Thursday, January 12, 2012
Built-in BFF
Ever since we found out we were having twin girls, we have been been in awe of their relationship. They literally are BFF's! They have this connection to one another that I can't completely understand because I haven't experienced it, but I can just imagine what a comfort it would be in life. Here is just a sneak peak of everyday life for these two.
Such cute built-in buddies. I love these twins. :)
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Goals...take 2.
So you know that feeling when you feel like you have accomplished something big...when you feel like you can let your mind move on to other things and check that big thing off your list? (I love checking things off...I am VERY much a list person). Well I had that feeling a week ago after we discussed and recorded our family and individual goals over Sunday dinner, posted them here, and I spent a few hours one day designing this...
to frame and proudly display in our kitchen for all to see and be reminded each day. Wheww...done! Right? Wrong. After (of course) I had gone through this whole process...I read a section in my new favorite book on giving kids ownership of their goals:
It basically says that if you give kids ownership of their own goals, guide them in setting them, and create a visual reminder with progress charts, they will be much more motivated to accomplish them and feel more pride in that feat.
With this new insight, I realized that my kids hadn't really set their goals...we had set expectations for them to attain. Ours. Not theirs. I realized this wouldn't do much for what we were trying to teach them about setting goals. It wouldn't teach them to aspire to what they desire, just what we desire out of them. So...I realized, a little begrudgingly since I had already "checked it off" in my mind, that we needed a "Goals...Take 2."
So yesterday, I bought a couple of white poster boards, sat M&J down, and did this thing again. Our family goals stayed the same, because we had discussed and determined these goals as a family. The individual ones were the ones that I felt needed revamping. So it began.
First was Jake. I simply asked him what are some goals he would like to accomplish until the end of the school year in 4 different categories: 1. Spiritual, 2. Educational, 3. Physical, and 4. Service. I offered a few suggestions to help him but was careful not to push my ideas onto him. It took about 45 minutes and by the end he was crying. :) But something interesting happpened. When we talked about his education goals he said he wanted to learn how to be a better reader. As I have mentioned with previous posts, he has struggled with his letters. So I was excited when he said that was his goal (I didn't even suggest this! Hooray!). But then when we were trying to formulate a plan to make this happen I suggested he set a goal of reading a certain number of books by the end of the school year. This is where things got enlightening. He said he wanted to read 2. I said that was too low of a number considering we still had 5 months left of school. I told him "how about 2 a month = 10 books?" He begrudingly obliged...then as we were drawing the 10 progress stars (one for each new book) his eyes started to fill with tears. I could tell he was trying to be brave and not cry, but then I asked him why he was sad, and he lost it. Tears flowing like rain! He finally said in frustration, "I can't read! That's too many!" This stopped me short. Broke my heart really, because I realized for the first time that he was self-conscience about not being able to read yet. I can't imagine too many of his fellow Kindergartners are already reading but it was clear to me that he was frustrated that he could not. This is the first time he has ever express this level of frustration with reading. I put down the marker, sat him on my lap, and tried to lovingly assure him that I would help him with this. That I would help him accomplish this goal...but that the only way to get better at reading was to practice. The 10 books would help him accomplish his goal. In that moment, Trev walked in from work. He came over, I briefly explained what was going on, and promised that he would help Jake too. We also told him because he would have to work so hard to accomplish all these goals that we would reward him by going somewhere fun of his choice (he picked Chuck E. Cheeses...Trev and I hate that place. :) ) once he had accomplished all his goals. That seemed to help him, and you could see the confidence growing on his face as he gained strength from realizing that his parents would be there to help him along his journey.
A couple minutes later, after some final coloring touches, we posted the board in his room for him to see and consistently work on. See that face...much better. :)
I have to say, I am sooo grateful that I read that section in my book. It pushed me to go back and redo this process...which led me to an enlightening experience with my son. If I hadn't taken the time to do this, I wouldn't have known exactly how he was feeling in this area. In addition, Jake wouldn't have had the opportunity to feel his parents unwavering love and determination to be there to help him when things are hard. This process became about a whole lot more than just setting some goals. I am so grateful for this experience.
Now I think I can safely say...
