I have a feeling that 2014 is simply going to be amazing. I admit, I don't do New Years resolutions. I used to do the typical...lose weight, etc. I just am the type of girl who honestly DAILY tries to work on things and goals. I always pray for help to find a way to improve and work on. Yes, too many imperfections to focus on just one. ha! My girls do them and they really commit and do them. This year Gentry and Devan will eat NO candy. I know they have done the zero soda for years and they really do keep their resolution. I don't know if I am strong enough to do what my kids do. They inspire me.
I had the best night last night at home with my cute husband. My boys were both gone for the night at their friends homes for the night. We had a quiet night together watching Game Show Network and just being super duper lazy. Oh how I love just being with him. I texted all my kids at 12 midnight and told them I loved them and Happy New Year. I know... pretty exciting, huh?
I wanted to share how Christmas went for us. Well, I am just so thankful that Tyler was home. I did not ever go to the mall or shopped this past season. I simply did not have the time. I did buy a gift for the boys that I purchased online. So it was a really laid back Christmas. Ty had only been home a few days so that was our best gift. I was so excited knowing that my missionary daughter was going to call and skype with us.
I was a little hyper. I kept telling her how much I loved her and the boys were flexing muscles to make her laugh. I know she thought we were crazy. She spoke Spanish for us and just was so happy. Her companion was to the left of her and I could hear her chuckle at the things we were saying and doing. It was just so wonderful to talk and see her. So proud of her!!!!
I got a text at 6 am that Gentry and Devan could not come visit us that day. Gentry was coughing and felt sick and we could not risk Ty getting sick. It was hard to know they were not going to be with us. This photo is of the girls that day at their Grandparent Pier's home in Provo. Taylor did come up later that day.
She brought me gifts from Gent and Devan. I really loved the cool sweater and planner. I use planners because I am afraid to not write things down. I have planners for every year and I keep them to this day. Please note- my crazy hair. I love to embrace the imperfections.
I am most excited that my boys let me take a few photos. They have to look cool though, right? He is sixteen so I guess it's okay.
This was first thing in the morning. I love the puffy eyes... Thankfully, they don't wake us up at 5 am in the morning anymore. I think it was about 8:30 am.
I love the GOLD stocking for the kids. I fill them up with their favorite candy. Most of the time, I end up having to throw most of it away. If I am ever wanting a treat I know to go to their room and look for their Christmas candy.
Zach got customized wood bats made with his name engraved on them. They are beautiful and I don't want him to use them.
I made cinnamon rolls and enjoyed a more quiet Christmas at home.
Since we could not get our Christmas decorations out this year, I ended up about two weeks before Christmas buying a $29 fake tree. It even had lights on it- Seth got it and put it up for me. Gentry and Devan had bought the same tree and I decided we needed at least a tree up. I will put this tree up every year now to remember this very special simple year.
Ty got me a coat. It was a sweet story. Of course, he could not shop, but he had heard me tell Gentry that I loved her jacket. He contacted her to find out where she got it and surprised me by ordering it for me. I had no idea, and thought it was so sweet that he had be so thoughtful. I never expected anything this year.
Then later in the afternoon, I went and checked the LOVE BOX on our front porch. I was so surprised to find these two lower bowl tickets to the Jazz vs Laker game on Dec. 27th, and a container of candy. No one wrote a note or signed anything. I have no idea who gave us these tickets. I knew they gave them to us for our children. I was so surprised and ran upstairs to show them to the boys. They were very excited and it just meant so much to them. I just was so grateful for this very generous and kind gift to my boys. Thank you thank you so much for this gift- if you are reading this!!!!! They had an amazing time together and even got to take the trax downtown for the first time.
My boys called me about after the game. I was anxiously waiting for them to get home. It was taking longer than I had expected. I got a call asking if I could come pick them up. They had taken the wrong trax train home and went way out west about 25 minutes from our house. They apologized for taking the wrong train after I first picked them up. I just laughed and told them that it was fine and that I was glad that they learned a little about how the trax work. This way they now know to watch which trains to board. It was actually a good life lesson.
TOMORROW- I am sharing some BRAND NEW CHA visuals and about my new releases. So excited to FINALLY be able to share. I can't wait!!!!!
