The Most Wonderful Time of Year

So, I am pretty sure December never started yet here it is December 18^th. Life has been super crazy and wonderful at the same time. I hope I can make it to Christmas!

Carter helping with the tree

Our cute family after decorating the house

Putting the star on

The first highlight of December, was my fantastic booth I told you all about. Well… first I had a scare with my inventory not getting to me in time and so I borrowed another consultants stuff. Then I worked like crazy making signs, thinking of prize drawings I could do, promotions I could give to make a little extra, and trying to be excited more than stressed about the whole thing. Well, the day of the boutique finally came, I packed up my car and away I went to Eagle Mountain (45 min drive for me). I got to the high school, found my spot for my sisters and I, and started setting up all my fun stuff. When my sisters got there we were so happy that all the work we did was over. Well… 5:00 comes around, then 6:00, I think I sold 3 books around 7 ish to other people who had booths, and NO ONE came. 8:00 and time to pack up. I was so bummed. I guess that happens in life sometime. Here is the BEST part, I missed my ward party, and Carter seeing Santa and not freaking out for the first time in his life. Grrr… maybe someday I’ll actually have a successful event :P

I missed our Christmas party with this sweet boy :(

On a happier note, my cousin came home from his mission! He gave a wonderful homecoming talk that lasted 30 min but felt like 3, and I was able to see so many family members again. We were missing each other after spending Thanksgiving with each other in close quarters. There was a luncheon afterwards and we had to leave a little early. We didn’t want to have to get a sub for our primary class AGAIN so we snuck out early to be with them. I can’t believe we will have all new kiddos next year. We have just started to get really close with our cute 6 year olds.

Monday we had a big FHE at our house and made gingerbread houses! I love having a house that we can share with everyone! Although I think we might need to get a bigger table. We had a delicious dinner together though with Carter his best friend Taylor and sweet little Carmen running around. I am pretty sure none of those little kiddos ate very well. After dinner we worked on our awesome creations, and I got to hold my 3 month old niece for a long time, I loved it! Every one left around 10pm and I was sad to see them go. I love being so close to my siblings and their families, it’s going to be tough when we all start going our separate ways.

Making Gingerbread houses

The rest of the crew

The boys watched a movie <3

You might be wondering if I every figured out my book situation… well I did. I decided to do a book drive and take donations to buy children in need new books instead of used ones. I thought it was going to be awesome and everyone would love to chip in a few bucks to help out. It has been a week and guess what?! I’ve only received 1 donation, I’m feeling a little discouraged. It is so funny how hard times teach us so much. I only have 30 days ( now like 15) to pay for the inventory I took out $500 and was actually so excited to have the experience of helping an organization during the holidays by giving them my books. Well, when Monday comes I might just be giving them 2 books. I have learned all the things that I will do better for my next book drive though.

We also went to Temple Square with some wonderful friends, to see the Christmas lights and visit with them. We had such a good time, even though Temple Square was crazy busy and it was super cold. Thank goodness for hot chocolate! 

All of us together

How beautiful!

Carter and his little buddy Jace

Have you ever heard of neighbor gifts? Well this was my other stress besides coming up with $500 to pay for the books I borrowed. I didn’t even think of getting anything for my neighbors (you wouldn’t want to ever live by me), but this girl made fudge, and chocolate covered peanut butter balls for our wonderful neighbors who really do mean a lot to us. I am so happy we moved into this neighborhood, although at first I wasn’t so sure. We have met some incredible people and learned so much from their service to us. I am happy I was able to show my appreciation somehow and I got it done just before Christmas.

We recently put Carter in a toddler bed, and it has gone quite well.  Although the first night was as if we had a new born again. Just about every hour he came running in our room crying or wanting help lying back down. I can’t believe my little boy is not in a crib anymore! He finally figured out how to climb out and so we had to change it. When I look at pictures now I get kind of sad too. He’s not a baby anymore and that’s for sure, now if we can just get down the potty training…. Ugh.

We head out to Washington to spend Christmas with my parents on Tuesday! I can hardly wait! My favorite thing about Christmas isn’t the gifts or the traditions, but that I get to spend so much time with my family, and Carter gets to love on his grandparents. I have also noticed that as I get older, that is the stressful stuff. I have been thinking about the birth of our savior a ton lately, and can’t stop feeling of the incredible love our Heavenly Father has for us to sacrifice his son. The savior’s life a testament to the love of our Heavenly Father as well as an older brother. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and remember the true reason for the season. Happy Reading!