Top 10 in 2013

What a wonderful year, yet again! Every day I see the hand of Heavenly Father in our lives and am so grateful that He is our God. He truly has blessed us beyond measure. The joy and happiness we have. The prosperity. The health. The trials and opportunities for growth. The support and uplifting hand of strength. Truly every day of this year and life has been nothing short of a miraculous blessing. God is good. Understatement. We are grateful. Understatement.

With that said, here is my personal top ten memories/moments of the year.

10. Watching Elijah grow so fast and learn to talk.

 

9. Seeing the girls excel in school. Plus a great year of good literature!!

 

8. Homeschooling!! However brief, it was awesome!

 

7. Parties!! Vacations!! Field Trips!!

 

6. New Calling as Primary President.

 

5. Mom and her 9 lives, we’re so blessed.

 

4. Being spoiled, loved, and supported by family and friends. Especially loved Yaya Sofia’s magical checkbook this year!!

 

3. Swim Team for Christina!! Watching Maria develop as a runner!!

 

2. Jody became a professor!!!

 

1. Pregnancy with Sweet Ella Clara.

Exciting Day at The Mall

 

Today was a busy and fabulous day!! We headed over to the mall to cash in on Papa and Yaya's awesome Christmas gifts.

 

The girls knew their magic number - 25 - and did a fantastic job staying in budget.

Fortunately there was a great sale and they even got 2 outfits for their little friends.

 

I love seeing how excited they get. It's really cute how they create their animals with love. The workers are super friendly too and do a great job talking and making the experience special for the children.

 

Christina was so kind to make sure Eli got to help.

 

Jody.... love you.

 

Meet our newest additions.... Julie the white bear and Pink Princess the penguin.

 

We headed next door to Claire's and lucked out as well with sales. Maria got at least 20 little things included another stuffed penguin, which she gave to Eli. I'm always amazed at how thoughtful they are. Christina was all about the earrings and when we were at the register, they kept ringing up for less than we thought... it happened 3 times and then on the 4th time she got a free set!! Score! While we were doing girly things, Joe took Eli to the play place where they had lots of fun. It was pretty busy and one kid pushed Eli down the slide. Eli said, "The kid helped me down the slide. He pushed me." Way to be an optimist and positive thinker Eli.

 

I'm so grateful Joe takes such good care of the kiddos. I forgot to mention that one Sunday a dumb kid chucked a truck at Eli and then pulled his hair. Joe was livid and shamed the dad into taking his kid out of Sacrament Meeting. I think people think that because we have kids we'll be tolerant of misbehavior, but really - we're not. And I'm so glad Joe is protective and willing to defend our kiddos.

 

I LOVE THIS LITTLE FACE!!!!!!!!!!! He gets so excited it's tangible!!

 

We ended the day by enjoying lunch at Scheel's, watching a couple movies and mommy finishing her yearly blog book on blurb!!! HOOOOOOOORAY!!!

December Art Farts 2013

Flu be gone!!! Christmas at Papa and Yaya's

 

We have the best family ever. Plain and simple. We are so blessed to have such support, love, and kindness always.

 

I was reading a book inscription that my Yaya gave to Maria. It was so beautiful. Her messages are usually pretty similar in that she is always telling us how much she loves us forever. How proud she is of all that we have done. She really is a poetic person and her strength and stamina amaze me.

 

These sweet beautiful girls. How lovely and wonderful they are! Constantly gracious and thoughtful. I'm so privileged to be their mother. Plus they are the best helpers to boot!

 

Dad was amazing and cooked a fabulous meal as always. Sorry I pooped out on you on the dishes dad. We ate right on time and everything was delicious!!!

 

Everyone spoiled us with very thoughtful and fun gifts!!

 

Favorites included: Build a Bear and Claire Gift Certificates, American Girl Doll Molly!!!!! (Thanks Nana!! We're getting double use!!!) and Eli's new tool bench!!!

 

We got Theo Speedo this awesome snowman set at the thrift store. He was excited.

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I also gave my dad some used shirts I found in the closet that I never returned to him.

I am the best gift giver ever.

I searched far and wide for something relating to Hitler to give to my mom.... alas.

It's just something I do at Christmas time.

 

Eli loved his chocolate candy cane from Theo Speedo and Val. I think he ate two tubes worth. He couldn't stop.

 

Tobi and her man "friend". We look forward to see what happens in the future!!! He's a very nice guy and so far treats Tobi well.

 

Thanks Papa and Yaya for a wonderful Christmas!!! We love you so much!!!