Disney Fanatics

So I lost a few pictures, no biggie. Yeah, Angie didn't buy it either. Well if it makes you all feel better at least I discovered my stupidty 14% into the deletion and besides 235 pictures is still a lot pictures. Still not buying it eh? Whatever.

Anyways, I thought I'd give you a brief update. Try to sum up the best holiday ever. Don't worry, I'll stick to the highlights, things worth sharing.

We arrived at our hotel 12:30pm Saturday - SNORE - no listen it gets better - we arrived nice and early but get this - our room wasn't ready until 3pm. So there we were, stuck in a hotel lobby in the middle of nowhere, no transportation and very little wakefulness as we had got up at 330am to catch our plane. We literally laid moaning on the chairs in the lobby until we couldn't take it anymore and we decided to walk. . .yup, walk - as far as we could - in a desperate attempt to murder time. We killed it -that's for sure but still, that part sure sucked. In fact, our trip started off kind of yucky blah pfff. But eventually we were allowed into our room and after enjoying a good nap we awoke refreshed and ready to conqueror California. There wasn't another bad moment the rest of the trip, seriously. Except for the fact that the Oilers lost every game. Those Oilers, they make me so mad.

Disneyland was magical. Yes I'm a DUDE, but still, there's just something about that place that captures even the coolest of Dudes. The first day we arrived we found ourselves in Fantasyland going on all the classic rides - Peter Pan, Snow White, Pinnochio and I gotta tell you, at one point the Disney people must have turned on the mist machine because I was feeling it. Something about being at a place you've seen in the movies your entire life and now being there and seeing your own kids taking it in, wow. It was special. We also did Space Mountain that first day which we all loved.

The next day we moved on to more adult rides, ha, that sounds slimey, you know what I mean - Pirates of the Caribbean, Indian Jones, that kind of stuff. The rest of the week was spent at California Adventure where we all went on The Tower of Terror -crazy ride, Grizzly River run - Lexa's favorite, Soaring over California - which I loved and California Screamer a roller coaster that wowed us all, especially Ethan.

Half way through the week we changed it up and went to Universal Studios. It was great especially the Tour where we got to see actual movie sets. We saw where classics like Back to the Future, Psycho and Jaws were filmed. I was in my element but the kids kept looking at me as if to say "why are we here again?"

I never thought I was a touristy kind of guy but I came home with a Goofy shirt, Pirates of the Caribbean Hoody and a Mickey Mug. I even bought a friggin Disneyland Magnet. That place, its got like some sort of wierd power that reduces everyone to 8 yr old Disney fanatics. It got me anyways.

We arrived back 330am Sunday morning after a long delay at LAX because apparently the Calgary Airport was on fire. No jokes.

The plane ride home was a dream, everyone was so tired, so it was silent. Ahhh.

Apparently a picture is worth a thousand words so go check out our Frickr - as my kind wife calls it. We added a few dozen pictures.

It was by far the best holiday ever.

That being said, there's always something special about coming home. It just feels right.

Glad to be back.

Oh yeah, one more thing, Dave was in Disneyland with all his kids on Tuesday but we never hooked up. We had agreed to find each other but it never happened. Which was too bad. Cause Dave's cool.

John

P.S. I'm in Regina March 2-4 so perhaps I'll see some of you. I'm hoping. . .

home

We're back! We traveled there in a plane full of cheering excited kids and came home surrounded by sleeping, coughing, throwing up kids (mostly sleeping- and of ours only Alexa was coughing, so not too bad for a whirlwind trip to the big D). We had a blast, only one rainy day, very few line ups (except for that last day where the entire world decided to show up) and of course there's churros. Yum. We tried to download some pics to Frickr, I mean Flickr, and some how ended up erasing 45 (oh, did I say we, cause I meant John. John accidentally erased 45 pictures. We're still married.) Ah well, there's still 235 left and we'll be looking forward to your feed back on each and every one of them. When we figure out a few things. We're computer morons.

Ang

my week

Currently reading- The Helmet of Horror by Victor Pelevin (very cool. and strange. and thought provoking.)

Next read- Galileo's Daughter (He was quite the guy, that Galileo...)

