Christmas Card 2010

STARZ Magazine: The Socci Scoop

Charles and Crissy were spotted taking a walk together just outside of their modest mansion in West Jordan, UT. The couple tied the knot 8 ½ years ago, and sources say they are still going strong—An implausible feat in this business! Charles (29) is currently working in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit where he is busy saving lives… one heart at a time. Crissy (29) spends her time at home, taking care of their 3 little boys. She enjoys keeping a blog to preserve her family memories, and is said to make a mean pumpkin bread.

The Socci’s oldest son Jaden (6) keeps up his high-profile style by sporting a pin-striped suit by Wal-Mart. Jaden is in the first grade and lives for recess and PE. He spends more time with boys than with girls this year, for fear of getting the “girl touch.” Jaden has moved up to the 4^th rank (blue belt) in his Martial Arts class. He does not put up with bullies at school. Just ask the second grader who tried to mess with him. She’ll tell you all about it.

Although he has the appearance of a true Hollywood star in his trendy vest by Target, Kaleb (4) prefers to keep a low profile. He is quiet in most classroom settings and is just now beginning to open up. He is very happy with his new school and teacher. At home, Crissy says, “He is the life of the party. He is creative and really keeps us on our toes.” Kaleb enjoys coloring and making pokadoodles. He prefers villains to good guys (except Batman) and has an extensive repitoire of uses for potty words. Rumor has it that Kaleb has a sweet spot for the ladies... well, one lady in particular. He’s been seen giving her kisses as often as he can.

The youngest Socci boy, Bradley (2), is caught on camera modeling the dressy-casual, collared-shirt-with-sweater look by The Children’s Place. We have been told that Bradley exhibits a supernatural talent for blowing up balloons and building with blocks. To address the rumor that Bradley has become the wild child, that one is SO FALSE! He has the sweetest temperament and you can tell by his photo that he really looks the part. “Bradman,” as he is sometimes called, is fearless and will try just about anything. His heroes are his two older brothers and Thomas the Train.

Now to the Baby Bump rumor. This one is SO TRUE! Charles and Crissy will be expectin g a new addition to the family in April. But even more shocking… it is reported to be a GIRL! Who would ha ve thought this power couple could produce anything other than a boy? Our sources say this little girl is the very young lady by which her older brother, Kaleb, has become smitten. Kaleb has been spotted kissing his mommy’s tummy multiple times, daily. These boys will no doubt make amazing big brothers to this precious little girl. No name as of yet, but Apple, Cocoa, and Suri had better watch out!

The Socci family has issued STARZ magazine this exclusive statement: “We want to wish all of our family, friends and fans a very Merry Christmas. Without you, we wouldn’t be where we are today. May we all remember the true reason for the season, count our blessings, and try to pay it forward. Happy Holidays, and we love you all.”

Barbies and Bracelets! Boogers and Bugs! Ice skating! Bungee Jumping!

(I stole this off of Alli's blog This is Aunt Alli's writing.)

Jaden and I decided to take Kaleb ice skating. They have been talking about going since the weather started to get cold and Jaden has been teaching Kaleb how to do it on the wood floors in their socks. So we decided to go last Saturday. I was excited to take Jaden because I knew he could do it and he was really looking forward to it. I was happy to take Kaleb because he wanted to go, because Jaden wanted to go. I also thought Kaleb was skillfully capable of ice skating, but he had to have the right attitude. We all know his timid personality in certain situations can be quite limiting. But I was hoping that because he thought he was so excited, it would be okay.

We went to McDonald's to get lunch and I clearly asked for boy toy happy meals and we ended up with two Hello Kitty watches instead. I was thinking, "oh great, just when I finally have Jaden convinced that ice skating isn't just for girls." They decided to give their watches to their mommy and Kare's new baby girls. (Although I heard that later that night they were both wearing the watches) Kaleb was getting a little sleepy and kept slapping himself while saying, "Wake up, Kaleb!"

On the way to the skating rink, Jaden and I were telling Kaleb that it's okay if we fall, how we learn when we make mistakes and when someone falls, we first ask if they are okay and then we all laugh. We were trying to prep him as much as possible. When we got to the rink and put on the skates, Jaden was teaching Kaleb how to walk around on the skates like a pro. Then we got to the ice. Jaden was surprised at how hard it was and grabbed onto me. Kaleb held onto me for dear life with both hands. I knew that there was no way I could keep both of them from falling, plus I knew Jaden could do it on his own once he got going, so I told him to stay close to the wall and grab on if he needed to. (Sorry, Jaden).

