Christmas 2015

Since I haven't blogged since Annabelle was born, I figured I needed to start back up again and today is the perfect day to do it. We had the best Christmas, even though my family is out of town. We celebrated with them this past Sunday. We were lucky to spend Christmas Eve with JTs mom and sisters and our Christmas morning with his dad. I didn't take a single picture last night until we got home for our PJ pictures. But we had so much fun with family and the kids were extra spoiled this year. 

This little miss turned 5 months 2 days ago. We just love her!

Thomas really didn't want to do pictures last night. I'm surprised we even got a good one! We couldn't find our camera tripod so we put the selfie stick we got for free a few months ago to good use. 

The kids woke up a little before 8 this morning and JTs dad and shelle came over a little after 8. We woke up to so much snow! JT went out with Thomas to shovel a path so people could get through. 

Thomas had a hard time waiting to open everything, but we wanted to wait for grandma and grandpa so he dealt with it and just stared at presents. We brought his Santa presents and stocking out when they got there. He has already mastered riding his scooter so well!

He had so much fun and loved every minute of it. I can honestly say there is nothing better then Christmas morning as a parent. 

I made breakfast and we ate and relaxed the rest of the day! We did go on a drive through American fork canyon to see all the snow. But Thomas got whiney and Annabelle was tired so it didn't last long. It was beautiful though!! 

I'm so grateful for my savior and this time of year where we can remember all we have to be thankful for. My family is my greatest blessing and I never imagined having the life I've been blessed with. Merry Christmas!

Christmas Day 2014

Christmas was wonderful as always this year! Thomas still didn't quite get the whole thing but I was so excited to have a one year old who plays with toys I couldn't even sleep that great Christmas Eve. I was too excited for him. Out of all the new toys and games and puzzles he got, he still chose to play with paper plates and cups most of the day. I don't know why he loves silverware and plates so much but they really are his favorite things to have around! We were terrible picture takers most of the day, we never even took one as a family. It did snow all day long though which made me happy. There's nothing better then snow on Christmas. 

We spent the morning with my family. Melissa and Jonny, Jason, and Kyle were all at my parents house so it was fun to have so many people here. We opened presents most of the morning, then went and visited JTs mom and step dad and his dad and step mom. 

JT spoiled me rotten this year...he got me a little chrome book lap top and some hunter boots I've been whining about wanting for awhile now. They'll be used a ton in Washigton I'm sure. 

Christmas Eve 2014

We had such a great Christmas this year! Thomas survived the holiday with only a few over tired melt downs.  He was beyond spoiled with love and gifts from grandparents and aunts and uncles, ate way too much sugar, and stayed up hours past his bed time a few nights but he was a trooper.  I am so thankful to live such a blessed life.

We took Thomas to see Santa Christmas Eve morning...I'll just let the picture explain how that went.  

                                                                     

Afterwards we went to JT's dad's house for breakfast with AshLee and her family.  We exchanged presents, ate yummy food, and got to visit for a few hours while the kids played with their new toys.  Thomas is still terrified of their dog Max, which is weird because he does fine with all other dogs...we'll have to work on that some more.  Thanks Grandpa Jeff and Shelle for such a fun time!

Ceni and Izzi got these kid size couches and I have never seen Thomas love something so much.  He played on those things hard and we left with a few bruises from him diving off of them into everything.

For Christmas Eve night, we went to JT's mom's house with all of his sisters and their families.  They had a "Feliz Navidad", or at least that's what they called it because we had shrimp tacos and other mexican delicousness.  I have the best mother in law who cooks me my own meals because I can't stomach sea food at all.  She is such a sweetie. Thomas got to see his cousins again and we exchanged presents and spent some much needed time as a whole family.  My favorite part of the night was when drew names and had to say what we loved about the person that we picked.  I picked JT and could barely get any words out about him because he's just the best. So I think I cried more then said anything, but he knows how much I love him.  It was really sweet to hear everyone's responses and feel so much love in that room.  We will sure miss all of them when we move away.  

We went back to my parents house and did the traditional PJ opening and picture taking.  Every year my parents try and out do each other for getting the worst PJs for each other....this year my mom definitely won.  My dad's were a footed onesie with a long sleep cap thing...oh my gosh it was SO funny.  Pictures don't even do it justice, it was just too good.  My dad always reads Luke 2 and this year we talked about the different symbols of Christmas.  We all wrote on a floating lantern what we wanted to give to Christ in the year 2015 and sent it off into the sky.  Allison and Guy spent Christmas in Colorado so we missed them lots, but they are coming out this weekend so we will get to see them before we move.

It's so hard not to get caught up sometimes in all the fake fluff that surrounds this holiday.  I am so thankful for my Savior who died and atones for all of my many mistakes.  I would not be where I am today with the gift of the Atonement.  I hope that I will be able to teach Thomas and our future kids how truly blessed we are, and help them develop a strong, loving relationship with their Savior.  We also watched this quick video that the Church put out, I just love it.  I love how such a simple video can get such a great message across.