25 Days of Christ

This year Christmas was a little different than years in the past. We always try to focus on the Savior and talk about the true meaning of Christmas, but this year we did a much better job. 

The kids and I painted and assembled this set of ornaments from 25daysofchrist.com. Each night, the children would take turns pulling out the ornament Matt and I placed in a special red bag. We would then talk about the significance of the ornament. The set comes with a scripture and thought as well as a video and pictures you could look up on line. We had a mini family home evening each night in December leading up to Christmas and I loved it. It truly made this Christmas even more meaningful and centered on the Savior. The kids really enjoyed painting the ornaments and taking turns hanging them on the tree too. I look forward to doing this each year.

Christmas Jammies

Movie and Hot Cocoa

Watching "The Santa Claus" and drinking hot cocoa. Also, stealing baby snuggles from sweet Ruby Chesnos.

Grandma & Grandpa for Christmas

My parents came out to spend the week with us. We are so excited to have them for Christmas and have them for so long. My kids knew they were coming, but went to bed not knowing they would be here when they woke up in the morning. My parents drove through the night and got to our place around 6:30am. It was perfect because the kids woke up and came downstairs to find me and my parents talking on the couch. They were so excited!

We had such a great time while they were here. Here are pictures from Fenton's Creamery and visiting the temple.

SIX!!!

Six things I love about my SIX year old.

1. He refuses to go to school without a hug and kiss from me!

2. He is an amazing brother and takes especially good care of Ava.

3. He loves sports and is naturally coordinated and competitive. Watching him play soccer is one of my favorite things!

4. He loves to dance and is always cracking us up with his new moves. 

5. I love his coloring and writing. I love trying to decipher the notes and stories he writes for us.

6. He is most often the first to bed every night, and he won't go to bed without a hug, kiss, and being tucked in by both me and Matt.

I love this kid so much. Happy birthday to my buddy! 

(PS. Thanks for having a birthday so the rest of us have an excuse to eat ice cream sundaes while you play with your toys.)

MERRIEST CHRISTMAS!

Sometimes keeping things simple around Christmas is hard, but I love the Spirit and JOY that comes into our homes and lives when we focus on the Savior and being together as a family.

Christmas morning is magical. I love watching as the kids find what Santa has left for them. It's even more magical when we take time to remember the Savior and express gratitude for all we have because of Him.

Here are three things I am extra grateful for this Christmas season.

1. I am grateful for the power of prayer. I am grateful for the peace, comfort, and strength that comes when we turn both our joys and heartaches over to the Lord.

2. I am grateful for the support and friendship of so many around me.

3. I am grateful for my family and for how much time we get together.

Communication Skills

Me: "I can't believe you said they could all sleep together tonight."

Matt: "I thought YOU said it was okay." Whatever... just getting ready for Christmas break I suppose. Who needs to be rested for holiday parties anyway?