Jake's Goals - CHECK! I love that!! :)
...now onto Morgan's and mine. :)
to frame and proudly display in our kitchen for all to see and be reminded each day. Wheww...done! Right? Wrong. After (of course) I had gone through this whole process...I read a section in my new favorite book on giving kids ownership of their goals:
With this new insight, I realized that my kids hadn't really set their goals...we had set expectations for them to attain. Ours. Not theirs. I realized this wouldn't do much for what we were trying to teach them about setting goals. It wouldn't teach them to aspire to what they desire, just what we desire out of them. So...I realized, a little begrudgingly since I had already "checked it off" in my mind, that we needed a "Goals...Take 2."
So yesterday, I bought a couple of white poster boards, sat M&J down, and did this thing again. Our family goals stayed the same, because we had discussed and determined these goals as a family. The individual ones were the ones that I felt needed revamping. So it began.
First was Jake. I simply asked him what are some goals he would like to accomplish until the end of the school year in 4 different categories: 1. Spiritual, 2. Educational, 3. Physical, and 4. Service. I offered a few suggestions to help him but was careful not to push my ideas onto him. It took about 45 minutes and by the end he was crying. :) But something interesting happpened. When we talked about his education goals he said he wanted to learn how to be a better reader. As I have mentioned with previous posts, he has struggled with his letters. So I was excited when he said that was his goal (I didn't even suggest this! Hooray!). But then when we were trying to formulate a plan to make this happen I suggested he set a goal of reading a certain number of books by the end of the school year. This is where things got enlightening. He said he wanted to read 2. I said that was too low of a number considering we still had 5 months left of school. I told him "how about 2 a month = 10 books?" He begrudingly obliged...then as we were drawing the 10 progress stars (one for each new book) his eyes started to fill with tears. I could tell he was trying to be brave and not cry, but then I asked him why he was sad, and he lost it. Tears flowing like rain! He finally said in frustration, "I can't read! That's too many!" This stopped me short. Broke my heart really, because I realized for the first time that he was self-conscience about not being able to read yet. I can't imagine too many of his fellow Kindergartners are already reading but it was clear to me that he was frustrated that he could not. This is the first time he has ever express this level of frustration with reading. I put down the marker, sat him on my lap, and tried to lovingly assure him that I would help him with this. That I would help him accomplish this goal...but that the only way to get better at reading was to practice. The 10 books would help him accomplish his goal. In that moment, Trev walked in from work. He came over, I briefly explained what was going on, and promised that he would help Jake too. We also told him because he would have to work so hard to accomplish all these goals that we would reward him by going somewhere fun of his choice (he picked Chuck E. Cheeses...Trev and I hate that place. :) ) once he had accomplished all his goals. That seemed to help him, and you could see the confidence growing on his face as he gained strength from realizing that his parents would be there to help him along his journey.
A couple minutes later, after some final coloring touches, we posted the board in his room for him to see and consistently work on. See that face...much better. :)
Now I think I can safely say...
Jake's Goals - CHECK! I love that!! :)
...now onto Morgan's and mine. :)
Saturday, January 7, 2012
A mommy-daughter date to remember.
Today was one of those days you simply don't want to forget. Since M was little, Trev and I started taking her on Daddy/Mommy-Daughter dates. It is basically where she gets a little time out with one of us. We usually do something fun and then get a bite to eat. J gets them now as well. They have proven to be incomparable in building our one-on-one relationships with our kids. We connect with each kid, we learn more about them, we find out what is going on with them. A&C haven't started these yet, but probably will soon. I highly recommend this for any family. It truly is great.
Some dates are just normal, but today I had a GREAT date with Morgan. Next month she turns 8. This is a big milestone in her life because she has the opportunity to get baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is a big moment and she has been looking forward to this for a LONG time. Among the other special things about this day (more on that when it arrives) she gets a new beautiful white dress to symbolize her purity. Today for our Mommy-Daughter date, we went shopping for "the dress" and out to lunch afterward. I get emotional just thinking about the experience. It was one of those great moments for a mother and daughter. Gave me a glimpse into what wedding dress shopping might feel like. :) One day...I need my little girl a little longer. :)
So here's what happened:
We began the morning with going to Morgan's friend, Faith's baptism. The Spirit was so strong, and it was so neat to see Faith's older brothers teaching her about Baptism and the Gift of the Holy Ghost. I LOVE this gospel!!! After the baptism we headed out. We went to a couple stores...and found a couple she liked, but we weren't sold yet. Then we went to the final store...
