aunts, uncles, & cousins

we missed you jose and wes.

these two with unplanned matching outfits, again.

audrey's mom has good taste.

uncle jeff's new pup, sadie.

too bad we all have to go back to work and reality.

we wish you a merry christmas

santa delivered.

we didn't get started until 9:30 am!

it was nice.

after opening presents, we ate traditional french toast with homemade buttery syrup-

with all of my siblings.

later in the day, i got in a little rest.

i was exhausted.

then we went to jason's mom's for christmas dinner.

christmas eve

party at our house

baby easton was the perfect baby jesus this year.

i couldn't quite get all 3 in a picture.

we had lots of family in town to celebrate with this year.

our traditions include-

deli sandwiches & homemade potato salad

acting out the nativity

new pj's

setting out food for santa & his reindeer

opening 1 present

& setting out our stockings for santa to fill.

merry christmas!!

december happenings

classic- i don't know which is better...

franklin screaming or santa's scowl?

he did not want to hold a screaming baby.

candy houses, christmas lights, feeding reindeer, hot chocolate, sitting by the fire, santa, parties, exhausted.

can't wait for christmas!

christmas karol

today is my mom's birthday.

she was named karol because when they brought her home from the hospital, carolers came to their door.

christmas time always reminds me of her.

i always have a pit in my stomach as we celebrate-

because i miss her!

i can't help but think what it would be like if she were here.

she loved being with her children.

i'm so grateful she was born 57 years ago

and that I was lucky enough to be her daughter.

i hope to carry on the traditions she raised me with.

i'm grateful for the love of our Savior she instilled in me.

i'm also grateful for this time of year to focus on his life,

as well as hers.

girls weekend

i got my christmas stuff up and then headed to mesquite for a much needed girls weekend with my besties from high school. we got pedicures, watched chick flicks, shopped, did facials, went into vegas for a night, hung out with gus, talked, laughed, and cried. sleeping was not on the agenda.

azy's husband sports an occasional mustache so fran and hill couldn't resist buying this shirt for her.



it's hard to get everyone together for a weekend at this stage in our lives but i'm so glad we did! azy stated it perfectly, "there is something so refreshing about getting together with old girlfriends that know your ins & outs." it is therapeutic! i'm grateful for each of their friendships! they have helped me become the person i am today. love you girls!