Reading with kids- White Fang (Kids are riveted. Really they are. Don't always assume I'm being sarcastic.)

Watching- way too many Oiler's games

Avoiding- 24. Jack's a nice guy and all... and I really did try....

Looks good- Heroes. Haven't watched it.

Learning- Decaf coffee is not coffee (OK, I have a problem. That's the first step right?)

Teaching- Canadian history, long division, dinosaurs, alphabet, Van Gogh

Enjoying- newly discovered dog park by our house- Hugo's heaven!

Looking forward to- Disneyland (4 days!!!)

Most excited for- Space Mountain, of course. And Peter Pan. Why? I don't know. Because I'm 3.

Recommended tea- Canadian Maple and Vanilla (Celestial Seasonings). Mmmm


Ang

another muffin convention

I hate the term minister's wife. Ok, hate's strong. Under appreciate. It conjures up images of a smiling, nodding woman in a sweater set that hits you up side the head when you get the giggles in church. Shallow and childish, I know, but I still don't like it. And if I'm introduced to someone as our youth minister's wife...um, what's your name? again.....well, protect the side of your head. Metaphorically speaking. The metaphorical side of your metaphorical head.

I guesse even after six years, I'm still uncomfortable in this sweater set. It's like I'm temporarily filling in for the girl who's supposed to be here and would do a heck of a lot better job at it. I don't want to pretend this is my dream gig. That's a lie and it leads to what I call BMWS (Bitter Minister's Wife Syndrome). That's not such an uncommon affliction. I've also seen many cases of Lost Identity-itis. Granted, that can happen to anyone, but I'm talking about the wife who's soul purpose is to make sure her husband is thriving in his ministry with freshly pressed, well coordinated suits, chuckling as he tells yet another family anectdote- with considerable poetic license. That's a role I can't fill. I'm not nice enough.

It's alot of pressure, you know. Self imposed, but still. I mean if John was, say, a baker, I wouldn't be too concerned about putting his job in jeapordy because I was late for bagel time or I wasn't on dish duty as much as I should be. I wouldn't feel like I had to bite my tongue if I questioned the prohibition of plastic bowls or really didn't like the old recipe. As a matter of fact, I found a new recipe. What do you think of that? Plus, I don't think bakers spend too many weekends away at muffin conventions.

So, am I just complaining? Maybe. I do that sometimes. But I am greatful that John works at a church that hasn't made this more challenging than I myself am making it. Alot of this is me being a little crazy and some of it is just the nature of being a part of a minister's family. And I really do believe that the only reason it's worked out this far is because John is the most real, genuine kind of guy. No smiling pretentions or cliched, winking pat answers. He is who he is and that allows our family to be who we are. I couldn't do it otherwise. Seriously.

But if he ever decided to take up baking, I wouldn't complain. That's all I'm saying.

Ang

Kristi Popped

My big sister Kristi along with her husband Cyrus, just had their second baby. 11 minutes of grueling labor, lucky duck, and Kayla Eileen Rose was born weighing 7lbs 11 oz. and stretching 52 cm long. Her hair is blue and her eyes are brown. . .I think.
I'm a proud uncle although judging by the red tinge to my niece she seems a tad embarassed, which given what just happened, its understandable.

Enjoy!

John

Birthday Noise

Sights and Sounds of Ethan's 6th Bday Party.

honeymooners

John and I were the recipients of the world's greatest gift- one night and one day of free babysitting. Of course you understand that we love our kids, but let me just clarify... one night and one day of free babysitting. We had our airmiles movie tickets- pretty much the only thing airmiles seem to be good for, so we went to Children of Men. Now I wish there was a way for me to express just how amazing this movie is, but I don't see any flashing, confetti spewing button on my key board, so just take my plain old word for it. Amazing movie. We hung out at Mcnally Robinson the next day, ate lunch, and spent the afternoon at the museum. Sometimes we do these things with the kids, but when it's just two adults it's a completely different experience altogether. Less Stop running! Don't break that! and more Was that a nice cool breeze that swirled by, or just my refreshed personality?

So, thanks to Darcy and Hope for the weekend- we owe you one!

