And So This is Christmas

We so enjoy having Christmas at home with our own family. The kids all get dressed in their red nightgowns on Christmas Eve and I have NEVER seen all three kids go to sleep so early before in my life! I wish every night were Christmas Eve. Brevin was the first one up in the morning. He came into our room and snuggled with us in bed and just talked for awhile. Then we woke up the girls and headed downstairs. Santa came!

Santa was more than one person this year. Gifts were sent from new penpals in Pennsylvania, sweet ladies in our ward who just wanted to share a little something for each of our kids and relatives who are amazing about giving gifts that they know kids will love.

My favorite part was taking the kids to the dollar store so they could choose something for each other. Lindie really got into finding the gift that was just right. Michaela wanted to choose something pink for everyone and Brevin just grabbed and tossed. They were each so excited to see what they gave each other and were so appreciative.

Lindie is still thanking Heavenly Father for a wonderful Christmas in each of her prayers. So sweet. She really wants to send a thank you note to Santa.

We decided to take the kids pictures of the things that they received for thank you notes this year. It was fun.

Dinner at Grandma and Grandpa Robertson's is always fun. My kids love spending that one on one time with them. And Auntie Jen is so good about letting them know how much she loves them.

It was a wonderful, wonderful day. Sitting back and enjoying the kids and watching them play, play, play.

How do you know it's fall?

I have my pumpkin candle going almost all the time--it smells so good!

Taking the long way to school in the mornings so we can crunch through the leaf piles.

Successful trip to Impossible Acres is evident by our family of Jack-o-Lanterns on our front porch. Brevin did his all by himself this year. Lindie drew hers on and I carved it for her. I guess it was so much fun because she chose to make a pattern of 4 faces going all the way around her pumpkin--happy face, sad face, happy face, sad face. Michaela drew her design on her pumpkin too--the finished product looks a lot like a "Y" for BYU!

Candy in the big green bowl on the second shelf of our kitchen. Don't tell the kids.

Jackets hanging on our coat rack.

Black Sunday shoes and tights for the girls to wear to church and long sleeve shirts for the boys.

Socks in our laundry again.

Soccer games.

Ballet lessons.

Parent Teacher Conferences.

Family at Thanksgiving time.

Dry hands.

Day light savings--it always makes me laugh when I look back when I was a mother of one. I actually tried to prepare Brevin for daylight savings a week in advance so it wouldn't mess up his "schedule." Who was that mom? I guess I didn't have enough to do then. Don't have that problem now!

Piano lessons.

And yes, Christmas wish lists.

Sick Kids

Michaela has pneumonia, Lindie just recovered from the stomach flu and Brevin now has the stomach flu. Anyone want to come and visit?

Sand in Your Shoes

This past week my two sisters and brother and their families got together and played hard--California Style. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk one day, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom the next and insurmountable parks, swimming pools, bbq's, museums to count inbetween. It was a blast.

I so enjoyed watching my kids interact with their cousins. This is what summer is all about. As I was watching Brevin dive into the ocean and ride the waves into the shore, Michaela laying on her belly with her cheek on the shore and digging in the wet, thick, sand and Lindie way up on the dry sand laying on her blanket and trying to get a tan--and tons and tons of cousins inbetween--I couldn't help but think "this is the life I always wanted."

I am truly happy.

buffymom3