2 Times Is A Charm!

Yes, I am kinda a Christmas Junky...I am addicted to everything Christmas!

So, we brought our kids to see Santa again.

The first time we went Raegan was crying so the photographer wanted Paul and I to stand with her, but I like the crying pictures. So when we went back, we let her cry. But there is the BEST Santa there, and he started to talk to her and she went from terrified and crying to very happy and smiling so fast! This second picture was probably taken 30 seconds after the 1st one!

6 Days...and Counting!

So I was so excited I was at one of my favorite stores and they had all their Christmas Decor on clearance prices ALREADY! Here are the cute things I got for really cheap!

I am so excited to actually have real stockings FINALLY! My sister-in-law gave me these awesome stocking hangers, so it encouraged me to get some stockings this year.

And of course...the Ornament Party hosted by Jean!

It was fantastic this year...so many many great ornaments.

Here's how it works: you bring 8 ornaments (preferrably handmade), and then you go home with 8 different ornaments. They were all so great this year, I wish I could have got 1 of everyones.

And yes...Jeannie is moving! What are we going to do without her?? :(

But I am thinkin' the tradition must go on...so we'll see next year if my Christmas Spirit is in full throttle then I will keep it going!

(this one above is one of the ornaments I made)

"Mommy Wow, I'm a Big Girl Now!"

We turned Raegans Crib into a Bed,

and she LOVES it!

She calls it her "Big Giwl Bed"!

I was curious to see if she would stay in it, fall out or just get out all the time.

I think she fell out the first night, but she hasn't had any problem going to bed or staying in it.

It's Ninja Time!

Brig had a totally awesome Ninja Turtle Birthday!

Thanks to all the "turtles" who came

COWABUNGA

Brig's 4th B-Day!

bRiG is an amazing kid!

He has the best imagination, he can turn anything into a toy or a game!

He also has the most amazing memory...no kidding the kids remembers the weirdest things (most recently Tom Petty song lyrics)!

He has the best smile...especially when he cheeses it for the camera.

He wants to be JUST like his Daddy.

His pride & joy is his sissy!

He lives to make people laugh.

His current obsessions are: Transformers, Ninja Turtles...and yes, still Sharks!

He gives the best hugs and smooches!

He is very social...he loves to play with his sissy, friends and cousins.

He may be wild, crazy and a serious goofball...but he is also sweet, considerate and full of wonderful energy.

We Love You Brig-Man!
Happy Birthday!

True Blue...

So Paul made a bet with our friend, Kyle on

BYU vs. Utah Game Day.

They bet that whoever lost had to wear the other teams tie to church and talk only good about the other team!

And since Utah lost in the last few minutes of the game.....

Here's the Result!

Clearly he's NOT happy about it, but is keeping his word!

At church Kyle informed the Bishop that Paul was wearing a BYU tie, so in Elders Quorom the Bishop asks Paul to stand. So Paul had to stand there in front of EVERYONE and say "good" things about the BYU football team. But at the end he said

"Now I need to go to the bathroom and throw up!"

To say the least Paul tried to lay low at church, and Kyle found much humor and joy in the day!

This may be the one and only time Paul is seen wearing BYU gear of any sort, so I thought it was worthy of a picture and a post!

You Better Watch Out....

You Better not cRy,

You better not PoUt

I'm telling you why....

SaNtA cLauS is comin' to town....

For Family Night we went to see Santa Claus with our friends, the Haughts!

It was the coolest North Pole ever...

The kids got to send their wishes into a mail box straight to the

North Pole,

They got to push a button to a meter that told them if they have been NaUgHtY oR nIcE ?

(they both passed),

And then they got to sit on Santa's lap!
Raegan was a little scared, so Santa had Mom & Dad sit with them.

It was great fun...

We Love You sAnTa!

All In A Days Work...

Paul was gone all day today helping out with a service project for his brother's ward. They went down to Mexico with supplies, food and gifts and delivered them in neighborhoods that were in need.

Paul tagged along to translate.

It was a great experience, and a reminder of all that we have to be grateful for. This is a community only a few hours from where we live and they are living in such sad living conditions.

************

While he was gone doing something good with his time,
I was home with the kids on a Saturday with not much to do.
So I tackled a project that I have been really wanting to get done. I went to Target bought some sheets on clearance ($5) and made curtains for my bedroom with them and some leftover fabric from my kitchen curtains (thanks to Stacie for teaching me how to make them last time she was out here). I also hung some pictures that have been sitting in my closet waiting to get hung!
Anyways...here's the final project:

I also made these this week:

Getting in The Spirit Of Christmas.....

I am so excited that it is Christmas Season.

I have been begging Paul for weeks now to let me put up the Christmas Decorations and play Christmas Music. He caved in early on the Christmas music, but said the decorations couldn't go up until after Thanksgiving. So my mind was set that the day after Thanksgiving would be the day, well after a long day of shopping (started at 4:30 am) I was exhausted. So for FHE we got the tree out, and had a great evening with

Tree Decorating, lots of festive music and even "Santa's Milk" (egg nog).

The kids loved every moment of it!

I lOvE LOVE LoVe this time of year!

A Lot To Be Thankful For...

Thanksgiving has come & gone,

and has reminded me of all I have to be thankful for.

I am so grateful for:

My Husband who I love so much,

My 2 adorable kids who bring me so much joy,

A place to call home,

The Gospel which makes everything make sense,
Parents who set good examples for me and love me unconditionally,

In-Laws who raised my husband to be who he is,

Time to spend with my family,

3 sisters who are my best friends,

A brother who is so great and puts up with having 4 sisters,

Friends,

The wonderful freedoms that we enjoy in this country...

The list goes on & on.

I am so grateful for so many things, I feel so blessed.

I love this season that reminds us to be Thankful!