The Skidmore Blog

Be my Valentine

2012-02-14T21:56:00.001-07:00

Ever since I got married I dreamed of the day I could get the kids at the kitchen table and do all these fun, wonderful crafts together. I obviously love crafts but Darren HATES anything artistic. I gotta be honest, every year I push less and less to any attempts to do any art projects with him but for some reason I kept having this nagging feeling that I should try to keep Darren connected to the family and try to express love for them, especially because we don't see them that often.
So after some complaints we were able to get Darren involved in making "hugs" for family members ( I bribed him with twizzlers haha). I believe at the end he said something like "it wasn't so bad after all". Mission accomplished, Cupid!
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! :)

Darren is my Universe

2012-02-07T14:44:00.001-07:00

From time to time Darren will find topics that are extremely fascinating to him. Together we have learned everything about THX (surround sound ), floor plans, volcanoes, weather systems, planets, coins, movie ratings, the Titanic, ancient cultures, and many more. Most of his free time nowadays is spent on line looking into cosmology and different theories of the universe, its formation, evolution and ultimate fate. Yes, it's exhausting! Most of the time I have no clue what he's talking about and the answers to his questions are hard to find and extremely complicated to explain...at least to me anyway. Darren is very bright but let's not forget he's still 7 years old and some things are just too hard to understand, like physics, theories of relativity, math, etc.
In trying to nurture his desire for knowledge I went, yet again, to the library to find books about his new interest. The question is, how long are these books going to last him before I have to go back and get some more?

Darren and astronaut Kent Rominger

Darren is a very special boy, with a special way of thinking. Many of his strengths come because of his diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome, he's helped me see the world in a different way and even though this comes with MANY challenges I can also see the MANY BENEFITS of being an "Aspie". Yesterday, as I was doing some research, I came across this website called yourlittleprofessor.com and I read an interesting article on the benefits of Asperger's Syndrome. Here's some excerpts:

Many people who are experts in Asperger Syndrome such as Dr. Teresa Bolick, Dr. Tony Attwood, and Dierdre Lovecky write about the positive aspects of Asperger Syndrome without focusing on the idea of genius. Lovecky notes how Aspies often have advanced vocabularies, recognize patterns others do not, and pursue ideas despite evidence to the contrary because they are not easily swayed by others' opinions. Their ability to focus on details and their inability to see the big picture means they can often come up with solutions to problems others overlook. Aspies are often willing to spend long hours in laboratories and in front of computer screens because they do not mind being alone. All this enables them to make tremendous contributions at work and school. Author Patricia Bashe points out that people often admire those who can work independently. She writes, "Our society celebrates the individual who does what he thinks is right and goes his own way."

This is so true, Darren won't take a no for an answer until it makes sense to him, he has that ability to focus on specific things and analyze them in detail. He won't drop a topic until he has exhausted every article, every book, every detail.

Norm Ledgin wrote a book called Asperger's and Self-Esteem: Insight and Hope through Famous Role Models which claims that thirteen giants of history - Marie Curie, Albert Einstein, and Mozart among them- also had Asperger's Syndrome. Some people believe that Shakespeare, Jane Austen, Charles Darwin, Galileo, Pablo Picasso, Benjamin Franklin, Margaret Mead and Aristotle had Asperger's Syndrome.
Lately authors are adding Bill Gates to the list of famous Aspies because of his lack of social skills, inability to make eye contact and tendency to rock back and forth coupled with his obsession with technology. Diane Kennedy, an author and advocate for AS, writes, "They are our visionaries, scientists, diplomats, inventors, chefs, artists, writers and musicians. They are the original thinkers and a driving force in our culture."
Hans Asperger, the German doctor who discovered the syndrome, would agree with Kennedy's assessment. He believed that "for success in science or art, a dash of autism is essential. The essential ingredient may be an ability to turn away from everyday world, for the simply practical and to rethink a subject with originality so as to create in new untrodden ways with all abilities canalized into one specialty."