Maybe...
Maybe...
YES!!! This is the one.
My feelings were just about bursting out of my chest seeing my little girl in this lovely white dress! She looked so beautiful and she even had black boots on underneath...I am just going to die when she I see her all done up for her pictures and special day!!! Awww...I love this sweet thing.
On the drive and between stores we chatted. We talked about her upcoming baptism, concerns she had at school with standing up for herself the way Christ would, and even planned out her birthday party. On the way home we ate a yummy lunch at Paradise Bakery. MMMmmmm.....
Loved this date, LOVE this growing girl.
Some dates are just normal, but today I had a GREAT date with Morgan. Next month she turns 8. This is a big milestone in her life because she has the opportunity to get baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is a big moment and she has been looking forward to this for a LONG time. Among the other special things about this day (more on that when it arrives) she gets a new beautiful white dress to symbolize her purity. Today for our Mommy-Daughter date, we went shopping for "the dress" and out to lunch afterward. I get emotional just thinking about the experience. It was one of those great moments for a mother and daughter. Gave me a glimpse into what wedding dress shopping might feel like. :) One day...I need my little girl a little longer. :)
So here's what happened:
We began the morning with going to Morgan's friend, Faith's baptism. The Spirit was so strong, and it was so neat to see Faith's older brothers teaching her about Baptism and the Gift of the Holy Ghost. I LOVE this gospel!!! After the baptism we headed out. We went to a couple stores...and found a couple she liked, but we weren't sold yet. Then we went to the final store...
Maybe...
Maybe...
YES!!! This is the one.
My feelings were just about bursting out of my chest seeing my little girl in this lovely white dress! She looked so beautiful and she even had black boots on underneath...I am just going to die when she I see her all done up for her pictures and special day!!! Awww...I love this sweet thing.
On the drive and between stores we chatted. We talked about her upcoming baptism, concerns she had at school with standing up for herself the way Christ would, and even planned out her birthday party. On the way home we ate a yummy lunch at Paradise Bakery. MMMmmmm.....
Loved this date, LOVE this growing girl.
Snapshots - Daily Life
With my New Year's goal of creating a better document of our family, and improving my indoor photography skills...I decided to start practicing. So the other day, I thought I would just walk around and photograph some of the everyday things my kids like to do. The lighting in my house was great at the time so here is what I caught...
Our bookworm:
An intense train-track building session (the girls are enamored with trains lately so Gma Moores got them a "girly set" for Christmas. :)
While trying to be "invisible" and catch the candid...Abby got bored with the construction and started posing...fine by me. :)
Then Claire joined in...
I was grateful for her participation. :) This moment became quickly became a perfect expression of their relationship...so glad I caught it.
Next was Morgan and Jake...I had to switch to my flash for this one, so obviously not as good...but it's not all about the quality of the picture, but the quality of the relationships you capture. They are BIG into National Geographic Kids "Animal Jam" lately.
I sure love these little people.
Our bookworm:
An intense train-track building session (the girls are enamored with trains lately so Gma Moores got them a "girly set" for Christmas. :)
While trying to be "invisible" and catch the candid...Abby got bored with the construction and started posing...fine by me. :)
Then Claire joined in...
Next was Morgan and Jake...I had to switch to my flash for this one, so obviously not as good...but it's not all about the quality of the picture, but the quality of the relationships you capture. They are BIG into National Geographic Kids "Animal Jam" lately.
I sure love these little people.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Dawning of a New Year
This was the view from my kitchen window the other morning as we began a new year....2012.
Is that not just so incredible?? Very symbolic of what I had been thinking about...the dawning of a new year.
I always love December and all the magic, family, and love that part of the year brings...but I am always so glad when it is all over because it brings a lot of extra work and stress with it. This year we spent a lot of the week after Christmas organizing, doing projects, and trying to squeeze in more family time as well. I am going to be honest. It was a rough week for me. Mostly I think because there was so much Trev and I wanted to get accomplished before he went back to work, family in town we wanted to see, and because I had a lot of primary stuff that I needed to do to prepare for the 1st Sunday. I also had a lot of stuff to do to get our family setting goals and getting back on track for the new year. It left me feeling pretty stressed, and honestly like I felt as though I didn't even get a break at all.
