One more Christmas-y thing.

WARNING: PLEASE EXCUSE SOME OF THE UGLIEST FACES YOU'VE EVER SEEN.

If you know Brent, you know I have a good husband...not even just good...jackpot really. He's one of those rare guys that is always thinking of something special; something thoughtful that will make me happy. (Which if you know me at all, makes me look even more pathetic in that area that I already am.) Ever since we met he's been surprising me with touching gifts... not the kind that make you say "Cool, I always wanted that,"... the kind that make you cry and melt, and say, "how did i ever get so lucky". Those kind. For example...for our anniversary this year he typed up a list of his top 50 memories of our life together. I mean seriously?!?

So I guess I shouldn't have been surprised this Christmas when he gave me one of the most priceless gifts that I've ever received.

What is it?

Are you kidding me...My BLOG..made into books!!! by YEAR!!!

I was stunned...it's something I always wanted to do, but could never wrap my mind around starting.

I went into the "ugly cry" right away...I couldn't hold back.

Then it got even worse and I had to cover my chubby face from looking like it would explode

Then I composed myself...a little.

and looked through every page

and then kissed the best husband ever:)

Seriously though, it's such a priceless gift. To me...the one drawback of blogging is that... here's this amazing journal of the highlights (including pictures!) of my family's life just floating around out there is cyberspace somewhere. I would always wonder whether it would even be around or exist someday for my kids to read; if I was wasting my time. This has made it all worthwhile, and has given me motivation to be a better recorder and writer for my family. Thanks Brent, you da' man.

33 Weeks

I hate gaining weight. Hate it. Though I've tried to embrace the beauty and joy of pregnancy, I am just not one of those happy women who revels in the roundness of my body while pregnant. All I see when I look in the mirror is a chubby face and thighs that will take me many-a-mile on the treadmill to get rid of. Really though, is there anything to appreciate about growing larger (to the tune of about a pound a week). No there isn't. And though the miracle of a child growing in you, is in fact beautiful at around 5 months, when you can't actually see it...at nearly 8 1/2 months, the miracle and beauty are gone, and have given way to cellulite dimples, dry skin and chafing in odd places. Speaking of which, why is it that when I'm pregnant I seem to develop this abnormal disregard for my appearance; wearing clothes that are (down right) hideous, never putting on lotion, shaving every three months? Who knows. Anyway, for my posterity...here is month 8. I am hoping that my doctor (if he would in fact like to live) will stick to his word and induce me at 39 weeks. If so, then I have approx 38 days, 27 minutes, and 42 seconds remaining...or something like that;)

Christmas highlights

I'm so far behind on my blogging that I barely no where to start. Here are a few highlights from Christmas this year; a mix of pics between parties and home. Unfortunately, we didn't take many pictures this year, with all the extra weight I'm already luggin' around these days, I just didn't feel like carrying the camera around...

It was a good Holiday season overall... long and exhausting for me, but good. Some things I learned and hope to remember:

1. Simplifying=happiness. I decided early in the season that (due to pregnancy) a few things would have to give. So..I decided not to bake...anything (i know right!) or to decorate the outside of the house. Two things that I don't (particularly) enjoy doing, and that end up inevitably stressing me out every year. Did I miss them?...no. Did i feel guilt?...no. I found that was able to spend more time, energy and money on the things we wanted to do. A good decision.

2. Traditions=happiness. It was a totally year of traditions for us. Some old and a LOT of new. getting the tree, town parades, s'mores by the fire, parties with family, homemade gifts, going to the temple and simple sacred moments in my home that I wish to carry on and feel the spirit of every year. Feeling like we were starting good, and simple things that we'll carry on with our family brought me a lot of joy and this year.

3. Family=happiness. This I knew of course, but actually FELT over and over this Holiday season. I'm a family girl; I relish in the simple and small moments spent with them. It's what recharges, and makes me happy. Seeing everyone happy and together made my heart full.

4. The Savior=happiness. Brent and I tried hard this year to teach our children about the Savior...more than through stories; we wanted to help them feel His spirit in the things that we did and the time that we spent together. We really wanted their hearts to feel the warmth and comfort that comes from the true "meaning of the season." It was worth every effort.

gingerbread houses at Grandma Annette's on Christmas eve with cousins.

homemade gifts for Maddie's teachers; heat packs and pretzels.

Polar Express day at maddie's school.

Justin and Michelle surprised us and came home for Christmas this year... we had a great time spending time with them, and even got to go to the temple one evening together to see the lights.

Christmas eve with the Fishel Clan.

Brent's siblings and parents

sprinkling reindeer food in the front yard

putting out the cookies and milk

Christmas morning

Santa brought that American girl doll...

and that remote control car

since all of us weren't home this year, my family came to my house this year for Christmas, it was nice being home, and SO nice having them there to share that day with us.