Christmas Preparations...

Christmas this year was so special. I felt a strong need this year to be with family, and also take some time to reflect on the good things in my life. I decided I needed to blog all my memories, so next year I can look back and remember how special it was.

* I started out even before Thanksgiving listening to David Archuleta's Christmas CD. It is so awesome. Every time I turned it on, it filled the whole house with a wonderful Christmas spirit. Brayden even commented a few times that he loved the way our house felt when the music was on.

* Mike took one day off work early in November. We were able to get most of our shopping done during this one day. It was great...no crowds, shelves were stocked, no kids, and we enjoyed lunch together.

*Enjoying some time with girlfriends and reflect on our blessings throughout the year.

* I didn't take on too many projects. I decided early on I was going to make aprons this year. I had the help of some wonderful friends, and a couple designated "project nights." I do wish I would have finished these sooner but overall it turned out to be a fun project...and I loved how they turned out.

*Due to some awesome parents, Mike and I were able to wrap everything a few days before Christmas. My dad took Brayden over night, and my Mom took the other kids. This is the first year we had everything wrapped before Christmas eve. This made the biggest difference!!!

With all the Christmas cards out, neighbor gifts delivered, house cleaned, and presents wrapped we were truly able to enjoy family, and really feel the magic of Christmas.

On Christmas Eve the kids were SO excited. We were tracking Santa online, and following his every move. The kids knew he was getting close. On our way home that night, the kids saw a glowing red dot up in the sky. They were convinced it was Rudolph. Kade kept hollering, "Hurry, I want to go to bed quickly!"He also kept asking if he could sleep in his clothes, he didn't want to waste any time changing into PJ's. But after finding new jammies left on the couch he hurried and changed. He kept asking me, "Santa coming? Santa coming?" After changing into jammies all 3 kids were snuggled into bed and were asleep within 10 minutes. Mike and I were then able to enjoy a quiet evening before heading off to bed ourselves.

Too bad I was too excited and didn't fall asleep until 3:00. I was awaken by Brayden shortly after (3:30) ready to open presents. I did make him go back to bed and he stayed there until 6:00. Then the fun part began.

Sledding on Christmas Eve...

Christmas Eve this year we spent the day sledding. Dad had the day off work, and our cousins from St. George were in town. Dad took us to a hill that he had been to the week before with his scouts. I think the hill was a better idea for 14 and 15 year olds...we had a few injuries with the little ones.

The kids all ready for a fun filled day (they didn't know what was in store for them.)

I love this kids smile! I can't help but take pictures of his little rosy cheeks...so precious.

Kaylee is a girl after my own heart. She is much better sitting on the side lines, watching the others having fun. She went down a couple times, but it was never too successful. She did love eating the snow though. Brayden on the other hand was a maniac!

Aunt Lacy consoling Zac after getting hurt, Me consoling Kade and Kaylee after getting hurt, and Brayden after taking a big blow to his face and shoulder. We were not off to a very successful day! After Brayden felt better, he went up for another run, this time on the way down he took Kaylee out at the knees. She didn't go back up again.

Uncle Wes, Aunt Lacy, Zac and Kasen.

Although we had a few injuries, we had a fun day with our cousins. I think next time we will just stick to the little hill we have in our neighborhood.

Santa Clause...

The kids have had a couple opportunities to visit with Santa this year. I made sure they had a chance to talk to him, without having to stand in the forever long line at the mall.

Santa came to Kade's pre-school. He has been looking forward to this day for a long time now. They were able to bring a $1 gift to school. He was so excited to give someone his bubbles he bought. He was wearing his backpack for about 3 hours before school even started.

Every year Santa comes to Grandma Sonia's house. This day has been long awaited!

Picture above: Kade, Kaylee, Natalia, Zac, Kasen and Brayden.

Kade was very nervous when Santa came into the house. He quickly hid on the side of the couch. Once he saw all the kids sitting on his lap getting presents, he decided the "big chubby guy" wasn't so bad (yes, we are having a problem with him calling people big, chubby and fat. This can become quite embaressing especially when it's the person helping you in the Target checkout.) Brayden was also very nervous to visit Santa. He truly thought he would be on the naughty list. Only minutes before Santa arrived he started crying. He told me, "I know I'm on the naughty list and its too late to change it." He was happy to know there was a gift waiting for him.

