Christmas Morning

We started Christmas bright and early. Thomas woke up around 12:30 and then again every 25-30 minutes after for the rest of the night. Needless to say, neither he nor I got much sleep. Finally, around 5:00 am I told him he could wake up everyone else. We also Skyped Grandma and Grandpa Powell so they could watch our morning with us. It was so cool to have them "there" with us and sharing in the morning. Thomas had an especially hard time this year that we weren't with them so this was a great way to help ease that for him. The kids were so cute with each other. Joshie even knew just what to do. At one point we had to buckle him in a booster seat so he wouldn't open any more presents without us knowing. He was content to be buckled too, which was a pleasant surprise. The kids loved their new bikes or scooters from Santa. How grateful I am to have such a wonderful family to share this time of year with. I love the excitement of Christmas and the many opportunities to remember and reflect on our Father in Heaven's love for us in sending us His Son, our Savior and Redeemer.

Later in the morning we drove up to Fairfield to be with Grandma, Grandpa, Emily, Tammy & Ty, Jared & Haylie and their kids. The kids enjoyed playing with their cousins and aunts and uncles. The next day the kids helped portray the nativity and we had a little "Christmas Olympics." We visited a little more before heading back home that evening so we could be here for church on Sunday.

Christmas Eve Festivities

What a great day today has been. I woke up at 4:00 am and couldn't go back to sleep. Finally, around 5:00 am I got up and decided to be productive. I made a batch of caramels, homemade bread, and did 2 loads of laundry before 7:00 am. Thomas was up around 5:30 and he kept me company. It was fun to have that time with him. Joel finally had the day off so he cleaned the carpets and changed the oil in the van this morning as well. I'm so grateful he was willing to do that to help me out.

Sammy was so excited that today was finally Christmas Eve. He kept asking us throughout the morning and afternoon, "Can we start Christmas Eve?" We finally figured out that we wanted to open his traditional gift for Christmas Eve. We were able to take some goodies around to friends today. We enjoyed that time as a family. After dinner we made "reindeer food" and the kids went outside to sprinkle it on the grass. Sammy was convinced he needed to use Daddy's ladder so he could climb onto the roof to sprinkle the reindeer food. Fortunately, we FINALLY convinced him he could just sprinkle it on the grass and the reindeer would still eat it. Then we came inside and read the Christmas story from the scriptures. As Joel read he would stop and talk to the kids and ask them questions. I am continually reminded of how much Thomas and Spring are growing up and am humbled at their insight to the scriptures. Following that the kids each opened the traditional Christmas Eve gift...PJ's. Joshie was the first one and he knew exactly what to do with his gift. After ripping off the paper he tried to put the PJ's on all by himself. Then, the kids made Santa's snack. Spring and Thomas came to us earlier today and told us they wanted to leave some vegetables for Santa also so he wouldn't get too sick from all the cookies he would be eating. Sammy decided Santa needed chocolate milk because he would probably get sick of all the regular milk from the other houses. The 4 older kids are all sleeping in the same room. The older ones were going to sleep pretty easily but Mary was just moving around and refusing to lay down. Joel went in to lay her down and Mary told him, "Me no like Santa so me not need to go to sleep." Joel told her if she didn't go to sleep then she wouldn't get any presents to which she replied, "OK. Me not want any presents." Fortunately, as she said this she layed down and stuck her thumb in her mouth!

I am so grateful for this wonderful time of the year. I am grateful for traditions that our parents shared with us as we were children that we are able to pass on and now share with our children. I am excited to see their reactions and excitement in the morning.

Joshie's Antics

Joshie is quite the character. We worry that he is following in Sammy's footsteps a little too much! He has really become a climber lately. I find him on the counters, on the table, and the other day I found him on the top of the piano. He also loves to sneak into Spring's room whenever she leaves her door open for a split second. He loves to get into her markers. His sweet smile is so worth it. We sure love this little guy.

Gingerbread House Extravaganza

Last night we were blessed to have three other families join us in our tradition of making gingerbread houses. My family made gingerbread houses every year when I was growing up and I am so glad we have carried this tradition on with our children. Our home was full of gingerbread, candy, frosting, people, and fun. We began FHE watching "The Nativity" and then we had fun with each family creating their own gingerbread house. It was so fun to have everyone here and we are so grateful for wonderful friends that are willing to share in our tradition with us.

New Christmas Outfits

The kids were very excited to wear their new Christmas clothes to church today. Sammy kept rubbing his suit jacket and saying, "It's just like Thomas and Daddy's "soups" (he calls suits "soups")." Spring loved looking at herself in the mirror as she put each new thing on; her dress, then after her tights, then when she put on her shoes, then when her hair was brushed. I tried to get a picture of them but it was difficult. Mary did NOT want a picture and Joshua kept walking to the camera. So, here is what we got!

