Twenty-Four {24} Years!

December is the month where we are so sleep deprived, but we are still laughing, and no matter what daggers get thrown our way we always manage to never call it quits! We’ve jam-packed so much into these past 24 years with having four kids, living in four states, and about 12 apartments/houses that sometimes it feels like we’ve been married for 40, while other times it feels like it was just yesterday that I said yes to marrying you. Thank you for loving me through my good times and bad, and for always putting our family first. We have a lot to celebrate around these parts this month with your birthday next week, Christmas and New Year's so with all that being said I'm off to find myself a sweet treat before we really get this party started. Thanks for being my best friend Jon, and for taking me to the places you know make my heart sing! I do love you, even if you have to work this weekend! 

Happy 24 years!

It's The Most, Colorful Time Of The Year!

You never know what you're going to find when you go rogue, and take your youngest child with you on a little day date to go for a drive in the country where the air is clear, cold, and crisp. We heard about this farm that sold colored trees, and although I've seen different colored trees I've never seen any up close. We thought it would be a fun thing to do since Noah was out of school due to being sick, but luckily he had some energy on the third day of having rest so that we can have a little one on one time together, and it was the best colorful day ever! 

Over The Weekend...We Be Sick & Stuff!

Although we survived the weekend with sickness we still managed to go to the city to see Peter and The Wolf at the Guggenheim. Had I paid extra fees on the tickets due to illness, or an emergency I would have canceled, and gotten a refund, but because I didn't we sucked it up, put on a smiling face and went anyway. We passed the contagious phase so it was okay to go to the show. Luckily our seats were the last four in the front, and we didn't cough too much! 

A Few More Things To Do In NYC This Christmas!

We may not live in the city, but boy do we "live" for the city! Next to New England, New York has become our second home, and place to visit because we are always venturing out there. A few friends have even asked if we've moved there only because we frequent there so much. This city all year round is magical, and energetic. It doesn't matter what time of the year you come because it is so fun, and beautiful! Christmas time is one of our favorite times of the year to go, and Thanksgiving day is when we begin to celebrate the holidays! 

Ideas On How To "Light The World."

Gifts for us have been super simple lately as they have been for the past few years. Each year gift giving for us becomes less, and less, and service becomes more and more. Although gifts are nice to give to each other and family members I love to think of those who can really use some good cheer.

The Search For The Perfect Tree!

Over the weekend besides going to the temple, attending a birthday party, and going to the theatre to watch Instant Family (which is hilarious and beautiful) we went tree hunting in search for the perfect tree. A friend of mine told me about a tree farm they recently visited, and because the trees in their photos looked appealing in the background decided to go there in hopes of picking one, but to no avail. When we arrived it wasn't what we were expecting. All the trees looked picked over, and they were not from Canada. 

Lighting The World!

Two years ago the church began a campaign called Light the world where we can help share the light and joy though simple acts of service all through December. I love this campaign, and the kids loved getting involved as well. It seriously helps us forget our own issues when we focus on others. I love simple Christmases anyway.

For Sierra & Lexie.

"Give them wings to fly. Roots to come home. And reasons to stay." I love that saying. It is something I hope for every time I talk to my older daughters whenever they plan on visiting, or coming home for breaks from school. Hoping that they love coming home no matter what. Having two adult daughters is bittersweet. Bitter because I wish they were closer to home, and sweet because they are away from familiar territory where they are growing, and learning new things all while being challenged with the ways of the world. 

For Not Procrastinating.

There are so many things we procrastinate on, and when it comes to the holidays I know that some us feel rushed, and are so overwhelmed that we wait to do things until the last second! I personally have never been one to seriously procrastinate, especially when it comes to the holidays. My gifts, and cards are pretty much mailed the last week of November, or the first two weeks of December. I have never mailed cards or gifts after the holiday, and that makes me feel good! I have my list of who to send cards to already prepared, and they are ready to be mailed. I live for Christmas cards! I love receiving them, and putting them up on our card holder. 

For Journal Writing.

I know I've written so much about journaling in the past, and how much I love it. I have various journals in which I share my day to day. Of course I have this blog in which I share the most, but the one where I brutally write my heart out is handwritten in pen on a daily basis, and sometimes I'll skip a couple of days only because I've blogged about it, but it's nice to write it out in even bigger detail. I love how my life all comes together whether good or bad. Some days are bright, some moments are not. What's written online or in a handwritten journal are the snippets of my life, and as mundane as they may seem I know that one day all my kids will look back on these days and laugh, cry, and probably be in shock at some of the entries, but it's okay! I want them, and my future posterity to know how my life as a young adult before, and during marriage was lived. I also wistfully still pull out my old journals, and regardless of what was written inside am grateful that I wrote it all down! 

Visiting Santa & A Day Out In Union Square.

I can't believe how quickly the years go by with our kids. As I look at this post from two years ago it amazes me how fast children grow. I would love for time to stop, but looking at these sweet, happy faces gets me excited in watching them grow. Especially when they see their favorite Santa, and still believing in him!