Paige's Christmas Program

Our little reindeer

Her two year old class sang Jingle Bells to start off the program.

She didn't even notice that we were in the crowd until
the very end when I came on stage to get her.

Movin' on Up

Jake got moved up to the next level in swim class today.

He earned four new ribbons!

Thirty-Three

Today I am 33. Wow, that number sounds old. I don't feel old, and I hope I never do. Today was a great day! After I took the kids to school I did a little Christmas shopping, got take-out from Camiles, came home to a clean house, and watched some TV. I never allow myself to just sit and relax, but I sure did today. I deserve it on my birthday, right?

We went to Chilis tonight to celebrate and of course had the chocolate lava cake.....my favorite!

Sleep Deprived

This month Brad is on teaching service, which is a month that all the residents dread. It's long hours and they are literally on their feet all day. To give you a little insight into the life of my husband here was his schedule last week.

Monday- 7:00 am to 5:30 pm teaching service
Monday night- 5:30 pm to 6:00 am moonlighted
Total work hours=23 hours

Tuesday- 7:00 am to 6:30 pm teaching service
Tuesday night- watched the kids while I went to Stillwater for a NuSkin project. He did dinner, bath, bedtime, etc.
Total work hours= 11.5 hours

Wednesday- 7:00 am to 5:30 pm teaching service
Wednesday night- watched the kids while I went to dinner and a movie to celebrate my birthday. He again did dinner, bath, bedtime, etc.
Total work hours= 10.5 hours

Thursday- 7:00 am to 5:30 pm teaching service
Total work hours= 10.5 hours

Friday- 7:00 am to 5:30 pm teaching service
Friday night- 5:30 pm to 6:00 am moonlighted
Total work hours= 23 hours

Saturday- 7:00 am to 6:00 pm teaching service
Total work hours= 11 hours

Sunday- 7:00 am to 6:00 pm teaching service
Total work hours= 11 hours

Total work week hours= 100.5 hours!!!! And, that's just work. He also handled the kids by himself 2 nights in a row.

It's no wonder why I was able to snap this picture of him last night. He fell asleep while watching ESPN. He has a week off for Christmas, and ohhhh it's so well deserved!

Santa Baby

Shoppin' with my Mama

Today was such a great day! My mom and I went Christmas shopping....just the two of us. I get to spend a lot of time with my mom, but most of the time we are with the kids too. It was so nice to just hang out together and talk about whatever we wanted to without being interrupted. We started off at a little boutique to return something and before you know it we are both trying on clothes in the same dressing room having fun like two college girlfriends. My mom never buys anything for herself, and it was so fun to see how excited she got over these super cute clothes! She had on a pair of Joe's skinny jeans, a seamless shirt with a sweater over it, and a pair of boots with her jeans tucked in. I wish I had my camera because she was just adorable!!! She ended up buying the seamless shirt and two sweaters.

We worked up an appetite so we ate lunch before heading to the mall. We knocked out almost everyone on our list in just a few short hours. The mall is a whole new experience when you aren't pushing a stroller. I really must go shopping without the kids more often. My mom is a much better shopping partner than Paige. We shopped, talked, drank diet cokes, tried on clothes together, and did lots of laughing! I look forward to having these same shopping trips each year with my mom, and someday having Paige join us for these mother-daughter adventures!

This day will be etched in my memory forever.....

Christmas Train

We started a new tradition this year with the Poets by going to the Christmas Train at Dry Gulch, USA. It was a wonderful way to start off the holiday season! During the train ride they tell the story of Jesus from birth to resurrection, and there are people outside acting out the scenes while you ride by. There is also shopping and tons of little places to eat inside this magical little western town. People are walking around in old time clothes singing Christmas carols to add to the experience. Santa and Mrs. Clause are even there!

Anxiously awaiting the train ride....

Harrison tries to sneak in a little kiss.... (I'm so keeping this picture to embarrass them when they are 16!!!)

Brother and Sister

Brothers

I love this picture of Paigie and her Daddy!

The Poets

Best Buds

Paige rode the carousel several times!

Brad and I are always looking for new ways to make Christmas extra special for our kids, and we found a good one this year.......