Merry Christmas!

It was a very crazy week before Christmas.  I kept thinking I had so much I wanted to write.  There are a lot of different feelings during this season.  The Spirit of Christmas used to effect me a lot, but now it does A LOT.  I couldn't stop thinking about those that may need a little lift in spirits.  Yet, I found so many that still thought of us and how we needed comfort.  We all need the comfort of the Spirit and of friends around us.  I have really enjoyed this year.  I have also felt very sad.  With the Connecticut shootings so recent, I kept putting myself back in their shoes--those first few months were the hardest without Ethan.  And, still, almost two years later, I feel him missing.

Just a few pictures from the last week:

Madilyn at her Winter Sing.

Parker at Winter Sing (the one in the dark tie).

CHRISTMAS MORNING.......

Parker woke everyone up at 5 am, after asking to wake up at 3 and then 4.  I made him wait until 5.  I LOVE that he is 11 and STILL that excited to wake up!

Brady was finally getting into it since he saw his jeep had a steering wheel!  Parker and  Madilyn loved their scooters and were scooting around at 7 am.  Luckily in Arizona we can scoot around at 7 am on Christmas.  I am a worrier with these electric scooters.  I swear its more dangerous than a bike, ahh!

Brady driving his jeep.

I also LOVE that Parker loves books and was excited enough to start reading it.

I have the best kids, who are always so grateful for what they receive.  They really don't expect much, which makes it all the more exciting to give to them.  We had a wonderful day.  We missed our Ethan, but we remembered him as a family.  We are excited to see him again someday and know that is the Greatest Gift we have been given.  We are grateful for our Savior, Jesus Christ, always...but, especially as we celebrate His birth.