Things Were Tough This Year

2012 was kind of difficult. There really is no other way to state it. Yes, we have been significantly blessed with Scott's new job. Heavenly Father watched over us during the good and hard times, I felt it consistently. But, real, hard life happened too. I miscarried in June, after trying for almost two years to be pregnant. We tried fertility treatments three months in a row and nothing took. We fought to keep our family time with Chandler fair and consistent. Chandler's mother chose to move to Florida and we heartbreakingly let him go. We have felt a major shift in our family dynamic and I still have some anxiety about what the future holds for our bits of time with Chandler. I'm continually being taught to trust Heavenly Father. He is over all. No matter what the old year brought or the new year holds in store, He is over all. Saying goodbye to 2012 was a bit of a relief, I know good (and probably some hard) things are in the works for me and my little family for 2013. I really am grateful for the gospel and the clarity it brings to my life. I'm grateful to know that "everything will work out" according to a promise made by God's prophet. I look forward to watching that unfold.

Family Togetherness

Since our little family was on the verge of major changes with Chandler moving to Florida, we arranged a family photo session. Kristen Spencer took our pictures and helped us stay happy despite the cold...

Yippee, Christmas!

Red Ribbon in place

How can he be excited about more cars?

At Grandma's

All the cousins!

It was fun for all, all day long!

One More Tradition

Every year we love to visit Temple Square during Christmas. This year was no exception. The lights are beautiful, the meaning is important, and just taking the time to visit such a special place in honor of Christ's birth. I hope to help my children feel more of the Savior's love and spirit all times of the year.

Fun All Month!

My homemade advent calendar.

Chandler and Watson rosy cheeked from our Live Nativity walk at Liberty Park. So sweet.

I decided Watson is old enough to get in the spirit of Christmas traditions. I thought it would be fun to focus on him for our daily advent to Christmas. Each day he gets to open a little envelope that has a special activity. Some of them we do as a family, others are just for him and me. He has been so excited to find out what will happen each day. I'm wondering if I need to do this every day of every month...Chandler has had fun with all of our excursions and some of the activities.

Our yearly gingerbread house project.

No, you can't eat the candy just yet!

One proud owner.

Our finished gingerbread neighborhood.

Watson's letter to Santa this year.

Watson loved our visit to Grand America to see the giant gingerbread house, visit the toy store and get a yummy cookie from the French bakery.

 I also decided to start a daily present opening of Christmas books. Luckily the library had plenty to help us count the 24 days before Christmas. Opening a book is one of the first things Watson does when he wakes each morning.

My Man

Scott's birthday was today. He is one of the most concerned, involved, hands on dads I know. He works so hard for our family and really wants good things for all of us. He makes me laugh every day and brings an enriched perspective to my small world. He has such a desire to do good and actively pursues that each day. I am so happy to celebrate him and our boys are lucky enough to call him Dad. Love you Babe!

Birthday boy at Texas Roadhouse.

Watson picked out a special present, now they can be twins!

German chocolate, just for him.

Knock 'em Down!

Each Christmas Grandma treats the family to a fun activity and dinner. This year she decided to take us all bowling. It was quite an adventure! Most of the kids were on one lane, the ladies on another, and the men together. For some reason the women took twice as long as the guys to get through the whole 10 frames. My wii bowling skills didn't translate very well and I seemed unable to beat any of my teammates, including one very pregnant and one bursting pregnant sister. I guess I need to bowl more....
Watson had a ball and got a couple of strikes. The cousins were great together and the competition between the guys was kind of heated. It was a great time. Thanks Grandma!

Dinner at The Pie!

Our New Addition

 Our family started a new tradition this year...we welcomed Mr. Jim. He is Santa's helper elf and we are so glad he is now a part of our little family. He showed up with Oreos and green milk on December first and has surprised us each day with different things. Who knew it could be so fun with this little guy?

 Everybody got to share Mr. Jim's little treat. I think the sweets are supposed to help all of us be a little sweeter....