Favorite

Six years ago today, I married my favorite boy . . . . . . . and he is still my favorite :)

Christmas!!!!

Disclaimer: LOTS of pictures!

Our first Christmas at Home has been much anticipated, and it turned out even better than I could have imagined! I have been LOVING every minute of it! It took us over an a few hours to get all the presents open, because our kids were SO excited about each thing they opened that they wanted to stop opening their gifts to try out their new toys! So cute! Their excitement is contagious and I have been reflecting all day on their innocence and joyful delight in simple things. I told Burke last night that I had not been so excited for Christmas morning since I was a little child! I had forgotten (sadly) the magic of Christmas to a little child.

It was beautiful and simple. It felt good to have a simple and uncomplicated holiday with a few traditions that we were establishing for our own family. It was a mix of traditions from my family, Burke's family, and a few of our own ideas. Most of all I have been grateful for the time I have had this season to reflect on the true miracle of Christmas, our Savior Jesus Christ's Life and all that it has given to me. I love Him and I am thankful for his perfect love.

Burke read us the Christmas story from the scriptures. This is one of my very favorite parts of Christmas Eve.

As soon as Daddy finished reading to us, we used the Nativity Blocks from Grandma and Grandpa Hill to act out the story.

We left cookies, milk, and letters for Santa.

After Santa came and before the kids came into the room I snapped a picture or two :)

Waiting for Daddy before they attacked their stockings!

Preston just couldn't quite wait!!!

But Dad saw it anyway :)

Rebekah sporting her new baby and stroller. She also got a pack'nplay for a doll bed. She couldn't be happier!

Preston scored a train set. About three weeks ago (well after Santa had taken his order and purchased his gifts) he changed his request from Thomas the Train to "Bob the Builder Machines". I just kept telling him Santa would bring him something he would love, and I was holding my breath hoping I was right. Luckily, he also got some awesome puzzles with building machines from Sheldon and Becki. He said, "Santa remembered!!" It was so sweet.

Dear Grandma & Grandpa Andrus

Thanks for the very fun Christmas package. Mom didn't take any pictures of us loving the popcorn, or the muffins, or the puzzle, but she did manage to get a picture of us after we made the nativity ornament. It was SO fun! We loved it and it is so special to have an ornament on our tree that reminds of Jesus. We love you! Merry Christmas!

Love,
Preston & Rebekah

Preston-ism

About a week ago I had a disaster with Rebekah's hair. I decided to cut it. I have done this a few times before and had success, but I knew that this cut was one I should take her in for--and I had to--with a train-wreck of a cut. So embarrassing! I was sorely tempted to lie to the hairdresser I had to take her to-- but in the end the whole mess was my fault so I owned it and fessed up that I got in WAY over my head. It turned out pretty cute (if you don't look too close!) So it is funny (er) now than it was then.

A few days ago I was fixing Rebekah's hair before we went out to run errands. Preston came in just as I was finishing. He said, "Oh you look so beautiful Rebekah!" Then he looked at me and said, "You sure didn't ruin it today Mom!"

Just a little frustrating . . .

I've been taking the kids pictures when they are all dressed up in an effort to memorialize the season. And it has gone about like this . . .

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Oh well . . .So I am not really a photographer. We could blame my really outdated cheap camera . . . but I am pretty sure that is not the only problem I have going here! How is it possible, that all of my blogging friends manage to take such cute candid photos of their children? Maybe we truly are just not that photogenic. I say "smile", and I get kids with smiles so big and cheesy their eyes are closed,or they crane their necks so I just get a really cool picture of their nostrils. I say "look at Mom" and they look everywhere but Mom, I take 5 pictures (quickly) and they both say, "too tired" and lay down (top photo no joke).

Silly Kids.

Silly Mom.