The Dark Side

From Director Jay Fear comes the thrilling tale of

Darth Dexter

Enjoy!

We Wish You a Fuzzy Christmas!

Christmas was wonderful! A day full of family, fun, and food ... what can be better than that?!?

Unfortunately, I won't be able to show you much of it because our camera was out of memory and the only pictures I took were on my new Christmas present (an iPhone!), which turned out pretty fuzzy and/or dark since I'm apparently a technology dunce.

Oh well. I was able to capture a few moments, but frankly I don't feel up to uploading them right now. Feeling lazy after weeks of Christmas prep and other responsibilities, I suppose. What I will show you is this:

Everyone's favorite present, the trampoline from Papa! There was much happiness all around when it was revealed (set up temporarily in the garage).

Later in the day, it was moved outside:

Then, it was placed in the hole Jay and his brother Jack dug out of the hillside over the last few weeks. (We had to tell the girls we were digging for a garden....)

Then, the enclosure was added (thanks, Jack & Chris, who did all the work!), and the jumping commenced!

We've only taken a break for Sunday, but you can trust that on Monday we'll be out there, bouncing again. It has definitely been the hit of Christmas! Thanks, Papa! Now we just need to get to weeding the backyard, creating a path to the trampoline, etc. By summer, I hope it is a place that the kids will gladly spend the majority of their days. :) I'm sure I won't be a stranger to the trampoline, either ...

Sometimes words aren't necessary...

(But close-ups are!)

Thanks, Macio & Aunt Kate!

Angel in Orangevale

Tonight, on our way home from cutting down our Christmas tree, we stopped to pick up a set of Jay's uniforms from the dry cleaner. The kids and I waited in the car as Jay ran inside. The minutes passed slowly. I could see through the large glass window that something was amiss, and Jay looked slightly frustrated. As another customer entered, Jay turned to leave the store - without his uniform.

"What's going on?" I asked.

"Their credit card machine isn't working," Jay said with an exasperated sigh. We had been to the dry cleaner earlier, but were asked to come back because they were still working on Jay's jacket. The items were actually supposed to be ready on Tuesday. It wouldn't have been that big of a deal, but Jay needed his jacket for work, plus we were all hungry, including the kids. (And if you know anything about me at all, you know that patience is not my best virtue in normal circumstances, but especially when I am hungry.)

Just as Jay was about to start the car so that we could go to the bank and get cash, the other customer opened the store door and flagged Jay down. Wondering what the man needed, Jay got out and talked to him. The car door was left open, so I heard the man ask Jay if he was short on cash to pay for his dry cleaning. Jay explained the situation, and the man said, "Come back in, I'll get it for you." Jay protested, but the man very kindly persisted. They walked inside, with Jay still protesting. The dry cleaning bill was just under $30, so I knew Jay wouldn't actually let him pay for it.

I watched them through the large glass windows, wondering what was happening. The man said a few things to Jay, smiled a warm smile, and shook Jay's hand. Jay responded, and then the next thing I knew he was coming back into the car, dry cleaning in hand. "Why did you let him pay?" I asked.

"He insisted," Jay said. "He told me 'Merry Christmas, and pass it on.'"

It was one of those random acts of kindness you hear people talking about, but you very rarely experience. I was honestly shocked that a complete stranger would spend $30 of his hard earned money on us, but I was also very touched. What an example of selflessness and Christlike behavior. What an example to Jay and I, and to our children, about serving in the moment. And what a way to begin the Christmas season.

To the stranger at the Orangevale dry cleaners ... thank you. Your small act of kindness has made a lasting impression, and we will definitely "pass it on."

End-of-November Festivities!

Our Thankful Tree (on top of awesome paneling... don't be jealous)

This year, we celebrated Thanksgiving on Saturday due to Jay's work schedule. Saturday also happened to be Calvin's 1st birthday. A two-fer! It was also the very first time in our 8 1/2 years of marriage that we tackled Thanksgiving all on our own. I think we did a pretty good job, if I do say so myself.

No fancy table arrangements, but some really, REALLY good food, mostly courtesy of Jay and some new recipes he got from a former chef that he works with. But, I was in charge of the homemade rolls and pie ... and let's face it, what is more important than pie on Thanksgiving? (Don't say "turkey," because everyone knows that pie trumps turkey any day of the week.)

What's Thanksgiving without a little olive theft?

