A lot of New Posts

My two Favorite Ornaments this year:

This one I found at Goodwill

Jessica MADE this Owl one for me (how cute is this owl?)

What I've been up to on my sewing machine:

Stockings for the fab five!
This took a lot of trial and error, but in the end I'm really proud of myself

Crayon rolls for the girls for Christmas. I'm hoping to make bags to match.

P.S. Does anyone know how to get these posts to line up right?? It's really buggin' me!

My "Treasures"

Of all the gifts I have ever received, these three beautiful, healthy and creative girls are my most treasured gifts of all. My goal this new year is to enjoy more moments with them and to not take things so seriously. I want to have more fun with them and to speak more softly to them. I want them to always know how much I love them and how lucky I am to have them and to be able to be home with them. I want to be a good example to them. I want them to know how much the Savior means to me and how much He loves them and wants them to succeed and be happy here on this earth. This may seem like an easy thing, but in my day to day life I struggle with living in the moment and remembering what truly is most important right now. I will strive to do these things for my "treasures" so they in turn will do the same for their "treasures".

ROckin' Around the Christmas Tree

The girls have been dancing at a local studio here for the past 8 weeks and they had their Christmas Party/Recital last week. Gracie and Abby danced to "OH Christmas Tree" and Bryanna ended up doing a solo performance to "Rockin' around the Christmas Tree" . They had a lot of fun and I love watching them feel so good about themselves.

P.S. Abby insisted on wearing a pink skirt under her black one !!

Holiday Parties

Both Gracie and Bryanna had parties at school last week. Earlier in the week Bryanna sang with the rest of the 1st graders then her party was on Friday. Gracie also got to perform Christmas songs with the kindergarten classes and then had a pinata breaking party in her class. The picture is of Gracie with a Santa Clause bag mask over her head!! I love to be able to attend these events and to help with the girls classrooms.

Christmas Traditions in Utah

While we lived in Utah we took advantage of being able to visit Temple Square at Christmas time with our friends the Sprouls. We were able to go 2 years in a row before we moved. This picture is from 2005 ( I can't find 2006 pictures, aaarrhhh).

It is beautiful and peaceful and the nativity is awesome. We also take time to go inside and see the Christus! We enjoyed our time each year and are grateful to the Sprouls for inviting us! I am thankful for the memories.

Favorite Christmas Book

This book is my all time favorite Christmas Book. I first got it as a child and loved the pictures and story. My parents had it a for a few years after I got married and then found it and gave it to me (again) one Christmas. Now I love to read it to my girls and last night Bryanna said, "Mommy, this is my favorite Christmas book too"! It's a special story and it reminds me that Christmas doesn't have to be big, just meaningful and full of love and family!

Christmas Lights and Hot Chocolate

Last night we had a family outing to go look at Christmas Lights. We were in search of one house that supposedly had a big production, but we didn't find it. We did however see lots of other beautifully decorated homes. The girls loved looking at the lights and drinking their hot chocolate in the car with their jammies and slippers on. We listened to Christmas music and enjoyed our time together. I love to do things that make my girls smile!!