Four Christmases

I can't believe that Christmas is over! We had a wonderful holiday and got to spend it with all of our family. We literally had four Christmases! It was exhausting, but a lot of fun. Christmas #1 was spent at Mitch's Dad's house in Shelley on Christmas Eve. This was Kelli's first experience opening presents and she loved it!

She thought all of her presents tasted yummy!

Michael had a blast opening presents.He couldn't get enough and was helping everyone open their gifts too.

Christmas #2 was spent at our own home Christmas morning, and I forgot to take pictures!! I did have the video camera on though. Mitch and I were so excited that we woke the kids up at 6:00 am to open presents. (We had to start early because he had to be at Mitch's Mom's at 8:00 am). Again, Kelli ate all of her presents and Michael couldn't get them opened fast enough.

Christmas #3 was spent at Mitch's Mom's house in Rigby Christmas morning. We started with a wonderful breakfast and then opened presents. Michael was so excited to dig in.

Kelli cared more about the paper.

Christmas #4 was spent at my Mom and Dad's in Blackfoot Christmas day afternoon. Michael was a definite pro by the time we got there. Kelli was so exhausted by this time, that she slept through all of the gift opening, but Michael was more than willing to open her gifts for her.

Michael with his cousin Brooklyn hiding in all of the wrapping paper.

We had a GREAT Christmas and we are so glad we got to spend it with our wonderful families. The kids got spoiled rotten and they loved every minute of it. I think Christmas is a lot more fun as a parent watching the excitement on your children's faces and hearing the squeals of delight as they open their gifts. I am so grateful for our Savior, Jesus Christ, the real reason for the season, and for the wonderful GIFT that He gave to us.

Michael and Kelli each got new church clothes for Christmas and I have to say that I have the most handsome/beautiful children in the world.

Happy Holidays!

It is that time of year again; the time to reflect on the last 12 months and to look ahead to the next 12. I can hardly believe that 2010 is coming to an end. It has been a good year for us and I hope the same for you.

Mitch is still working part-time as a courier for FedEx as he finishes up his Business Degree at BYU-I. This past semester has been his toughest yet as he has had to help run a business on campus, working at least 4 hours a week there, completing all of his other school assignments and working between 20-25 hours a week at FedEx. But he is such a hard worker and hasn’t complained (much). He only has one more year of school and he is counting down the days. He is currently serving as 2^nd Counselor in the Sunday School Presidency in our ward. In his spare time, if he has any, he still enjoys watching a movie or playing video games and, of course, spending time with me and the kids.

Stacie quit her job at State Farm Insurance in April and is thoroughly enjoying being a stay-at-home mom, the exhaustion and all. She recently started her own business as an Independent Distributor for Premier Designs Jewelry which she absolutely loves. She has had the opportunity to meet lifelong friends and is having a ton of fun. She currently serves as the Primary Secretary in her ward which is the best calling ever! In her spare time, she enjoys reading.

Michael just turned 3 and has more energy than anyone I know. He is such a funny little boy and keeps us laughing all day. He, just like his Dad, loves watching movies, his favorite being Toy Story 3, which he watches at least once, sometimes twice, a day. He has a big imagination and I love to just sit and watch him play. His favorite food is chicken nuggets and sometimes he eats them for breakfast, lunch and dinner. He is a great big brother and loves to play with Kelli. He can make her laugh louder than anyone else. He is so excited to go to Primary in a couple of weeks and loves to sing “Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam”.

Kelli joined our family in May. I can’t believe that she is 7 months already! She is such a sweet baby. She loves to jump, play with her toes and “eat” anything she can get her hands on. She just started crawling and loves being able to explore the house. She adores Michael and just sits and watches him. She loves to play “Peek-a-boo” and loves to be tickled. Her laugh is so contagious.

We are so grateful for all of our many blessings. We are so grateful for our Savior, and for this season that we get to celebrate Him! We are grateful for each of you and love you so much. We hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!