Ang

chamois

So, I painted our walls what was supposed to be a soft tan (I know. Boring.), but to my shock and horror it looked more pukey, pea soupy, yellow- green as I painted it on. This is the great injustice of wall colour- it never turns out like you envision and then people mock you. Well, you'll be relieved to know that it has since cured to what my friend Hope calls deerskin (believe me, a definate improvement from pea soup). I prefer to call it chamois. Basically the same thing, but much more elegant. And if anybody knows John and I, they know we're elegant. Nothing but formalities at the Close residence.

What I'm trying to say is that our renos are almost done.

I've also been enjoying all the blog talk on baptism and hell. I mean, who wouldn't? I think next time we should discuss capital punishment or celebrity couples and their tiny hairless dogs. Really, I do love reading all the different view points represented, because there was a time not long ago (back when I was knee high to a grasshopper...) when these discussions would have been unthinkable. In my own experience I've found it very eye opening to look into some historical, cultural backgrounds (while trying to disengage from 200 hundred year old rhetoric taught by well meaning, unwavering Sunday school teachers). It was, and is sometimes still, very hard for me to read the Bible with fresh eyes. Without those voices saying "Well, clearly this passage is talking about salvation" or "Of course that passage is about hell, it says destruction". But I find it very encouraging that we live in a time when we are seeking truth with enough eagerness to challenge the things that have gone unchallenged for a couple centuries.

So thanks for the discussion.

Ang

Born Again

18 years ago today I forgot my underwear and was forced to pant it alone. I still don't know how I could I have forgotten to bring a dry pair. I knew the the ones I had on were going to get wet. In fact, I had planned on it. Yet I forgot. My dad found it quite humorous. As he chuckled away I secretly began to die inside as I realized I would now have to head to bible class with only a millimetre of denim between ME and the outside world. Ah yes, did I mention I was at church at the time? Now remember, I was 12 so my self worth was about as thick as the same denim so trauma could have been me. But it wasn't. In fact, I quickly forgot about my issue and enjoyed the rest of the day. It ended up being one of the happiest days of my life.

How is that possible the casual reader might ask. Well cr, its possible because I, John Denim Close, had just been baptized by my father at the Weyburn Church of Christ. Of course I remember the date. January 15, 1989, It was the day I assured myself and everyone else that when the time came for me to die - I'd be decomposing on the Lord's side.

Since that time my faith has changed. A tad. For instance, I now have one. I'm guessing you know what I mean. I'm guessing you got baptized for the same reasons I did - default. You were born to Christian parents, grew up in a Christian home, went to a Christian church where it was taught you must get baptized to be saved and the thought of not being saved scared the pants right off you and so you did. You got saved. But you never really gave your life to God.

Why would you, though? Your after life was already secure. There was no doubt you'd pass the retina scan at the Pearly gates. And if worse came to worse, you knew the password.

Pearly Gate Attender: "Your retinas are not scanning properly, do you have any other form of identification?

Petrified You: "Uh Uh Uh, well, what do you mean?"

Pearly Gate Attender: " I mean, your retinas are bogus, so I'm going to need something else, like a password. Do you know the password."

Confident You: Of course. I am a Church of Christer, you know. Acts 2:38.

Pearly Gate Attender: "You have chosen. . .wisely."

And all heaven rejoiced because although the retina's were bogus, you knew the password.

Scuse my sarcasm, I'm not railing against baptism, just a form which I feel is more destructive then life changing. Life change. Isn't that what baptism is about? By confining salvation to a tub, one might actually believe that all it takes to enter the life of God is freezing water with a cup of scum on top. But, what may seem like a recipe for salvation turns out to be a formula for legalism. I think I finally understand our infatuation with formulas. They're clear, conscise, and our favorite - logical. My how we love logic.

Its logical to get baptized, we surmise, and so we do. But when's the last night it blew your hair back when your spouse did something for you out of logic. "Ah, thanks for taking the kids for the day your such a good husband and father." "No prob babes, although, I Am Your Husband, so its only logical that I'd take the kids." Pretty inspiring stuff.

My fear is that baptism has become the great legal transaction of the church and that's why our lives in God are lived legally rather then relationally. Legal living begets legalism and sadly, I, you, us - we've been known for both. Perhaps not all of us personally, but for sure, us, meaning the Churches of Christ.