So I say to Darren: go ahead, explore away and don't give up until you find the edge of the Universe! Mom will keep going back and forth to the library until you get all your answers...Because I love you :)

UPDATE:
I did go back to the library the next day, Darren had to come with me because apparently I didn't get enough "information" *roll eyes*. As we were looking through some books I showed him one and he looked at the author's name and said : "Stephen Hawkin!!" and I said: "Do you know who he is?" his response was: "no, but I've read his theories" BAHAHA. Yes, we checked them all out :)

When there's a will...

2012-02-05T13:54:00.000-07:00

Last week Darren was in charge of vacuuming the kitchen, dinning area and living room. Just like most kids he wasn't thrilled...but when mom and dad want him to get something done we usually find a way... :)
Thanks Darren for the clean floors, too bad they won't last clean that long.

Shadow Box Bank

2012-01-30T10:47:00.001-07:00

Darren usually needs a specific goal to work towards during the school year. We set expectations about his daily behavior at school and jobs around the house and we reward his efforts accordingly. Darren has been wanting an ipod for a while, but he knows he has to work hard to earn it. I came across a really neat blog that gave me the perfect solution to help Darren and keep him motivated.
It's a shadow box bank and if you want the instructions on how to make one go here. She has other great projects!
This is our version of the ipod bank. We are guessing that Darren will have enough money in about 10 weeks. Let the count down begin!

Serger: A new adventure

2012-01-29T17:47:00.002-07:00

For the longest time I've been wanting to go back to the things I enjoy the most. Being creative. I love making crafts and I love sewing. My mom bought me my first sewing machine when I was 15 years old and I have loved it ever since. I got my bachelors degree in Fashion and Textile design back in Aguascalientes, Mexico and worked at Vianney for a number of years.
I've seen the young women in my ward struggle finding clothes that are cute and modest so I think I will experiment with some of these things and see where it takes me to. I gotta admit, I feel intimidated, I haven't done stuff like that in years so I feel overwhelmed but I know that every time I put my mind into something I usually figure how to get it done.
One of the reasons why it's taking me forever to get started is because I didn't have a serger. But not anymore! My sister Cynthia, who is by the way, the best sister ever (well Monica is pretty awesome too!) generously purchased/donated a serger so that I can get to work and hopefully feel successful.
Cynthia, thanks for always having my back...

The best thing about having a sister was that I always had a friend.

~Cali Rae Turner

Daniel, thanks for supporting me in every crazy adventure and playing with Darren every time I need to get stuff done.
If you try to call me or text me and I don't respond it's probably because I'm in the basement playing with my new toy :)

http://thesewingdivas.wordpress.com/category/book-reviews/

It's a new day

2012-01-29T13:26:00.000-07:00

After 4 years on the Young Women program of the church I was finally released last week as their president. I really had a AMAZING time and I learned a lot from the girls. It was an emotional Sunday for a lot of us but we made it through and now I look forward to serving in my next calling as a Sunday School teacher. Darren was so extremely worried I would have to go to the nursery because, according to him, those babies are full of germs YUCK haha.
I'm also glad I was able to complete my personal progress and earn my YW medallion and honor bee before I was released.
If you know me, you know that I love quotes and this is one that talks about changes:

“All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy;

for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves,

we must die to one life before we can enter another.”

This change in callings really came at the right time. We will be having Darren's therapy sessions every Wednesday so we are super excited to get this going! I'll be able to focus more on him and Daniel. Change is hard, but also good.

Today is a good day. It's a new day :)

P.S.
I love all my sweet young women!!
Moroni 8:3

Reflections

2012-01-13T14:42:00.001-07:00

After much begging, Darren accepted to enter the annual Reflections contest at school. The main idea behind this contest is for the children to express themselves artistically with a common theme which this year was "Diversity means..." The kids can participate in different categories and Darren decided to do photography and literature. For the first one he took a picture of his giraffes and named it something like : "Diversity means... friends can be different" and for the second one he wrote a story about him going to a planet where only giraffes live and how they learn to accept the little human boy even though he's different. Of course the story is full of adventure and chasing and some things that only would happen in Darren's mind HA HA. Darren made it to the next level :)
Here's some pictures of Darren getting his awards from school and district levels.
Good job Darren!