Monday morning, the last day before the kids went back to school and Trev went back to work I pretty much had a "mom-meltdown." You know, the kind where you lock yourself in the bathroom and cry for a while, as the rest of your family wonders what has become of you. :) I told my sweet husband my feelings to which he empathized, and then lovingly offered to try and help. He promised me that at 3:45 p.m. that night we would stop whatever we were doing, take the kids on a walk, and go out to dinner. Just get some family time with just us. That was EXACTLY what I needed. We did just that and it was so great. Like, really great. I am just grateful for a husband who knows me and who helps me see the forest through the trees. Love you sweetheart.
On our walk, we talked to the kids about Honesty (the value we want to focus on teaching them in January). Then we ate at Pizza Pie Cafe...YUM! Then next morning the kids trotted off to school, Trev headed back to work, and the girls and I began the routine, once again. It has been really nice to get back into the swing of things...kind of like the calm after the storm. :)
With everyone back to normal (a relative term) I wanted to take a minute and post our family and individual goals for the upcoming year. Time to get working. :) Again. :)
Lighten Family Goals 2012:
1. Spiritual - Read 5 Book of Mormon verses together a day. Try to get to Alma 15.
2. Educational - Study America. This year we want to teach our kids about our government, history, etc. With it being a Presidential Election year we thought it would be fun to teach them about this great country we are blessed to live in.
3. Physical - Complete 1 bike ride/hike/swim/race/etc. together as a family a month.
4. Service - Once a month do something special for the poor and/or the needy (emotionally, physically, temporally, whatever).
Kids Goals:
Morgan-
1. Spiritual - Read 1 verse of the Book of Mormon each night before bed.
2. Educational - Learn to cook. Make one new recipe each month.
3. Physical - Be able to swim the entire length of the pool without touching the ground or stopping.
4. Service - Begin fasting on Fast Sunday and donate money to fast offerings to help the poor.
Jake-
1. Spiritual - Learn about the following prophets: King Benjamin, Nephi, Lehi, Joseph Smith, and Thomas S. Monson.
2. Educational - Learn about sea life (sharks, fish, dolphins, whales, barracudas, etc).
3. Physical - Learn how to rollerblade and play street hockey.
4. Service - Help keep weeds out of one of our neighbors yard that has major health issues.
Trev-
I can't remember all of his...except to be able to do 6 dead-hang pull-ups...he can currently do 2. :)
Me -
1. Spiritual - Ask for my Saviors' help more often. Don't try to lean so much on my own understanding. Invite the Savior into my everyday.
2. Educational - Document my family. Do at least 1 blog post a week. Increase my knowledge and ability in Photography. I am getting a new camera this year and I with that I want to increase my skill level. Particularly in shooting indoors. I love my outdoor pictures...but my indoor ones don't seem to turn out as well. Learn more about healthy eating...eat less meat.
3. Physical - Run at least 1 half marathon. Add a lifting class at least once a week. Maybe get pregnant. :) We'll see....no I am not currently pregnant. :) Just thinking about it.
4. Service - Become the "Eye of the Storm" in my home. I realize I need to be more patient and loving with my kids. I need to let them enjoy their childhood and not let that slip away. So I will be focusing on my family more this year. I also want to become an expert cinnamon roll maker...I have tried this numerous times and it hasn't worked...they NEVER rise right! I will figure this out this year. :) More of a service to my family than self because I can't eat those. :)
So there we are. Ready to charge ahead. Can't wait to see what this year has in store for us. Happy New Year everyone!
I always love December and all the magic, family, and love that part of the year brings...but I am always so glad when it is all over because it brings a lot of extra work and stress with it. This year we spent a lot of the week after Christmas organizing, doing projects, and trying to squeeze in more family time as well. I am going to be honest. It was a rough week for me. Mostly I think because there was so much Trev and I wanted to get accomplished before he went back to work, family in town we wanted to see, and because I had a lot of primary stuff that I needed to do to prepare for the 1st Sunday. I also had a lot of stuff to do to get our family setting goals and getting back on track for the new year. It left me feeling pretty stressed, and honestly like I felt as though I didn't even get a break at all.
