Christmas Day

Santa came!

We told the kids that because of the big hole taking shape in our backyard that we would be cutting back and going simple on Christmas presents.

We didn't actually cut back as much as we originally intended (well, of course, I could've predicted that one), but I do think we found a good balance within a reasonable budget to have a very fun Christmas with happy things and surprises without going overboard. It was very pleasant.

The kids were quite anxious to get down the stairs to see what dear ol' santa brought. Perry would not hold still at the top of the stairs and kept scooting down the steps. I finally got a quick picture before they ran into the living room.

We had church at 8:30am so we didn't touch a single gift under the tree until after we got home from sacrament meeting. 

My favorite part of all of Christmas morning is still the big smiles and the huge hugs between each other as we open the gifts and experience the joy of both giving and receiving.

Kacin sweetly made these wooden letter signs for each sibling's bedroom door.

My sister invited us to her house for Christmas day lunch, more gift opening and game playing, and a pretty awesome talent show. Our family talent was represented by guitar playing by Kyler, Kacin performing on the percussion bell kit, Layla singing the "Dreidel" song, and our whole family lip sync to Mickey Mouse and friends singing "Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer".

There was some other great talent at the show that day, too. Macie singing, Jenny and Justin dancing, Logan running, Grayson clapping, etc.

More gift giving hugs..

Merry Christmas Day!!

Merriest of Christmas

  

Merry Christmas! 

We had a lovely, full weekend. But what probably made the weekend the most memorable was the nasty food poisoning that brought at least 11 of us down and out beginning Christmas night. Some of us can already laugh at the experience while some of us are still recovering. . .

We spent Christmas Eve over in Phoenix. We got our Christmas miracle first thing--Perry finished a hike with us on south mountain! It made me so very happy to be doing something that I love with the people I love most. Our hikes in the past have never been very successful. But whatever it was (cooler temeperatures, less crowded, in the morning, Christmas magic), we all did it! 

 

 

We spent the rest of the day listening to stories told by great grandpa and playing games. Papa took us on motorcycle rides around the neighborhood.

 

 

 

We also exchanged gifts. 

 

 

 

 

Rats. I didn't get pictures of the older boys. Or anyone else.

Except there was this incredible photo shoot...

 

 

 

 

 

After all that fun, we got home and set out our stockings and prepared a plate for santa. And for once there was no fighting from a certain little girl about bedtime--she scooted off so fast. She was ready to sleep so santa could come. 

 

Gifts

 

Yesterday, when I looked at the calendar, I realized it had been 8 years since we became parents. Eight years since adoption day in Utah when two little boys became ours! It was the absolute most amazing Christmas present for us that year. That gift of parenthood has definitely been the best (yet most challenging) gift I have ever received. I sometimes take that gift for granted because the days are busy and full and my heart can feel heavy with all of the responsibilities associated with this gift. Though I sometimes feel weighed down by it, it serves me well to cherish it. Cherish each day and (most of) the moments. I get to be a mom! And that is where some of my deepest joy has come from. But I think it also serves me well to make sure to give myself some gifts this year--the gift of grace and the gift of patience with myself. My oldest may be thirteen, but I've only been at this parenthood thing for eight years. It's ok if I don't have it all figured out right at this moment (or ever???). Be patient with myself as I learn and I keep trying. 

It's Christmas Eve! We will spend the day with family that is in town. And hopefully we will take a few minutes to think about and let soak in the greatest gift we all have received--our Savior was born, He lived, He suffered and he died for us, and He lives again! He gives me hope and brings me the greatest joy. 

Merry Christmas!!!

hiking, bahama bucks, and the temple lights

We hiked the Santan's when everyone was here. I love the beauty of the arizona desert!

Poldark enjoyed gazing over the mountains edge, too. his hair blowing in the wind.

Poor Lorane took a spill coming down the hill. But Poldark was there to comfort here.

The second time it happened, I don't think even Poldark could make it all better. She had matching scrapes on both legs. :(

Once we knew Lorane was ok, and we all stopped laughing with her, we went on a hunt for the perfect cactus to take a picture with.

It was not this one,

But this one that fit the perfect Saguaro cactus criteria. Such a beautiful giant of a cactus.

After the hike, Bahama Bucks was in order. Yum!

We also headed to one of my favorite places at Christmas time--the Mesa Arizona Temple. The grounds are beautiful this time of year and the spirit abounds.