Rock Star

2012-01-12T22:44:00.001-07:00

Last Sunday Daniel found the hideous 80's "shutter shade" sunglasses in Darren's room. He put them on and this is how the conversation went...
Me: Darren, does dada look silly?
Darren: *looking at Daniel* NO!... He looks JAZZY, like a Rock Star!
Bahaha

Carmen Skidmore: The Running Machine

2012-01-10T13:49:00.004-07:00

Many of you probably realize that Carmen really likes running. I mean she really likes running. It is difficult to really express how much. This link will help a little bit though to understand the dedication and love she has for the sport.

The running is the perfect example of Carmen's approach to all she does. If she does something, she does it 100 %. What a great example to all of us.

Congratulations Carmen, we are so proud of you.

Click here: Carmen's 2011 Running Totals

How it's made: CD Player

2012-01-08T22:26:00.002-07:00

A while ago our big tv broke and we had to get a new one. That's when Daniel had the great idea (and I say it with no sarcasm) to sit down with Darren and take it apart to see "how it's made". I really love how Daniel saw the opportunity in something that was just plain trash to me to spend some quality time with Darren doing "boy stuff". I guess you really never know how those little things can affect your child and the relationship you have with them and Darren taught me an important lesson on how the so called "little" things can spark curiousity and desire of a child to be with you. Now, we must have THE worst luck with electronics because we just had to replace our kitchen CD player [ugh] and as Daniel was about to throw it away Darren said: "I have a better idea! Let's take it apart and see how it's made!"
So here are the boys exploring inside the "mind" of a CD/ Radio player...oh and building their relationship....

Autism Journeys

2012-01-06T23:17:00.000-07:00

Today we had a great visit to the "Autism Journeys" treatment center. We spent a couple of hours with the director talking about Darren's strengths and weaknesses. We loved the facility and the services they offer...gosh, I just wish they were a little closer. It really made me want to buy a house in Lehi!

This place seems to have a very unique and comprehensive way to treat children on the spectrum. To be honest, we are mostly thrilled with the idea of a therapist(s) providing services in our own home and at Darren's school. The evil side of me wants to see the reaction of the school's staff when we bring a team of professionals to watch Darren in his own environment, evaluate what they see and write recommendations MWAHAHA...

We are hoping to look more into the packages they offer and get started with some of the therapies (after seeing the fees we would like to suggest lottery tickets in the future for our birthdays ha ha). Even though Darren has really improved A LOT since his Asperger's diagnosis 3 years ago, we feel like we are not doing much progress lately so we wanted to find something that will give us a new sense of direction and hope. It can get pretty stressful around here.

Part of Darren's success will come through loving parents that are prepared and willing to make changes for him so a big portion of the training will be for us, parents. We want to embrace Darren's uniqueness and at the same time help him achieve his potential. He deserves it.

"Exceptional human beings must be given exceptional educational treatment, treatment which takes into account their special difficulties. Further, we can show that despite abnormality, human beings CAN fulfill their social role within the community, especially if they find understanding, love and guidance.”
-- Hans Asperger

Reyes Magos

2012-01-06T18:36:00.000-07:00

Today, in honor of my mexican heritage,we're celebrating at home the "Dia de Reyes" which means "The day of the kings". In Mexico this is a special holiday that emorates the three wise men who traveled from afar, bearing gifts for the infant baby Jesus.
The children in particular look forward to this holiday as traditionally, it is the three wise men who are the bearers of gifts, who leave presents in or near the shoes of small children.

At home we mainly celebrate this day with the traditional "Rosca de Reyes" (King's Cake) and baked inside is a small plastic figurine representing the baby Jesus. The truth is we just love to eat sweet mexican bread and delay any attempts to diet.

"Buen Provecho"!

Falalalala....Christmas Highlights

2012-01-05T12:43:00.001-07:00

Better late than never. Here's some photos from Christmas. Darren loved everything he got! I have never seen him so happy... Oh Santa, you are the best!