These are the thoughts that dominated my morning, this being the anniversary of my baptism.

I lived legally for the first 15 years but for the past 3 I have tried with all my being to live my life in the hiddeness, mystery and beauty of God. And I finally feel new. Almost. . . reborn.

John

Child Labor?

Ethan changes his first tire.

It does a body good

Brother Jordan is back. If you desire an intellectual work out or if you like controversy then go see what the brotha is up to.

Jordan: It does a body good.

John

what to do, what to do...

Kids seem to have a few things going for them, namely no bills and all play. But also, they know themselves better than most adults ever will. We were talking to our Sunday school teacher who was laughing (or crying, I can't remember) at Alexa's inability to keep focused during class time, so she tried giving her some crayons and paper thinking that she would never have the attention span to stick with it. Well, apparently that's the only thing that keeps little Lex's attention, which didn't surprise me because she always says she wants to be an artist. This will probably evolve into other interests and eventually lead into what she decides to do as an adult, I just hope that all our kids can know themselves as well then as they do now. I don't think I do, and I know many of my friends wouldn't know what to do with themselves if they had a spare moment to do whatever they wanted (c'mon, guys- chores and TV doesn't count). I think about the next couple years when we look into schooling options for the kids, which means job options for me, and it's kind of scary. I feel like the little kid that's trying to decide if she wants to be a ballerina or an astronaut when she grows up, although I've ruled out all things ballet (collective sigh of relief- I heard it). I'm 30, so I should know what I want to do with my life, but I really, really don't. I've basically got it narrowed down to anything that doesn't involve cheerfully wishing hundreds of shoppers a nice day as I hand out yellow happy face stickers. Plus I can't imagine myself in the corporate world at all. Or cleaning up after people. Or giving rehearsed sales pitches. Someone said I look like a librarian (which I did not take as a compliment) and I do love books, but everyone at the library that I've come across seems to be stressed out or bitter. Of course this could be because of our late returns and accidentally forgetting our library card on occassion. Shoot. Well, back to the drawing board of life for me.

Ang

No man is a failure who has friends

And just like that Christmas is over for another year. The kids bounded into our room shortly after 7am mst. announcing that Santa indeed had come and there were crumbs on the plate and presents under the tree to prove it. The most shocking part of the previous sentence was the 7am bit. That's definetly the latest they've ever slept in on Christmas, which don't get me wrong - I'm lovin it - but still, they're GROWING UP which is sad in its own way.
Everyone loved their presents - the girls got fairy stuff, doll stuff etc - which they loved and Ethan got a remote controlled truck, and a sophisticated marble tower among other things. Ang got the usual from me - jammies, chocolate, shows etc. -if it ain't broke don't fix it, right?
As for me, the kids really surprised me this year. For starters they made me an Oilers collage on an old ratty piece of cardboard that they had fished out of the recycling. My favorite part of the collage is a large picture of Iginla, which at first confused me but then I saw the word "Boo" written in crayon along with a big pointing arrow and I knew my kids had done good. The specialist present I recieved this year came from Maddison. She filled out a "My Dad and me" book which is basically just what it sounds like except it also makes you cry. Apparently.
So that's that. All the presents are opened and the kids are intensly playing with their new toys. This was Hugo's first Christmas so even he is enjoying chewing on his new. . .wrapping paper. As I type, Angie's helping Ethan put together one of those complicated left brain scientific kind of things - I tried for an hour and got to step 6 - out of 30. Ang "left brain" Close graciously suggested I "start breakfast or something" while she took over and I think they're just finishing. I used to get mad at how much sucked at stuff like that but I've finally come to accept that I am who I am and plus -by playing the fool I get out of a lot. Shhhhh though. Don't want Ang to catch on.

Last night we watched "It's a Wonderful Life" for the umpteenth time and yes, we cried for the umpteenth time. Its that good. Maxim can shove it as far as I'm concerned. Anyways, the movie ends with a quote that I wish to share with you:

"No man is a failure who has friends."

Thanks for being the secret to my success! I love you all!

Have a great Winter Solstice and a Happy New annual time.

