And then it was Winter

Well, we THOUGHT it was winter.  It was definitely cold enough to be winter on most days but there was no snow.  That’s right, none. zip. zilch. nada. In fact we made a record this month for least amount of precipitation.  Which I’m really not complaining because truth be told, I’m not a fan of winter.  There, I said it.  NOT. A. FAN.!!  I don’t like to be cold (which it seems I am often), I don’t like driving in the snow and I’m not a big fan of having to bundle up in a bazillion layers and then have to bundle everyone else up in a bazillion layers just to run a quick errand! OK, I’m done. Moving on…

On another note, December was busy.  I’m not sure why, probably because I went to every store in the vicinity about 30 times. Give or take.  Throw in a Christmas party or two, a birthday party, and a few holiday traditions and there you have it: the month of December in a nutshell. 

I decided to add more stress to things (‘cuz that’s how I roll) and make Christmas dresses for the girls.  This was my first dress for Bailee and well, first time making any dress that small for that matter.  I thought I had made it a little too snug, but it turned out just right. Phew!

(Just a side note:  the perfect Christmas day picture in front of the tree DOESN’T exist! and truthfully these aren’t even from Christmas morning because it was asking a little too much to have them stand in front of a tree for 3 mins while mom tried to capture a quick picture or two or five and there were presents downstairs calling their names!  So here you have New Year’s Day pics.  Technically.)

Kids loved their Christmas jammas.  Who wouldn’t?? I want some warm fleece-y Christmas jammas!!! They look so cozy!

Personally, I loved Christmas being on Sunday.  We got up, got everyone dressed in their Christmas outfits and headed to 9:00 church.  Sacrament meeting was awesome!! Loved it.  Every bit of it.  Multiple people sharing their testimony of Christ with beautiful Christmas musical numbers in between, what better way to start your Christmas day?

Christmas time is awesome.  I enjoy reading and hearing about all these random acts of kindness and giving that happens even more during this time of year.  I loved the story of customers at KMart getting their layaway paid off by strangers just in time for Christmas!  And families helping out other families.  As well as students raising THOUSANDS of dollars to buy gifts for families in the community.  Totally awesome!  I love the “season of giving”. 

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A few highlights from our Christmas morning:

Kenzi received the Ariel jewelry box that she has wanted since she saw it in the Bippity Boppity Boutique in Disneyland!!! Not kidding, she was saving her dollars for when she went next time so she could get it.  Poor thing may have had to wait awhile for that trip….Good thing Santa came through for her!  And of course you have to have jewelry for your jewelry box, so why not a really cute cupcake necklace?

This wasn’t Jax’s "big” gift but definitely the one that has gotten the most use!  You can’t see it well in the pic but it’s a Cars 2 spy car.  And if you’re wondering if you can watch Cars 2 without the spy car, well you can’t.  You have to have it IN YOUR HANDS during the ENTIRE movie.  Juuuusssttt so you know! 

And this little Boo-cakes was happy to get everyone’s presents! Literally! Whatever someone was opening, she was right there to “help” them!  However, she did take a liking to her cute little kitchen!!  This was such a fun Christmas to watch her get excited with everyone else and really enjoy the morning! So fun!

And just really quick, one more picture.  I just had to post this one because I’ve never had a tree decorated QUITE like this one.  Kenzi and Jax never messed with the ornaments.  Bailee on the other hand….

Merry Christmas, everyone!!