesses. To be able to let them know how impressed I was with how beautiful of people they are and what great lives they live. And Also to be able to speak with their parents again and let them know how important they were to me. It is sort of cliche to say but I am so grateful for the opportunity. I had the opportunity to be there and to have had all of these emotions and lessons taught to me. Maybe I'm not able to express them all exactly the way I would want them to be said, but it truly was an eye opening weekend and I hope never to forget it.

The wedding was beautiful, right on the ocean and the spirit grew stronger with each truth being told. The pastor spoke of marriage being between a man and a woman,that it is ordained of God and that without God in our marriages we have nothing, that love is kind, love is not selfish, and that love is not prideful.

I'm so grateful for my marriage to this great guy. For the gospel we have in our lives, and for the unending support he gives me through all of our many adventures in life. He truly is my best friend.

Admission.

I will go ahead and admit to you...I really am a little CrAzY.

(Don't worry, I am pretty sure my husband is aware of my issues.)

Spirit week was this week at school, and I loved it.

I'll admit to you that I was so proud of Ainsley when she was the only one of my girls who dressed up for opposite day. Turning her clothes inside out and walking into school with a grin and a huge amount of confidence, strutting her stuff.

She definitely is my daughter.

Sports day came next and all partook of the fun.

Alli was so excited to wear her dad's retro Bronco hat.
Claire sported an old soccer jersey.

And Ainsley one-upping them all and playing along with me,

decided she would wear a tennis jersey, softball pants, and earlier in the day had soccer socks on to commemorate all of her favorite sports.

Decade day was a blast.

I will admit to you that the day before decade days, I folded clothes for 2 hours while watching "Can't Buy Me love" and found my inspiration for Claire (80's rock chick) and Ainsley (jazzercise princess). I love their poses. Alli decided she would wear her new tie-dye shirt and be a hippie. She looks great too I believe.

I will also admit that my kids absolutely cannot believe that I grew up in the 80's and lived sooooo long ago. Ainsley asked me "If they even had any bands way back then." When I answered "Yes, it wasn't that long ago." she quickly asked "Well did you even have I-Pods?"

Crazy hair day was next.

I'll admit that crazy hair day is my AbSoLuTe favorite day of spirit week.

Ainsley wanted to have feathers and be a bird. How could I be any happier when I heard this request? See also insisted in these photos she should be looking at her nose. Thus she followed through with her thoughts. Silly girl.

Claire Bear, who is a bit more shy, and who had a field trip to go on, was thrilled with this bun-hawk. We tied it up with different color bows and she rocked it pretty well I must say. She is such a cutie.


And Allison, oh poor Allison.
I will admit that she is crying in this photo I told her we could take it out but she said she didn't want to disappoint me. I told her she wasn't and that she should take it out if she was uncomfortable with it. But she decided to wear the Christmas tree on her hair anyways.

We had fun making ornaments with green ribbon, holiday buttons and bells. She was quite worried she was going to get sent home for being a distraction to her classmates though. How I wish they didn't put a ban on "painting" hair this year. It would have looked so lovely with green hair and red ribbon. None the less, I think she looks great as is though.

I will admit that all in all it has been a fantastically fun week for me, I just hope it was for the girlies too. :)