We have been enjoying this Christmas season. Christmas will be a week from tomorrow and I can't say I'm quite ready...even though it feels like I've been going non-stop since December started. I say this every year, but I LOVE making this season magical for the kids. They love everything and they make all of the effort of making this season special so worth it.
I realize that Scott and I are creating memories in their little lives and it weighs on me that they are special and memorable. It weighs on me, not in a burdensome sort of way, but in we-have-a-huge-responsibility sort of way...to make their childhood good and wonderful.
Both Scott and I enjoy this part of parenthood.
We put up our ridiculously small tree and although it is a miniature one the kids didn't care. The only thing that mattered to them was that we were together and that we got to do this together.
Both Scott and I decided that we are getting a real one and a much taller one next year!:)
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Brooke continues to be very much involved in mischief around the house...because life is just not as exciting without mischief.
She is one irresistible mischievous 16-month old.
Her new thing is screaming to get her way...and she doesn't stop until she gets what she wants...this particular night, she wanted that huge spoon, because eating with a big spoon is much better than eating with a little one!
Waiting patiently for some chocolate chip cookies...
Brookie, where is your head?
Do I need to explain the photos above?
That innocent little face can fool anyone...
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Our ward had the most amazing Christmas (adult only) Dinner. It was so enjoyable to be there with no kids and the food was awesome! We got to sit by our friends Kyle and Heidi. We've been lucky to become good friends with the Clarkes. They are awesome and fun to around!
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We got to hang out with them again (with no kids) at the Department of Medicine Holiday Ball.
We enjoyed their company and getting to know some of Scott's colleagues.
I always enjoy getting to know the people Scott spends time with at work.
The live band was awesome and Scott and I broke out a few moves on the dance floor.
I always enjoy being able to dance with my husband.
I forget how much I love to dance and how much fun it is!
We had such a fun night and I'm glad I had an excuse to dress up and enjoy a night out with just my Scottie.
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Our next door neighbor Zoe and her mom are Jewish. They are both wonderful and Zoe is such a amazing teenager! She babysits our kids often and I'm so glad to have someone I trust so readily available when we need her. Our three children love her and she is just like a big sister to them.
We invited her for family night to come to talk to us about Hanukkah.
It is important for Scott and I that our kids know and respect other religions. I love it when they can get educated and their little worlds can be broaden a little bit. We took this opportunity and Zoe brought her manorah and explained to us what it meant and how Hanukkah came about.
It was a good reminder for me that so many people in this world find the light and love of God in their lives in different ways...and what we have in common is our faith for the same God.
It was the third day of Hanukkah, so she could only light three candles. The middle one doesn't count as it is the one that represents a leader and it 'gives light' to the eight.
I am glad that we were able to learn a little bit more about Hanukkah.
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We made a little treat for our neighbors and Braden was my little helper.
It kept this kindergartner busy on a cold afternoon.
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Heidi and I decided to host a Christmas Cookie Exchange Party.
I was first introduced to this concept last year in Virginia, when some friends hosted this little party.
I thought it was so much fun and convinced Heidi to plan it with me.
There wasn't much convincing to do...Heidi was as excited as I was!
I made peanut butter blossoms.
I had never made them before...although I enjoy sweets (in moderation), I'm not a big baker but when I do bake I do enjoy it.
They turned out just how I had envisioned them and they tasted perfectly.
Heidi made this amazing avocado cranberry salsa and I put together a veggie platter and everyone got to sample the cookies everyone brought.
This was the beginning of what the cookie table looked like. Many more came and they were all amazing! At the end of the party everyone got to take home a few of each in a large plate.
We had a great turn out and had so much fun socializing with everyone.
I'm sad that I didn't get a picture of our whole group. There are so many fun ladies in our ward.
Gretchen and Brookie.
Heidi and I made a good team and we are already planning to host our next year's Christmas party.
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A few months ago, I requested tickets for the Temple Square Christmas Concert. I totally forgot about it and got the tickets in the mail the next month without even realizing that I had won the lottery. I didn't realize this until I was talking to my friend Stephanie and she explained to me how lucky I was to have gotten these tickets...and then she proceeded to tell me who Alfie Boe is. When she told me it was Jean Valjean from the 25th Anniversary London production of Les Miserables, I was simply ecstatic. I LOVE him and I didn't even know his name!
Alfie Boe is simply out of this world!!! His performance was amazing and flawless. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Orchestra were incredible and Tom Brokaw's voice narrating was the cherry on top. I've always been a huge fan of Tom. He is a true journalist, one of the few left. He related the most amazing story, which you can read HERE.
I couldn't contain the tears, when the 'candy bomber' himself was there!
We loved every second of the concert minus the couple in front of us who couldn't stop touching each other! PDA at its worst! Both Scott and I were so disgusted and ready to tell them to go get a room!
...peoplesometimesdon'thaveaclue!
That Conference Center is a massive structure!
After the performance, there were dozens of sister missionaries holding their language signs and waiting to talk to people. I love that our Church makes sure that each language is represented there and available. I think I would have LOVED to be a temple square missionary.
Scott and I had a wonderful time and I'm glad that we were lucky enough to experience the wonderful Christmas music through such amazing talented people.
We are definitely enjoying this Christmas season!
