Christmas

The Christmas that keeps on giving because it's taken me forever to post it!!

I've been thinking a lot about traditions as this year comes to a close. I want Christmas to be memorable for all the right reasons. I want warm ginger snaps and rice pudding with just a hint of cinnamon on top. I want to put up the tree as a family. I want to go caroling to the older couples and the widows in my neighborhood. I want to help a family in need. I want the smell of evergreen to fill my home (even if it's just a candle). I want to read stories like the Christmas Carol, The Mansion, and Luke 2. I want family game night, Christmas Eve dinner, and pie on Christmas morning for breakfast.
Next year Paul and I may spend Christmas alone and I guess that's why I've been thinking about the traditions we are going to carry on. The most important thing I think is just to spend time together. There's not a lot of time during the year when everyone is off, so Christmas time is such a valuable time for me.
This year was Audrey's first Christmas and while she probably doesn't remember it I was glad that she got to spend time with all the people we love. Unfortunately there was a virus that ravaged through my parents house and just about everyone ended out with the screaming barfies. I was hit the day after Christmas...not awesome. Paul's families Christmas got cut short for me. I'm just glad I didn't pass it on. I feel bad that Paul has had to spend most of his vacation taking care of me but I'm grateful he was there to help with Audrey.
I'm glad someone documented one of the Christmas' because I sure didn't. Thanks Kim!
As you can see it was quite chaotic at my parents house....but that's why I LOVE it!


I'm sure that Rod took some pictures at our second Christmas...I'll have to hunt some down.

Audrey 4 Months

A couple weeks before Christmas my sister offered to help me take some Christmas photos of Audrey. We don't own any shade of Red or Green as far as clothing goes. I think there's a rule that you can only buy pink for a baby girl because that's all I have.
My Mom still has this box of baby clothes in her sewing room. I think she is holding onto them for a rainy day. We went through it a Kim found an old red and white dress. It think it was hers back in the day. Add the candy cane and....Wala!

Last year a couple weeks before Christmas I got a call from the clinic to let me know that I was pregnant. That news was the greatest Christmas present I got that year. So before I took down the decorations and put away the ribbon this year I had to take a few pictures of her wrapped up like a present, because this year her being here is the greatest gift I could have received. I love you Audrey!!
My Favorite thing about month 4 is going in to pick her up after her nap. She smiles up at me with that big gummy smile and my heart melts. Life doesn't get any better.

Stockings (someday) Hung By The Chimney With Care

I am so behind! I have to push past the urge to skip ahead. I know if I don't I will regret it later just like I always have. These were my projects before Christmas. I started the stockings right after Thanksgiving. I took a break because they were frustrating me... only to finish them on Christmas Eve. Procrastination is one of my greatest weaknesses. Just when I think I've beat it, it sucks me back in like a never ending black hole. New Years resolution in the making.
After finishing these babies I was super proud of myself. I'm always proud when I finish something I start sewing because it rarely happens. The middle one is Audrey's. I'm sure you tell which one is Paul's...I can't help that he requested it!
My sister took these beautiful pictures of Audrey. I had planned to put them on one of the walls in her bedroom but I can't bring myself to do it. Why? Well when we moved into this apartment we were promised that it would be painted before we moved in. It wasn't. The people before us obviously liked hanging pictures and in the process may have messed up a few times. Audrey's room is evidence of this in the most literal way. There must be twenty holes in each light brownish pink wall (yes I said brownish pink...I don't know what else to call it). That's not even the worst part. When they moved out they covered over the holes with white Spackle, and white on brownish pink is not very appealing.
So I put them in the living room on the only wall that doesn't looking like a brownish pink cow. I love them! Anyone who enters our house may think it looks like a shrine with no other pictures adorning these walls, but I don't mind because I really really love this girl!
Projects done...this makes me Happy!

Audrey's First Flying Lesson

Audrey had her first flying lesson over Christmas break. It could be the cool knobs and switches on the controller or the bright colored television...but I think she enjoyed it. She sat there so content while I wrapped gifts for our families.
I thought I would take a few minutes to get caught up on blogging. I've been sick for the past couple weeks. Paul must have a stronger immune system.

Well I think catching up will have to be wait because I hear a little voice in the other room. She's supposed to be sleeping...maybe I'll give in just this once. I just can't resist that little smile!

Born an Engineer

We were at Paul's parents house looking through old photos when we came across this beauty. Guess who? Part of me has always wondered when Paul became interested in all things mechanical. Now I know. He was practically born that way. Can you tell where Audrey gets her cheeks?

Cute to Ruggedly Handsome....I love him.

Hair Cutting and Gift Giving

It was my Dad's birthday last week. He is hilarious...I love his guts! I will cherish this picture forever (Thanks Kim!). I know everyone says this but he really is the best Dad in the whole world. Maybe some of his parenting skills will rub off on me!

This whole Christmas thing is driving me nuts. Every year I have the hardest time finding my husband the perfect gift. In years previous I have crashed and burned in this category! Literally. It will be forever burned in my memory. If I were less of a person I might just get him a gift card...but I'm not!! I've been researching. We will see if it pays off.

I cut my babies hair today. I know what you're thinking...she doesn't have any. Well she did. It may have only been a small thick tuft in the back of her head but I assure you she had some. I was so proud of her dark brown hair that it may have clouded my judgment. She grows hair like a champ in that one spot. I finally decided that it was probably not the best look for her. It had to go! She has a very short attention span so she wouldn't stop moving her head back and forth. It might look worse than it did!

Moving on...

In honor of the season we watched the First Presidency Christmas Devotional a couple weeks ago. If you haven't seen these videos you should! They are awesome. I promise you won't regret the time it takes.
Anyway...I, like the wise men and shepherds so long ago have a desire to give a gift to the Savior for his birthday. I assumed he would want what Pres. Monson wanted for his birthday last year, "lift up the hands which hang down and strengthen the feeble knees". So I'm on a mission to do just that. Wish me luck!

What will your gift be this Christmas?

3 months

My Beautiful Baby is growing up. I can't believe she is already 3 months old! My sister Lisa made her this beautiful dress out of some of my mom's vintage fabric. Isn't she beautiful! Thanks Aunt Lisa, you're awesome. All of the little girls at church are going to be jealous.

Part of me just wants this little baby to stay little forever and yet I love each new smile, sound, and movement. She is slowly gaining control of her hands (her new favorite toy is my hair). She smiles like it's her job (when there isn't something interesting like a camera around), and still hates tummy time.

I started voice lessons last week. I love singing again. Paul is finishing his second to last semester of school for his bachelors degree. He'll be glad when it's over. He got a job offer in Texas and we'll be heading there next year.

We enjoyed spending thanksgiving with Paul's family and can't wait for Christmas. I love this time of year. Being wrapped up in a blanket with someone you love watching a movie with a cup of hot chocolate is a must. If you haven't already done it, you should!