The Best Way

Henry Christmas morning.

We enjoyed a wonderful Christmas out in Utah this year. I am always impressed with how much thought and effort go into everything my parents prepare. From meals to gifts to costumes for our ever growing Nativity cast. I’m kicking myself that I didn’t pull my camera out more, but we had such a great time. The holiday weekend we ate, we visited, we played games, volleyball (for the Championship of the World!) and we even had a talent show this year.

Another fabulous Christmas.

We rang in the New Year when the East coast did…meaning we all ended up in bed before midnight. In fact, I think I fell asleep at about 11:45. So close. I must be getting old.

New Years Day, after attending just Sacrament Meeting, we drove up to Sandy up to Sunset Gardens to visit Baby Honey’s grave. She doesn’t have her own grave stone yet, but after four years this was the first time we’d been back. I didn’t know what to expect, but thankfully I think with time, I was ready.

Ryan and I agreed that this was the perfect place for a family picture. All together. We will treasure those tender moments.

On our way back to my parents, we decided to stop by the place where it all began, back in 2000.

The Jordan River Temple

Our first visit back since our wedding (apparently we aren’t this area very much…) and unfortunately, the gates were locked. I was happy to snap a few photos though and the kids seemed happy to see the temple their parents were married in.

This day was the best way we could have started this new year.

Bringing in the Christmas Cheer

Winter has come.

With frigid temperatures (not unusual for Colorado, but about a month early, brrr) and snow, help make it feel Christmas-y.

Sunday night, we pulled out our tree and began the festivities. However, when half the lights didn’t light up on our pre-lit tree, we met a serious GRUMPELSTILTSKIN. Me. I had to stop as I started getting after the kids. One may think this wouldn’t have bothered them, but I was so grouchy.

The kids still danced around and started dressing the tree- obviously understanding the Spirit of Christmas more than their mother. I had to take a time-out.

My mom happened to call me the next day and I expressed my woes (my lifeless, lightless tree) to her. She informed of a sweet little gadget that could make my troubles disappear. The following day I went and made my purchase.

While it brought a few branches back to life (yay!), I still didn’t have the patience to replace about 100 little bulbs. Instead, I wimped out and just strung another set of lights around the remaining branches. As magically as the tree looked all lit up, my mood was incredibly better as well.

Just yesterday, I (re)decorated the tree and pulled out most of our Christmas décor. It’s amazing how much my mood has lifted and how the Spirit of Christmas is filling our home.

In fact, just this morning:

Kaycee: Mom, you don’t look old. Lucy chiming in: yeah, you don’t look old. Me: oh yeah? (who said anything about old?? where’s this coming from??) Kaycee: you just look like an older sister. Me: Thanks…

I smiled. Is this because I turn 31 in less than 24 hours…? or are we trying to butter up Mom for Christmas….

Either way, I guess I’ll be happy looking like the ‘older sister’ (in my children's eyes) and enjoy bringing in the Christmas cheer.