The Spirit of CHRISTmas

2012-01-04T20:03:00.000-07:00

Every year we try to make Christmas a little more meaningful, centered on the Savior. The Friends magazine had a little story called "A different kind of Christmas tree" on the December issue (click here to go to the article) and we decided to do something similar. We made a Christmas tree out of construction paper and each one of us made 4 ornaments. Every morning, for twelve days (until Christmas day) we would take turns and find a scripture that talked about Jesus Christ ( baptism, atonement, love, etc. you get the idea), then we would write it on the ornament and tape it to our tree. This gave us the opportunity to think about what we had read throughout the day and apply those same principles. I loved how Darren really looked forward to do this every day and "decorate" our paper tree. This is something we will definitely do next Christmas.

A New Year

2012-01-04T16:12:00.000-07:00

It's been 2 years since our blog was updated and I really wanted to be able to share some of the things we do and experience with our family and close friends. I really don't like the "New Year's resolutions" thing, the "resolutions" usually fade away before I even set the goals, but I've been really wanting to have a place (not Facebook) where I can write about our family and share with those that we really care about.

I gotta admit, I'm not the best writer in the family (that's Daniel's job) but who cares, right? Ha...Welcome back to the roller coaster of our lives! (cheeeesy!)

"Be yourself. Above all, let who you are, what you are, what you believe, shine through every sentence you write, every piece you finish."

Rub-a-dub-dub

2009-04-09T19:04:00.001-06:00

Darren having a blast with a bubble bath. Thanks Carmen

Better Together: Darren and Daniel Video

2009-01-22T22:52:00.000-07:00

Carmen got her creative juices going and put together an awesome video showcasing Darren and I hanging out after my two races last year; the City Creek 8K and the Layton Classic 10K.
Darren was so excited after both races. The 8K pictures are right after the race when we took a walk in the great City Creek Canyon. We paused by a river and tossed rocks in. Darren really got into the rock throwing and then of course he ran down the canyon as fast as he could look for rocks to throw in whenever he saw even a little bit of the river. It was a beautiful day.
After the 10K we also went for a short walk and ended up sitting in the Layton Park. Carmen, Darren, Bebe Giraffe, and I sat and made up stories. On this particular day Darren was telling us about his building. Exciting facts such as how tall it was, what type of rooms is in it. Darren has such an imagination.
Special thanks to Carmen for putting these special pictures together in such a wonderful way.

Darren is Super Why!!!

2008-11-11T22:59:00.000-07:00

Darren for Halloween wanted to be Super Why . A very appropriate costume since his power is to read.
Darren looked awesome and he really got into it this year. Running around and yelling, "I am Super Why, with the power to read"

Grandma Skidmore with Super Why

Grandpa Skidmore with Super Why

Carve that Pumpkin

2008-11-11T22:36:00.000-07:00

Our pumpkin carving had two special guest this year, Grandpa and Meguire Burnett. Grandpa helped Meguire with hers design, the Cat by the window and Carmen did the Witch design and the customer design Bebe Giraffe for Darren. I did the Skull.

Darren and Meguire

The Team

The Corn Maze

2008-11-11T22:05:00.000-07:00

We went out to Black Island Farms in Syracuse this year to get our pumpkins and go through the corn maze. Darren's friend and our neighbor, Meguire Burnnett, came along to make everything more fun. We were impressed at the set up that Black Island Farm had. In addition to the corn maze and the hay ride they also had a lot of fun slides.

The Oasis of the Hay Field

"I thought you were checking the map?"

We did the Ronald McDonald part on the right

Time for some sliding fun

Shouldn't of had those 5 donuts for breakfast.

Meguire- Action Shot

Darren takes his Pumpkin selection serious.

Darren Loves Mini-Golf

2008-10-10T22:42:00.000-06:00

Darren's new favorite thing is to play mini-golf. He has a fantastic sweeping technique that usually puts him at 14 over par on each hole but who is counting? At least we know we are not. He has gotten a lot better and has started the last few times actually hitting the ball (as apposed to sweeping it) into the hole.

We have played Eagle Lake (Roy), Swan Lake (Layton), Fat Cats (Ogden), and Toad's (North Ogden).
When ever he puts the ball in the hole, which usually occurs a few times on each hole, he jumps up and cheers "YEEAAH, I did it!!!" It is awesome the sheer joy he gets from it. Not to mention our enjoyment watching him. He is also learning to encourage us also. Every time Carmen or I put the ball in the hole we are rewarded with the high pitched shout of , "Way to go Carmen!!" or "Way to go Daniel Roger!" (yes that is really my middle name).
So while you are inside reading this we are most likely enjoying mini-golf somewhere along the Wasatch Front.