Cal's birthday party was possibly the most low-key birthday celebration we've ever had, and that's saying something. Just the six of us and a few presents ... perfect! Anything else would have sent Dexter into a complete tailspin. He already had a hard enough time watching Cal open gifts. He kept screaming, "No! MY birthday!" and grabbing the gifts. This is what he looked like 80% of the time:

Poor guy. It's hard to be two.

Calvin didn't seem too disturbed by Dex, though. He just straight-armed him when necessary, screamed when he needed to, and played the rest of the time.

Here the girls prove that you are never too old to play with talking magnets:


I didn't want to bake a cake in addition to the three pies I made, so Cal had the unique privilege of being our only child to ever receive a birthday pie! (I have a feeling I will only be able to get away with this for another two years, max.)




The whipped cream was a hit ... the pumpkin pie, not so much. At least in Cal's opinion.

Overall, it was a successful and happy day. I felt so blessed to be with my family to celebrate all the many things we are grateful for, including the birth of our little (?) guy! Happy Birthday, Cal Browns. We love you to pieces!

Hi-YAH!

Tonight, not long after I had tucked the girls into bed, Beatrice came down the stairs, followed closely by Natalie.

"What do you need, Bea?" I asked.

"I'm just scared of the dark," she cried.

I responded sympathetically, "No you're not."

"I'm just afraid someone is going to take us," she exclaimed, burying her face in my stomach.

I gave her a big hug and reassured her that she was safe, our home was safe, I was here and I wasn't going anywhere, etc. That's when big sister Natalie chimed in, "I'm here, too, Bea." She paused. "And I can kick really high in the front."

I don't know about Bea, but I know I'll sleep a little sounder tonight...

My Kind of Girl

I found this "to do" list of Natalie's the other day (I hope this doesn't embarrass her, but it was too cute not to share):

In case you can't read it, it says:

5th Thursday list

Clean room, if it's messy

Play with Bea and Dex (the Dex part got cut off)

Play Nick Jr.

Go to school

Solve a mystery

Make my bed

I just love that even after a full day of solving mysteries, she will still remember to make her bed.

Pumpkins, Costumes, & Candy - Oh My!

Despite all attempts from our nemesis, the flu, we made it to the pumpkin patch before Halloween!

We fed goats, picked out our pumpkins, listened to Calvin scream, and balked at the price of a train ride. ($5 per person!) We came home with a wagon full of pumpkins, and on Halloween day, we carved them to pieces!

The day before Halloween was a busy day, with a parade at the school, and Trunk-or-Treat at the church that evening. We had a wonderful time at both events, and the kids really enjoyed dressing up in their costumes.

Saturday was trick-or-treating in our neighborhood, and I have to say, I was really happy with the experience. We live on a circle, and it was hoppin'. Families came out in droves, and even the groups of teenagers were dressed up. (I really hate when teenagers come to the door with no costume, their pillowcase thrust in your face. I don't think so.) Anyway, their was a friendly spirit in the neighborhood, and we were happy to be part of it. A big thanks to my mother-in-law, who passed out candy while Jay & I chaperoned the kiddos... you're the best!

Calvin, squeezed into a costume one size too small. Mobility is highly overrated anyway.

Dexter finally agreed to wear a costume. What a cutie!

Natalie, looking like the teenage sleuth herself, Nancy Drew:

Bea, wearing Jay's awesome creation - a shower:

(yes, it was inspired by a movie)

She got quite a bit of attention wherever she went. People were taking her picture at the door, and summoning loved ones from inside to take a look as well. She seemed to enjoy it, but I started to worry that all the attention would take a toll on Natalie. Natalie was a trooper, though, and didn't show any signs of jealousy, even if she felt them. She loved being Nancy Drew and taking notes in her notebook. And although Bea really loved her costume, I think she was happy when it was time to take it off. It was certainly not an easy thing to walk around in. She only fell one time though ... much better than I expected!

I hope everyone had as fun of a Halloween as we did.

OH! How could I forget?

Happy 31st Birthday to Jay, the love of my life. "One year older and wiser, too..."

Too bad he'll never catch up with me.

Coming Up Out Of The Fog

I don't want to jinx anything, but I think it's possible we are finally becoming ourselves again here in the Fear household. We've been sucker-punched by the respiratory flu, which started with Natalie and made its way through the rest of us, one by one. It's been a miserable 10 days. All of us, with the exception of Natalie, are still nursing one or more symptoms, but thankfully we are all finally on the mend.

