Christmas Video

Such a happy Christmas day. 

"One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas day. Don't clean it up too quickly." ~Andy Rooney

Morris Christmas party

We had such a fun time at Aunt Alayna and Uncle Jeff's for a party. They are incredible hosts and their home is so beautiful! We had delicious food (potato bars can be way too overlooked, they were amazing) and they provided so many treats for the kids to make candy trains. Everyone from Adeline to Corbin loved it! Justin's uncle was there with his kids and we spent the evening laughing at all the stories from Uncle Chuck. (he's in the military and has some goooood stories) The kids all got along so well. I'm always amazed at how inclusive kids are when there are new faces in the mix.

There was even a surprise visit from Santa (he was the sweetest old man from their ward that goes around to all the kids in the neighborhood and brings them a candy cane) There were even elves on horses!  

We left feeling so grateful for our Morris family!

our home at Christmas time

 

I don't really know what my decorating 'style' is. At Christmas time I pull out the same old things (that I really do love), and just try to switch it up each year by moving them into different locations. My goal is simplicity and sentimental. But every year I feel like there isn't that sentimental feel and maybe a bit too much simplicity. :) After going to my parents home last week, it dawned on me that that is what I love. Cozy and warm and decorated with pinecones and birds. So for next year I've decided my mom will come and help me decorate :)  

Taylor is twelve!

Taylor is a huge light in our family. He is so thoughtful, kind, and a peacemaker. He loves to make up new lyrics to songs and play four square at school (especially with his cousin Hunter!!) He really enjoys reading and is quick to obey.  He plays the piano beautifully and thinks school lunch is the grossest (so home lunch it is nearly every day). He loves his tablet and any chance he can sit back and create a world on minecraft or play roblox. 

This year daddy had the day off, so the two of them went out for a special birthday lunch at a Mexican restaurant (currently Taylor's favorite). We spent the rest of the day together and for dinner we had chili dogs and an almond danish from Trader Joes. (so easy!!)

I look at Taylor and wonder how on earth twelve years could go so fast. I feel so grateful for all that he has taught me and all the love he has given. And FYI, his hugs are THE best! And so is his sense of humor.

Taylor is SO excited to be in young mens and especially to be in there with his brother for two months. (and I really love that Corbin is so excited too) I think it is so fitting that Taylor will receive the Priesthood on Christmas Eve day ♥♥♥

the last week before Christmas

:: one week before Christmas Eve Sunday, one of our ward members walked by and got the kids to laugh ::

:: there was hardly any snow throughout december, but we had the coolest freeze from the fog ::

:: last minute Christmas shopping, these two took turns wearing jammies ::

:: teacher gifts ♥♥♥ ::

:: another trip to Brigham to bring Grandma and Grandpa their Christmas gift, we couldn't leave without seeing the Disney Christmas display, Adeline was in heaven ::

:: Taylor didn't open his advent calendar for several days, he is definitely the saver in our family ::

 :: chocolate mousse for Taylor's birthday breakfast crepes ::

:: one of the items on our December live list was an appetizer party, it was probably the kids most favorite night. this cranberry salsa was heaven!! :: 

 :: looking at her favorite Christmas book, away in a manger ::

:: ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ ::

The week before Christmas is one of my favorites. The excitement is thick in the air, Christmas music is playing non stop, we watch as many Christmas movies as we can, school ends for the break and knowing we have no obligations for two weeks is the best feeling! 

Every year, this week is usually super stressful because of all the things that still need to happen and the never-ending to do list, or (hopefully) I remember those things don't matter and that it's the time we spend together that makes this season so magical. This year I leaned a little closer to the latter and it felt so refreshing. I still had moments of panic, but I tried really hard to pace myself throughout the month and whatever didn't happen must have not really mattered. I never did get our Christmas cards sent, but I was able to hand deliver several of them and with that was able to visit with people I really care about. So I think that's a win. 

third december weekend - grandma and grandpas home

Earlier in the week my dad emailed to see if we wanted to come over on Saturday to have crepes and talk about Christmas from the past. Of course!! That morning it snowed and made the magic of that day even better.

It was quite awesome seeing my dad make dozens of crepes and my mom assemble them into the most beautiful display of yumminess. Oh wow, those crepes were delicious. Sausage + raspberry. Nutella + strawberries + orange sauce. Turkey + Pesto + Cheese. YUM!

Dad told stories about when he was a little boy at Christmas time. His stories always have the perfect amount of humor that make my stomach hurt. He talked about his favorite item, that only he got, in his stocking. As he was telling the kids what it was he pulled out from under his chair a box of that favorite item. I believe our kids squealed a little when they saw those orange sticks. Our kids LOVE orange sticks. It was a happy moment.

We spent time just being amazed by my mom's artwork. She pulled out some of her art that I had never seen before. They were incredible! What's more impressive is her humility over her work. Every single page should be framed ♥♥♥

I love when we walk into mom and dad's house, it's a place full of what they love and their amazing talent is shown in every room. The family room is one of my favorite places to be. So cozy, warm, and inviting. Sitting on the couch watching the birds out the window, laughing at dad's stories, eating mom's treats, and feeling the love that comes from being back home, it's my favorite! ♥♥♥