FOUR!!

Hole in 1!

I...(GASP)...Made....(GASP)...It!

2008-10-10T19:01:00.000-06:00

The Classic 10k

It is done! I have completed my 10k in a blistering 1 hour and 2 minutes. The weather was perfect and Darren and Carmen were there cheering when I finished. Take a look at the above picture and I will answer you question, "yes I was as tired as I looked".

The first half of the course half was up hill (not fun) and the second half went down hill (even less fun since I was tired).
After the race we walked in the Layton Park for a while. Were chased by ducks, and had donuts. We also stopped by a tree and Darren told stories. Below are a few of our favorite photos.

A great day!!!

Let the Debate Begin!!

2008-09-04T07:35:00.000-06:00

Happy Thursday everyone! I am excited about this post since it is all about interaction. Below are two pictures comparing Darren to me and to Carmen respectively. Give them a look and then lets hear who you think he looks like. Special thanks to Carmen for some how getting the exact same poses from Darren that Carmen and I have in our baby pictures.
Take a look and then cast your vote in the poll to the right. : ) Thanks

Darren and Dada

Darren and Mama

He is Reading!!

2008-09-01T09:45:00.000-06:00

Carmen has started transferring our old videos to the computer. Among the videos moved so far is this gem. One of the first examples of Darren either repeating words he had memorized or reading. We think this video was recorded just after Darren turned 2 (around 2 years and 3 months). Take a look at the beginning of Darren already starting down the road of being much smarter than either of his parents. Notice that he Says "Boynton" when Carmen asks the author's name.

Oh My Oh My Oh
Dinosaurs!
by Sandra Boynton

Dinosaurs HAPPY
and dinosaurs SAD.
Dinosaurs GOOD
and dinosaurs BAD.
Dinosaurs BIG
and dinosaurs TINY.
Dinosaurs SMOOTH
and dinosaurs SPINY.
Dinosaurs WEAK
and dinosaurs STRONG.
Dinosaurs singing a
dinosaurs song!
Dinosaurs COLD.
Dinosaurs HOT.
Dinosaurs CUTE
and dinosaurs NOT.
Dinosaurs EARLY.
Dinosaurs LATER.
Dinosaurs crammed in an elevator.
Dinosaurs PLUMP,
dinosaurs LEAN.
Dinosaurs RED BLUE YELLOW and GREEN.
Dinosaurs looking right at YOU
to say GOODBYE because we're through.

City Creek 8K - DONE

2008-08-30T12:27:00.001-06:00

After 8 weeks of intensive training (coke, chips, and I only ate at Macdonald's once a week) I ran the City Creek 8K. It was half trail half street. The first half going up hill on the trail was difficult but the street portion running back was much nicer.
Carmen and Darren were there at the end and we had a nice walk in the City Creek trails and park after.
My finish time was 53 minutes. By comparison the best time was 32 minutes and there was a 15 year old girl who did it in 35 minutes. So I am proud that I did it but I do have a lot of room to improve.
Next step, the Classic 10K in Layton on September 13.
More pictures to the right.

Large Truck Threatens Small House

2008-08-30T12:15:00.000-06:00

Dateline: Roy UT. August 28, 2008
Reports of a strange man in a very, very large truck parking menacingly in front of small house. Emergency Menacing Truck Investigation team has been dispatched to gather additional details.

Truck's arrival

What is that coming out of it?

Viewer discretion advised.
Warning the following image might be considered disturbing.

He emerges menacingly

We LOVE you Grandpa!!!

Happy 4th of July

2008-07-03T15:01:00.001-06:00

I hope you all enjoy your 4th of July Weekend. I hope that over this holiday while we enjoy our time with friends and family we can remember what we are celebrating. I hope that we can remember the celebration of this great country and for the divine freedom's we enjoy because of her.

Please take a moment to watch Red Skelton's amazing rendition of the Pledge of Allegiance.

May you and your be safe and have fun!

