Christmas and the New Year

I was eager for January to bring a lull in the busyness of our lives but it doesn't look like it is going to let up anytime soon. We both have very busy callings and especially at this time of year. I am not trying to complain. I know we are being blessed in so many different ways for serving but sometimes I find myself counting down to the time when "I think" one of us might be released. Until then, I am trying to find joy in each day. Each new challenge. Each new learning opportunity. And trying not to pick on myself too hard for not posting as much as I would like. Eating cereal for dinner. Not mopping as much as I need to (like, never...although I did get a steam mop for Christmas so maybe that will help even if it is still in the box). :)





One thing January is certain to bring is power. The power of change. The power of hope. I love that at this special time of year we get to reflect on who we are, where we have come from and where we want to go in the next year. I love setting resolutions to do better and be better even when some years have proved less successful than others. I think January brings a renewed hope that we can make little steps to improve our lives and the lives around us. And for some reason, more than any other time of year, it gives us the strength and courage to start again.

Enough about that, I am a little late on posting Christmas but lately my philosophy has been "better late than never." You may get our awesome new years pics by February but maybe not. :)

These are pictures of the kids with Chris's uncle who dressed up like Santa. He made an AWESOME Santa. I am so glad we got more pics.

I love this picture of Allison with Santa because she is going on and on about what she wants for Christmas. Oh, the faith of a little child!

Christmas eve we went to Chris's families house and baked cookies. I am not sure where Allison learned to pose with her hand like this but she was adamant that I get her picture with her posing just like this.

It is interesting to hear what other traditions people have for the holidays. In our home, Santa only brings one gift for each child and does not wrap it. All the other gifts come from mom and dad or other family. The kids sleep in the basement on Christmas eve and have to stay down there until we come and get them. That may seem a little mean but we are selfish and want to see the first initial surprise on their faces. So far they haven't complained about it. We always bake cookies the night before for Santa. We have always written letters and done gingerbread houses. The last couple of years we did an Activity advent calendar that I really love doing. I come up with 25 Christmas activities each year that we are going to do as a family. Some include reading Christmas books, singing/listening to Christmas music, looking at Christmas lights, making a gingerbread house, making Christmas treats and bringing them to people, Gratitude night, the symbols of Christmas, etc., etc., etc. The kids are always excited to see what fun activity we will do that day and it is a way for us to make sure we spend a little more time together during the busy holiday season.

Asher's favorite toys came from his stocking. But he also loved opening presents this year too. Putting him in his high chair worked really well. :)

The girls both got the pillow pets they asked for (along with a million other children). I had to go online to even find out what they were when Allison started asking for one. Then I started seeing them in every store I went to including Best Buy!

Austin asked for a "prop replica" Harry Potter wand (that is what he calls it). He wrote a two and a half page letter to Santa telling him why he wanted it and why he deserved it. How could Santa resist?

I hope everyone had a great Holiday and I hope even more that every one's new year is everything you could hope for!! (See, I am full of hope). :)