"It's Beginning to look a lot Like Christmas"

It took us two days to decorate our tree this year.  Not because we bought fun holiday decor, but because several of our strands of lights just didn't work.  It didn't matter how many bulbs David tried to replace we just couldn't get them to work.  It was funny because before we started we were telling stories to each other of how we use to watch our Dad's take forever trying to make sure all their lights for the tree would light up. I can remember just sitting there helping my Dad for what seemed like forever.  I guess our kids got to experience that this year.

It's never goes down quite how you imagine it.  There are always a few meltdowns here and there.  But I think they happened more frequently because the kids were just so excited to decorate.  It's like they have so much enthusiasm that their little bodies just can't handle it.  Micah was so cute this year.  He just ooooo's when all our Christmas lights turn on in the home.  It is the cutest thing.  I can't wait till we get our outside lights up.  I bet David is looking forward to that.  

I love this time of year.  My home just feels so warm and cozy.  I feel like there is just a peace that spreads through out our home ( no not for 24/7, but yes more peaceful than usual). Tonight we had the Christmas music going, hot coco, and lots of snuggling with the kids on the sofa as we enjoyed our first year having a fire place, and it's actually warranted.  It was 12 degrees today.  I know so cold! Can you believe it a fire place that serves more than just a decorative purpose?  The first thing the kids said when we moved into this home is "yay now Santa can just come in through the chimney."

 These are our stocking holders that I found.  I think they fit each one of us well. 

* Side not Micah totally potty trained himself tonight.  He patted his diaper said caca, and ran to the bathroom.  He waited till we put him up on the toilette.  And then he preceded to take care of business.  It happened out of the blue. He has been telling us for a while when he was going so I knew come his second birthday in January he would probably handle potty training boot camp well.  Little did I know that he was going to bypass the whole event.  David potty trained himself too.  If you know them those two are two peas in a pod.  It's like David created a mini clone of himself. Early Christmas gift for me I guess! 

Gobble Gobble

And just like that we find ourselves today eating yummy left overs after a day full of chatter, munching on not so good for you snacks, football, children laughing, children crying, feet tired from standing all day cooking over the stove, some little disagreements, followed by unconditional family love, creating special dances for food that just looks like it's going to blow your mind, finding yourself wondering if anyone would really notice if you would unbutton the top button of your jeans (no I didn't do it, but I did think about it) and ended the night wishing that the day could have lasted a little longer, because after all that stuff all that you really looked forward to was spending the day with those that you love most! 

Things I am Thankful For

- My Husband! I adore him like nothing else in this life.  He makes me feel like my life is always being served up a la mode.  Life is never dull when he is around.  He always comes with some ice cream on the side.

- My kiddos.  They teach me so much.  And they have brought me closer to my Savior. I am constantly looking to his guidance to know how to help bring up these kiddos.  They are my greatest treasure and I wish to only raise them in such a way that they can help enrich the lives of others the way they have mine.

- My Family! All of them! The Munoz's, the Rogers, Franklins, Joel's, Smith's, Moffett's, The Ettinger's of the Saratoga Springs Utah area, and the Ettinger's of the Newman Lake area.  All of you have taught me so much.  You have made me a better wife, mother, sister, friend.  I have much growing to still do but I feel like my growing pains are less painful with all of you by my side.

-Grateful for friends.  Both old and new.  The old because you have stuck by my side since forever.  There is a bond that is inexplicable. The new because it is always so fun to meet others that are so eager and willing to join you on your journey. 

- I am grateful for dirty laundry.  It lets me know that I have loved one's that depend on me.

- Grateful for my home.  These walls help me provide a safe haven for my kids, and they give my family the space to feel free and uninhibited.  Here we are free to sing like no one is listening, dance like Monica and Ross on "FRIENDS", laugh until our bellies hurt, and express are deepest concerns and insecurities.  The home allows my family to be brave and secure in who they are.

- I am thankful for my faith.  It is a huge part of my life.  And I feel that it has enriched all areas of my life.  I believe that Jesus lived on this earth, and I believe he knows and loves each and everyone of us. And for that I am so thankful!

- Thankful for popcorn.  It allows my busy baby Micah to take the time to snuggle with me on the sofa and watch  a short show together as we munch away.

- Thankful for art.  It has allowed me to understand Viggo in a way that I wouldn't be able to without it.  He expresses so much through his art.  Plus I get to enjoy his beautiful creations.

- Thankful for words.  My daughter loves writing.  I enjoy hearing her stories that she writes.  It allows me to enjoy all the worlds she creates in that amazing mind of hers.

- Thankful for time.  I am thankful that it exists not to take things away, but to help remind us to live each day to its fullest.  Time is what helps ripen all these beautiful relationships that we have cultivated. Time is the agent which helps change people from people being simple acquaintances, to invaluable loved ones.

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! 

Cuteness Overload

Normally I don't photograph little bebes.  But, after this I may have changed my mind. My wonderful sister in law Sara has started her business, it's called Babies Couture.  She sent us up a whole bunch of fun things for the kids and we just thought why not get some pictures of them in it. I had so much fun.  The Ettinger, Moffett, Franklin, Rogers, Smith and Noel clans keep growing.  Year after year I keep getting to meet new gorgeous sweet and chubbalicious babies.  David's side of the family has the ability to produce I think some of the best baby rolls I have ever seen. 

www.couturebabies.com