So since this is the last week of the year, it seems that somewhere along the line I got off track. I really thought that I had recorded every week this year (some in more detail than others). Although I'm a bit disappointed, I am also SHOCKED that I actually made it through the entire year with only one missed week. I started this blog as an experiment and a New Year's Resolution. I am so glad that it has become a habit that I will continue to maintain. I still have a lot of catching up to do on pictures for this year, but I plan to try to be more responsible about that next year.
Christmas was amazing this year. Rob and I were very fortunate to be able to give the kids everything they wanted (and more). The weather was amazing over the holidays. On Wednesday, it even reached 63 degrees. We still don't have any snow, so it feels like Fall around here.
On Monday, I spent time at Woodcrest for both Brooklen and Hurley's class parties. They both went really well and I was actually pretty grateful to get them over with. On Tuesday, I tried to finish up things at home and I also watched Alta's two kids for a couple of hours and I watched Ellie and Jack Jones for about 5 hours. It was pretty crazy around here and I got less done than I wanted to, but I know I helped both of my friends a lot, so it was definitely worth it.
On Wednesday, the kids were home from school. We decorated Christmas cookies with Jake and Jenna in the morning, and then I took Hurley to gymnastics while Zaya and Brooklen played at the Nymans. When I went to pick the kids up from the Nyman's they told me that Zaya had had a tantrum and had kicked Todd. She was really upset and denied the whole event. I brought her home and put her in her room. Later that day, I made her draw Todd a picture and we took it over to their house and she apologized. I know it was really hard for her to do that, but she needs to learn to keep her emotions in check and to apologize when you make a mistake.
On Thursday morning, we ran some last minute errands and then came home and finished some homemade gifts. Rob came home a little early and we had our "Jesus dinner" on the floor while we watched the movie elf. My mom always gets everyone new pajamas and the kids were so excited to open them. Brooklen got Redwings pajamas, Kaiton's had a football on them, Zaya got Elsa jammies, and Hurley had requested Wonderwoman pajamas. Brooklen and Hurley had a hard time getting to sleep on Christmas Eve because they were so excited. Hurley was up several times during the night.
On Christmas morning, I got up first and started some cinnamon roll dough. The kids came down the stairs together at about 8:00am. Brooklen got an iPad, a baseball rebounder, Redwings tickets, two Wii games, and plenty of other things. He was SHOCKED by the iPad. He hadn't asked for one because he figured he wouldn't get it. He was soooo excited. Hurley got an American Girl doll, a gymnastic bar, a tablet, Magformers, and Washi Tape. Zaya got an American Girl doll, a gymnastic bar, a Barbie camper, rollerblades, ice skates, and a Razor Scooter. She also got a rope and a flashlight. She saw Santa twice this year; at her preschool and at the Santa house. Both times that's what she told him she wanted. I think she got some ideas from some of her best boyfriends at preschool (haha). Kaiton got a tricycle, ice skates, roller blades, and an indoor hockey puck and stick.
The kids also made several gifts. Collectively, they made playdough, peanut butter cups, a few games, bracelets, a bookmark, and a dancing ribbon hoop. I love that they make their gifts for each other. It is a lot of work for me, but I really hope it teaches them to give of their time and to give a meaningful gift.
We spent most of Christmas day in our pajamas. We headed outside in the afternoon to use some of the new toys and to take a walk in the gorgeous weather. We had mexican food, including tamales, for dinner.
On Saturday, I left to do some newborn photos while Rob (bless his heart) took all of the kids to Brooklen's hockey practice. We hung around the house and cleaned the garage in the afternoon. In the evening, we went to the Nyman's to hang out and have dessert.
I am so grateful for my little family. I feel so lucky. I am grateful for the Savior and the love he provides. I am grateful that in a dark and scary world I can show my children some light. I am grateful that I can wake up each day and keep trying to be a better wife, a more patient mother, a more loyal friend, a better disciple of God, and a kinder person. I am grateful for the mercy that the Lord's plan provides and for the tools that I have to help me journey through this life.
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