Ward Christmas Party

I will try to forget the fact that I was asked to make two large breakfast casseroles and a double batch of warm berry preserves (none of which even got put out there was so much food) and choose to remember that this Ward Christmas Breakfast was a really great one with amazing food and fun friends and memories.

First up on the agenda was to get a family photo. After that I didn't care what the kids did or where they ran off to (well you know what I mean). I just wanted my family picture.

When Leah is happy…she is REALLY happy. When she's sad…she's REALLY sad. Luckily this morning, she was really happy and got her sister to get in a photo booth with her and make funny faces.

I do love this sweet girl…even if she does push me beyond the very outermost parts of my limits (and beyond). She has so many wonderful qualities and can lighten up the whole room…if she's in the right mood. Ha ha ha….

Now this face…who can't love this face!?

It's adorable.

Some wonderful singing by some great ward friends.

And some baby snuggling with this cute Calvin.

And here is the mastermind behind this wonderful event. She puts her blood, sweat and tears into everything she does and it always shows. Thanks Emily for all of your hard work. 

It is truly appreciated.

More Christmas Festivities

Paul has had to work a lot of over time lately and I have been dealing with some very sad family news, but I'm determined to not let that stop me from trying to enjoy my most favorite time of the year. So despite some set backs and one grouchy daughter (eh hem…Leah), I piled the kids in the car and we went to look at Christmas lights. It turned out to be a lot of fun and once we found a bunch, Leah got out of her funk and had fun too!

 I love how this little cul de sac joined their houses with lights. How festive and such a great way to show Christmas Spirit.

The next day I made a bunch of Christmas cookies from my favorite "White Velvet Cut outs" recipe from back in my college days (good Ole Rick's College). I took some to Carter's class for his Holiday Party and froze the rest to frost with the kids next week. 

And here's Carter enjoying his class party frosting his cookie and making some Christmas crafts.

Leah was singing in the monthly assembly some Christmas songs all the 4th graders have been working on for about a month now. Since Brandon happened to be getting an award that day, I got to enjoy listening to her singing and see Brandon get his award at the same time. Score one for mom!

All Stars Soccer Game

Oh my goodness we froze our buns off at this game. But it was all well worth it to see this handsome little guy of mine play in his All Stars game (for the third year in a row). So blessed to have this cutie in our family. He's definitely thrown me for a loop and has taught me a lot about having boys. I hope that I at least am getting it half way right because I sure love him and love to see him smile!

It was an intense game. Both teams were equally matched and there were no goals the entire game. We went into a 5 minute over time and STILL no goals were scored. We were so close. The ball stayed on our side of the field almost the entire game, but their goalie was amazing and nothing could get past him. Well….until the shoot off that is. Brandon was up first and he kicked that ball right through the goalie's legs and shook him up so much that he started crying. I don't think he was expecting to have any balls go past him. The two teams went back and forth and it was best out of five. I'm happy to say that Brandon's team went home with the 1st place medals (4-1). What a season! Brandon had a blast and it was just so much fun watching him do what he loves so much.

This has got to be one of my favorite shots ever. But my most favorite moment was right after the game when Brandon ran up to me and jumped into my arms just like he is here with Paul. I'll remember that feeling forever!

Some Christmas Festivities

The Annual "Quest for the Vest" Party. I was happy to NOT go home with the vest again this year. Yahoo for me!

Breakfast with Buddy the Elf at the kids school. Yummy pancake breakfast with sausage and hot cocoa. 

Crafts for the kids and lots of singing and dancing. It was a cute event.

A little Christmas Shopping at the mall. $8.00 candle day at Bath and Body works. ALWAYS a huge line. But ALWAYS worth it. I love their candles. "Leaves" for the Fall…."Balsam fir" for the Winter. Smells wonderful!

I'm so glad we got to go to the Burbank Nativity Event this year. We missed it last year and I was so sad. And what was even better was that my dear friend's daughter, Delanie, was playing her guitar that evening. Plus we went for it and stayed late to get to see the last "Live Nativity". Always such a great spirit at this event and such a wonderful way to start off the Christmas Season.

Ashlyn got to come to the Relief Society Christmas Progressive Dinner this year. The theme was "Let Him in" and it was a really nice night and yet another opportunity to focus on the true meaning of Christmas. I hope my children grow up knowing how grateful I am for my Savior and that I tried my best to teach them to follow Him. 

Paul's Birthday

I got to go down to Dreamworks to have lunch with Paul on his Birthday. That was a treat for both of us. Isn't this the prettiest view. Made me feel like we were at a nice outdoor cafe.

Then that night Paul came home to a nice Tri Tip Dinner from Rattlers (at home) and some Texas Sheet cake which almost didn't get made since Brandon's soccer practice went WAY over. I finally just told the coach we had to go. I had things to DO!

After opening a few presents, I got the kids to pose for a nice picture with Daddy on his big 38th Birthday. Wow…we're getting up there! I'm next. YIKES!