Monday morning, the last day before the kids went back to school and Trev went back to work I pretty much had a "mom-meltdown." You know, the kind where you lock yourself in the bathroom and cry for a while, as the rest of your family wonders what has become of you. :) I told my sweet husband my feelings to which he empathized, and then lovingly offered to try and help. He promised me that at 3:45 p.m. that night we would stop whatever we were doing, take the kids on a walk, and go out to dinner. Just get some family time with just us. That was EXACTLY what I needed. We did just that and it was so great. Like, really great. I am just grateful for a husband who knows me and who helps me see the forest through the trees. Love you sweetheart.
On our walk, we talked to the kids about Honesty (the value we want to focus on teaching them in January). Then we ate at Pizza Pie Cafe...YUM! Then next morning the kids trotted off to school, Trev headed back to work, and the girls and I began the routine, once again. It has been really nice to get back into the swing of things...kind of like the calm after the storm. :)
With everyone back to normal (a relative term) I wanted to take a minute and post our family and individual goals for the upcoming year. Time to get working. :) Again. :)
Lighten Family Goals 2012:
1. Spiritual - Read 5 Book of Mormon verses together a day. Try to get to Alma 15.
2. Educational - Study America. This year we want to teach our kids about our government, history, etc. With it being a Presidential Election year we thought it would be fun to teach them about this great country we are blessed to live in.
3. Physical - Complete 1 bike ride/hike/swim/race/etc. together as a family a month.
4. Service - Once a month do something special for the poor and/or the needy (emotionally, physically, temporally, whatever).
Kids Goals:
Morgan-
1. Spiritual - Read 1 verse of the Book of Mormon each night before bed.
2. Educational - Learn to cook. Make one new recipe each month.
3. Physical - Be able to swim the entire length of the pool without touching the ground or stopping.
4. Service - Begin fasting on Fast Sunday and donate money to fast offerings to help the poor.
Jake-
1. Spiritual - Learn about the following prophets: King Benjamin, Nephi, Lehi, Joseph Smith, and Thomas S. Monson.
2. Educational - Learn about sea life (sharks, fish, dolphins, whales, barracudas, etc).
3. Physical - Learn how to rollerblade and play street hockey.
4. Service - Help keep weeds out of one of our neighbors yard that has major health issues.
Trev-
I can't remember all of his...except to be able to do 6 dead-hang pull-ups...he can currently do 2. :)
Me -
1. Spiritual - Ask for my Saviors' help more often. Don't try to lean so much on my own understanding. Invite the Savior into my everyday.
2. Educational - Document my family. Do at least 1 blog post a week. Increase my knowledge and ability in Photography. I am getting a new camera this year and I with that I want to increase my skill level. Particularly in shooting indoors. I love my outdoor pictures...but my indoor ones don't seem to turn out as well. Learn more about healthy eating...eat less meat.
3. Physical - Run at least 1 half marathon. Add a lifting class at least once a week. Maybe get pregnant. :) We'll see....no I am not currently pregnant. :) Just thinking about it.
4. Service - Become the "Eye of the Storm" in my home. I realize I need to be more patient and loving with my kids. I need to let them enjoy their childhood and not let that slip away. So I will be focusing on my family more this year. I also want to become an expert cinnamon roll maker...I have tried this numerous times and it hasn't worked...they NEVER rise right! I will figure this out this year. :) More of a service to my family than self because I can't eat those. :)
So there we are. Ready to charge ahead. Can't wait to see what this year has in store for us. Happy New Year everyone!
Go JAZZ!
So we have this AMAZING friend, Chris, and he has AMAZING courtside seats to the Utah Jazz...which he was SUPER nice to share with us!
CAVEAT: Get ready to be jealous...this date night with my sweetheart was pretty much a typical man's bucket list item...one we have been able to check off TWICE now!
So here's how it went down. A few weeks before Christmas our dear friend invited us and our fun neighbors, the Maughans, to take his tickets to the Jazz's season home opener game against the Sixers. We obliged (of course!). :)
So we started the night driving to the game with our dear friends, and parked in the VIP lot across the street from the arena. (Lucky, right!? just wait...)
From our short walk to the game, we were taken by elevator up to the dining area where we were treated to a DELISH and fancy dinner, over looking the downtown area and beautiful Temple Square. The food and conversation were both wonderful. Then before the game started we snagged a couple ice cream cones and headed down to our seat...on the 3rd ROW!!! COURTSIDE!!! We settled in, trying to look like we belong there while the players warmed up right in front of us! I am always amazed at how big these guys are up close, but they are somehow super-athletic and coordinated too. True athletes.
