Christmas Scavenger Hunt

Christmas morning, we had the kids open their presents and their stockings.  Just when they thought they were through, we sent them all around the house looking for clues to their last gift.  It was only money, because Santa had absolutely no idea what to get these children for Christmas.  Last year, they had big gifts that they wanted.  This year, Santa ran out of time and ideas.  There were no requests from the little children, so Santa thought they might enjoy a little green for their wallet.  However, we made them work very hard for it.  Jessie was quick to figure out her clues and was running all over the house.  Jonathan let her know that it isn't a race and it doesn't matter who gets there last.  We laughed and told him that is what all the people who are in last place say.  In the end, they had fun and enjoyed hunting for their gift.

Christmas Morning

Historically, I struggle with keeping my blog updated during December and January is overwhelming to me.  Posting during the busy holidays is next to impossible and then there is the thought of trying to give a Christmas update!  I think I might just hit the highlights.  Or, I might just post pictures without much commentary and let you use your imagination.  We'll just see where the posts take me...

We enjoyed a quiet Christmas at home with just our little family this year.  It was a busy week and a a half.  We were running everywhere and enjoying so many people that we love.  I was thankful that we were able to just enjoy our family on that special day.

 

Fred grew his beard out for the Mountain Man Rendezvous that he and Jonathan went on right before the new year.  

Sweet Mollie loves being the center of attention.

Our holidays were crazy, so Jessie decorated my tree for me! Thank goodness or it might not have gotten decorated.

We had a busy, but wonderful Christmas.  December just about did me in, but it was worth it.

Secret Santa Shenanigans

I can't even tell  you how much I love the week of Secret Santa at work.

I pulled the name of the office geek and had so much fun putting his gifts together.  I had help from another geek who had great ideas and I think everything was perfect.  I wish I had taken pictures.  He received Star Wars Duck Tape, a Captain America key chain, a Star Fleet decal, and an Agents of S.H,I.E.L,D,S. patch.  And, the best one of all, Spock socks with ears that stuck out.  They were so amazing.  He has already worn them and he actually had a Star Trek shirt that matched them.

My Secret Santa was Ben.  His wife, Jen, helped him put his goodies together and they did an amazing job!  I can't even tell you.  

On Monday, I received an entire bag of Almond Joys!

There was a questionnaire that asked if you would like one big gift or smaller gifts throughout the week.  I said that I wanted to be surprised.  So, Ben, waited until Thursday and made a big drop. I received all of my favorites -- Mint M&M's (I love these so much), note cards, gel pens, cute socks and a mug.

On Friday, we had our big reveal.  I received a gift card to Chick-fil-a!  Ben's wife, Jennifer, knows how much I love Chick-fil-a!  I eat there so often that they know my order by heart.  (6 count kids meal with a bottled water and BBQ sauce.)

Secret Santa week is the best!  I love playing Secret Santa and I love the sweet gifts that my Secret Santa left behind.

2nd Annual YW Christmas Dinner

So, when you do something two years in a row it becomes an annual thing, right?  

I absolutely love our annual Progressive dinner with the Young Women.  I can't even begin to tell you how amazing they are. It is always such a great night to have a little fun, remember our Savior and spend time with one another.

Our leaders are so wonderful, too.  Each and every one of the them love the girls with their whole heart.  I can't even tell you how many blessings have come to me from serving these beautiful Young Women and with these beautiful Young Women leaders.

Tacky Sweater!

Friday was one my most favorite days of the year-- Tacky Sweater Day!  It was said that I looked like the mom from Home Alone.  It seems like you can almost hear me yelling, "Kevin!!"

And, Then My Life Changed

Over Thanksgiving, I was digging around in my unorganized tub of pictures looking for something super specific when I found this picture from a company party.  It was taken on August 10, 1996.  The night before Jessie was born.  I was so excited.  I went running in to show Jessie.  I was yelling at her, "Look at this picture.  It was taken the night before you were born.  Do you hear me? THE night before you were born.  Look at it!"

She was kind of puzzled and let me know that she didn't understand what she was looking at.  Of course she didn't.  She is nineteen years old.

I feel like this picture represents my life as I knew it.  All normal and carefree.  Then, the next morning, I woke up and out of nowhere, my life changed forever!  Okay, it wasn't out of nowhere, but it was earlier than expected.

Then, I found this picture and it kind of makes me laugh.  Most people look at their newborns with that new mother glow.  Boy, I did love her and I was so happy to be a new mom  But, this was one stubborn baby.  She was six days old in this picture and I didn't feel like we were ever coming home from the hospital.  I think I was staring her right in the eyes and trying to will her to take that bottle.  Trust me, that approach didn't work then and it doesn't work now.

Before August 10, 1996, life was fun.  It was filled with hanging out with friends.  We went wherever we wanted whenever we wanted.  We played in the lake on the weekends and went to every movie that was ever made.  I used to see a lot of movies.  We used to just hang out.  Doing nothing sometimes.  Or maybe we went out to eat.  There was a time when I knew each of my friends' usual orders at all of our favorite restaurants.  Life was easy.  We didn't have anyone to answer to.

I wouldn't change a thing, though!  I'm so glad that I woke up on August 11, 1996 and had my life changed forever.  Those little people (that aren't so little anymore) have added lots of love, laughter and happiness into our lives.

2014 Memories - Christmas at MaMaw and Grady's House

Last year, we celebrated Christmas with my side of the family on December 27th.  We had so much fun that I hardly took any pictures at all.  Here are a few of the pictures that I took, but seriously, I didn't take a bunch!

Cute Cousins!  Jessie, Lainey (my brother's daughter) and Logan (my cousin's son)

Logan entertaining Lucy and Sue

A thumbs up from Jessie

Lainey checking out Jonathan's new game