Sledding

MERRY CHRISTMAS
Christmas this year was at my parents house and since it was the "off" year for family coming home, they were the only ones there which made it really nice to focus on the kids. What a fun Christmas morning it was. After the kids punched through the wrapping paper blocking the entryway, they looked over what Santa brought and then we had traditional Cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate (thanks to mom!) Of course since Ashtynn seems bothered by cinnamon and hot chocolate when I eat it, I had to forgo the traditional breakfast and eat the "special" rolls mom made for me and juice. The rest of the morning was fun as we watched the kids open presents and get excited about everything. We love Christmas around here, as I know most people do. What a special holiday to celebrate the birth of our Savior and watch our children who are so close to Him in every way.

Our little Christmas Ashtynn Elf

Tyler and the kids enjoying breakfast, although anxious to get back to the presents.

Elise and Reagan did a great job passing out the presents.

Quote of the morning: Mollie upon opening the pillowcase Grandma Morgan made for her: "I got a pillowcase, What the heck!"

Girls and dolls, that's what it's all about.

Reagan was in 7th heaven with his new Chemistry set, he played for hours with this.

SLEDDING
We finally got a little snow today and decided to make good use of it. Check it out!

I love the Sunday before Christmas, I love Christmas dresses and Christmas bows and I love the talks and musical numbers on Christmas Sunday, but most of all I love my family on Christmas Sunday... just because!

She's Three, I can't believe it!

Mollie turned 3 on December 12th, and I can't believe it. First of all, she is such a peanut, so little, she can't be 3, but she is. As my dad says, she is 3 going on 16. I adore Mollie, she makes me happy in every way. She is incredibly sensitive, loves little babies and little kids (even if her cousin Zander is convinced she is out to get him with her over-zealous hugs), she is smart, fun and loves life!

For her birthday we did some fun stuff, luckily it was on a Saturday so Tyler was around to help or I am not sure anything would have happened. We made gingerbread houses with all the kids, including her cousin Kya...

we had a Fancy Nancy Tea Party, hosted by Elise...

Elise made jam pinwheels, frilly toothpick hors d'oeuvres, and "Jus de Pomme"

We had homemade pizza for dinner, at Mollie's request (the girl can out-eat everyone but Tyler when it comes to Pizza). Then we had cake and ice cream with grandparents, aunts and uncles and opened presents. When I asked what kind of cake she wanted she said, "Pink". I asked no what flavor, "Pink" what design? "Pink" so she had a pink cake. (I can't believe I didn't get a picture, it was really cute and really pink)

The girl is set when it comes to dolls!

I have to add her potty training success: the girl is a rock star. We started her, anticipating the "&^%&*()*" we went through potty training Elise, but no, she pretty much was potty trained within a week, no diapers or pull ups at all, not even at nap time or through the night, she blew us away. I am very grateful for her on that one!

So happy birthday my little Mollie, we love you!

4 Kids

Life with 4 kids has proven to be much more of an adjustment than I realized. Don't get me wrong, I knew it wasn't going to be easy, but wow! However, through all of the adjustments and insanity, I have to step back sometimes and realize how blessed I am. I love my kids. They all have such fun personalities, energy that seems to never end, and a love of life and learning and I couldn't be happier with them. The other day I came into the living room and Elise and Mollie were sitting on the couch watching a movie all cuddled up together. I love that my kids are friends. We let them have a sleepover in the living room over thanksgiving and they were all so cute, I had to add Ashtynn to the picture. Anyway, nothing really big happening, but I wanted to add a few more pictures, I certainly don't do this enough.
And here is Ashtynn smiling and happy, she has the cutest smile ever, she smiles from head to toe and gets so excited, it is fun!

And last of all, I wanted to post my completed mother's bracelet, I am so excited, I got Ashtynn's birthstone added and so now it is perfect!