She begged and pleaded...

So I hope you all enjoy this as much as Kelly and I did--you may think we are mean parents, but some lessons have to be learned the hard way!

Crazy, crazy...

I can't believe that the month of December is nearly over...tonight is Christmas Eve--and you guessed it, I'm too excited to sleep! Actually, I just finished up on stockings and have become somewhat of a night-owl lately. Tonight was so fun! We ate way too much food (amazing cheeseball if I do say so myself)--and had fun with the kids!
We read the Christmas Story in the Bible and talked to the kids about what gifts we could each give to Jesus for Christmas--something like having a good attitude when we practice the piano--yeah, Kenna didn't take that hint--but she and Carter both wrote down that they would try to not fight with each other. That would be a Christmas miracle for sure! Since school has been out (only 4 days!!) it has felt like the WWF Smackdown at our house every day! Anyways--back to Christmas Eve...
We wrote them down on paper (Kenna is always excited when I let her use a Sharpie)--and put them in a special place to look at next year. I hope the kids will think about it--I'll probably chat with them about it again once the excitement of presents has died down a bit! They were excited for new PJ's--and LOVED opening their name gifts. Kenna was thrilled with her own little "Build a Bear" kit that Carter got her--Tessa loved her new rattle (I think...she doesn't say much!)--Carter seemed ok with his BEN10 watch--Dad loved his plier set--I got a pretty new snowglobe--and Christopher went nuts over his little remote controlled airplane. He had few near misses with Tessa's head, but I guess she'll learn to be tough~
Tomorrow morning should be fun--Christmas always is with kids around~as for me, this year I felt more of a closeness with my Savior. His birth has felt more personal to me than ever before and I wonder if it is because I am facing some personal challenges that have forced me to draw closer to Him. I am ever grateful that He was willing to come to earth in such humility so that I can keep trying...
Yes, life is crazy, crazy with all its ups, downs, curves (which I'm hoping some of them will disappear in January when I start P90X!), and surprises, but I wouldn't change any of it--not for the world!

It's good to know someone loves you...

So--Christopher has always really loved his uncle Darin. I think it all started when Darin and Spencer lived with us so they could work that summer--but Darin has been a hero to Chris since he was tiny.

During Family Home Evening this past Monday, Kelly was teaching the lesson. He was explaining to the kids where the Bible and Book of Mormon came from. He was asking questions to help them understand who wrote the Bible and who it was about. He asked, "Who was the most important person to ever live on the earth?" Now up to that point, Christopher had been wriggling around not paying attention--but when Kelly asked that question, he whipped his head around and said, "Darin!". It made me smile and also appreciate that he has someone to look up to that he loves so much. And Darin is by the way--amazing with all the grandkids! Anyways Darin--just thought you should know how much one little boy loves you!!

True Happiness...

Ya--so this is a little addicting! I was going to head off to bed awhile ago--but can't stop posting pics of my family. It's too much fun and they are so cute! I just have to say though, there is nothing like a new baby. There is just something about the way Tessa looks at me and smiles and the way she turns toward the sound of my voice that reminds me what true happiness is all about--it isn't anything to do with where I live or what I have--it's all about the people in my life--and what I can do for them. I am so much happier when I am thinking about others instead of things or worse--instead of myself. Thank heaven for new babies that remind us what happiness is all about!

And after five years...

Okay, so I am really embarrassed to admit it--it really has been five years since we have had a family picture done. And after the stress it caused--I now remember why we've waited for so long. It really wasn't all that bad...well, except that I was worried Christopher would dive into the pond where we took the pictures.

I guess I should catch up--our family trip was so fun! My kids LOVED being with their cousins and we tried not to rush around so much this time. My sis Janie and her hubby let us invade their home for the week and besides the wierd Korean barley tea that Janie made me try, our visit was awesome! They were kind enough to open their home to our family and friends so we could bless Tessa. Kelly gave her a wonderful blessing and I was of course, overly emotional. I can't help it--when it comes to my kids, I am a baby :) !

I spent one whole day with Janie, Amy, and Darin and it was so fun to just visit and let the kids run wild. Carter and Chris took a special interest in the drum set at Amy's house--and by my veto it is not on the Christmas list!

Thanksgiving was so fun, too! The food was yummy--we played games--and I bugged everyone into letting me take pictures--I have really been enjoying that lately!

Laurie's wedding was so fun--just being with my family was so much fun for me! We don't all get together that often and I LOVED it! Laurie looked beautiful and it was so neat to be in the temple with all of my siblings and my parents. It was a little embarrassing when I needed help with my shoes--my back was having issues that day, but Amos saved the day when it came to my black boots. We were in a hurry after the temple--to get back for a family picture--so of course, Carter spilled a huge soda all over Grandma Karen's kitchen during lunch. Life would be so dull withou kids...so, other than my feet and back killing me at the end of the day--it turned out awesome. Laurie seems really happy and Dan seems cool...hopefully we can spend more time with them (hint, hint--come for a visit!).

It was good to get home though--except I know this is weird, but our house still smells like the people that lived here before us...that sounds gross--but seriously! When I've been gone for a long time I can smell them when I walk in--I'm not sure what to do about that but would appreciate some ideas!

Oh--and of course, to welcome us home--we had to catch another lizard in our living room the other day! Kelly had to pull out the entire couch (a huge sectional)--and we finally found it stuck--not smashed--just stuck to the bottom of the couch. Oh it grossed me out so bad!!! Kelly had to flip it in a box and let it go outside...wow--I am such a dork but I just can't touch one! Anyways--it is way too late to be up--but I needed to get caught up!

I can't believe it's already so close to Christmas--the shopping is mostly done--just a few more things to do--like make some serious toffee!! We had a great trip and want to let our family know how much we love you all!!!

So much for Santa...

So this is my beautiful daughter Mackenna. She is too smart for her own good!! We just got back from a trip to visit family for Thanksgiving and attend my sister's wedding (which was beautiful, by the way)--and this will just be a quickie because I wanted to post this before I forget it...

We were busily packing up the van for the long ride home and of course, everyone loaded us up with Christmas gifts in order to get them to us on time and save on shipping. I didn't really think anything of it, but as we were driving home, Mackenna got this look on her face--you all know the look--like a light bulb turned on in her head. She says to me, "Hey Mom--I guess it doesn't matter if we are good anymore because we already have Christmas presents from Grandma and Grandpa. Santa doesn't even need to come."

Yes--we have used that as a threat at our house--and now I guess it is no longer useful...oh well....merry Christmas :)