Thomas' 9th Birthday

To top off the day, it was Thomas' 9th birthday. He has been so happy all day and after the spelling bee some of the teachers were telling him, "What a great birthday present!" His dinner request for the evening was BBQ hotdogs (with cheese in the middle "because Mom's never bought those before") and hamburgers. And he made sure to let us know that he wanted to do the BBQing with Dad's help, not Mom's help. So he and Dad made dinner tonight. Then he opened his present, a remote control car, and had a great time playing with that. Then we had brownies with ice cream and toppings for dessert. All evening he kept telling us, "This is the best day ever." "Thanks Mom and Dad for making this day so great." "I don't know how I can thank you enough for such a wonderful day."

It's hard to comprehend that he is already 9 years old. It seems like he was just turning 8 and getting ready to be baptized and now he is already 9. He is such a sweet and tender hearted young man. He wants more than anything to make those around him happy and to be obedient. My life changed the moment I first held him and he continues to bless our lives each day. We love you, Thomas.

Our Spelling Champions

Thomas and Spring represented their classes today at the schoolwide spelling bee. They have been so excited for the spelling bee to come. I was grateful I was able to be at the spelling bee to watch them. Spring's grade went first. Thomas was able to watch Spring compete and he smiled whenever she got the word correct. I think I was more nervous than they were! About 5 minutes into the spelling bee Joel walked into the room. You should have seen the smile that immediately came across Spring's face. She was so happy to have Daddy there too. Well, Spring was the only girl in the spelling bee and she held her own. She did amazing. She won 2nd place for all of 1st grade! Way to go, Spring!

Then after sitting through the 2nd graders it was time for Thomas and the 3rd graders to take the stage. He did so well and it came down to just him and one other student. The other girl won 1st place last year and Thomas won 2nd place last year. For a while we all wondered if the spelling bee was ever going to end they were both doing so well. After a long battle, Thomas ended up winning 1st place this year! He will now be competing at the district level in January.

We are grateful for these two kiddos and their hard work and eagerness to learn and do all they can to be their best. Spring said our family prayer tonight and it was really cute when she said, "Thank Thee for helping Thomas and I do our best at the spelling bee and thank Thee that Mom and Dad could come and watch us." What a sweet girl she is!

Gingerbread Houses at School

I was fortunate enough to help at school this morning with making gingerbread houses. Spring was so happy and excited to have me come in and help and it was fun to see her interact with her friends throughout the activity. She told me this made her even more excited for our traditional gingerbread making which we will be doing on Monday night.

Spring's Note

Spring has really been into writing me cute little letters and notes lately. Last night she brought me out this cute note (when she was supposed to be sleeping, but who could get upset when it was so cute) written on a tissue. She is our little sweetheart. I appreciate her thoughtfulness and kindness towards me. She is so good at noticing when I could use a little help and just jumping in to help take care of things. I love you too, Spring!

Josh's New Pastime

Joshua is quite the climber lately. He climbs up on everything he can get on. This afternoon I was folding clothes and looked in to see Joshua climbing onto the table and then jumping onto the couch. He kept doing this over and over again. Unfortunately, he realized I had the camera and he is so fascinated by the camera that it thwarted his efforts a little, I am afraid. Whenever he sees the camera he hurries over so he can see the picture on the back of the camera. Anyway, we thought you would enjoy seeing him in action, at least in the action I could capture on video today.

Primary Christmas Program

At the Ward Christmas Party the Primary children presented a program about the birth of our Savior. They took the program from the perspective of the Book of Mormon prophets that foretold of Christ's birth. We enjoyed all the wonderful songs they performed. Spring loves to sing and has been practicing for a long time. Thomas was able to be Samuel the Lamanite and read his prophesy of Christ's birth.

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Visit with Santa

Last night the kids were able to visit with Santa after our Ward Christmas Party. As you can tell from the pictures it was an occasion to remember. Mary was terrified, Sammy was just Sammy, Thomas and Spring were laughing at Mary's reaction, and Spring was about to drop Joshua!

Grandma Biggs' Birthday

Last weekend we went to visit Grandma and Grandpa Biggs for Grandma's birthday. We got there Friday evening and were able to stay until Saturday evening before driving back home. We had a good time visiting and spending time together. We also got to spend time with Tammy, Ty, and Bryce. The kids were so happy and excited to see "Baby Bryce." On Saturday we went to lunch for Grandma's birthday. They also told them it was close to Thomas' birthday too so they both got a dessert with a candle in it.