It's Christmas Time!

Wowsers! This month could not have been busier, or gone by faster. Corey and I tried hard to get all of our shopping done early so we could just enjoy the season, but somehow we were busy despite our efforts. Next year, we will just have to try even harder. I really can't attribute the madness to any one thing, just lots of different things. My little camera strap business was as busy as I could keep up with while trying to do all the other things I had my hands in. Our ward put on an extravagant and amazing Christmas Party this year, literally re-creating an 'Old Nauvoo' in our Stake Center's cultural hall. I helped with decorating a bit and was also a caroler that evening. It was really spectacular I thought, and a lot of people worked really hard to make it the memorable evening it was. My kids had a blast going to all the little shops, spending their pennies and making things. So cool! That kicked off our month of Christmas.

We decided to get a live Christmas tree this year, which started out as a really good idea. We didn't exactly go out to the forest and chop down our family tree, but we did pick one out at our local Costco, tie it to the car, and bring it home. Oh, the smell! It was amazing. I've done candles before, but nothing can really replicate that true pine smell. We thought we had a handle on the water situation, checking it every couple of days or so. Nope, wrong. We now know that if the water runs out...even once, it's OVER. It's not like with a houseplant, where it wilts a little, but you can miraculously save it with a little water and a couple of hours. No, a tree with no water is a dead tree, and that's exactly what we ended up with, two whole weeks before Christmas. We were afraid to turn the lights on much after that, since we basically had ornaments and lights hanging on kindling in our front room. It was terrible. And there was hardly any smell left to boot. Lesson learned: water your Christmas tree, every single day.

Asher's preschool put on a Nativity program, which was very entertaining. Asher was a Wise Man, with a gift of gold for the baby Jesus. The kids all did a great job, but I think Asher was the most energetic and loud when it came to singing 'Feliz Navidad.' I don't know what it was, but his penchant for that song was undeniable. Every time we got into the car he wanted me to magically play it on the radio, and when it was on he wanted me to turn it up louder. He sang his little heart out at the program. I seriously LOVE watching my boy up there, and Asher's performances don't disappoint in the least.

We didn't have a white Christmas (darn it), but we did have one really good snow. We even went and bought the boys some snow pants and sleds! When it snows here, it's usually gone by noon, but this stuff was the real deal, so we took full advantage. We all had so much fun, just sliding down a small hill at a nearby park. And it was so beautiful. I am really crossing my fingers that we get another good storm!

Most of Corey's family was in town for Christmas. We were able to see Adam and Kayla for a few days, and his parents were here too. We played and visited. Corey's dad made his signature Chex Mix (in very large quantities), which every one devoured(Beck loves the stuff), and his mom made all kinds of snacky foods for the holidays. Our kids love it when family is around, the more the merrier, so it made the holidays special for them.

Christmas morning was a treat. Santa had eaten one of Asher's decorated sugar cookies(with mounds of frosting on it...Asher style), and there were surprises waiting for both boys. The boys had very different present-opening styles. Asher wanted to rip through each one, toss aside the gift and get on to the next. Beckett was happy just to mangle the bow (he's been a nightmare for any bow adorning a gift under our tree) on top, but was pretty proud of himself when he'd finally get to the gift inside. It was fun to watch the boys. My super crafty sister-in-law, Danna made these fantastic capes for the boys. They are the cutest thing, and Beck tromped around in his for quite a while Christmas morning. Asher wanted to know when we can have Christmas again. In the afternoon, we headed up to Aaron and Meagan's for some family time and amazing New Mexican food. Yummy!

For New Years, our friends Jon and Bella had us over for games and dinner. The kids made it to 10 o'clock before we decided to pull the plug on their madness and head home. Corey fell asleep soon after we came home and I was reading in bed when I heard the fireworks going off outside. Over the years I have come to regard New Year's Eve as something celebrated by high schoolers, singles, and people who live in Big Cities. Am I wrong? I do love the chance to set some new goals for the year though, a chance to begin fresh and do a little better.

So, with that I'm sending out a big Happy New Year! Here's to 2011!!

Thanksgiving 2010!

