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! ♥♥♥

temple square

It wouldn't feel quite like Christmas time without a trip to the city to see the lights at Temple Square. We first stopped by Trader Joe's to stock up on peppermint chocolate crunch cookies. We saw the candy window display and then headed to the visitor center to see the Christus statue. Daddy met us there and we all walked around temple square looking at the lights. The tree at the Joseph Smith Memorial building was my absolute favorite. 

I always love our trip to the city at Christmas time!

second december weekend

Friday night movies in December are what I live for. They're cozy, life slows down, and Christmas movies are the best. 

Saturday we went to our ward Christmas party. Someone set up a backdrop to take pictures, which no one was using, so I made my family come take one (which was quite the process trying to gather them all). While we were getting situated, someone pushed into someone else and several of us ended up toppling into the Christmas tree display. It was quite the scene. My friend, who was snapping pics for us, captured the moment. But somehow that picture got deleted off my phone. Probably the saddest deletion off my phone. 

Sunday we had our monthly treat night with our friends. These people are some of the very best. We have lots of good laughs, amazing conversations, and delicious treats. The kids play and play and when it's time to end, the husbands are usually trying to drag the moms and kids out the door. :) 

I love weekends. Have I mentioned that before?

the end of the week

:: staying warm by the fire ::

:: a december snowstorm ::

:: she loves, loves, loves the nativity set ::

:: piano recital, they both played beautifully ♥ cozy nights at home with his tablet are his favorite ::

:: his favorite place in the house during the winter..right where the heat comes up ♥ and oh, I love these two ::

:: just hanging around having a bowl of chocolate chips for breakfast, no big deal ♥ in-n-out date ::

:: I typically do not do big bows on Adeline, but we made an exception for today ♥ Adeline's face! ::

first december weekend

 :: advent calendars! ::

 We kicked off the weekend with Light the World. The boys took chocolate kisses to school and gave them to kids that seemed like they could use a treat. When they got home we watched a Christmas movie and snuggled on the couch. 

First thing on Saturday morning the kids got right up and opened their advent calendars (we've never done one before, but $1 at Trader Joe' was too good to pass up) Then we had pancakes and went through all our kid books to donate to some kids who could use some books and so that they can choose a book to give as a gift ♥♥♥

The December Fast Sunday is often my very favorite. The testimony's on this day were so beautiful. It left me feeling hopeful that this month can be peaceful and joyful, if my focus is right. The week before had me reevaluating so much of my life. I'm not sure if it's because I'm getting older, or some spiritual growth, or maybe frustrations I've had lately - but I so badly needed to take a step back and decide what is most important to me right now. It felt quite empowering. 

Then as we got home I told the kids to stay in their clothes and we could do a Sunday picture downstairs. As soon as I caught up to them, Levi was already half undressed :) not so sure he heard me. I think he was already planning to get into his jammies as fast as possible! Completely understandable. That's the best part of Sunday's in the wintertime. 

And of course the First Presidency Devotional was oh so perfect.

:: probably one of my favorite Sunday pictures to date ::