I am very happy, though, that the fog of sickness seems to be lifting just in time for Halloween. We already missed one party, and we're not keen to miss any more. The girls are actually allowed to dress up at their new school, and there will even be a parade! Hooray! I loved Halloween parades when I was in elementary school, and was more than a little bummed when their previous school did not allow the tradition.

I don't think there is a costume contest at the school, though, which is a shame, because Bea would totally take it this year, as is her birthright. (Jay and I have both won quite a few costume contests in our time - no wonder we are a perfect match.......... what? Too sickening?) Jay made Bea's costume and I'm so excited to have her wear it. Natalie's costume is adorable as well, but I'm afraid people won't know who she is. I'll know, of course, since it was my childhood dream to *be* this person, but we'll see if anyone else can figure it out.

But anyway ... enough talk about costumes. There are so many things to do this week that I don't know why I'm still typing. I should get off the computer and:

1) Decontaminate my house, which looks like a mob came through it just to use every clean dish and throw used tissues all over the place.

2) Determine if it's worth sorting through the mountains of unfolded laundry to figure out what's really clean, or if it's easier to just throw it all back in the wash.

3) Figure out what I'm going to do for Jay's birthday, which is this week...

4) Finally go to a pumpkin patch with the kiddos, assuming there are any pumpkins left.

5) Find the cheapest place to buy Halloween candy, since word on the street is we get *a ton* of trick-or-treaters in our neighborhood. Not to mention our church's trunk-or-treat celebration. Jay thinks we should just buy candy for trunk-or-treat, and then use the candy the girls get that night to give out to the neighborhood kids on Halloween. I of course have ix-nayed that idea, but he seems determined, so I'm going to need to be extra vigilant.

There are many more things to add to the list, I'm sure, but I better stop if I want to have a chance to actually accomplish something today. Have a great Halloween everyone ... and whatever you do, don't get caught swiping your kids candy. Take it from me, it's very embarrassing.

What Service!

Ever since General Conference, we've been trying to emphasize the importance of serving others, as taught by our prophet President Monson.

I guess Dexter has been paying attention! :)

Results x 2

#1 - the results of our family pictures are in! When Jay and I first viewed them, we were alternating between cracking up and exclaiming, "awwww!" Thanks to the wonderful Shannon Montez for the great experience and the great results. You can view the 3 minute slideshow here.

#2 - Remember those apples we picked? (I hope so, it was only one post ago!) Here's the "before:"

And here's the "after":

Jay and I had a blast making the pie together. He tackled the crust, and I must say he did an excellent job. I had the last piece for breakfast this morning. (After the girls went to school, naturally.)

Adventures in Apple Picking

We continued the exploration of our new area with a trip to Apple Hill, a group of 56 apple farms and orchards (and lots of bakeries, to boot). We had a wonderful time, full of apple picking, cider drinking, and baked-good eating.

When the healthy point of your day is a hot dog, you know it's been a good day.

I think we've found a new Fear family Autumn tradition, although next year we'll have to start in September and squeeze a few more trips in before the season ends. There are a lot of apple pies to be made and consumed, you know!

Let the baking begin!

Now I'm Second Guessing Myself, Which Is Nuts

When I was in my mid-twenties, I went to fashion design school. That fact may not be apparent by my outfits on most days, but it's a fact nonetheless. At said school, my favorite class was color theory, where we spent Saturday morning painting and walking around Union Square analyzing the department store window dressings. Twas great fun. I felt that I had a knack for putting colors together, but more in an interior design sense than in a fashion sense. (I really stunk at designing clothes.)

But anyway, as I was saying...

I actually didn't stink at pairing colors, and have since prided myself on only ever changing my mind about one paint color I've chosen (back at "the house with the red door," as Natalie and Bea remember it). Well...

Make it two.

I picked out a new paint color for our dining room chairs, and although I really like it with the table color, and I like it with the new wall color, I don't know if I like it all together. There is something not quite right about the room, and I can't put my finger on it. I'm quite flummoxed. Maybe it's the whitewashed sideboard. I don't know. Jay thinks there is too much of one color (even though it's two different shades). Maybe it's the two different shades that are the problem.

Maybe I just need new curtains. (That's the story I'm trying to sell Jay.)

Here is a sneak peek - don't look if you have a moral opposition to painting wood furniture.

I won't show you the whole room since I'm not happy with it and it will likely change. I already drug dragged took the boys to Lowe's this morning and came home with every paint chip they offer. I will conquer this!!

