The End of Christmas

I love the feeling that comes along with Christmas.  I love the twinkling lights, and the smell of Christmas trees(or Christmas tree candles-wink).  I love the fun decorations and putting up the tree.  I love the spirit of giving that fills peoples hearts.

But by the end of the month I am about done.  The tree takes up space, the decorations collect dust, the smell is dead, and people have over spent.

So today it feels good to have it all packed away and ready for next year.

"...may the spirit of love which comes at Christmastime fill our homes and our lives and linger there long after the tree is down and the lights are put away for another year." Thomas S. Monson

The Surprises of Christmas

I have a love hate relationship with surprises.  I absolutely LOVE a good surprise!  But I HATE knowing about a surprise and having to wait for it.

You know, like surprising your kids with an unlimited amount of candy and frosting right before bedtime.

And being surprised when they don't want to go down for bed.

Or yesterday when Dan told me he had a surprise that would be coming today. I pretty much created an ulcer in anticipation for what would be coming. I tried to carry on my day as if nothing would be happening, but deep down I was dying. I imagined everything from my parents flying in for Christmas, to Dan losing his job.

So you can imagine my excitement when he finally told me I would be getting a massage in just a couple hours.  The kids would be in bed, she would come to me, and it was just because I deserved it.

And I loved all 70 minutes of it.

I also loved it when Ya Ya showed up right after and we all sat down to decorate sugar cookies-my husband, my friend, and my masseuse.

The Smell of Christmas

Today we got into the Christmas spirit by making sugar cookies.

Camden was so excited when I pulled out this snowman cookie cutter. For some reason he is obsessed with the idea of snow and Christmas. He is positive we will know when Christmas is here because the snow will fall. Maybe the presents on Christmas morning will distract him from the not-so-snowy ground outside.

Jace could have cared less about making anything other than a mess.  Just give the kid a cookie to eat and he is content.

I may or may not have bribed my children all day with the fact that we'd be talking with Santa himself.  This is our second visit with Mr. Claus and Jace's reaction is always the same.  He cracks me up! 

The countdown is on.
*I just noticed I put my kids in the same shirts both times we saw Santa.  That's funny, or is it embarrassing?

The Meaning of Christmas

This year Dan's mom had our Christmas gift mailed to us before December 1st.  I was completely blown away!  When I asked her how come she was so on top of things she replied... now that her kids are all grown, the magic of Christmas is no longer there.  She tries to get everything out of the way in order to focus on the true spirit of Christmas.

With that being said...My heart was torn on how to approach Christmas.  Do we focus on the birth of our Savior, or the commercial aspect?  During the last two weeks I have witnessed the magic of Christmas through Camden's eyes.  I have enjoyed the best of both worlds!

As I explained to Camden why we drop our change in the Salvation Army's red bucket, I was reminded where the spirit of Christmas meets the magic.

After watching The Polar Express, Camden and Jace found a bell on their pillow before going to bed.  The look on Camden's face was unforgettable!

I'm excited for the magic to be had on Christmas morning, and the spirit that comes along with it.

Puddle Splashing 101

For the past few weeks our weather has been beautiful.  Today it drizzled most of the afternoon.

When Camden woke up from his nap he stood at the back door. Pressed his nose against the glass and talked non stop about the rain.  So I decided it was time for puddle splashing 101.

He was a little worried when I told him we didn't need our shoes and that it was ok to get wet.  His approach was timid at first, but he warmed up to the idea of getting "messy" pretty quick. 

Good times.

He Would Admit it...

Every Christmas since I have known Dan, he has been a Scrooge.  So when he went and bought a few Christmas CD's and had them blaring on the stereo, it was a sight to behold.  To be honest...I was weirded out.  I thought he was up to something.  And here we are half way through December and he is still going strong.  I'm holding onto it and enjoying it while it lasts.

So far WE have...

Put up the tree.

Devoured way too many waffles at Ya-Ya's annual waffle extravaganza.

Read several Christmas stories.

 Attended the Light Parade. 

Went to Zoo Lights with the rest of the state.

Temple Lights were a must.

And today we made it over to see Mr. C.

This year Camden asked Santa for scissors and a computer for the Jace Man.

Jace asked for Buzz(more like I asked him if he wanted Buzz and he flipped out with excitement).

Next on our list of things to do before Christmas:

Watch The Polar Express

Decorate sugar cookies per Dan's request

Gingerbread houses per Dan's request

Hot Chocolate

Ward Christmas Party

Read Luke 2

We are counting down the days and soaking up the Christmas spirit!

Really?

I'm not sure why I'm allowed back at the gym.  I always do stupid things.

Like a few months ago when I walked in the men's locker room. 
Or last month when I attempted Zumba.
Or last Saturday when I missed the step I was trying to jump on.
And the latest and greatest happened tonight...I ran an extra 26 minutes in order to finish watching biggest Loser(haven't watch an episode in years).  It sucked me in.  And my favorite part was when I started to cry big tears that I couldn't hide.  I was so embarrassed I had to hurry and get off my machine while the last guy weighed in.

Please tell me these things happen to everyone!

It's Hard to Admit

I've said it before and I'm sure I'll say it again...all three of my boys attitudes are, in large part, affected by mine.

For the last month or so Dan and I have been exhausted with the attitudes that are raging within our home.  Although Camden and Jace are at my all time favorite stage(so far), playing, wrestling, and entertaining one another; it is also a stage with lots of attitude, arguing, and butting heads.

I have been exhausted and irritable, my patience has worn thin.

For the past three days my voice has been slowly disappearing.  Today it is gone.  And today I was once again slapped in the face with a not to subtle reminder of how my actions(and words-or lack thereof) affect others.

Today my boys have played so well together.  The house has been peaceful(other than it's a complete mess), and happy.  My boys have not thrown tantrums when asked to do or not do something.  They have not talked back to me.  They have been incredible listeners.  They have behaved and not made a scene when we've gone out.  And in fact, they have whispered...not only to me but to each other.

Growing up I always wanted to lose my voice, I thought it seemed fun.  No matter how hard I tried to yell or scream it never disappeared(to my parents dismay, I'm sure).  Now that it's happened I know it's not fun, but I am grateful for the reminder that came with it.

Cancer happens

My Dad has cancer.

My sister had cancer.

I hate cancer.

My sister beat cancer.

My Dad will beat cancer.

I'm gonna beat cancer to a bloody pulp.

Christmas Cheer

Have you ever been lucky enough to have a group of your all time favorite people come caroling at your door?

I did tonight.  It was magical!

Putting It Out There...

I am a huge believer in the power of prayer.

I am also a believer that as humans we have problems that need answers and weaknesses that need strengthening.

I am putting my faith in a higher source of strength tonight and tomorrow in order to find certain answers and overcome recent weakness.

I am positive He will listen.