Happy Birthday Darren

2008-05-19T17:35:00.000-06:00

The sun rises over the Wasatch Mountains as it has for centuries. But this day is different for it reveals the throng of hyper, playful children descending upon the Skidmore home like Urukai from the Lord of the Rings Novels. They descend upon us in record number quickly outnumbering the adults. Why have the these blessings of energy come to our home? What is the reason for this insanity? Why today is Darren's birthday party. May the birthday party god have mercy on our souls.

Ok, enough drama. Saturday was Darren's stated birthday party. We invited Darren's friends and classmates from his preschool and his church class. Carmen was afraid that nobody would come and 'break his little heart' but thankfully twenty-one of them came (did I just say that?). And yes, a party with twenty-one guests makes Darren officially more popular at 4 years of age than Carmen or I ever have been... or will be for that matter. A fact that couldn't make us happier. :)

Darren is still into Lighting McQueen (the movie Cars) so fans of red and blue would have enjoyed our back yard. In addition to our trampoline and swing set we had a bean bag game, pin the tail on the donkey, egg races, and the ring toss games for everyone's enjoyment. It is also worth mentioning that Darren's train set was a big hit with the kids also. It took considerable effort to pry some of them away from it (yes Martin, I am looking at you young man).

Darren had a great time with all of his friends. They particularly enjoyed the pinata and the Lightning McQueen themed cupcakes.

So at the end of the day Darren and his friends had a fantastic time, and as a added bonus all twenty-one children went home alive and well. The Skidmore house was victorious against the onslaught.

Do you have any funny birthday stories to share? Feel free to type them in the comments for all to enjoy. Thanks!

Vote for David!!!!!

2008-04-06T21:53:00.000-06:00

In the Skidmore House after 7 years of firmly avoiding anything involving American Idol it finally found a way into our live. And what, you might ask, was responsible for our sudden involvement in the Idol Mania? A young boy from Utah of all places named David Archuleta. Yes this young man with the voice of an angel who can cause the knees of teenage girls to quake and more mature female fans to dream of adoption.
All kidding aside, he is a great, humble young man with amazing singing talent. And hey, any one who can make Paula Abdul say the following is worth paying attention to.

"I want to squish you, squeeze your head off and dangle you from my rear view mirror."
-A Half Way Coherent Paula Abdul

So to sum up, watch American Idol on Tuesday's nights and VOTE for David Archuleta. Carmen thanks you from the bottom of her heart and with all her soul.

Check out this YouTube for a taste of David's talent.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=1jgmCegf7WY

Happy Easter!

2008-03-22T21:30:00.001-06:00

Darren smiling with the Easter Bunny
For my thoughts on the true meaning of easter please click here.

Wonderful Wubbzy Fun

2008-03-15T14:52:00.000-06:00

One of Darren's (and frankly ours also) favorite cartoons right now is WOW! WOW! Wubbzy. As Darren has learned to handle the mouse and the computer better he has discovered the joy of video games (aaahh a child after my own heart). Especally Nick Jr. and Noggin video games. The WOW! WOW! Wubbzy games make him laugh hysterically. Carmen has captured Darren enjoying one of the Wubbzy games for all to enjoy.

Enjoy!!!

Dia De Reyes

2008-02-11T22:37:00.000-07:00

After New Year's Day the Mexican holiday season is not quite over. On January 6 most of the Hispanic world celebrates El Dia De Los Reyes Magos or the The Day of the Three Wise Men. This holiday remembers the day when the Three Wise Men followed the star to Bethlehem and gave treasured gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh for Baby Jesus. In the past this was the traditional gift giving holiday but as the years have gone by and the influence from the United States has gotten stronger Christmas has become more and more the popular holiday for gift giving.
On January 5 we went to the Mexican bakery (located in Ogden of course) and purchased the traditional Dia De Reyes dessert, Rosca de Reyes, it is an oval sweetbread, decorated with candied fruit. When we arrived home Darren was very impressed stating, "UUUUh, That is a BIG donut!" Carmen and I couldn't stop laughing.
Inside each Rosca is a figurine of Baby Jesus and a lot of symbolism. Further explained below:

"Hidden inside [each] delicious Rosca, a plastic figurine of the Baby Jesus. The Baby is hidden because it symbolizes the need to find a secure place where Jesus could be born, a place where King Herod would not find Him.
Each person cuts a slice of the Rosca . The knife symbolizes the danger in which the Baby Jesus was in.