Thank goodness we bought a paint sprayer.

P.S. - I will be seriously impressed if someone can tell me where my post title comes from without looking it up.

Sneaker

See this face?

Cute ... innocent... would never do anything sneaky, right?

Well, he does like to empty out cupboards when I'm not looking...

...but that's nothing compared to this malfeasance:

Jay was trying to hide the Oreos on his lap but made the mistake of putting his right ankle on his left knee, thus creating just enough space for a 10 month old hand to slip through and make his move. Nothing is safe from Cal's sneaky little hands.

And look at how he's wagging his finger at us, taunting us. We're going to have to be much more vigilant about our secret snacks from now on.

I Can Make That For 5 Bucks!

Whenever my mom, sister, and I go shopping together, it's inevitable that one of us will pick up some cute scarf/purse/picture/vase/whatever, look at the price tag, then scoff and exclaim, "I can make that for 5 bucks!"

Of course, none of us have ever gone on to make a duplicate of the cute scarf/purse/picture/vase/whatever, but today, all that has changed!

I bought Dexter a little boy tie on Etsy the other day, and when it arrived, my initial response was (say it with me) "I can make that for 5 bucks!" Of course, I only paid $8, but that is not the point. The point is that a few days ago I took the Etsy tie - which turned out to be a tad snug for Dex - and made a larger pattern out of it. Then I grabbed some fabric scraps and sewed away.

The Etsy version. It was the fabric that sold me.

My paisley version. Cost? Free.

Super easy! Now if only he'll wear it. It was quite a spectacle trying to convince him to put the Etsy one on last Sunday, but I prevailed. (As if there was any doubt.)

He Must Be Celebrating

In honor of my wonderful Dad's 62nd birthday, Calvin took his first shaky steps today!

Way to go Cal, and way to go Papa!

We love you both.

(It is so sad that I have no recent pictures of my Dad to include in this post. Just wait, Dad... you better be ready for your close-up come Christmas time!)

Cal baby

Cal will be 10 months old next week!

He has 3 1/2 teeth. He likes to push chairs, laundry baskets, and #10 cans around the house. And thankfully, he has finally started sleeping through the night. (Anything before 6 a.m. is "the night," and Cal alternated between 1, 4, and 5 a.m. for quite a long time, the turkey.)

We love him to pieces!

Too Much

There is simply too much going on to blog about in any kind of detail (what that translates to is that I'm just feeling lazy). So, here is a brief recap post:

1) My CHP ride along with Jay = awesome!

I had so much fun spending the day with him. The 12 hours flew by, and I didn't want them to end. Nothing out of the ordinary happened during the shift, which was a good thing for me, because even though Jay showed me how to get the shotgun unlocked, I didn't really want to have to use it.

2) Family pictures with the wonderful Shannon Montez

We travelled back to SJ to have our family pictures taken on Friday. We had so much fun with Shannon, even if I picked the absolutely wrong shoes to wear. My feet were killing me by the end of the session! But, I have a feeling it will be worth it when I see the proofs.

3) Time Out for Women!

I went with my friends Joyce and Veronica to Time Out for Women, a women's conference put on by Deseret Book. The two day event was a much needed spiritual recharge. With talks by many people including Wendy Watson Nelson and Sheri Dew, and amazing music by Hilary Weeks and Jenny Oaks Baker, how can you go wrong? I was a tearful mess throughout the whole conference, but I left feeling so uplifted and motivated that I am already planning on going again next year when they come to Sacramento. (All you ladies are welcome to join me!)

4) The kids are settling in... I think...

There was a little rough patch, but they are doing better every day. Bea told me the other day that she had made 6 friends. I had no idea she was keeping track, but hey, whatever makes her happy.

Visiting Grandma makes everyone happy!

Aurora Orange & More

Today was another painting day!

Bea, camouflaged in the tinted primer

The final product ... I give you, Aurora Orange!

I am very happy with it. It is bright and colorful - just what our upstairs hallway needed. We also decided we needed a fun way to bring the blue of the stairwell and the orange of the hallway together. And what could be more fun than polka dots?

We made a few stencils out of cardboard, traced a pattern on the wall, and hand-painted the circles. (By "we" I mean "mostly Jay," although I did some as well.) I love it! Every time I walk up the stairs or sit in my living room, I smile.

Now if only redecorating the rest of the house were that easy and inexpensive!

(P.S. - yes, that is Dexter in a princess dress. I think he's going to be a very well-rounded guy.)