Where does time go?

Wow. Christmas has already come and gone. Ours was great b.tw. We did everything I mentioned in my last post, and more. We mostly just enjoyed spending time together, and having time off from work. We are such workaholics now.  Charlie got so excited when we pulled out his stocking on Christmas eve.

 

 Charlie definitely enjoyed his treats :)

 It is now the New Year, and most people have probably quit some or all of their New Years resolutions. Sorry to remind those of you who have. Actually, I am not sorry! I don't think you should give up if you have already failed. Its okay to fail sometimes. It doesn't mean you should stop trying. If it is something you really want to do, you should continue to set goals until you get there. I think we should always have a goal we are working on. We are here to learn and progress right? 

 Is it really almost February? Seriously, where does time go?

Here are some pics from New Years:

Charlie was too focused on the cider, so we were unable to get a family photo. 

I am wearing the necklace Adam got my for Christmas :) 

haha Adam caught me in action, pushing Charlie away from the bottle.

My baby <3's me :)

Adam spoils him sometimes. Don't worry, there was no ice cream left.

Does anyone else feel like this month went by way too fast? I feel like I just talked to the yw about setting goals for the New Year, and now New Beginnings is just right around the corner. Glad I am not fully in charge. I also have to teach next week because it is fast sunday. I better start working on that! I guess when you work 6 days a week, and most of the time work 10hr + days, you really don't have that much time. I still somehow find time to exercise, cook, take care of my boys, and do my calling. I guess this is preparation for having kids? Love my job, but I am starting to get tired of all the hours. With 8:30am church, I no longer have one day to sleep in past 6:30am.

Wow. I feel like I just vented a little. Sorry guys, but I am just realizing that my life if passing by so quickly, because I don't have much time to stop and smell the roses. I do have a great job, and a great life. I am just struggling with time. Finding time to do everything I want to do.

Christmas is almost here

Can you believe that Christmas is less than two weeks away? 

We really like our snowflake lights we put up this year

I have enjoyed the presents I receive at work

Cute little bunt cakes that were heavenly

+the best peppermint bark

+Paul Evans newest book

but I enjoy everyone's company so much more

Our Christmas decor:

We don't have much yet, but its enough for our little apartment.

Our little tree

Such a cute little tree :) With all our ornaments that we have collected on vacay and what not. Charlie even has his own ornament.

I have already made Christmas cookies (recipe by Hershey's and can be found on my blog)

We made our gingerbread house

Sang some Christmas songs with little Charlie

I tried to take some pictures with Charlie, but he still doesn't understand that he needs to look up when I say, "look over here"(As I am pointing at the camera). He always looks down searching for a toy or what not. I guess Adam will always have to take our picture. Kinda an awkward, close up angle of me, but I wanted to show my mom my festive new scarf.

I am looking forward to going out and looking at lights, having time off from work, spending time with Rachel's family Christmas morning, Going Christmas caroling on Christmas eve, going to a Christmas party this weekend, drinking lots more hot chocolate, but mostly just spending time with family and reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas, because nothing else matters. 

Patients come into work all stressed out about decorations, and buying gifts. The expectations are getting ridiculous. Christmas has become so commercialized that people forget the true meaning of Christmas. There is no need to get stressed out. Its the thought that counts. People should only do whatever they can afford, or skip buying things in general. Thoughtful notes, or homemade things are much more meaningful in my opinion. Better yet, having and showing charity towards others tops everything. There should be no expectations. Christmas should be centered on Christ. Lets not expect to receive this year, but instead spread the true meaning of Christmas around the world. 

Here is a story to get everyone in the Christmas spirit:

The "W" in Christmas Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience. I had cut back on nonessential obligations - extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending. Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas. My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season for a six year old. For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's "Winter Pageant." I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his teacher. She assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation. All parents unable to attend that evening were  welcome to come then. Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise. So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats. As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform their song. Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as "Christmas," I didn't expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer. So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love," I was slightly taken aback by its bold title. Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads. Those  in the front row- center stage - held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song. As the class would sing "C is for Christmas," a child would hold up the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message, "Christmas Love." The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her; a small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down - totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a "W". The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little one's mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her "W". Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together. A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen. In that instant, we understood the reason  we were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos, there was a purpose for our festivities. For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear: "C H R I S T W A S L O V E" And, I believe, He still is. Amazed in His presence... .humbled by His love. HAVE A BLESSED CHRISTMAS SEASON!

