What we did this Christmas Season

This year we tried a new thing and I must say it was a hit (well until I got sick.)  Instead of doing a candy Advent we decided to do activities instead.

Via

 I got the idea from pinterest. Here is the list of activities I had

1. Decorate for Christmas
2. True story of St. Nic
3. Biltmore Village - Dickens Christmas
4. Lds Christmas Devotional
5. Build a Fort and read Christmas books (FHE)
6. Make Christmas Ornaments
7. Write/Draw Santa a letter
8. Go Christmas Shopping (we had addie pick out gifts for each family member)
9.  Make a Christmas treat
10. Church Christmas Party
11. Hot Chocolate and Christmas Movie
12. Go see Christmas lights (FHE)
13. Make gift for nursery teachers
14. Color pictures and mini lesson
15. Hang mistletoe
16. Do a service for someone else
17. Make Fudge
18. Take Christmas Photos
19. Mormon Message/Christ birth video (FHE)
20. Make snowflakes and hang them in the window
21. Watch a Christmas movie
22. Gingerbread house
23. Make Christmas cookies and wear new pjs
24. Read "The Night Before Christmas" and sing Christmas Carols

As I mentioned before, I got sick (as did the kids) so we skipped and moved some things. But we had a great time. The only thing I would change for next year is maybe reading a scripture with each night or something. I have come across a couple of ideas but I haven't decided yet. I figure I have almost a year to figure it out.

Stay tuned for our Christmas post...

Three years ago, Yesterday

People tend to break time down in many different ways. By accomplishments, by "mile markers", by what is going on their lives. Some break it down into literal time; 3 years can be broken into - 36 months, 1068 days, or into 1,576,800 minutes.

My last 3 years has been counted by many different things: Laughter and smiles, hugs, tickle fights, dancing, the occasional tears and acts of defiance, middle of the night comfort, boogie wipes, worry, story telling, singing, planning, but most importantly JOY.

 

An extremely special spirit that is kind and considerate. Who will yell in the middle of the night to ask if you are okay when you cough. One who is eager to help with anything when you are in need. A truly tenderhearted little girl.

A curious little girl, an adventurer. Who has been sailing on boats, traipsing through wild jungles, and dodging volcanoes. One who loves to play with anything remotely looks like a ball. Who is never happier than when she is with her family.

Adalaigh Ehren, came into our lives 3 years ago today and I have been grateful for every minute of it. I love you Addie.

-Love, Mommy!

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I wrote that yesterday but didn't have the time to sit down and post it. Yesterday, was an awesome day! I wish I had had my camera on me the entire day. 

First, we filled her bedroom with balloons. These pictures are less than half of the balloons we had in there originally. I meant to grab a picture when she first woke up but she slick. Not only did she wake up before me, but she also had balloons coming down the stairs. 

 She got Chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast and then we went outside to play and take pictures. Yay!

 After nap she went out with daddy, to pick out her own cake (because I ruined the one I was making.) That night we had Cake, Icecream, a little game, and then it was bed time!

Happy bday, Addie!

Thanksgiving, Happenings, and Pictures

 So we have been just a little busy (that is an understatement.) Let's see...

Right after Halloween Addie had her (we believe) last surgery. It was way easier than the first one since it was just one eye instead of two. She was such a trooper and I was so proud of how well she did.

Oh, I just slipped this photo in because my little boy is so cute.

This is what has been consuming all my free time. Well this is what is looked like after one go at sanding. It has had a couple more as well as some paint but I will tell you all about that when I am done. (It would have already been done but it was to cold for a week and then I got sick)

We went to my parents for Thanksgiving. It is becoming a slight tradition and it is so good to be able to go and visit with them for a week.With our family growing and theirs shrinking it is really funny to go and double the amount in their household.

Look at all those smiling face! They love me ;) Left going back and coming forward: Mama, Papa, Jeremy, Barrett, Addie, Marcus, Boe, and Carly.

This time mom was 100% well and I didn't have to wing Thanksgiving by myself ( I was really grateful for this!) It was fun being able to make Thanksgiving with my mom again. When you leave from college (and you are mormon and live on the east coast), you never really know when or if that opportunity will happen again. I am thankful that it did.

Guess who's birthday was on Thanksgiving this year! That is right my one and only. The best husband and absolutely wonderful man, Jeremy! He was born on Thanksgiving day.

After some wonderful time with my family we headed home. We had a pretty easy journey.

When we go back, it snowed! Okay, so it was really just a light dusting. Okay, so it didn't even stick. But Addie was so excited by the fact it was snowing she didn't even let me take her out of her pjs.

She played out there till her nose turned red and then I brought her in for some Hot Chocolate.