Then we got going around...slowly...very slowly...Jaden was doing okay, he fell quite a bit but put on a really good face for Kaleb. Poor Kaleb was scared out of his mind. He was doing a really great job, he was just super freaked out. It took us about 30 minutes to go around the first time and Kaleb never fell!

Then Kaleb and I sat down while Jaden skated back and forth in front of us. Kaleb did not want to go back out. I told him we needed to go around so Jaden could go again. We went back out but after a quarter of a lap, Kaleb was pretty upset, so I was just pulling him along. Jaden got ahead of us so I was trying to catch up, but then he circled back for us but passed us so I turned around to call for him, but as soon as I did that Kaleb fell for the first time and freaked out, then I turned to look back at Jaden and he was in tears saying he hurt his back. Then I decided I needed to come back with reinforcements next time.

I think they had some fun...I hope. But Jaden can skate by himself in small doses and Kaleb can skate holding one hand. He doesn't need the wall like he thinks he does because when people would be standing against the wall, we would have to go around without holding onto anything and he did it just fine! I have no video of Kaleb for the simple reason that he would not let go of me long enough to snap a picture, let alone take a video. But here are some of Jaden's wicked skills. He can now get up all by himself too, which Kare can attest to, in winter sports being able to stand up on one's own can be quite difficult.

COMMENTS:

The Merrills said...

You are brave, taking both boys all by yourself. It sounds as though it went well though, all things considered. I appreciated your acknowledgment of how difficult it is for certain people to stand up in sports such as these...it really is stinkin hard! So good job Jaden for being able to get back up! It's definitely NOT an easy task. Kaleb cracks me up, slapping himself awake, what a character. You're the best aunt ever!

Allison Ashton said...

Thanks for saying that. I doubt Kaleb will ever go again though.

Charles and Crissy said...

HAHAHA! I love the first video where Kaleb keeps trying to get in the shot. And the last one is a little painful to watch... "Jeeez!" Lol! Ah, poor kid! :) I was laughing when you said it took 30 minutes to go around one time. Man, you are patient. You're so good at this stuff, that I think you could totally handle taking Bradley. What do you say... tomorrow? And thank you again for taking my boys. They had been looking forward to it for a LONG time. You rock, Alli. :)

Allison Ashton said...

Yeah, the "jeez" video makes me cringe, but I wasn't expecting him to get upset because he was soooo good about laughing it off in front of Kaleb. Plus it was funny when he said he did the splits. But did you hear Kaleb ask if he was okay? Good boy! And sorry, they don't give out ice skates that small...too bad...

Christmas in CA and UT

On Christmas morning, we got up around 7-ish. I wanted to sleep in, but for some reason, even as an adult, I have a hard time sleeping on Christmas Eve. I could have been ready to start at 5.

The kids started with their stockings as usual. Bradley was especially excited about the candy. In fact, he hardly let it out of his sight the whole morning.


Aw yes. Cash is always a big hit with my boys. :)


Here's Grandma and Grandpa opening their gifts from the boys.


These army-guy helmets are what the boys chose to give to each other.


Aaaand here's Bradley going back to his candy instead of wanting to open his presents. :) About halfway into getting through his pile of unopened gifts, he tookoff to the bedroom and came back with his magnet blocks. It was so funny. He didn't really care to see anything new. That's how much he loves his blocks.


But when he did finally open the rest, he was happy to see that he got more blocks! These ones are from Aunt Amber.


And more blocks, from Grandma and Grandpa ( I think.)


Here the kids are opening their presents from Santa. They asked for bow and arrows, and that's what Santa brought them. Yes... even the 2 year old.

Jaden got this skateboard from Mommy and Daddy. When he opened it he said, "Sweet! I've been wanting one of these for years!"

Kaleb got a big wheel from us, and Bradley got a mini kitchen. But now I realize we should have just stuck to more magnet blocks.

Jaden did pretty well for the 5 minutes he rode.


And Bradley get a turn.


Then it was time to learn how to shoot the bow and arrows. Charles was pretty impressed with these weapons, and I think the adults had more fun with them then the kids did.





Here's Bradley taking off to play by himself. He's so independent. He could be by himself all day and still be content.


In the afternoon, Melanie, John, Forrest, Michelle and the kids came over. Katee Jo got a treasure box full of princess dress-up stuff. It was so cute. She's getting me really excited to have a girl. So many aisles at the store just passed over completely. It's time to enter the world of pink... or Maroon... I like maroon better than pink. :)


Here's Katee Jo joining Bradley as he tried to hide in the bedroom with his blocks. At my first glance of this picture, I thought Katee Jo was giving an unfriendly gesture to get out! Haha!