One by one the guests carefully inspect their slice, hopping they didn't get the figurine.

Whoever gets the baby figurine shall be the host, and invite everyone present to a new celebration on February 2."
Reference here

That night we enjoyed our really "big donut" or Rosca de Reyes with a traditional hot flavored milk called Atole. There are many different flavors of Atole but we enjoyed Strawberry.
Then Darren placed his shoes by the Christmas tree (also a tradition) for the Reyes to leave his present in. Then he ran off to bed. The next day he discovered The Reyes had left him a book and a wrist watch.
The fact that we were celebrating part of Carmen's culture clearly made all of us very happy and we had wonderful time.

If You Need a Reason To Be Thankful.

2008-01-30T09:34:00.000-07:00

Nothing is more honorable than a grateful heart.
Seneca - Roman Philosopher
Often as we go through life we get over whelmed or run down. Sometimes our vision gets so clouded by obstacles and clouds of life that we lose sight of our ultimate destination and even the beauty of the ground we are treading on.
If that is the situation with you today and you are feeling a little down or maybe even a little sorry for your self I wanted to share a shocking story with you. Poor Haitians resort to eating dirt. If you want to read the full account you can click here but to sum up Haiti's poorest can't afford even a daily plate of rice and so some are taking desperate measures and eating mud cookies. The cookies are made of dirt, salt and vegetable shortening. Unfortunately for many they are becoming a regular meal.
My purpose in this post is not to make any of us feel guilty for the many blessings that we enjoy but only that if at some point we feel like complaining about something we are about to eat or about some circumstance in our lives that we feel are unfair. I hope that we can think about what some people in this world have to do to survive.
Maybe that thought will help us all be a little more grateful for the life and the challenges we are given to overcome.

So This Was Christmas!

2008-01-28T22:26:00.000-07:00

Christmas has come and gone and we are experiencing what seems like one of the snowiest winters ever (starting a week before Christmas), and Darren really being aware and excited about Christmas and Santa Clause. So as we walk through the snow (a lot of snow) and frost covered days of January there is a chance of us feeling a little blue (have I mentioned that it has snowed a lot?). At these times I like to think of a James Barrie quote that is a favorite of President Thomas S. Monson, "God gave us memories that we might have June roses in the December of our lives." So this entry is dedicated to the memories we made this Christmas that will be the June roses for the Decembers of our lives for years to come.

For pictures of the below Christmas events please see the pictures to the right labeled Christmas 07.

The Lights at Willard Bay
Every year the the camping area at Willard Bay is transformed. We tried to go last year but our attempt was on Christmas eve and when we saw the line of 40 waiting cars stretching towards the freeway we decided against it. Looking to avoid a repeat of that joy we decided to go early in the Christmas season. Thankfully the crowd was very small and we were able to get right in. We had much fun that we went around three times. We especially enjoyed the Disney characters, the dinosaurs and the telling of The Night Before Christmas. We hope to have some hot chocolate and go on a sled ride next year.

Temple Square
No Christmas is complete without a Trip to temple square. With all the hustle and excitement of the the holidays any place that can slow things down and remind you what is really important is a special place. Temple Square is one of those places. The cold air nipping at your ears is not enough distract away from the peace you feel as you walk around the House of the Lord looking at the beautiful lights, and meditating upon the simple beauty of the Christus.

Sledding
The waves of snow allowed us to go sledding various times. Including two or three times at the Burnett's house. Darren was much braver that I expected. Even demanding to go off the jumps. The biggest adventure was when we went to Syracuse High School. This new high school about 15 minutes away has a Football field behind it and the hill going up to the bleachers was perfect. Darren again demanded to go off the jumps. Carmen even got into the game. It was all fun and games until we hit some deep snow and Darren got a nasty white wash. He had enough after that but he showed how sweet he is when after Carmen or I would slide down the hill he would come and brush the snow off of us and ask us, "hey Dada [or Mama] are you OK?"
We still got some good sledding in and had a great time.