Here we are before the game:
During the game: (I was trying to get a booty shot of one of the players...this was the best I could get...those guys are fast = nice booties. :) )
It wound up being a REALLY close game...super fun to watch and very exciting at the end...have no fear however, the JAZZ WON!!! Thus...the confetti...
My favorite part of the game was probably the fireworks show at the beginning...yes...fireworks! InSiDe!!! It was pretty incredible. :)
My favorite part of the night was being with my honey and our great friends. What a night! Thanks again Chris!! We had a wonderful time. :)
CAVEAT: Get ready to be jealous...this date night with my sweetheart was pretty much a typical man's bucket list item...one we have been able to check off TWICE now!
So here's how it went down. A few weeks before Christmas our dear friend invited us and our fun neighbors, the Maughans, to take his tickets to the Jazz's season home opener game against the Sixers. We obliged (of course!). :)
So we started the night driving to the game with our dear friends, and parked in the VIP lot across the street from the arena. (Lucky, right!? just wait...)
From our short walk to the game, we were taken by elevator up to the dining area where we were treated to a DELISH and fancy dinner, over looking the downtown area and beautiful Temple Square. The food and conversation were both wonderful. Then before the game started we snagged a couple ice cream cones and headed down to our seat...on the 3rd ROW!!! COURTSIDE!!! We settled in, trying to look like we belong there while the players warmed up right in front of us! I am always amazed at how big these guys are up close, but they are somehow super-athletic and coordinated too. True athletes.
Here we are before the game:
During the game: (I was trying to get a booty shot of one of the players...this was the best I could get...those guys are fast = nice booties. :) )
It wound up being a REALLY close game...super fun to watch and very exciting at the end...have no fear however, the JAZZ WON!!! Thus...the confetti...
My favorite part of the game was probably the fireworks show at the beginning...yes...fireworks! InSiDe!!! It was pretty incredible. :)
My favorite part of the night was being with my honey and our great friends. What a night! Thanks again Chris!! We had a wonderful time. :)
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Christmas Morning 2011
Before I reveal the magical morning, I have to take a moment and document all the fun leading up to the BIG day! I don't have pictures, so this is for my memory...
In December - We started things off with a date night to Cetabellos (our fav pizza restaurant in SLC) temple lights, and hot chocolate with just my sweetheart. LOVED this night. We usually take the kids each year...and it winds up being a bit of a disaster, so we went alone this time...really romantic. :)
We watched the Annual First Presidency Christmas Devotional...Morgan had a GS christmas cookie exchange...the Bullock family (Trev's Mom-side) Christmas Party...Addie's (cousin) Baptism...and the Ward Christmas Party.
Then came Morgan's Dance Recital...GNO with my SIL's for Heather's Bday...saw New Year's Eve...sorta lame...then had the Lighten Christmas Party.
Jake had a friend Bday party...we had a "Mormon Cocktail Party"...really FUN! Martinelli's was my drink of choice...loved the time with my neighbors and REALLY fun idea! Thanks Belshes! :)
We also did a couple "secret elves" missions to try and get the kids to think of, and serve others at this time of the year. This was something we will do every year. I hope that in the future it works out better but Morgan LOVED being sooo sneaky. :)
That brings me to this point...Christmas EVE...and Christmas morning!
Christmas Eve we just hung out at home. We cooked, cleaned, and deliver neighbor treats for most of the day, getting ready for the big event. For dinner, we had roast, potatoes, and Yorkshire puddings...Hmmm...I love Trev's English heritage! :) After which his parents stopped by to bring presents. :) They always get our kids the coolest things!
After they left, opened Christmas Jammies, and watched DVD, Joy to the World. It was all about Christ's birth and the miracles surrounding it. My kids were enthralled...M&J are really starting to get these things. I love that! We ended the night with setting out homemade Oreos and Hot Chocolate for Santa, checked his location on the Internet, kissed the kids goodnight, and sent them off to bed.
In the meantime, Trev and I watched Christmas Story (one of Trev's fav Christmas traditions) and awaited the Big Man's arrival!
