December is rad!

I really, really liked this past thanksgiving weekend...like a lot! And it was rad! The fact that I had all my family here makes it perfect. I sometimes feel a little overwhelmed with my family, but in a good way. 

Here's why...

I didn't have too many Thanksgivings, or Christmases where there was laughing, goofiness, piano playing, dancing, and let's be honest...excessive talking about everything and anything. 

I have learned throughout the years especially with two teenagers to really be there for them. I mean really be there. No yelling at them, no ignoring them, always caring for them, and most importantly...always listening to them. 

When I see Jon and the kids communicating so well about books their reading, school, how to cook this, and make that, & life...it fills my heart with so much joy because again...I didn't have any father figure like that in my younger years. I did in my older years, but not when I was a toddler, elementary age, or a teenager. 

So thankful that my kids have one, and that he is here to stay forever!! 

No matter what spills we have as a family (and we have quite a few) we always manage to work them out, talk about it, forgive, and at the end of the day express nothing but love to each other. 

Because that is what Christmas, and living this life is all about. 

Last night I pulled out my Mary Engelbreit ornaments (which I've had for years), and every year we put up a small tree, and Chelsea and Noah will decorate it. 

Noah is at an age where he recognizes Santa, the baby Jesus, and that ornaments are not toys. Makes me feel more secure to put out "heirlooms" that are old because I would like to pass it to them when they are older. 

And with Sierra and Lexie singing Christmas songs while playing the piano is a sure sign that the Christmas season has already begun. 

The past four days was filled with pure awesomeness & I hope that this month will go by super slow. I love, love this time of year, and look forward to all the joy that this season brings to each and every one of us. 

And so I leave you with Chelsea singing six seconds of ""Santa Baby" whom was oblivious while vining her. 

Happy Monday!

**Let's bring on the Christmas season**

Nostalgic Ornaments

Top Chelsea, left-Lexie, right-Sierra. 

These Mary Engelbreit ornaments are 11 years old. I first got into this graphic artist when Lexie was born in the year 2000. I remember going to Thanksgiving Point in Utah after Christmas in the year 2000, and clearing out all their M.E. ornaments, all right down to the stockings and the tree skirt. From that moment on I became a M.E. fanatic and every time I saw anything that was from M.E. I would immediately buy it. My mother in law even made curtains, bedding, and even a baby blanket from M.E. fabric for the girls. Till this day I still get a M.E. calendar for the girls room (and a desk one for me!)

I loved her style of ornaments because of her quotes and the art is so cute, and very girly! I became a lover of birds when I found these birdhouses...

and although we don't have any pets (yet) Scottie dogs are one of my favorites! 

 I particularly fell in love with this cute gingerbread man...

and I found this sweet angel and fairy holding a cupcake!

We moved so much in the early years of our marriage, and having this one really helped me adjust to every move.

 I also realized that no matter where we lived I had to make the best of it, and make my life cheerful not only for myself, but for the new friends and neighbors I was about to meet.

This is one one of my favorite quotes. 

Moving from state to state to state has taught so much in my life and with all that moving I learned to be more compassionate, loving, kind, and warm towards others. I also think the teapots are darling.

Out of all the ornaments this one is the most meaningful. 

I count my blessings every day, and although these ornaments don't resemble the Savior, I am grateful for His birth. I feel fortunate to have had a Christmas tree up every year since the day I got married in December. I still have these ornaments, and I am saving them for the girls. I'm happy to have shared this with you in hopes that y'all will save your mementos that have a significant meaning, and share it with future generations (if they last that long!)

Count your blessings and always remember the reason for this season.