Merry Christmas!

This year's Christmas brought snow! My kids probably spent at least 2 hours in the frigid temps playing in the snow. They made snow angels and tracks all over the yard! However, they were not able to make a snowman. The snow was so dry and not at all packable. After some hot cocoa and a change into warm clothes, we had FHE and the kids were able to open their Christmas Eve gift....I'll tell you what it was because you will never guess (ha ha).....PJ'S!!! I think Gav was a little disappointed that he wasn't able to open any more gifts on Christmas Eve.....and I caught him peeking (yes, peeking) later that night (yes, I was wrapping gifts in the living room...lesson learned).

Gav and Shelbs raced to open their Christmas socks first!

Gifts from Santa!

Kams' new noise maker!

Thanks Grandma & Grandpa!

Did you know this cat continues to meow even though no one is playing with it?

Over all, we had a very enjoyable holiday. We were a little sad that we couldn't be with family, but we were able to talk to them on the phone. And even though we were not with extended family, we were together with our own little family and I couldn't have asked for more! Happy New Year everyone! See you in a few weeks!!!!

Readers Beware!

This is going to come close to a marathon post! I have so much to catch up on and you might need a snack (or caffeine) should you choose to read on! November brought us several birthdays..Gavin turned 6 and Shelbi turned 4 on November 18! Here are a few pics...

Gavin decided that this year he didn't want to share his birthday with his sister. So, because Gav had school that day, Shelbi and I went to the bounce house in the morning (that's what she wanted to do for her birthday). When Dallin got home from "work", they opened presents. Then, the Saturday of the same week we went to the mall and played in their play place (That's what Gav wanted to do).


I also let them choose what kind of cake they wanted. Gavin wanted a motorcycle cake and Shelbi wanted a big cookie with candles on it! Next year Gavin wants a day all to himself!

Then, came Dallin's birthday on November 25 (the big 3-5, but don't tell him I told you!). He "worked" on his birthday and I prepared a nice dinner for him to celebrate. This was also another big day for Gavin (and it helps me to remember).

He lost his first tooth! The tooth right next to it followed 2 weeks later! Do they ever stop growing up so fast?

Our next big event came on December 11 (Happy birthday, Ian). My AWESOME husband GRADUATED! I cannot believe it's over! Now he just has to pass the BIG test (no pressure there!). Here are some photos of the graduation....

Dallin with his friends from the program, Kevin and Tim. I am SO PROUD of you, Dallin!
A big thanks to Dallin's family for all your help and we are so grateful you were able to make it to the graduation!

After graduation, Dallin, Kam, and I headed to Gillette, Wyoming to find a house. Gav and Shelbi stayed with a friend of mine (thanks again, Shalene). Our trip was successful and we returned from a very cold Wyoming to beautiful sunny days in Texas. This was our weather on December 23.....

Our high that day was 75 degrees! We played at the park in shorts and t-shirts! We awoke on Christmas Eve to this....


I'm not sure if we even hit 40! The kids were so excited that we got a WHITE Christmas...in Texas!

They just keep coming!

The past two Christmases we have spent in Texas, we have been blessed by a Secret Santa or Secret Elves. I am so grateful to whoever it was that left packages at our door for my family. What a great opportunity it has been to teach my children about giving AND receiving, because not all that we have received has been a physical gift. Our gifts have come in the form of blessings: great friends, a great ward, and amazing experiences since we have moved here. It has been such a joy and blessing to teach my kids about blessings from our Savior. And even though there are days when I fall desperately short of my expectations, He still continues to bless me and my family. My best gift for Christmas? Seeing the joy on the faces of my children Christmas morning.