Kasen, Zac, Larissa, and Natalia all visiting Santa.

The kids are on their best behavior right now. They can't wait for Santa to come tomorrow night!

Dance Recital...

Kaylee had her winter recital. She did a great job. She just loves being up in front of people performing. They danced to "Rockin Around The Christmas Tree."

Waiting patiently

The boys picked out some flowers for her.

Loving the attention! Good job Kaylee!

Kaylee's School Performance....

In case you haven't already heard (their aren't many people) the event of the year has come and gone. Sorry if you missed it, but here's a recap. Kaylee had a holiday performance at school last week. She has been practicing for months! EVERY SINGLE DAY! She would come home from school and give me every little details they had learned in their dance and songs. She would help her teacher come up with some of the moves and she was VERY proud. She sang the songs and did the dance for every person she came in contact with. They did a Hanukkah song/dance and she would go through all eight candles, every time. She was so excited for this day. Her practice paid off because she did a great job, you could hear her above all the other kids. Surprised?

Performance day

She got to stand right up front (good thing she's short.) She also had to link arms with a boy during the dance. She had to let everybody know she did not enjoy this part.

Singing her heart out.

Some of her girly friends.

Saying "good-bye" before the big holiday.

Best Babysitter Ever (outside of Grandparents)

I may regret posting this, I don't want people to know how seriously awesome she is but I can't help it! We seriously have the cutest babysitter ever! I have been through so many babysitters, and to be honest, some have been nightmares! She always comes prepared with activities, games, crafts, snacks, books, movies, etc. You name it, she has it. My kids are always so excited when she gets to come over. They always surprise me with the crafts and decorations they have made. It makes me feel good knowing I can trust her with my little ones. She also calls Kaylee and invites her to go to the American Girl book club with her. Kaylee loves this special time. Well, once again she has gone over and above. She brought a Christmas present over the other night and I seriously just cried. It was so thoughtful and cute. She has been taking pictures of the kids when she comes over or when she goes with Kaylee. She put together this darling book for us!

Our Funny Kids

More funny pictures, and us at Miley Cyrus.

Fun Thanksgiving craft they made.

Pictures from American Girl Club.

Funny posing, and American Girl club.

Brayden at his best, and a little note from Marina.

Thank you Marina, You Rock! This was the best present ever!

Gingerbread Houses...

It's always fun when cousins come to town. The kids had a good time with their cousins Zac, and Kasen. They played and played, ate dinner together, and then we made a gingerbread house.

Kaylee carefully placing each and every candy.

As soon as we were done, Kade and Kasen dove in. Who needs hands?

Teamwork!

Brayden's "holiday" program

Brayden had a "holiday" performance at school. It was fun seeing the different instruments they incorporated into it. They have been working hard to learn all the songs. Brayden came home and printed off the lyrics to "Little Drummer Boy" so he would know all the words. Good job bud.

Gratitude Breakfast...

Today I hosted a gratitude breakfast at my house. With the busyness of the season, sometimes it's hard to stop and reflect on some of the more important things. It was so great to gather together as friends and talk about some of the things we have been grateful for during the past year. I asked every person to bring an item that represented something that they were grateful for. Everybody had to guess who the item belonged to and what it represented. Although we have been friends for 10+ years we hardly ever get the opportunity to REALLY talk. As each person shared what they were grateful for, I thought to myself, I have really amazing friends. They echoed a lot of the things that have been important to me throughout the year. The things that were mentioned are just everyday things like: kids, husbands, friends, the gospel, but it was so great to have it expressed in that way. It was a very meaningful day for me. One I won't forget. Today really helped me get excited about the upcoming Christmas week.

"It's not the glow you feel when snow appears; It's not the Christmas card you've sent for years; It's not the joyful sound when sleigh bells ring; or the many songs children's sing; The secret of Christmas, is not the things you do at Christmas time, but the Christmas things you do...all year through."

That time already...

Well beings how Christmas has almost come and gone, here's a look at some of our Christmas preparations.

I put up my official "winter" plates. They never made it down last year until October. I'm thinking this year maybe I'll leave them up all year round. It might be fun to see how many comments I get about my snowmen plates in the middle of summer again.

