12.18.2014 - temple square at christmas time

I just adore my little family and I absolutely love being at Temple Square during the Christmas season. It is so magical.

The kids love riding the 'train' into town, and this year was so perfect with Rudger and his obsession with the cho-cho. His smile would not fade and the sparkle in his eyes never dimmed while we were on the train.  

 When I was a young girl and my family would make the drive to Salt Lake each December, my dad would always take us to the candy window display. This year I was so excited to see them again. Taylor was most excited about it too.

But what they were most excited to see was the Christus. It makes my heart so happy to see them develop their own love for Christ during this Christmas season. 

christmas weekend - two

The second weekend in December I knew my days of the boys being in school for a good chunk of the day were being numbered so I decided to spend my Friday wrapping some presents. And for the record, I am very excited to have them home.

We enjoyed Christmas chips and Guacamole, along with Friday night pizza. We also made cookies to take to a neighborhood Christmas party. 

Saturday we spent playing, stretching out our carpet,and making new Christmas stockings (our old ones were just not working and for seven years it has been on my Christmas to-do list). We also had our ward Christmas Party. Always a favorite of ours.

Sunday we enjoyed a duet on the Piano from Taylor and Jolly. 

thanksmas 2014

The boys love to tell their friends, teachers, and just about anyone who will listen that one of their most favorite holidays is Thanksmas. People look at me with a confused look and are probably thinking the boys don't know what they are saying. Nope. It is a very special day to us.

The favorites from this year's Thanksmas:

getting to be pushed on the table sleigh

the amazing decorated table

the feast, most especially the ham loaf

Santa

chasing the older cousins around
family time

 ^^ the expression on his face when he saw santa ^^

 ^^ the expression after he realized what santa gave him ^^

^^ and his face when it was all over ^^

christmas weekend - one

Our first weekend of December Jolly brought the boys some hats and gloves that were very much needed. Except for the fact that there is now snow and it's been the warmest December in years. #notokaywiththat  

We made Christmas cookies.

Started off the weekend right with pizza and donuts, we threw in some oranges to make dinner a little more healthy.

Movie morning with Grandma and Grandpa. 

Family pictures in the backyard. Only kind of painful this go around. The boys only last for about six attempts. If we don't get a good one then, oh well.

Sunday night games. Dollar tree had THE cutest Christmas card games. 

Exhausted and ready for bed.

help to make the season bright

 We have been listening to Christmas music for a good month now. I love really listening to the lyrics, they are just so beautiful. One of my favorites is The Christmas Song (along with millions of other) I was thinking about the line "everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe help to make the season bright". Why, yes they do. But I think there is something even better to make this season brighter, and I wanted that focus in our home even more.

We have found some simple ways and they really do add that touch I was longing for. 

 Taylor and Levi have each taken a Monday this month and taught some sweet and simple messages to turn our thoughts toward Christ. 

1. I love the friend. Every December they have some kind of simple advent. Each morning (at least we try) we read a scripture and with that there is a challenge to accomplish that day.
2. This blog is one of my favorites.  A few months back she showed her nativity and mentioned that now would be the time to start. I have wanted to do one for several years and that was just what I needed to get started. It has been a labor of love. The boys love waking up in the morning and putting the new piece on. Makes it all worth it.

We have also continued the tradition from President Monson and during the Christmas season we read, The Mansion, A Christmas Carol, and Luke 2. We have also added a beautiful book to that list, The Other Wiseman. For the past few years, this is what I have looked forward to the most.

And I think the boys favorite would be after our scripture reading every evening, we watch one, two, or three of these Bible videos. What a perfect way to end our day.  

I really hope that through these simple activities our season will be even brighter.

two visits with grandma and grandpa

I moved away from Brigham City thirteen years ago. I still can't believe it has been that long. I wish I could see my parents every week or just be a five minute drive away. Unfortunately that's not how things have worked out, but any chance that we have to go visit, it is lovely. (and it really is only a 45 minute drive)

Last week my moms horse, Bianca, passed away. I knew someday that would happen, but I was surprised just how sad I was. We decided that a middle of the week visit to show mom our love was a must. The boys got home from school, they made some tender cards, and then we headed for Brigham. It was a nice evening with my parents.

^^ my parents have the best Christmas home ^^

 A few days later we headed back up for a Polar Express Morning. The boys were beyond excited.

^^ I can't get over that it's December and look what Levi is wearing. Depressing. ^^ 

Afterwards we headed to Bert's Cafe for some amazing hot chocolate. 

^^ my favorite ^^

We were so happy to have these visits with Grandma and Grandpa.

thanksgiving 2014

This year we hosted Thanksgiving with the Morris family. The week before I did the deep cleaning and grocery shopping. A few days before I cleaned out closets and places no one was ever going to see (was definitely the most important thing I could have been doing). The day before we put the turkey in the brine, made a few pies, and set the tables. Then went to bed after midnight. We woke up at 5:30 to put the turkey in the oven. I was going to try to go back to bed, but I was just too excited. So I did a little of this and a little of that which made for such a stress free morning. The boys were so thankful for that.  

^^ our baby spent the evening in a turkey coma ^^

The boys dressed up as pilgrims and Indians. Everyone brought amazing food (perks of being a part of this family). We stuffed ourselves with pie. We did a little family history. And then went to bed that night feeling very thankful....and VERY tired.