Merry Christmas to all...

What a great time of year.  I think that my favorite part of Christmas is the simple celebration my children have for everything.   Ryan was so excited to get a candy cane when we went through the drive through at the bank.  He said, "This is the best day ever!"  (and it was just the small size of candy cane.) 

 We went to The Peterson's family party at the ranch never Richfield.  We all had a really great time.  The kids had a talent show.  Haley sang and then played her violin and Ryan did a couple magic tricks he had been practicing.  But the best part is they got to play in the snow. 

Grandpa Peterson let Haley driver the ranger with a sled hooked to the back.  It is really neat because it attaches so it is ridged and doesn't get to close.  But,  everyone fell off,  Haley  didn't notice and just keep on going, and going, and going.  

I am grateful for all of my friends and family and hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas. 

Reasons why I "heart" Chris:

Chris and I just celebrated our thirteenth anniversary!   I feel very lucky to be married to such a neat man!  So, these are just a few reasons why I "heart" Chris:

• He is a hard worker.
• Since I got him hooks for the closet, he hangs up his clothes.
• Even though I depise the giant plastic cups he "has to have,"  he shares his BIG glass of water, every night with me while we sit in bed.  
• He is the most honest person I know.
• He is good at most everything.  (this can bug me a little too.)
• He doen't compain (out loud) when he fixes my computer and other devises I don't understand.
• He's fun to look at :)  one word- spandex!
• He likes to cook- (doesn't like to clean-up.) 
• He is a great father.
• He is funny  (not as funny as me, but still, funny.)
• He is a great friend.
• He made my last birthday the best one yet, by flying my sister from New York and surprising me.
• Because of him, I get to be a mother.

I could go on and on.  

New Trick!

My Amazing Mom

My Mom is the best!  She really is quite a phenomenon!  I don't know how she does it all,  but she does it all- very well!  She is my idol.  One day I hope to be just like her! 

I had someone over to my house the other day and she said " I see your Mom has been here." 

Her reputation precedes her!  

She saved our family while I was pregnant.  (but that's another post for another time) 

My Mom cares about everyone; she is so thoughtful.   And she can plan an event in the blink of an eye- and it will be beautiful!    

Christmas Card

My aunt found this Christmas card in a drawer... it is from my Grandpa Okerlund to his brother in 1929.  Check out the simplicity of the address.  

I NEED MORE TIME!!!

I was determined to fiercely hold on to every moment of this Christmas season...  but it is almost over!  

My kids are growing up so fast and I look older every-time I look in the mirror!   I just want time to pause for a little bit.  

Haley and her friend were talking in the kitchen while I was making dinner tonight.  I was laughing because they were so engrossed in conversation about so-and-so likes so-and-so, but not like, likes him!  

How am I the Mom of a girl who may or may not "like, like" someone!  I swear she should only be six!  

And then to make things even more nuts... we went shoe shopping for her on Saturday and she wears a size 10 shoe!  (I wear a 9.5)  -Please make it stop!!!!

3.5 months

I mean really... could she get any cuter?  I told Ryan that he was so cute and he said "Mom, don't say that in front of Claire, she will hear you!"  He is so funny!  

Christmas Trees

My Mom came to help put up the Christmas trees this year and I must say they look pretty cute.   She is so good at decorating and she has more energy than anyone I know.  She kept my up til 2:30am one night to get some decorating done.  I love Haley's tree, but when I plugged it in this morning as you can see every light was burned out except a small part around the middle!  So irritating!  Ryan thinks his tree is "sweet!"  and even Claire got a small little tree.  I hung some sparkly snow flakes above her bed; she is mesmerized by them.