Christmas Day 2008

After Thanksgiving the girls sat down to write their much anticipated "wish list" to Santa. Hailey and Amber had just finished a primary program, and had seen a little girl in our ward show great talent musically. So, with great anticipation they asked for a piano. Even when we (Bryan and I) tried to convince them that perhaps Santa couldn't bring a piano, their faith in Santa's abilities never changed...they were sure he would bring them their wish. Bryan and I were not as sure...we also wanted a piano to begin the girls in lessons, but finding one that we or Santa could afford was the problem. Hailey and Amber were sure that even if mom and dad could not afford it, Santa could; therefore, they were certain that there would be a piano on Christmas morning. When Christmas morning arrived, and there was not a piano among the Santa gifts, I waited for the tears to flow; however, my dear children pleasantly surprised me. No, instead of tears there was laughter and gratitude. Over and over I heard comments such as, "oh thank you, thank you, thank you...how did Santa ever know I would like this?" (They had only asked for a piano, so how did Santa know?) Bryan and I were filled with gratitude for the generous hearts of our children. They displayed real maturity as they graciously accepted the gifts that Santa did bring.
What my girls didn't know was that grandma and grandpa had bought them a piano, and that it was wrapped underneath our tree. When the piano was finally unwrapped, it took both girls a second to comprehend what they had just unwrapped. Once realization set in their excitement couldn't be contained. SCREAMING and JUMPING and YELLING and more SCREAMING and JUMPING and YELLING!!! They were thrilled!! They are still thanking grandma and grandpa for that wonderful gift!
After the giving and receiving of gifts was over, our sweet family simply spent a relaxing, fun day together. We contemplated the true meaning of Christmas while we enjoyed each other's company.

Santa brought the kids art supplies. He brought Amber and Jacob a plasma car, and he brought Hailey a new bike. He also brought some books.

Hailey's new bike

Our good friend taught me how to make some killer omelets, so for Christmas morning we had omelets for breakfast! It is now a favorite meal in our home!

December 24, 2008

Christmas Eve

Early Christmas Eve evening we shared dinner with some good friends. It was fun to visit with the Vestal's, the Medina's, the Dodds, the Tolman's, and the Horton's. We then spent the rest of Christmas Eve as a family enjoying our traditions. We first read the Christmas story, and while we read it--we acted it! Our family is so small that several parts had to be played by the same person; therefore, there was a lot of pausing in the middle of the story to change costumes. Somehow it was still peaceful amidst our costume changing. After acting out the Christmas story, we gave a gift to Jesus. Every year on Christmas Eve each of us pick something that we can individually improve upon. We then write it down, and wrap it in a gift, which is then kept as a remembrance. Then throughout the year, we work on whatever it was that we wrote as our gift to Jesus.

Jakey dressed up as a Wise Man!!

All three kids dressed up!
(Jakey as a Wise Man, Hailey as Joseph, and Amber as an Angel)

After a few minutes, Jakey was no longer loving his costume!

I love Bryan as the donkey!

December 15, 2008

HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY

I am officially 30! I remember when there was a time (not so long ago) that I thought that 30 was old. Isn't it funny how much your perspective can change as the Lord blesses you with wisdom:)? Truly, I do feel young and full of life...even though I really can't sleep like I use to, and running almost puts me in my grave, and I am beginning to notice gray hairs and wrinkles...those things do not mean that I am old...quite the opposite! All those things really mean is that I am beginning to gain perspective, and I love perspective!

During the day, I was able to go to the Olive Garden (my favorite restaurant) with some friends. I wished I had remembered my camera, so I could post a picture of my dear friends in Boise; however, I forgot to bring it. This is a picture of my friend, Heather. She came over after lunch to just hang out with me and my kids. I am truly grateful to Heather. She is such a good friend to me...it really wasn't chance that she moved in as my neighbor.

Before Bryan and I went out to eat for dinner, we sang "Happy Birthday" with the kids, and ate birthday cake. I felt it was a bit backwards to eat cake before dinner, but I really wanted my kids to be with me for the cake.

The kids were so excited about the cake that they helped me blow out the candles. Bryan kept saying "let mom blow out her own candles", but I honestly thought it was really cute! I liked having them with me.

After we ate cake, my two good friends, Heather Pruett and Jen Tobler, came over to watch my kids, so that Bryan and I could have a night out on the town. (Truly, I am so grateful for the love and generosity people give me all the time!)

Bryan and I went to PF Chang's for dinner (also a favorite restaurant). It was fabulous! My favorite part about PF Chang's; however, is their GREAT WALL OF CHOCOLATE. It is the best!!! Sadly, I was too full from eating cake with my girls to eat any more cake. (No worries...Bryan and I will just have to go back very, very soon!)

After dinner Bryan had planned on taking me to an outdoor event, but the weather had turned really cold, so he took me shopping for new jeans instead. I had a great time roaming the mall with Bryan! It really was a great birthday! (Even if some people think it means I am old now...those people just don't know.)

Ward Christmas Party

We had a great time at the Ward Christmas Party. The food was fabulous, and so was the company! The kids had fun singing Christmas songs, and sitting on Santa's lap. (Hailey sang a solo to part of the song "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer"...it surprised both Bryan and I.)

