{Christmas 2018}

Christmas morning came and the children unwrapped their stocking goodies while they waited for everyone to be awake. We had a nice hot breakfast, cocoa and settled in around the tree. The children found the pickle and after some tears we decided to just go in age order so that we could enjoy the morning and get to the giving. Their faces in these pictures make me smile. Rod & I kept saying..."only 4 more years with T. Can you believe it?"  The thought is just heart wrenching! I want to freeze time. the children are all in such good places right now. School is going well, Church is going well, home is getting better every day as they learn to get along better and keep peace. It was another treasured Christmas for the books, even though Oma & Opa were not with us. We missed them. We missed all our family.  We prefer a house full for holidays. We finished off the day with full bellies and movies by the fireplace. It was a merry Christmas. 

{Christmas Eve 2018}

Rod had another birthday & it always seems like an uphill struggle to make his day not blend too much with Christmas Eve festivities. So this year we decided that for lunch we would go to one of Rod's all time favorite restaurants here & then to a movie. Ive never gone out on Christmas Eve like this before, but it really did seem to set Rod's day apart. I was hesitant, because I grew up with mass & hot cross buns, so I always lean towards staying in & just cozing up. It was nice though. 

When we got home Santa's elves had dropped off new pajamas. The children eagerly dressed in them and then we prepared for our nativity. The nativity is never perfect, but it always invites the spirit and prepares us for the day to come. The children set up their sleepover for the night in Presley's room. They put out cookies, milk & carrots. We let Tre stay up & watch Christmas Vacation for the first time...with its scandalous moments & all. Rod & I were ahead on the wrapping game so all that was left to do was make sure there were no little spies awake and put the gifts under the tree.

{December phone dump}

Sugar Factory with Oma & Opa for Madds' 10th

Jenni & Rod go to Portland, Oregon 

Jenni & Friends at the RS Christmas progressive dinner

St. Rose Ward Christmas Party 

Tre & Jenni got Invisalign & exceledent before bed every night together.

Cooper's school Christmas party...where Santa made him very nervous.

We still love puzzles. This moose one was from Travis & Kim.

Decorating Christmas cookies at the keys' house