Merry Christmas Cont.

It was soo good to hear from my brother on Christmas day!!!!! I can't believe he comes home in like 10 weeks! I need to book a flight out to CA for the first weekend in March. It will be so fun to see him :) He is such a good kid. One of the kindest people I know. I look up to my baby brother in so many ways!!

We were suppose to go over to the Aviles home for Christmas dinner, but Jeff got really sick. We had a TGIF take out dinner instead. Not the traditional Christmas meal, but hey, at least I didn't have to whip together a meal last minute. I desperately need to go grocery shopping!!! The fridge is bare when you are gone a whole week! I wanted cookies so bad, but we were (and still are) out of eggs, so I made no bake cookies. We did have a pretty good meal Sunday considering the circumstances (bbq chicken, salad, homemade rolls with honey butter, and some peaches). This was the only stuff I had on hand. Salad was fresh! I just wanted to clarify that. We were incharge of bringing a salad to the Christmas dinner that's why I had salad stuff.

I don't have to work tomorrow, so I will shop until I drop. Not really, but I will fill our fridge.
Of course, I do have to wait until the delivery people drop off our bed frame! Let's hope they come between the time frame they gave me. One can only hope. I will be thrilled no matter what time they show up. We will finally have a nice bed frame :) yay!

Sunday we were given new callings! A really fun calling that we get to do TOGETHER!! We both get to teach Sunday School to 16-17yr olds. It should be a good time. I am pretty excited about this too!

Just for kicks here is a picture of our Christmas meal:

I had the Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta with these sides: breadsticks and loaded mashed potatoes. You dip the breadsticks into the mashed pototoes. Try it. You will love it. Its a nice little snack when you are out with friends, and don't feel like ordering a whole meal. Ya, who am I kidding. I always order a meal, and then some.

Adam had the Grilled Shrimp Scampi and Salmon

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MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Last night we got into the Christmas spirit. We had a fabulous Prime Ribb dinner, and watched the Nativity.

I love trying to imagine what it must have felt like to have lived during that time. How special would that have been to witness the birth of the Savior, to have known him, and to have seen His miracles. I am so thankful for Him, and all he has done for me. Let us remember Him this day!! We have so much to be thankful for, and too often we take it for granted. It is because of Him that all of us can live with our families forever. I can't think of anything better than being with Adam for all eternity. Christ has set the perfect example for us. Let us strive to be more like him each and every day. This life is just a test, lets not forget why we are here! Forget about wordly things today. Think of a gift you can give the Savior, not just today, but something you can do this whole next year. It would be a great New Years Resolution. ;)

After we watched the Nativity, we ventured downtown to look at some Christmas lights. There was nothing too impressive. I miss candy cane lane and that house near the Webbs. Nothing was comparable, so we were a bit dissapointed.

This morning Charlie got to open his stocking. I wanted to make sure he enjoyed his first Christmas!! He likes his baby carrots so much that he didn't even try for the new stuff, at first. He demolished the raw hide lolly pop later, and enjoyed it very much. This was new to him. He tried to go after the Christmas tree one, but I couldn't let him have two in one day. Charlie liked his frisbee. He didn't want us to stop playing with him. Adam and I just finished watching Mixed Nuts, while we snacked on some cadberry chocolate balls and sweet potatoe fries.

Now I am just anxiously waiting to hear from my brother!!!!

Then it is off to the Aviles for Christmas dinner :)

Happy Christmas Eve :)

We missed Charlie so much during our N.Y. trip. I can't even tell you how excited we were to pick him up this morning. SO happy to be home in time to enjoy Christmas eve and Christmas together as a family!

We sure LOVE this dog!!! He gets to open his stocking full of goodies tomorrow. Ya, he is a little spoiled.

 N.Y. pictures will be posted after the holiday :)


Thanks for all the Christmas cards everyone!! They sure are pretty! Grandma, thanks for the book! What a perfect read for Christmas Eve :)

We are lucky to have been invited over for Christmas Eve dinner at the Saunders, and Christmas dinner over at the Aviles house. It will be so fun getting together with family and friends. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas Eve tonight! Merry Christmas to you all!!!!!