Merry Christmas & Mele Kalikimaka

Christmas morning we headed back from San Marcos, CA to go to church with my Mom. Then we went over to her house for my families Christmas celebration and a traditional Lasagna dinner {made from scratch by Dad}. Its funny how as you get older Christmas takes on such a different meaning than when you were a kid. This year not only because of our budget, but because I wanted to keep it simple, I gave Evs three gifts: Something he wanted. Something he needed. Something to wear. I enjoyed really thinking about what to get him, rather than just him getting a million things. It was a nice way to feel the Spirit of Christmas because it is more about..His Presence than Presents. We had a great time with all the kids and family. Theres never a dull moment in my family. But nonetheless, we sure love eachother! We sure missed all of the rest of my family members and Evan's family this year! Merry Christmas & Mele Kalikimaka!

Family picture 2011

Christmas Eve

We headed down to San Marcos, CA on Friday night to start our holiday celebrations with Ev's sister and her family. We decided this year that we were going to take our niece & nephews {Mia, Kai & Kade} ice skating for their Christmas gift. Saturday morning we did a Scavenger hunt with them, all the clues having to do with water or ice. They found their final clue in the freezer ice box. They were so excited. We went to eat first..if theres one thing I have learned in being an Auntie, it is that if you have well fed kids they are less likely to be grumpy and cranky, at least you buy yourself some time. We let the kids order whatever they wanted from Jack in the Box {we go all out right? A step above McDonalds?}. We had such a blast ice skating with the kids! It was fun to see how they progressed and became more confident in such a short time, with encouragement and advice. I enjoy giving these types of gifts because any memory is better than a toy that the child grows out of or it gets broken. Loved our time spent.

Holiday Fun

We were doing some final Christmas Shopping yesterday in Toys'R'Us {4 days before Christmas- this place sure was a disaster-DUH!} Well after looking around for over an hour, I was getting grumpy because the stye on my eye was hurting so bad and I was hungry and thats all..So my hunny decided to bring my spirits up by taking me to Chili's for FREE bottomless Salsa & Chips {Yes!} We had a good time and I was no longer hungry and grumpy..even though the stye on my eye still hurt. 1 Point for Evan. It's a good thing I have a thoughtful husband. Love our time together. I am sure grateful for him.

Caroling w/ the youth and missionary opps

Many leaders and many youth went out on a cold night and shared the message of the Savior's birth with the world. It was pretty magical to hear and watch. Since I work with the young women in my church ward, every Tuesday night we have an activity. Tonight's activity was to go to the Mission Inn & Hotel here in Riverside,CA, and go caroling. Over 20 youth and some leaders, sang about our Savior. About the night He was born. It was so neat to see people stop and listen. To see people clapping. Then to hear someone ask, "what school group is this?" Then someone's response was," Oh it's not a school, its a youth group, from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints." The youth had the chance to had out pass along cards-with Mormon.org on it-, Joy to the World DVD's, and even Books of Mormon. Some accepted. Some didn't. But the neat thing is that these youth were able to experience inviting someone to come unto Christ. I enjoyed being behind the camera and witnessing them going forth and serving.

Holiday Wishes 2011

Festival of Lights

The day after Christmas the famous, Mission Inn & Hotel, has a festival of lights that goes through the new year. There are a million lights everywhere, carriage rides, tons of food, reindeer, booths selling everything, cute little mom & pop shops, and live entertainment. We drove around it, but we finally decided to walk around and check it out. We invited my friend, Chelsea and her baby Damon, to join us since they ahdn't seen it yet either. There were so many lights..probably more than at Disneyland and less than Temple Square in SLC, UT.

Attempt #1

 Attempt #2 {guy that walked into our picture was apologizing then posed with Evan}

Date with Hats

Yesterday, December 14th, was the first time all of 2011 holiday season that we have gone to the mall. We decided to have a little fun with our holiday shopping! These hats were some of the funniest hats we have ever seen. I love them! I love any time we spend together too!

josh's birthday celebration

All of us siblings that live in the area met up at Cafe Rio in Redlands, CA for a dinner to celebrate Josh's birthday. Our family is crazy but we sure have fun when were celebrating!! Happy Birthday Brother!

A reflection

As I was at work, I was working with my Grandpa {my favorite client} and he was on the bicep curl machine. I increased his repititions to 10 today instead of 8 because I feel he is getting stronger. He was lifting 0 pounds and doing a great job at it. I was so proud of him. He really is doing great. He looks better and stronger every time I see him. While he was working out, I looked at the glass window and I could see his reflection. My eyes started to swell with tears. I had to gather my composure. I continued looking at his reflection and my wondering mind started asking questions: I wonder if he see's how great he is doing? When he sees himself, does he think he looks good or does he get discouraged? Does he see his skin so fair and full of life experiences? What does he think about himself? Does he feel lonely? Does he applaud himself for doing something about his lack of strength and balance? Does he see his growth? Is he happy? Does he cry because Grandma B is no longer here on earth? What did he imagine his life to be like when he was younger and how did it compare to reality? His determined blue eyes caught my gaze and I smiled. Interesting to think about our own reflections from glass window or mirror. How do we see ourselves? Personal reflection has always been something I do because I like to improve myself and become better.I have always tried to see myself as God sees me-a virtuous daughter of God with great worth and many talents. I love that He sees me that way, I am thankful for his abiding love.

Christmas Spirit

{doggies stockings sent by Grandma Lolly from Hawaii}

Since our space is tight and our budget is even tighter, we decided that we would forego a traditional 7 foot tree like last year and go with a Michaels $4.50 discounted 18" fake tree {with adjustable metal branches}. We even have a couple gifts from family {set to the side of the tree-as they obviously wont fit under it}Instead of an angel on the top we have a heart {for all the love put into the tree} and a few ornaments that werent too heavy to pull our tree down. We put our stockings and nativity on the mantle and all the decorations brought a nice spirit to our home, centered on Christ.