Christmas Celebration

We had a great Christmas this year. It was the first year, since I have been married that I was able to carry out a tradition that has been going on in my family since I was little. Christmas eve dinner... we made and ate yummy GREEK food. My sister and her family and my Aunt Georgia came to spend Christmas eve with us. It was Mikes first time trying Greek food, and was a good sport. He didnt like it but ate it. So now I dont know what the future tradition will be since Mike doesnt like the food we eat. (make him starve, make something else, - i like the make him starve :)/jk)
My aunt stayed the night and spent Christmas morning with our family. I am so thankful that she was able to spend some time w/ family during the holiday season. We were lucky because our kids didnt wake up until 8am and when parker was up he came into our room, Mom Dad, lets go down stairs. I said who came last night and he got all excited... Santa did mom. lets go. So we got Ashlyn out of bed (she was awake just playing) and headed down stairs and woke up Aunt Georgia. We were blessed by so many family and friends this year. The kids got SO many gifts, that I actually put some that I bought away for next year. Parker was so excited and was ready to open every present. Which he did... Ashlyn, w/ the help of Parker, opened up her first gift from Great Grandma Mathis, a baby doll- and she was done. She just wanted the baby and didnt want do w/ anything else. It was fun watching the joy in Parkers face. I miss those days when I was little where I got all excited about Santa coming.
We of course didnt forget to take a few minutes to talk to Parker about why we have Christmas and whos birthday we celebrate. I cant express my Love and appreciation for my Savior. He is the best example to me and I am so grateful that we have a holiday where its all about Him. I hope we were all able to express our graduate to our Savior. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Ashlyn cant go without Justin...

I dont know what it is.... but Ashlyn literally cant leave Justins sight if he is here. If we say his name and he isnt here, she begins looking around the house for him. Its a little scary. Here are a few pictures of a typical day when Justin is here. The minute he walks in, she walks to him, reaches for him, and will stand there until he picks her up. Once he picks her up, she is in his arms pretty much the WHOLE time he is here.

This quote is a MUST read!!!!

To you who are parents, I say, show love to your children. You know you love them, but make certain they know it as well. They are so precious. Let them know. Call upon our Heavenly Father for help as you care for their needs each day and as you deal with the challenges which inevitably come with parenthood. You need more than your own wisdom in rearing them."
President Thomas S. Monson

To many times, by the end of the day I am tired and at times have little patience w/ anyone especially my kids, so by reading this it brought my back into perspective and made me feel awful that I don't always show my kids that I love them as much as I truly do. and that goes along w/ my husband. He, along w/ my kids are my world and I love them more than my life it self. I need this quote tattooed on my body somewhere because I need to read this everyday. it really touched me! I know that by reading this and asking the Lord for help I will have a TON more patience with the ones that are the most important in my life.

Grandpa ** TURNS 104 YEARS OLD **

I cant believe that my Grandfather is 104! He had his Birthday yesterday (on the Dec. 10th) We are getting today for his b-day party. Hes an amazing person and he swears that the reason he is as old as he is: is by drinking a coke a day. He has done that for many many many years. I love him and hope that he will be around for another birthday! Happy birthday Grandpa!

Santas here and Ashlyns not happy!

My friend got her kids in their Christmas outfits to get their pictures taken w/ Santa. I tagged along w/ my kids not thinking that they would let me take my own pictures w/ my camera... but they did but I only had a second to do so... and I wish I would have had them in their Christmas outfits- but thats ok. Ashlyn was soooo afraid of Santa. It didnt last long. I was lucky to get a few pictures without having to pay. As you can tell the kids werent looking or smiling but I am glad that they let me take pics.

Pakers 3rd B-day

Ok so Im only a week late posting this, but Parker had his 3rd B-day on Monday (Dec 1) And we did things a little things differently than we planned. My mom was in town, so we did more of a family b-day this year and next we will have a friend party. But we went to my sisters house, had dinner, had cupcakes and opened a few gifts. (that was on Nov 30th) On his special day, Mike had the day off and so we spent the day together. He opened a few more gifts, and he really wanted to go to McDonalds for dinner. So we had his best friend, Gabe, come and them two played and enjoyed their happy meals. We also got our Christmas Tree and went home decorated it and had more cupcakes. He had fun and that is all that mattered!

Thanksgiving

A few pictures of us at Mikes grandmas home for thanksgiving. We were there for a few days and enjoyed every momment we had.

Happy Halloween

The kids had fun trick or treating. They liked being in their costumes and along w/ Mike liked dressing up for work. Parker had fun at a halloween party, decorating yummy cupcakes (thanks aubry), trick or treating at the mall and then doing some door to door too. Ashlyn.... it was exciting to her the first 5 minutes- the rest of the time she could careless, but was a good sport and didnt complain the whole time.

Pumpkins Pumpkins Pumpkins

On Monday we went to the pumpkin patch. The kids had a blast. Parker ran all over the place. There was a huge corn maze that we went through and had to find the "witch" that was hiding from us. Ashlyn at first was afraid of pumpkins- but so got over that. They picked out their own pumpkin. On Tuesday, we carved them. Nothing crazy- just the plain jane carve.... diamond eyes and some happy faces. It was a mess but we all had fun.

Grandma and Uncle Ian came to see us

Mike's mom and brother Ian came to visit for the weekend and it was so much fun. Paker LOVED his Grandma and Uncle Ian. He was so sad to see them leave. Ashlyn also loved them visiting too. They were spoiled! Staying up very late; eating candy, cupcakes, chocolate, and ice cream; and got their very own toys from grandma too.

Bonfire...

Despite the cold- freezing weather- we went up Provo canyon to have a bonfire with some friends. Other than staying close to the fire pit to stay warm and the kids roasting marshmellows we had a blast.

Ashlyns 1st b-day bash....

Here are a few pictures of Ashlyns birthday. At first she didnt know what to think of the gifts that she had to open. Parker had to correct her by telling her that we dont eat the presents we open them. She LOVED the cake and had no problem getting dirty. She loved the balloons and all the company that were here. We had a couple of neighbors, a few friends, and famly members. She was wore out by bed time.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ASHLYN

Today my sweet baby girl turns 1 year old. I cant believe how fast this past year went by. And how grateful I am to have her apart of my life. She has brought so much joy and happiness to our family. She is so lovable, is always smiling and happy, and puts up with a lot from her big brother Parker! I am so blessed. I love you baby girl.

Fall- Favorite Season

We went up the canyon to check out the fall colors on the trees...It was so pretty. But I would say that in about another week or so every tree will be sooo colorful and beautiful. It is my favorite time of year. I love the varity of colors and the cooler breeze that comes along the fall season. I love it when there are different colors of leaves covering the trees and also the grass- like what the kids are sitting in... here are a few of the kiddos at a park up Provo canyon.

Picture Tag!

Picture Tag... Here's the deal, grab your camera and take a picture of all the things listed below and then post them... NO cleaning!! Have fun!

**** I TAG: Keri, Karen, Britni, Tiffany, and Heather! **** I want to see it on your blog! :) ****
#1 KITCHEN SINK


#2 FRIDGE


#3 BATHROOM


#4 SELF PORTRAIT


#5 FAVORITE ROOM


#6 CLOSET (I know it needs to be cleaned!)


#7 SHOES


#8 MY KIDS



#9 LAUNDRY ROOM


#10 DREAM VACATION
I would love to go to hawaii! But I love the beach- so anywhere on the beach is good for me!