christmas eve at the bodtchers

Things usually slow down around here for Christmas, I'm  usually out of school by the beginning of December, we usually work less, etc. This year, the holidays just flew by!! Jeremy had to work Christmas eve, so we started our evening at my parents:

 

alright, alright. we had a blowout.

 

Then, we went over to Grandma Allred's to celebrate with the Bodtchers:

 

The kiddos did a little gift-switcheroo, where to pass the gift every time you hear "snowman" in the story. Amelia was included, but she did NOT want to pass her gift on. There was screaming and real tears! (We're still working on the concept of sharing and giving)

Finally, we went home to celebrate just the three of us. Around here, we open one gift on Christmas eve: pajamas of course! I love that Amelia knows right where the bow goes:

20 self-timed pictures, here are our top 3:

I sure love my two babes. It's crazy how much can change in a year. I worked early Christmas morning from midnight to six. If I had to work a shift, that was probably the best one. I say this all the time, but I'm grateful for this life of mine. I'm so blessed to have the family and friends I do, so blessed to have all the comforts in life that so many people don't get to enjoy, so blessed to know that my savior died on a cross for me.

dear amelia

 

I love you so.

I love smothering you with kisses,

I love cuddling you in my bed.

I love your little fingers and your little feet.

I love the way you show me where your "button" is.

I love when you yell, "mommy!"

I love when you run and pant.

I love your curiosity.

I love when you wrap your arms around me.

I love when your stubbornness shines.

I love when you hold my hand.

I love when you bring me a book.

I love when you learn.

I love watching you eat

I love your squeals and giggles.

I love the way your eyes light up.

 

but most of all, I love the way you love your babies.

I love watching you feed them and kiss them and read to them.

you make me heart swell to it's fullest capacity.

 

and I just love you so.

fotofy santa 2013

 

 

I just love her so.

Don't you?

gingerbread houses

 

("how old are you, Millie?")

 

busted.

 

Oh man. Making gingerbread houses is one of my favorite traditions. I put together the houses, while Jeremy helped Amelia "decorate" hers. My goodness, she is such a character; I'm so glad we go these pictures. And yes, we're those parents letting our 18 month old hold a knife (oh well). Last year, we went all out, making an entire gingerbread house village (skating rink, Costco, church, school, etc.!). This year, we put Amelia to bed, and I was too exhausted to even finish our second house. Yup. I guess we'll have to have five more kids, and we'll just let them take care of making the village.

 

//xoxo

zoo lights

Jeremy and I started a Christmas bucket list, and zoo lights was at the top of the list. We had a discount from our zoo member passes, and it was totally worth it! Although Amelia is a year older, this December has been a little colder, so we had to plan accordingly. Amelia is, of course, dressed in layers and layers of thermal and fleece, and we kept her in the carseat with another fleece blanket. Pretty sure she was the only one not freezing her buns off. We loved seeing all the animals in Christmas-light form, and always love an excuse for a family outing!

xoxo

temple square at Christmastime.

No doubt temple square is my favorite place at Christmas time. I love that Jeremy took me for my first time for our very first married Christmas in 2010, and we've continued the tradition with Amelia. I love feeling the spirit on the grounds, and I love how beautiful the lights are! It was pretty freezing, so Amelia had about 4 layers on. We always want to snap a picture with the Asian nativity scene, but Amelia just wasn't having it by the end (note picture above). I'm grateful to live so close to so many temples, and I sure love my little family!!

the highest calling.

On Tuesday, we had a progressive dinner with the relief society of my ward. There were presentations of 'women who knew Christ.' It was incredibly spiritual, being with sisters of my ward. What touched me significantly was the appearance of the Mother of Mary. Wow, she's not mentioned much, is she? Or at all? (I don't know the scriptures as well as I wish I did.) It was her who comforted Mary when she cried; her, who picked her up when she fell; her, who taught her right from wrong; her, who taught her kindness, forgiveness, thankfulness; her, who loved her more than anyone else. It was Mary's mother who raised her and taught her and exemplified for her, so we could know her as the Virgin Mary. So she could be worthy enough to grow, carry, birth, and raise and exemplify for herself, the Son of God. My goodness, mothers are truly amazing. Truly, the highest calling on the earth. I'm grateful for my calling, I'm grateful for my baby and future babies, I'm grateful for this season and all that I'm blessed with.