Temple Square!

We love and look forward to going to Temple Square every year around the holidays! The lights are amazing and so beautiful! This year we didn't make it before Christmas so we decided better late than never, as did everyone else! It's always crowded during the holidays, but I have never seen it that busy! We all dressed warm and enjoyed soaking in the lights and beautiful scenery! The kids were determined and insisted on seeing the Christus in the visitor center. There was an extremely long line. It didn't seem to bother the girls to wait, so we stood and followed a long line to catch a quick glimpse and photo of them in front of the Savior. Even if it was for a quick second, we were so glad the girls were insistent! It was a wonderful evening being at the temple with our little family!

Christmas Morning!

Adam and I were definitely not thinking our Christmas morning was going to start off as early as it did! At 2 a.m. I heard two whispering voices: "Mom...Mom? Can we go see if we have presents to open? Was I dreaming? Nope! My response was, "ABSOLUTELY NOT! Are you kidding me!", and sent them off to bed! The next time was 4:04 a.m. when I heard those same whispering voices. Okay, could I possibly be dreaming this time? Once again... Nope! Kaitlyn informed us that she had tickles in her tummy that just wouldn't go away and prevented her from falling asleep. Adam told them they had to wait till 6:00 a.m. So for the next hour and forty five minutes, I laid there with my eyes closed listening to their quiet excitement and anticipation! I remember those same butterflies when I was a kid. The kids had a fabulous morning! Makell had a perma-grin all morning long! They were excited that Santa didn't forget Harley, as he left him a nice bone that he had devoured by the end of the day. After opening gifts, they spent the day playing the Wii that Santa left! It amazes me that it takes weeks to prepare, but only minutes for it to be unwrapped and over! :) By the time 9:00 a.m. rolled around, I was ready for a nap! :) I love the magic and excitement Christmas morning brings! Around noon, we all met up at Grammy greats house for lunch and visiting. The kids loved hearing what Santa had left them. A few of the kids and cousins played Twister Hoopla! You have to be pretty flexible and coordinated to win that game! Grandpa and Grandma spoiled everyone! A day full of fun that we didn't want to end!

Christmas Eve!

We started our Christmas Eve by watching the First Presidency's Christmas Devotional that was being rebroadcast. I love listening to their messages! We read the story called the Christmas Apron. We all loved it as it depicted the true meaning of Christmas. After that, dad read the Christmas story from the scriptures while the girls dressed up and reenacted it. I love their "homeade" costumes as they had no help putting them together. I thought Kaitlyn (aka Mary) depicted quite well how Mary must have felt that very night. I tend to think Mary's donkey probably felt very similar to Kaitlyn's stick horse. I'm sure Mary also felt extremely uncomfortable being great with child, feeling as if she would pop, just as Kaitlyn looked! I'm sure their facial expression were similar too. :) I love this part of Christmas Eve, as we have made it a family tradition!

Christmas P.J's

This Christmas Eve, I put together a small scavenger hunt in hopes the others would find their new Christmas pajamas! The girls had a lot of fun and I came to the conclusion that harder clues are needed for next year! I love the excitement as they rip open their gifts and sprint to their rooms for a quick wardrobe change! :)

Our Christmas Gifts to Christ!

This year we tried something a little different. I was all about trying to make the Holidays simple, but still having it meaningful. We decided that instead of making or buying something for one another, we would perform small acts of service. As the Christmas Holiday quickly approached we spent many evenings talking about what the real meaning of Christmas was. It's the spirit of love and kindness. We read in Matthew 25:40 that we can give gifts to Christ. In the bottom of our bowl was a picture of Jesus. Every time we did a small act of service for someone else, one cotton ball (or snowball) was placed in the bowl. Our goal was to fill the bowl by Christmas Eve. Every Monday night, we redrew names and tried to be secretive about it.

In the beginning! Week one.

Week two.

Week three.

Week four!

Our goal was to fill the bowl by Christmas Eve and I think we did a pretty good job! It never ceases to amaze me the feeling in our home when it is focused on Jesus Christ!

A few thing I noticed throughout the month were:

• Everyone got along better.
• The Holiday Spirit filled the walls of our home.
• Santa's toy lists consisted of no more than one or two things.
• Trying to not get caught in the act, brought about many happy little smiling faces.
• Closer relationships with one another.
• Better understanding of what Christmas is all about!
• Deeper love for the Savior.
• The small and simple things become magnified into great and glorious things.

There are times when I'll admit I tend to get caught up in all the hussel and bussel. As I participated in and watched as our family performed acts of service for each other, it brought about a love and happiness that is almost unexplainable!

Piano Recital

Wednesday night Kourtney and Kaitlyn performed in their Christmas piano concert. They did awesome! They have been working really hard, and we are very proud of them! They each performed two pieces. One of Kaitlyn's songs was a duet with her teacher Jake. Her pieces consisted of, Silent Night and Angles We Have Heard on High. They were beautiful! Music seems to come easy for Kourtney and you can tell when you hear her play. I am amazed every time I hear her! The songs she performed were, Angles We Have Heard on High (one of my favorite renditions) and Carols of The Bells. I am so glad they they want to develop their talents and share them with others. I love that Christmas music has filled our home on a daily basis. It makes the Holiday's even more special an meaningful for me!

The Mini Luge!

With all the snow that has fallen, the girls put their creativity to work and built a "mini" luge track. They have had a ball playing in all the snow and have spent many hours outside! I love hearing their giggles and laughter as they crash or tumble at the bottom! Makell has turned into quite the comedian lately. She says some of the funniest things!

Me: Can I take a picture of you girls while you are coming down the hill together?
Makell: Mom we keep crashing so just take one right there and I will open my mouth so it looks like we coming down the hill!

Top picture in the middle- totally staged! :)