Politically Correct John

P.S. We've been trying to post pictures but blogger's being a bugger. Try again later. Speaking of later, I was supposed to make breakfast, yikes. Mmmm sausage.

Unisex

Right now the kids are watching one of nearly a dozen Christmas specials they watch this time of year. Charlie Brown on ABC. They've already watched the The Chipmunks Christmas, Goofy's Chrismas, Mickey's Christmas, Mickey's Christmas Carol, Dora's Christmas and Strawberry Shortcake's Christmas. Oh yeah, Miracle on 34th St too. Next week at this time they'll watch Mickey's Christmas Carol again along with the Grinch. The classic one. Not the Jim "I'm trying so hard to make you laugh" Carrey one.

Now I know what you're thinking - "gees, does the TV ever shut off at the Closes." Yes it does. Don't judge less you be hit in the eye with a plank.

Besides our kids watching it up (living it up TV style) Angie and I tend to do our share of watching too. For instance, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Love Actually, Family Man and Scrooged and next week at this time we'll plug in the greatest Christmas movie ever made. It's a Wonderful Life. That's the name of the movie. I wasn't being random. If you've never watched it your life is incomplete. I realize that's a bold statement and possibly even judgemental and. . .well. . .crazy talk but its that good. Just watch it. And try not to cry.

While we're on the topic of shows I need to confess, Angie asked me tonight what I felt like watching and I replied "actually I'm in the mood for some Gilmore Girls."(We own all 6 seasons) Since I've made my suggestion I've wondered on and off if I'm gay. I don't think I am because all Angie has to do is wink and I'm stark n. . .plus I watch sports all the time and am very free with my gas emissions. Still, here I am looking forward to chick tv and even admitting it to all of you. I'd love to say I just watch it for Ang but I don't. I'm hooked. The writing's sharp, witty and I find the stories to make me feel warm and fuzzy. Warm and fuzzy eh John. Yeah, you're gay. I think this is where the word "unisex" earns its keep. Btw - this is not what it sounds like. Unisex is all about things that are ok for girls and guys. Like the Gilmore Girls. Just watch it. And try not to cry.

I sat down to write tonight because I felt like it. Not because I had something to say.
Blogs are good for that.

John

Yeah boi

I love this time of year. Now when I say love, I don't mean love like "I love how those jeans make your butt look Ang" kind of love, I just mean I really have a fond affection for this final month. And by fond affection I don't mean the kind of affection that Hugo gives me each morning as he jumps on my bed, steps on my stomach, licks my face, and bites my head.
I just mean, I really quite enjoy this month. And when I say I really enjoy this month I don't mean I enjoy it like I really enjoy that God is real, I just mean this month makes me really really happy. And when I say happy, I don't mean the happy like "I'm happy I have 3 kids" but rather I'm happy because this month holds many treasures. And when I say treasures, I don't mean "holy cow, that's not an old piece of newspaper, that's a treasure map and no way, the treasure is buried under the. . .I'm not telling."

And when I say I'm not telling. I'm not.

Christmas is awesome.

Like Shortbread.

And not like being interviewed live on national news.

Too many shots that make you look balder then you thought you were and constipated. And I wasn't ok. Yeah, like you'd do better. I'm sure. And when I say do better I'm not talking about shedding the old life of sin and clothing ourselves in Christ. I'm talking about not looking like your mentally challenged on National TV.

9 days till Christmas.

Get it. Christ Mass. We WEIGH how important Christ is in our lives.

For me, he's it. Everything.

And by everything I mean everything. . .along with the Oilers, coffee and snacks.

Yeah boi, I love all that.

John

Fakey Claus

Maddie came up to me yesterday and said Mom, I don't think I believe in Santa. I wasn't too surprised- she's been dropping hints for a while, but still... no more watching for Rudolph's bright nose, listening for the their paws on the roof, thinking your toys really were made in the North Pole by tiny elves. I almost wish I could preserve her belief in Santa for just a little while longer. Giver her a Case for Santa book. Make her watch science DVDs on Kris Kringle evidences. But I guesse she's growing up and this is one of the many things we'll go through that feels bitter sweet. The up side, though, is- now we get the credit for all the stocking goodies. We'll get all the please and thank you letters. And we won't have to feel wierd about eating Santa's cookies and milk on Christmas Eve. See, I can spin anything. Especially if I take the what's in it for me approach.

