Christmas Eve...

The past 2 years now we have spent Christmas Eve at Todd and Andrea's. We just hang out for hours and let the kids play while we eat and visit until it's too late and we have to drive home and put the kids down. Andrea gave me the coolest zebra watch and fuzzy blanket this year. We had a blast and love them them with all our heart! Thanks for a super fun night guys!

A very spoiled Christmas...

We had a wonderful Christmas yesterday. We were up at 5:13 and opening presents by 5:30AM. Gotta love having kids! We went over to G-ma & G-pa's later around noon and stayed until 7:30.They were actually spoiled this year, something I hardly ever do. But thanks to my Dad and G-ma sending a few dollars this year, they recieved a few things they had been wanting for years. They got a Wii this year and they are in Heaven. Tristin saved $ 100.00 and helped pay for his Nintendo 3DS. He was beyond shocked that I bought it since he was saving and still needed more $ to make up the difference. It was great to surprise him and show him we were proud of him saving for so long. He quickly ran to get his wallet to turn over his portion and has been glued to it ever since. The girls got a keyboard and piano lessons ( we will hopefully pick up my Great G-ma's piano this Summer back home!) There was alot of Angry Bird stuff, and Justin Bieber things flying around. Willow loved her play doh, Dora stuff and other toys. Grace has been singing her heart out on her kareoke machine and plunking away on her keyboard. I was spoiled too. I bought myself a few things this year that I needed- like a coat, socks and under things. The kids bought me a scarf, leporard gloves, slippers and yummy treats. Trav got me gift cards to a few of my favorite places- Target, Craft Warehouse & Panda Express! Mom sent a few dollars and Sonic cards for the kids, and G-ma sewed aprons & church bags for the kiddos. DeArley bought me my elephant pj's from JCP that I wanted and my favorite lotion & bath stuff, Ang bought my favorite skirt- and my brother Jesse sent the coolest package this year with a cookie monster pinata filled with toys and treats- plus a Discovery Center family pass! We are so grateful, spoiled and happy for this wonderful time of year. We were able to take cookies to the firemen this year and that was fun to do with the kids. We will be staying in and organizing closets! Yeah for us!

 

 

 

We tried...

When the temple cleaning sign up went around a few weeks ago, the 3 of us signed up and decided to carpool together. (Jana, Kristen & I) We arrived at the temple, but there was no one to be found. We all thought it was a little strange to clean on Christmas Eve, but I thought: there was no better present to give myself than 3 hours inside the temple with friends- so I was excited. We left the temple and went shopping and girl talked for a few hours instead. We tried though...

Christmas lights...

We took the kids out to look at Christmas lights last night and after seeing Jayna do the "MiniVan Express" thing, I knew I had to follow. The kids loved it and we found the awesome-est house near by. There was a ferris wheel in their yard! And an igloo. It was super cool. We came home and watched Christmas movies and I quickly feel asleep before 9:00, I was so tired.

Impossible...

It is virtually impossible to get a decent family picture! I swear, someone is always being goofy, one is always mad, the other is never looking, eyes are closed, someone is always whinning, I look like a she devil and someone is always close to tears! It's maddening as a Mom because I can't afford the super cute portraits where we are all color cordinated on train tracks or in an apple orchard. I just want 1 normal picture!!!

Trusting in the Lord...

I can finally talk about it now! I was called to be in the Relief Society Presidency and for the past 10 days I've really been talking to Heavenly Father about it. (Mostly doubting my abilities to carry out such a big calling) While thinking about the women before me, all I was doing was comparing myself to them and feeling doubtful I would measure up. Yesterday while in the hall, Sister Hyer gave me her congrats and that's when I told her how nervous I was. I told her, "I'll never be able to fit in Virginia's shoes!" That's when she said, "You're not supposed to fit in her shoes, you're supposed to fit in yours!"  I've been thinking about that and I know she is right, it's just hard to picture myself fullfilling this calling without completely falling on my face. The great news about being 2nd counselor, is I'll still be over the activity commitee, which I have loved for the past several years, so I'm blessed to have a slight idea of some of my responsibilities there. It goes back to what my Mom is always reminding me of- turning it over to the Lord and just letting go of it, really trusting him. Honestly, I'm horrible at it because it requires letting go of my control and I feel crazy when I'm forced to do that. I am thankful for this chance to serve and pray I will be enough. My fear has always been I am not enough in life. Hopefully God will make up the difference and I will be ok.

Happy Birthday Gracie Grace...

Yesterday was Grace's 6th b-day, but because we were home for only 1 hour, I didn't get top post pictures. I love this little firecracker! Happy Birthday my swwet girl!

 

It had to be done Jana...

(I had to post this, sorry babe!) Tristin recieved 2 pins last week at Scouts and he's working on his arrow of light. He's such a good boy and he's proud of his accomplishments- I am too, I must say!

More party...

Here's a few more gems from the party! Forgive me, I look like death and G-pa has his eyes closed! Awesome.