Monday, January 3, 2011

2010 Holiday Highlights!


To kick off the holiday celebrating we wanted to start the month off with going to the temple. What I thought would be this Spirit filled evening quickly turned into an irritating night and we couldn't get home quick enough. The place was packed...so much so that you could hardly walk!
It seems to me when I really want to have a great evening and it heads in the opposite direction I get just as mad as I was excited...strange!

We were able to get a few shots in.

Family movie night and Carson and Morgan all cuddled up together. I love to see peace and love shown!

The kids all dressed up and ready to go to our ward Christmas party.

This little thing is getting to be a handful. She is quickly following in her brother's footsteps with getting into cupboards, climbing, spilling and all other rowdy types of behavior typically reserved for boys. So far all manageable and adorable. We took her out of her crib a few months back and ever since sleeping time has become a bit of an issue.

This was Carson's big night! His preschool class put on a cute little program that consisted of singing and some talking parts. Super cute to watch this little boy, so handsome, behave himself so well at the program.

He is such a great little guy. Doesn't need to be center of attention 24/7 and that is very refreshing!

Cole on Santa's lap at the preschool party. Cole almost did not have Christmas this year. We have threatened it before but he came very close to getting a lump of coal!

This kid is amazing and smart and cute and such a HANDFUL. He still is very interested in the body and how it works. He has a life size skeleton on his wall. (Will have to post that later.) He will make a fine man one day if Mike and I can survive him.

Here is my lovely cousin Shana posing as Mary. She was a willing participant in this years nativity play. Her and her wonderful husband Jon, along with kids and other adults, performed at our family Christmas party. We have not done something like this since I was little so it was Really fun to do it again. I am so mad I don't have a picture to post of them in performance. Next year I will get one!

We stayed the weekend with my parents. This is my mom and Mo exercising together. It was too cute to not post this. My mom is such an example of health. She has exercised since I can remember and is very disciplined in keeping with a routine. MOM, Please Rub Off On Me!!!

My parents got the X-box Kinect and we all had so much fun playing that we had to get one too. (Now I don't have to join the gym I can have a personal trainer here in my living room.)

Now finally to Christmas eve. Here are the kids eagerly ready to open the traditional Christmas eve P.J's.!


Its amazing to me the obedience you get from your children when they know they get to open a present.


Michael did such a great job this year with my pajamas! I am well pleased with his selection. Morgan was too so she gave him a big squeeze.


I really struggle with blending the majic of Santa yet keeping to the reason for the season, Jesus Christ's birth. So after the presents and sprinkling of reindeer food we came in and talked about that special night long ago when the earth was changed forever. Mike told the story again and then we sang some Christmas songs. This holiday season was good. I am so blessed to be close to my family in Idaho and so blessed to have my own little family to teach and celebrate with.

6 comments:

Janie said...

Sounds like a great year! I love seeing all the pix. The only thing missing was the Chapman's :) We need to talk. I haven't heard about your new years yet.

Candy said...

I am going to marry Carson. :)
All your kids are just adorable! I loved all the pics and the update.

You are an example to me. I want to get my food storage and emergency stuff all in gear this year. I'm a little lost on where to start. I would Love to use coupons to help me get stocked up, but is that possible? help!

Johnny said...

Great pictures! We love your kids they are really to cute. We had a good time with you guys! Thanks for all the fun.

Liz said...

Love this post! Great re-cap! Good job keeping it Christ centered. That is my only regret this year. We had tons of family and tons of fun, but I really feel like we never talked about the true meaning of Christmas. I think next year, I want to keep things a lot more simple and meaningful. Thanks for your inspiration! You are a great mom!

lowrain said...

Advice from old Mom.
Keep them in their crib until they are ready for missions and college.
Just a thought HAHAHAHAH
Great pix, I love your family
Happy New Year to you all
Marilyn B

Annie Jane said...

Cylee! I haven't checked your blog for a while. I can't believe it! I only recognized Cole! Seriously! Your kids are beautiful. Wow, you are such a beautiful family. I love the picture of you and the kids on the floor together. Your shelves look incredible. I guess you are still a couponer! I am finally getting on board. I signed up with Teri's lists last month and got a Sunday newspaper subscription. I have had a couple really fun trips to the grocery store, but the fun is only beginning because I only have 6 weeks of coupons so far.
Anyway, wow. You are a breath of fresh air. Love to see what you are doing!