Waiting in line for Santa

Jakey wasn't thrilled about sitting on Santa's lap.

Amber and Santa

Hailey and Santa

December 8

BUILDING A GINGERBREAD HOUSE

Every year we have a tradition to build, and decorate a gingerbread house. This year I bought a package at Costco while Amber was with me, and for several days Amber pestered me about the house. I had to keep reassuring her that on Monday night (FHE) we would definitely be building our gingerbread house! When Monday finally arrived, both Hailey and Amber were ecstatic!

Hailey decorating

Amber decorating

Jacob taking care of the "eating" portion of the activity

Hailey and Daddy concentrating on the structure!

While we were waiting for the structure to dry (if you start decorating before it dries, it will fall apart), we took a family photo of our progress.

Almost complete.

I think that my girls' favorite part about our gingerbread house tradition is eating the candy off of the house all throughout the month of December. Personally, I find it gross to pick at old hardened candy, but my kids beg to differ. In fact, this year I found my children prying candy off of the house with their teeth, because the frosting had hardened so much that they could no longer pull off pieces appropriately. Honestly, I can't imagine how the candy on a gingerbread house that has been sitting on the counter for days...weeks...could be that good...but, apparently I am missing the picture.

KIDS GIVING TO KIDS

My friend, Allison Prince, wanted to teach her kids about giving to other kids this Christmas. She decided to sponsor a toy drive directed by her kids. Her daughters taught a free craft class for a donation of a toy. There was also a book drive, and -of course- Santa was ready for pictures for only a small fee, which was then later used to buy more toys for families in need! It was such a fun experience! I am so grateful to friends who constantly set awesome examples that I can (hopefully) follow. I am also grateful for Allison's inspiration on teaching kids about giving...my kids had so much fun picking out toys for kids in need, and then creating a craft (which they also gave to someone else). It was a great experience!

Painting our Craft!

Our Santa Picture

Jakey wasn't too excited about his chance to sit on Santa's lap...he was ready to get off as soon as possible!

Decorating the Christmas Tree

Bryan left on a business trip, and we decided to surprise him with our house fully decorated for Christmas. I never realized how long it would take three kids, and one mom to decorate a tree. We started around 1:00 pm, and we didn't finish until 7:00 pm. I was exhausted by the time we were finished, but it was fun getting into the spirit of Christmas!

The three of us

Finally Finished!

Thanksgiving with The Elkington Family

We spent Thanksgiving with Grandma and Grandpa Elkington. Grandma Elkington made the best turkey we had EVER tasted. (She apparently got the recipe off of one of Rachel Raye's shows.) Anyways, it was an awesome dinner followed by Crazy Six, and Ticket to Ride. In the late afternoon, we went to see BOLT in the theater, which our kids really enjoyed! The following day we went to Sheri and Layne's house to play games.

Cute Amber at Sheri and Layne's house

Danner joining in on playing games (he was concentrating really hard).

Sheri beat everybody in Wakey Six...she was on fire!

Piper helped Aunt Michelle play her hand, and Hailey helped Aunt Roxanne play her hand. I am not sure about Piper, but I know Hailey really enjoyed "playing with the adults". She definitely felt grown up! Aunt Roxanne made her day by being her teammate!

(Michelle, Piper, Hailey, Roxanne, & Kalli)
Posing during a game of Wakey Six

Hailey and Roxanne

Hailey and Roxanne

I love this picture of Hailey. Even though she feels all "grown-up", she will always be my little girl!

Riley and Easton playing video games.

Not everybody wanted to play games with the adults. A lot of the kids played on the Wii, or Game Cube. Some of the kids (and men) watched football. Most of the younger kids (Amber, Danner, & Cooper) ran crazy through the house.

Thanksgiving with The Miller Family

Bryan's family had thanksgiving a week early, so that everybody could celebrate with both sets of families. We had so much fun! The day was packed with events,...not to mention eating! We were so sad when the day was over, and it was time for us to head home-we wished the festivities could have lasted a bit longer!

Event #1 Wii Tournaments

Event #2 Making Snowflakes
Hailey, Amber, Matt, and Zack had so much fun cutting out snowflakes. Poor Shaura's floor was covered with bits of paper. Although it was a mess, the time it took cleaning up was well worth all the fun!

Event #3 Football
Bryan's family always plays football together on Thanksgiving-this year was no different! In this epic game of football, Bryan hurt his thumb...the doctor said he pulled the tendons, and that it will be back to normal in one year. No worries, uh?

Event #4 Shooting Targets (Nathan and Michelle)
Another tradition for Thanksgiving is going to the desert to shoot at targets.

Event #4 Continued (Jonathan and Tanner shooting)

Event #5 Climbing the Dirt Hill
Hailey, Amber, Matt, and Zack spent hours jumping off the dirt hill, and climbing back up again. Apparently shooting 22 rifles wasn't their idea of fun...they preferred the dirt!

Zack, Hailey, Amber, and Matt posing by the dirt hill.

Event #6 Pinata
To cap of the day, all of the kids got a chance to swing at a pinata! It wouldn't feel like a true Miller party without the pinata! (Thank you, Grandma, and thank you, Shaura and Jeff, for hosting the party!)

Event #7 Eating
I guess I was too busy eating to take any pictures.