I'm still kind of sad, though.

Ang

You don't say....

Just a quick little brag:

* Maddie participated in her school's Science fair and spelling bee and did awesome! She's too young to officially qualify, but still made it to the last round of the spelling bee with all the big kids (top 4 out of 20)

* John, or Mr. Famous, whatever, is going to go national tomorrow with Dan Keeran on Canada AM, 6:05 MST for those that are interested. If anything, watch it so you can make fun of the fact that he has to wear make up for the interview.

* And most amazing of all, I painted a good portion of the house (3 coats) all by myself yesterday while shooing away 3 kids, 2 cats and a very rambunctious dog.

Humbly yours,

the Closes

just a couple things...

Have I recommended Goodbye Lenin yet? If not, stupid... stupid (this is me pulling out my hair). If I did, then sorry, but I have to do it again. Very good movie. And yes, my English teacher said don't ever use the word good, but I don't want to build it up too much by using fantastic or superb.

I'm also very ashamed to say that I've found a computer game and I'm totally hooked. I've always taken a certain pride in the fact that I prefered reading and other useful things to getting all dungeons and dragons with my time. That was until I found Westward. Let me just say, I can build one thriving town of the old west. Don't even try to stop me. Maddie was telling on me today, which I didn't read about in any parenting book by the way, and John had to give me the old Angie, were you on the computer all day...? look. Which I wasn't, but I could do it if I had one of those tiny fridges and a Bodum at my side. And no kids. They always throw a wrench into my sit around in my pajamas all day plans.

On another note, I'm reading a book that talks about faith and how it has nothing to do with our system of belief, but rather yielding to God. Letting go and riding life's wave. Yet we often say of someone who has unwavering spiritual conviction that they have a very strong faith. This is interesting to me, because I always felt a little leary of unwavering conviction. Whether it's with religion, politics, favourite chip flavour. Whatever. Not only is it too neat and tidy, but it reflects either someone else's convictions, or your own when you were intelectually and spiritually younger. Being steadfast and unyielding in your own spiritual beliefs robs you of a sense of ownership in your journey, but we applaud it so much in our churches. I think alot about the future of our church and what it holds for my kids. If it will evolve into a place that is open and tolerant, or if it will always pride itself on it's "strong faith".

I heard someone say recently that church was a safe place to question, doubt, seek, but I don't see it. Not yet. I really do believe we'll get there, though. Maybe our kids will go to church where true faith and community are the main events and your doctrinal beliefs are just an interesting sidenote. Is that idealistic? Chicken soupy? Cause I hate Chicken Soupy....

Ang

Do I know you?

You know that wierd feeling you get when you run into someone you haven't seen since you lived on Vancouver Island 12 years ago? That was my feeling the other day when an old friend walked into Subway and my brain was saying sure looks like him, but be reasonable, he doesn't belong here. Of course I was way too chicken to say hi (stinking shyness), ignoring John and the kids' encouragements. Maddie said I will regret it forever, which may be stretching things a little bit, but I do regret it. Life is wierd. People are wierd. We put up so many walls (I'm the queen of walls, if you're wondering). I would love to be one of those people that could just bounce up and say hi, remember me? Angie Close...um Ellis? Minus the bouncing part- that could get annoying. And the umming- that's not smooth. I would like to have done it with confidance and grace, but instead I slinked off as my family mocked me. By the way, families are supposed to support and encourage, not mock.
So, I guesse I should learn my lesson, which is take chances even if you feel like an idiot.
And also don't even try to eat a foot long once you hit 30.

Ang

Seriously, Clark?

Christmas tree day. First day for egg nog, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation and, of course, many, many treats. I was there, but the person who least likes getting their picture taken gets to be photographer.

I have to say, we're pretty proud of this one. Usually we're proud in the same way you feel towards that two legged dog who just couldn't get a break, but she really did try. Not this time. No sympathetic, sad eyed pride for this tree. Except for the bald part against the window. Don't look at that.

Also- see the new windows? We're warm!

Ang