This is one of Mike's most dreaded tasks. Putting up the tree. He may even dislike this more then putting up Christmas lights. But the kids love it.

Kaylee loved making sure that each branch looked perfect before it was aloud to be put on the tree.

Kade just didn't care what we were all doing. He plopped himself on the couch with his leapster and stayed there until we were finished. I worry about his ambition sometimes.

I love, love, love when the tree is all decorated. It adds such a warm spirit to the houses. Just picture David Archuleta Christmas music in the background. Doesn't it just make you feel all warm and cozy.

Some of the things that have made this Christmas a little "un-jolly."

*The snowman on my shelf has fallen over about 10 times. Each time it falls it breaks 2 or 3 ornaments. Now someone with half a brain would move the snowman. But no...I keep insisting he go back on the shelf.

*I ordered Mike a Christmas surprise on the Internet. Well the minute I hit confirm on the order I realized all confirmations were going to be sent to his email. This might not be a big deal to the average person, but since it's impossible to ever find Mike without phone in had, this created a dilemma. I immediately sent him a text and told him he could not check any email until I had the phone. I was able to delete the 4 messages this company had sent him (they REALLY wanted to confirm the order.) He got a couple more emails, so he knows where the item is from, he just doesn't know what it is....hopefully.

*SHOPPING! SHOPPING! SHOPPING! I have been so aggravated this year. It's almost as if the store knows I'm coming and what I want to purchase. Then they immediately send out an employee to remove it from the shelves. I went to 6 different stores to find one item. I went to 3 to find another. And countless times I have gone to a store to get something and then forgotten it, resulting in another trip back to the store. I still am not finished shopping yet because I can't find any of the items.

*Why do I insit on projects at Christmas time. Every year I do it, and every year I say I will never do it again. Why is it that I insit on learning how to do something new like 2 weeks before the big day? Someone please remind me next year.

Overall I am very excited for Christmas. I'm trying not to let anything damper my mood.

Waves...

Sometimes I feel like I am just treading water. I go through life paddling as hard as I can, just trying to keep my head above water. Then, BAM, I'm hit with a wave. Down I go. I always seem to be able to pull myself up and breathe just long enough before I'm hit again. I know those waves are coming, so why is it that I'm not prepared when they hit? It doesn't seem like it matters if it's a giant wave, or just a tiny one. When you are struggling to breathe, they all seem just as threatening. Maybe Santa will bring me a new life jacket this year. Then, maybe I will be able to function better.



"That which causes us trials shall yield us triumph: and that which makes our heart ache shall fill us with gladness. The only true happiness is to learn, to advance, and to improve: which could not happen unless we had commence with error, ignorance, and imperfection. We must pass through the darkness to reach the light."

Goodbye...

Grandpa Frank Davis

Two and half years ago (July of 2007) Mike's family gathered in Idaho Falls for the one and only family reunion for the Davis family. Mike hadn't seen any of his cousins for who knows how long. I had never met anybody from this side of the family. Mike's dad planned this get together because we didn't know how long Grandpa would be around. He had been really sick and not doing well. We all kind of gathered together basically to say good-bye to Grandpa. Who would have known that life's path would play out as it has. After returning from this trip Mike's dad was diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer and passed away 4 months later. I guess Grandpa wasn't quite ready to go. Well, last night Great-Grandpa Davis was finally able to join his son for a much better life. He was a stubborn man, and wasn't about to leave this earth until he was ready. I guess he finally decided he had had enough. I am grateful he no longer has to go through such a miserable life. I worry for Grandma, she had devoted her entire life to taking care of this man. What will she do now?

We have many great memories of visiting them in Idaho Falls. The kids favorite thing to do, was to feed the ducks with their Grandma and Grandpa. Grandpa would always get after the kids for eating the bread. They would throw a piece to the ducks, then take a piece for themselves. He had saved the bread for the ducks, and by darn the ducks should be the ones to eat it. The kids also loved going through Grandpa's golf ball collection. Even in his senile days, he would be upset when the kids would take his golf balls. He had collected about 5 garbage cans full of golf balls. I'm sure their was a story behind each and every ball that he collected.

We will miss you Grandpa. We are comforted to know that you are out of pain and without sickness. We find peace in knowing that you're with Bill now. I'm sure you guys have already had many much needed and wonderful conversations. We love you!