Christmas 2018

Christmas morning was filled with magic, as always! 

There were books, clothes, toys, treats, and a new Nintendo switch! 

 LOL dolls

 Small appliances made for a happy mom and dad! 

 New bag for school! 

 Nintendo switch makes everyone all smiles- especially the boys. 

 We had the missionaries over for dinner and played the Speak Out game. 

So much laughter! 

 And finally, skating for the whole family so Arabella and Lily could try out their new skates. 

Christmas was a wonderful day! I must say that I don't love working holidays because on days like Christmas, I miss out on the hanging out all day with my kids and husband. There are memories to be made in doing those simple things and I am saddened that some of those memories for my kids will be of mom sleeping. But I do love my job and I have plans for not working any more weekends or holidays or nights. 

December 2018: Christmas Eve

Okay, so the first 2 pictures are from the Sunday before Christmas. 

We are a good looking crew! 

We sang in the choir and I played the piano for a duet by two sisters and for Jon and 

Emmerson Webster to sing to and of course the girls sang with the primary. We had a lovely musical sacrament meeting. 

 I have realized that we do not have set traditions for Christmas Eve due to me working it off and on over the years. We have kept up with the tradition of new pajamas  and they were well loved this year. 

At an adult white elephant party, Peter picked a gingerbread house pan. So, this year I used that pan and baked this lovely house which Peter and the kids assembled. The kids did a great job on the details. I particularly like the addition of Santa's legs sticking out of the chimney. 

December 2018: Other happenings before Christmas

Samantha and I enjoyed the beautiful weather one day! 

 Arabella participated in the school spelling bee and she did fantastic! 

 The most amazing part was when one girl was eliminated and began to cry and went back to sit in her seat which was right by Arabella. Arabella immediately threw her arms around the girl and comforted her. Mrs. Dawes, one of her teachers, came to me after and said, " Of all of the amazing academic achievements that girl will have in her life it is her heart that will take her to great places." She described Arabella perfectly! 

 And Samantha and I colored this tree while we had to be incredibly quiet during the spelling bee. 

 We did a practice run for our holiday Korean dinner. 

It was delicious! We also learned a lot. 

 All 3 girls had a Christmas concert on the same night and Peter was out of town. So, the boys took Arabella and Lily to their concert and then walked them home. 

 I took Samantha to her concert.

Those little kiddos sounded like angels! 

 And some class party action! 

December is a busy month with many good things going on and it seems to get a bit busier when you have 5 kids to take care of but I would not trade it for anything! I feel like I am in the thick of parenting- critical moments and conversations, priceless moments and conversations and the trick is keeping those as the priority. 

December 2018: All about Jon

Jon turned 13! Officially a teenager! 

Jon brings such a light into our home. He has loves music and reading. He is learning to play the bagpipe and loves to play video games. Jon is smart and has an inquisitive mind. 

He is growing too fast and it makes my heart sad and happy at the same time- I love seeing him experience the new things that came with each age and stage of life. 

Jon, may you always find the things to laugh at in this life and may you always know the incredible impact you will make in this life on all of those around you! 

 He got a new bike, 

 famous pancakes, 

 some stylin' new clothes, 

 a taco feast for dinner, 

 and dutch oven cobbler for his cake! 

 This picture was actually taken on his last night as a 12 year old. 

 Jon sounded great with his choir for their Christmas concert. Choir has been a challenge for him this year because not everyone in the class shows the respect and attention they should. This has caused him to be annoyed at times but he has tried hard to make sure he is working hard and setting a good example for others. 

And finally, I helped Jon make his first batch of homemade bread. It was very tasty! 

December 2018: Tree Decorating, Donuts with Santa, and Teddy Bear Clinic

 This has become one of my favorite work traditions. 

Samantha was the only one who wanted to return to the Teddy Bear Clinic later that afternoon. She was able to meet Mrs. Claus who was dressed so fancy! 

Samantha took great care of her teddy bear! 

December 2018: Ward Party, Service, Santa on a Fire Truck

Our ward Christmas party was early this year and a breakfast. It was delicious and as always, great to fellowship with our friends and fellow ward members. 

 

 The kids sang and were so adorable, as always. 

 Look at this girl! She is such a happy girl! 

The day of the ward Christmas party was Dec. 1st so, also the first day of the Light the World campaign for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We were supposed to pick a way to serve and carry it out. We discussed as a family and decided that raking our nice neighbor, Ms. Belinda's leaves was the best idea. 

 It was a lot of leaves and everyone pitched in. Lily was super kind and thought to bring all of us some water while we worked. 

 Joseph was pretty excited to use the leaf vacuum. 

 Ms. Belinda had been out of town and when she came home and the leaves were cleaned up, she was so thankful! Lily and Samantha drew a chalk picture on her sidewalk too. We love our neighbors! 

 Early the next week, our neighborhood had the Santa on a fire truck drive by! I love this tradition- it is really cool!  

If you look really close you can see Santa in his suit just to the right of the super bright light.