We have much to be thankful for. Our family, friends, health, opportunities to serve others,
our wonderful country, a roof over our heads, Corey's job, our amazing children. We are so, so blessed. It was a busy, but very nice Thanksgiving holiday. Asher had his first ever Thanksgiving Program (at preschool). He was a little indian for the 'Harvest Festival', and wore a hat he made, and sang a few songs. Then we all ate cookies and treats together. He even brought home a little pottery he'd made at school. What a cutie. He gets into the songs and actions...a lot. I wish my pictures had caught more of that! A week or so before that, we all joined Ash on a field trip to see some petroglyph drawings about 5 minutes from our house. I am ashamed to admit that I've never seen them before(but have always wanted to). They were very cool, and there were lots to see. It's always a nice treat to discover new gems where you live!

Our actual Thanksgiving day was mellow, since it was just our little family of four. I always find myself wondering why I bother to make ALL the normal food for just a few people. In the last few years, I've come to the obvious conclusion that it takes the same amount of time to cook for four people as it does to cook for 20. There's a very strong sentimental part of me that wants to make the food, and smell the smells of Thanksgiving. Then, there's the free-willing, practical part of me that wants to head on out to a restaurant for a nice Thanksgiving dinner and call it a day. Maybe one year I'll be able to push little Ms. Sentimental aside and make a reservation somewhere. Maybe.

Overall, though, the day was great. We watched to Macy's parade on t.v., perused the shopping ads, ate a lot of food, and just enjoyed being with each other. A fun Thanksgiving Day! Oh, but I am still trying to persuade the rest of my family that sweet potatoes are a divine Turkey Day treat. Nobody else believes. Yet. I plan to wear them down over many years, so that eventually I won't be the one to eat the whole yummy casserole, all by myself.

Beckett, before and after. He started stripping down after eating the big meal. Why? Who knows.

All the Boys

Corey's sister, Shawntel came up for a visit with her boys during the Open House that Adam and Kayla had in November. It was an extra special treat. Since they live in Iowa and have 3 boys, they aren't able to come all the way out to NM often. We hadn't even met her youngest yet...Riley was sure a cutie! My boys had a fantastic time playing with their cousins, and I was amazed at how little fighting there was. These boys were such buddies, and it was fun to watch. It was fun catching up with Shawntel too. We hit the zoo, played outside(the weather was great that week), and enjoyed all the family time. Thanks for hanging with us! Maybe someday soon we won't all live so far apart...I think my boys are crossing their fingers:)

Shawntel and lil' Riley.

My boys, eating at the zoo in our special little spot. What a fun day. This snake friend was the highlight. Honestly, Asher is still talking about him.

Silly boys.

The Last One

We, as a family, have reached the end of an era.There was a family wedding recently! And this one is the last. Every one of our siblings is now happy and hitched. I actually really like going to family weddings, and I'm a little sad that there will be no more. My Asher, on the other hand has more than once, proven that he is every wedding's worst nightmare. I doubt Beck would prove to be any better, so on that note, I guess it's somewhat of a relief.

Adam, who is Corey's youngest brother, and was something like 14 when we were married, just tied the knot in November! We are all so happy for the both of them. Corey attended the actual main event in the Twin Falls Temple in Idaho, and the rest of us celebrated with them in Albuquerque a week or so later. We could not be more excited for them to start their new life together! He married a super fun, energetic and cute lil' blondie named Kayla (already partial to the name, since my own youngest sis also has the name!). We all love her, and Ash and Beck are crazy about her, showing their genuine fondness by hanging on her and climbing all over her when she visits. Congratulations you guys! We love you (but wish you loved closer)!

Work it! Check out her sass-i-fras red shoes! Love them!

P.S. My poor little Beckett had a mishap the day Corey left for Adam's wedding. His head slammed right into a counter top (the ONLY one I don't have a cushy corner protector on...UGH!). He sliced it open, blood running down into his eye. It was all very dramatic in the moment, but we all recovered, and Beck recovered especially fast...this was taken later that day...steristrips and glue in place. He's still got a nasty little scar, but I guess that's cooler for guys than girls, right? Just another one of those mommy initiation moments.