Christmas Gift Delivery
Christmas time is most enjoyable when we share time and presents with friends and family. Over several nights we piled ourselves into the great white Explorer adventured out to play Santa Clause.It truly is better to give than to receive (I can't believe I am saying that).

Building the Snowman
Yet another benefit of the sudden arrival of heavy snow was building our first snow man with Darren and our cute neighbor girl,Maguire Burnett. Carmen, Darren and Maguire provided the muscle to shape the incredibly awesome snowman and Kelly Burnett provided an fantastic snow man kit to finish it off.Maguire and Darren finished their fun in the snow by sliding down a hill that Carmen BUILT. Yes you read right, Carmen built a small hill for the kids to slide down. Is she not amazing? They also got their boots off to jump on the trampoline. What a great day for Carmen and the kids.

Christmas Eve Dinner
We are constantly trying to include more traditions from Carmen's culture. One tradition that we have had since the inception of our family is the importance of the Christmas Eve dinner orNoche Buena. The night starts with a dinner we prepare together. This year we had a delicious Pollo en Salsa Verde (chicken with Green Sauce), with carrots, rolls and dessert. After that we all chose something that we are willing to give to Jesus for his birthday. We choose things like a bad habits to give up, or Darren says he would share his toys with Jesus. Finally we set out Milk and cookies for Santa and some carrots and magic feed for the Reindeer. After that we had to get to bed so Santa would come.

Christmas MorningWe must have been good boys and girl this year because we were very blessed on Christmas day. Darren was so excited with all his presents but especially with his kitchen, his chefs tools, and his pirate ship. Carmen was way to good to me and I was spoiled as always. Carmen also had a wonderful adventure. I setup up a scavenger hunt so she had to follow 9 clues until she finally found her present hidden in the shed in the back yard. It was so funny to watch her jump through the foot deep snow in her pajamas to the shed, open it up and see the present in a blue bag. If you are interested she got an IPOD Nano with various accessories. She would say that I spoiled her but as we all know she deserves it.

Christmas Lunch
My Mom and Dad decided to spend Christmas with my sister Teresa's house so this year instead of going to my parent's house Maren and David invited us over for a simple lunch. We were happy that my Mom and Dad were able to make Teresa's Christmas more special by being there and we felt blessed that even with my Parent's away we were able to enjoy the blessing of family. Thanks to Maren and David and their wonderful children for having us over. Darren always has a blast at their house and the food was great.

Thank you to everyone for your love and Friendship and thanks for sharing and enhancing our lives. We love you all. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

The Polar Express

2007-12-16T14:44:00.001-07:00

Our Trip to the North Pole!!

Oh Christmas Tree!!

2007-12-13T20:13:00.000-07:00

The day after Thanksgiving officially kicked off the Christmas season at the Skidmore house. We continued our tradition of decorating for Christmas the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Darren was into it for a few minutes this year....

but as usual the Great Carmen had to do the bulk of the work.....

What was my contribution well I was the designated motivator and Historical Documentor. Sounds important and trust me it was. After nearly half a day of hanging and taping, and sticking our house was definitly in the festive spirit.

The train is a new addition this year

of course the crowning achievement is the TREE!!

In the end we were feeling the Christmas spirit not only in our house but in our hearts as well. Aaaaah, that was poetry.

Halloween 2007

2007-11-21T21:50:00.000-07:00

This Halloween was fun because it was the first year all of us really dressed up. Darren at first wanted to be Po from the Teletubbies but thankfully he decided to be Mr. Incredible.

He of course looked awesome. We were a little nervous that he was going to be excited at first and then when Halloween came he was going to decide not to wear it like Rocket from The Little Einstein last Halloween.

He didn't disapoint as you can see. He really got into it and enjoyed wearing his Mr. Incredible costume for several days straight. Even wearing the mask as you can see every now and then.

Carmen also lead the way by getting excited about being a pirate this year. That in turn got me excited to play along also.

We all went as a family to Truck n' Treat.

Welcome to the Skidmore Family Blog

2007-11-15T19:51:00.000-07:00

Thank you for visiting. We hope you enjoy your time here as we share with you our exciting adventures and special moments.