Amber, (who unfortunately didn't make it out this year) sent this puzzle ball to all the grandkids to share. I'd say it was a hit. :)


And there's always fun to be had when Uncle Forrest is there. He had them lined up to tackle the punching bag, and boy did they love that! A couple times, he tricked them and lifted it out of their reach just before they dove, and sent them flying. It was pretty funny. Messed up, but funny. :)

For Christmas dinner, we went Italian style. :) Chuck made lasagna and Melanie made Gnocchi. It was soooooo good. I was sitting next to Bradley and he literally fell asleep while sitting up in his chair. I leaned over to wipe his mouth, and he just collapsed. It was so sweet. :)


Oh hey, here's Chuck doing the same thing! But I think someone still needs to wipe HIS mouth. :)





And here's Bradley sneaking off to play on his own again.

Jaden loved to just chill with Grandma.


Then we came back to UT and were spoiled all over again. I love Christmas! Here's Bradley modeling his crazy bands from his stocking... just like Jaden.


And here's the boys handing out their gifts to Grandma, Grandpa and Alli.




I wish I would have taken more pictures during the present opening. I took videos instead, and most are too large to upload.

And once again, Bradley is too entertained by... something else, to want to finish opening his presents. :)

After that we lounged around, and snacked on fudge, pinnoche, and candy.



Later that night we celebrated Grandma's birthday. She turned 92 again. :) We were really excited for her to open her presents because this year we got her something cool. She had been wanting the painting, Prayer at Valley Forge (the one with George Washington kneeling in prayer by his horse in the woods) for a long time, and we had been keeping an eye out for an affordable piece. Thanks to Grandpa for his generous pitch, we were able to get her one that was perfect. :) Mom also got a Kindle for her birthday. Nice one, Dad! :)

On the Drive...

#1
Jaden had to pee. He asked Charles to pull over. Charles couldn't because there was nowhere to stop, and it was too cold to have him go on the side of the road. Charles asked Jaden if he wanted to pee in an empty water bottle. I protested. Jaden said, "Yes! Throw it here! I'm open!" Charles tossed him the bottle and instructed him on how to succeed, without making a mess. Jaden said, "Nobody look at me!" as he stod in the car and turned towards the back. All three boys had been situated on the back row so they could all see TV during travel. Bradley was right next to Jaden, and was watching and laughing and Jaden begun to fill the water bottle. But all of a sudden, his laughter ceased. I saw a gleaming yellow fountain, escape from the bottle and land right on Bradley's arm. He just froze. Stared at the damp spot, and then stared at me. I was screaming with laughter. But poor Bradley was a confused statue. His expression seemed to say.. "why would you do that?" Jaden finished and handed me the bottle. I screwed the lid on tight, and sat and laughed/cried with Charles for about 10 minutes. This story brings back memories...

#2
Charles: I just talked to Grandma Socci on the phone and she said that if you guys don't knock it off, she's going to beat you all in the heinie!
Jaden: What's a heinie?
Charles: It means your bottom.
Jaden: Oh. So that's how you say "bottom" in California.

#3
Bradley: Ow! Oooowwww! No hurt me Chawlie! No hurt me! (Charlie Bit Me)

Ornaments

Trying to teach the kids that Christmas should be more about giving than receiving... has been tricky. Even though the kids get showered with gifts, I wanted them to take part in the giving aspect as well. I wanted them to be anxious to see the delight on others' face as they give their gift.

In the past I have taken them to the dollar store and let them pick out gifts to buy, wrap and give on Christmas day. This did not go over so well.
#1 The kids were greedy. All they could think about while at the store, was what they wanted.
#2 I realized they wouldn't really feel like they were giving a special gift if it was just something they threw into the cart, thus defeating the whole purpose.

This year, we tried something new. For an FHE night, we decided to have the kids make their gifts. We got online, looked for ideas, and the kids picked what they wanted to make. So that night, we cranked up the Christmas music, threw some cookies in the oven and became busy little elves.


It was a project that they were each capable of doing...


although some enjoyed it a little more than others.


Kaleb had the most fun. He loves to be creative and work on crafty things. He can be wild and rambunctious for most of the day, but put a craft in front of him and he will work quietly and intently for an hour.


We were only going to do candy canes and wreaths, but Kaleb came up with snowmen, igloos, trees, and bells to add to the mix.

The kids ended up making about 34 of these ornaments to give to their friends, teachers and family.


I'd say Kaleb did about 75 % of them. Not only is he good, but he is quick! We put tags on them and wrapped them up.


I'm not sure if the kids felt as excited about giving as I had hoped, but I hope they at least remember that they gave.