I love this picture. I love watching Ryan be a dad. hes good at it and it makes me love him even more. I am SOOO excited to go to NewYork and just have lots of free time to all play together. Probably more excited about just having lots of time with Ryan and family, then even being in NY--although we'll have so much fun. Ryan's family is VERY fun and ALWAYS a party.

Hmmmmm

The other night we were finishing some Christmas shopping and I overheard some people right in front of me that made me think a lot the next day about what they were talking about.

This poor lady was saying that she was out on her own shopping trip so that she could feel better. She was saying that she was so stressed out and with primary activity, presents to buy, so many Christmas related activities and it would be a real miracle if she got her family letter out this year. Anyway, she looked so miserable--I wanted to just give her a hug.

I don't really know what the answer is, because i think it happens to all of us in varying degrees but it sure made me think. Why do we spend some or most of the holidays being mad, stressed, overwhelmed, etc. usually leading up till the 25th when everyone kind of relaxes--and then it is over. When we were delivering some things to people today I was thinking how wonderful it would be to go in to each home, sit down and just visit our friends. Granted it was fun to catch so many people home and talk to them on their porches, but still.... Life is just so full, huh!

Anyway, I hope that you are each enjoying just sitting on the couch and looking around your cute homes that are decorated so beautifully, reading CHristmas stories, eating yummy treats with family and even neighbors and most especially finding time to FEEL the spirit of Christ. I know I want to try harder.

nicest husband around

I just have been thinking about Ryan a lot this morning and JUST IN CASE he might happen to read "our" blog sometime in the next week....just have to say that he is the best!! I feel so thankful to be married to someone that is just so good to me, to our kids and to everyone.



Today I think I felt the baby move, either that or I was getting butterflies about doing the dishes. Pretty sure it was the former :) I dont get too nervous about dish duty! I am so glad to have the daily reassurance that the baby is doing okay.

So, I have a question for everyone: what is your favorite Christmas tradition? I really have enjoyed lately listening to people share what they do--some are really cool, some are random, etc. Love to hear one!

love christmas!!

I just love this time of year....besides the cold, love everything about it. i love buying presents and getting ready for christmas. I love decorations and decorating. I love all the great things to do with kids and with Ryan.

Last night we went and saw Forgotten Carols with my in-laws. My sister in law (Erika's) boyfriend whose named Jordan Bluth was in the show and he is just really ridiculously good. His voice is flawless. Here's his link if you want to hear some demos. www.jordanbluth.com
anyway, it was so much fun to all go to dinner and then to the show. I married into an awesome family--I love spending time with them.


We also went to see the lights at temple square the day after thanksgiving. It was C-O-L-D!! We went with jeff and anna and were worried that the kids would not want to be there after 10 minutes but they LOVED it and it was so much fun! Lil' hc when we got home.

Good times!!!