Is It Already Over?

I can't believe Christmas is already over. It seems to take longer to prepare for each year, but each year, the day also goes by so much faster! I'm glad the kids are still home from school and Earl took a long Christmas break, so we're able to hang out with each other.

I have to say, my best day was the Sunday before Christmas. We had a really beautiful Christmas program for Sacrament Meeting. Our Bishop gave a wonderful talk about the atonement. He said how he looks forward to the time when we are all resurrected so he can be with all of us and experience things with different people. In his list, he mentioned that he really looks forward to having a long conversation with Brayden. Of course, that started my tears flowing and they didn't stop for the rest of the program. I'm so thankful for a thoughtful ward that is in tune with some of the stuff that's going on in our lives. It was so emotional for me to hear that someone else also looks forward to hearing his sweet voice.

To top off my already emotional day, Spencer received an anonymous note while he was in Primary. The note said that he is such a good example and everyone looks up to him. It included some money to help him purchase a suit for his upcoming 12th birthday. It was so wonderful. He is such a good kid. I am so proud of him, and I'm sure it is nice for him to be recognized for that. Usually the squeaky wheel gets the grease at our house and Spencer just isn't very squeaky!

So that gave us an inspirational start to our holiday. I hope the little we have been able to do for other people this season has helped them. Going caroling with our neighbors was a big highlight for me. And our kids loved picking out angel-tree presents for other kids. That will definitely be a family tradition!

We hope you all had a great Christmas!!

Christmas Get to Know Me

I saw this cute 'Get to Know Me' on my friend Becca's blog. It was way too fun to pass up!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? I'm usually in such a hurry that I wish I had gift bags to hold all of our presents, but alas, that never happens!
2. Real tree or Artificial? ARTIFICIAL! I love the smell of a real tree, but watering a tree isn't high on my priority list.
3. When do you put up the tree? It has become our Day After Thanksgiving tradition.
4. When do you take the tree down? Usually on New Years Day. We try to enjoy the decorations as long as possible without going crazy. Brayden gets insulted that the tree is in his way and wants to play with the tree skirt the whole month.
5. Do you like eggnog? Good stuff!
6. Favorite gift received as a child? My Barbie house with the elevator and everything. It was awesome!
7. Hardest person to buy for? My hubby. He already buys everything he wants.
8. Easiest person to buy for? Chloe- everything is fun for her!
9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, a Precious Moments one that the kids can play with.
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Unfortunately just email this year. My poor family and friends who don't use email are getting New Year cards this year. (I hope!)
11. Favorite Christmas Movie? How the Grinch Stole Christmas. My dad's favorite has now become mine.
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I should start sooner. Usually October.
14. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Ham, chocolate, I'm not too specific with my Holiday treats.
15. Lights on the tree? White!
16. Favorite Christmas song? I love singing all of the songs with my kids, it doesn't matter which ones.
17. Travel at Christmas or stay home? We're stay-at-homers. Christmas Eve party with my family and Christmas dinner at my parents', but everyone lives close!
18. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, Rudolph!
19. Angel on the tree top or a star? Angel.
20. Open presents on Christmas Eve or morning? We'll open one gift on Christmas Eve this year---jammies. (SHH-don't tell the kids!) The rest on Christmas Day.
21. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Driving in snow, and ice. All of the crazy people on the road!
22.Favorite Ornament theme or color? Our tree has become bear oriented. It is really cute!
23. Favorite for Christmas dinner? I love my ham! But my favorite meal is breakfast. Orange rolls, eggs, ham.....yummy!
24. What do you want for Christmas this year? We're spending it together. That's what I want!

Festival of Trees

It is our yearly tradition to go to the Festival of Trees. This is a fantastic event which benefits Primary Children's Medical Center. After having been blessed with their help this past summer, it was an even more special experience for us than usual. We were even able to contribute (a little) by purchasing one of the center pieces that people donate to raise money for the hospital. It included 6 Christmas Stockings, some toys and lots of books. Right up our alley! One of our goals, in the not so distant future, is to buy one of the gorgeous trees!