This is what we found the next morning! (yes...I actually have pictures of this...proud of me??? especially now that you see how much I don't have pictures of. :) )
Yeah...they pretty much scored! Trev got a weekend trip to St. George to see Brian Regan, Cougar gear for his man-cave, and his fav candy...seafoam. I got new boots, a mustard scarf, a couple of books I wanted, and anything else I saw for myself while out shopping. :) After the presents were all open, and the dust settled, we sat down for a yummy Christmas morning casserole breakfast. The kids weren't too keen on it...especially Morgan (our Egg-hater). But we (Trev and I) enjoyed it thoroughly. :)
Next up was Church at 10:30 am. We moved to the 2:30 pm time slot so this was a bitter-sweet day. Early church, 1 hour, mostly songs. LOVED IT...sad to see our nice time slot go. :(
After church we came home, had lunch, and headed off to Gma&Gpa Dodson's house in Richmond. My brother is on his mission in AZ, so we went up there to skype with him. :) We also ate a scrumptious dinner and opened more presents...kids got rollerblades, and a little girl train track, I got jeans, and Trev got a new speaker thing for our room. He loves it!
It was a great day...one of those days you want to encase in your memory. It truly was a Merry Christmas, full of love, family, and happy moments together.
In December - We started things off with a date night to Cetabellos (our fav pizza restaurant in SLC) temple lights, and hot chocolate with just my sweetheart. LOVED this night. We usually take the kids each year...and it winds up being a bit of a disaster, so we went alone this time...really romantic. :)
We watched the Annual First Presidency Christmas Devotional...Morgan had a GS christmas cookie exchange...the Bullock family (Trev's Mom-side) Christmas Party...Addie's (cousin) Baptism...and the Ward Christmas Party.
Then came Morgan's Dance Recital...GNO with my SIL's for Heather's Bday...saw New Year's Eve...sorta lame...then had the Lighten Christmas Party.
Jake had a friend Bday party...we had a "Mormon Cocktail Party"...really FUN! Martinelli's was my drink of choice...loved the time with my neighbors and REALLY fun idea! Thanks Belshes! :)
We also did a couple "secret elves" missions to try and get the kids to think of, and serve others at this time of the year. This was something we will do every year. I hope that in the future it works out better but Morgan LOVED being sooo sneaky. :)
That brings me to this point...Christmas EVE...and Christmas morning!
Christmas Eve we just hung out at home. We cooked, cleaned, and deliver neighbor treats for most of the day, getting ready for the big event. For dinner, we had roast, potatoes, and Yorkshire puddings...Hmmm...I love Trev's English heritage! :) After which his parents stopped by to bring presents. :) They always get our kids the coolest things!
After they left, opened Christmas Jammies, and watched DVD, Joy to the World. It was all about Christ's birth and the miracles surrounding it. My kids were enthralled...M&J are really starting to get these things. I love that! We ended the night with setting out homemade Oreos and Hot Chocolate for Santa, checked his location on the Internet, kissed the kids goodnight, and sent them off to bed.
In the meantime, Trev and I watched Christmas Story (one of Trev's fav Christmas traditions) and awaited the Big Man's arrival!
This is what we found the next morning! (yes...I actually have pictures of this...proud of me??? especially now that you see how much I don't have pictures of. :) )
Yeah...they pretty much scored! Trev got a weekend trip to St. George to see Brian Regan, Cougar gear for his man-cave, and his fav candy...seafoam. I got new boots, a mustard scarf, a couple of books I wanted, and anything else I saw for myself while out shopping. :) After the presents were all open, and the dust settled, we sat down for a yummy Christmas morning casserole breakfast. The kids weren't too keen on it...especially Morgan (our Egg-hater). But we (Trev and I) enjoyed it thoroughly. :)
Next up was Church at 10:30 am. We moved to the 2:30 pm time slot so this was a bitter-sweet day. Early church, 1 hour, mostly songs. LOVED IT...sad to see our nice time slot go. :(
After church we came home, had lunch, and headed off to Gma&Gpa Dodson's house in Richmond. My brother is on his mission in AZ, so we went up there to skype with him. :) We also ate a scrumptious dinner and opened more presents...kids got rollerblades, and a little girl train track, I got jeans, and Trev got a new speaker thing for our room. He loves it!
It was a great day...one of those days you want to encase in your memory. It truly was a Merry Christmas, full of love, family, and happy moments together.
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