Wedding, Family, Christmas, and the Greatest Gift

Wow, it has been a long time. I feel like I have so much to catch up on. A couple of weekends ago, Cory and I took a trip to Minnesota to see our brother Logan get married. Him and Becca (his beautiful wife) were married in the temple on the coldest day EVER!! As we all came out of the temple to take pictures, there was literally a blizzard outside!! The wind was blowing the snow so hard and it was almost too much to be outside for even a couple of minutes. I'm sure the wind chill was at least -38. It was crazy, but fun as well. We had to drive an hour to the reception hall, which actually probably took twice as long since we had to drive slowly so we wouldn't end up in the ditch like so many other cars. Besides, the freezing weather, it was such an AMAZING trip!! It was so much fun to be with all of Cory's siblings. We actually didn't take our girls which was actually kinda nice (I'm not gonna lie). I was really missing them by the end of the weekend but it was nice to go on a "get-away" with Cory.

I was actually really nervous and apprehensive about going because Amber and Vaughn had their little baby Callie and Sean and Brittney had their little baby Kylin. You know, the cousins who were born within the week of when Clairisa was due. For quite awhile, I was determined not to go because I thought it would be too hard (especially when they blessed Callie Clairisa on Sunday), but then I changed my mind. As we landed in Minneapolis, I had this huge knot in my stomach and I almost felt sick b/c I was so nervous about seeing the babies. I just didn't want to fall apart. I just kept thinking about what Elaine Dalton said in conference, "I can do hard things...in fact, with Christ I can do all things."

Well I did it and I am so glad that I did. I cannot even begin to tell you how wonderful it was to hold Callie and Kylin. I seriously feel like it was just what I needed. So healing. I don't know why, but it was. There was so many moments when I felt like Clairisa was there with me, especially during Callie's blessing.

We flew back a couple of days before Christmas. We had a wonderful Christmas together as a family, although we did miss having any other family around. There is just something about family that makes everything better. I love my family SO MUCH...and when I say my family I mean ALL of my family...husband, children, aunts, uncles, cousins, parents, siblings, in-laws, neices, nephews, and grandparents. I feel so blessed and very grateful!!

The greatest gift that I received this Christmas was the greatest gift ever given to man...the Atonement. Through Christ's atonement, I have been blessed with capacity beyond my own, comfort, strength, forgiveness, reconciliation, love, and healing.

Joy to the world the Lord has come...and will come again.

Merry Christmas!

Picture Updates

Katelund writing a letter to Santa Claus.
Katelund getting her "cooking lessons" from Daddy (apparently she wants to be a chef someday)
For our ward Christmas party, the youth were in charge of the program. I let them decide what they wanted to do. One of the many things on our program was a story reading and reenactment of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas". It was so fun and they did a GREAT job!!!
For one of our Family Home Evenings this month, Cory was in charge and so he made hot chocolate and read Polar Express to us. The girls have been asking for hot chocolate everyday ever since. :)

Since we don't have a fireplace, the girls were very concerned about how Santa was going to get in our house. We told them that he has a magic key that opens every door. I guess Santa decided to leave some snow and footprints for some verification. :)
This was Katelund's note to Santa and Santa's note back to her.
Dressed in the pajamas that they got to wear on Christmas Eve.
Cloey playing in the snow that Santa Claus left.

I can't think of a title...

So...the ballet was AMAZING!!!  I want to be a ballerina more than ever.  There was a little slip in the program that was advertising ballet lessons and offering one free lesson.  I got so excited and told Cory that I was for sure going to use it...and then he pointed out to me that it was for children.  So not fair.   Anyways, it was so much fun to see the ballet and also to be on a date.  We got all dressed up and everything.  

Okay, so the book about raising independant children...I can't remember the actual title (I am not at home right now..out internet is not working), but I'll post it soon I promise.  The book is SO GOOD!!  And, it has really changed my perspective in a lot of ways.  The author's name is Merilee Boyton (I think that's her last name).  

Sunday was a crazy day.  When I was in ward council, the bishop let us all know that there were rumors that there was going to be protestors coming that day (b/c of the whole Proposition 8 thing...our city is very liberal...kinda like a mini San Francisco).  He gave us the action plan and everything just in case something happened.  Well fortunatley, no one came, but I seriously think it was b/c of the weather.  It was VERY cold and VERY windy (I don't think that was a coincidence).  Pretty crazy huh?  

Birthday Surprises

I had such a fabulous birthday yesterday!! I went to breakfast with my good friend (and previous neighbor), Julie. It was SO GOOD to see her, her daughter, and her cute little pregnant belly. Then I met Cory for lunch....always a fun time. After Katelund came home from school, my sweet neighbor, Katherine (who I LOVE), watched my girls while I went and had a thermo acupressure massage at Migun (it was AMAZING). When I came home the girls and Katherine's children surprised me with a present and a home-made card from each of them. (Have I ever told you how the Lord has blessed me my whole married life with the BEST neighbors EVER who always end up being some of my very best friends??) Anyways, then Cory came home and surprised me with my birthday presentS...two tickets for a 7 o'clock showing of Twilight (one for me and one for HIM) AND two tickets to................drum roll please................the Nutcracker ballet for tonight (in case you don't know...I LOVE ballet...he does not)!!!!! Seriously, could I have a more incredible husband?? I don't think so. Twilight was okay. I was definitely disappointed in the acting and some of the actors/actresses that they chose, but overall it was entertaining and fun to watch...even Cory thought it was okay. He even said (and I quote) "Maybe I'll pick up the 2nd book just to see what happens". Yes girls, he REALLY did say that. :)

This morning, I woke up to find Katelund completely dressed from head to toe. She had even remembered to wear tennis shoes for P.E. She had brushed her hair and put a barrette in her hair... AND her outfit was really cute (that's a bonus). She was making her own lunch when I walked in the kitchen and pouring her own cereal. WOW. I was blown away. I have been reading a book about how to raise independent children. I don't think I've done that much different, but apparently I have done something b/c both of my girls are really grasping on to the concept. Maybe I was just babying them too much before.

Anyways, it was a great day filled with surprises, perfect gifts, and lots of love.

What is wrong with me??

I have really been thinking lately about how amazing my friends are. They all seem to be very successful at their own little side jobs and very busy at continually improving and polishing up their talents. So what is wrong with me? Let me explain...

Andrea- own business--Extraordinary Moments, seamstress, PTO expert, creative genius
Katie- musician
Amber- Etsy shop and AMAZING crafter
Lindsey- Etsy shop and also an amazing crafter
Destineee- photographer
Rebecca- photographer and quilter
Melissa- scrapbooker and photographer
Jenae- amazing seamstress and can do anything and everything
Laura- seamstress and cook
Carrie- decorator and cook (she makes the best rolls EVER), PTO expert
Laura- organizer and crafter
Kim- crafter, organizer (she can do anything really)
Lisa- cook
Bonnie- seamstress and decorator
Austyn- marathon runner
Jenny- incredible writer
Emily- incredible writer and musician
Jenny- musician
Kristin- organizer, seamstress, and pretty darn close to perfect
Erin- author
Katherine- baker
Leslie- decorator
Brittney- own business and dancer
Sherrie- crafty, decorator, and amazing singer
Stefani- singer and dancer
Mandy-organizer and educator
Deon- baker
Deanna- educator
Stacy-organizer
Tricia- nurse
Jenna-teacher and dancer
Shanna-teacher and dancer
Ciera-musician and comedian (at least I think she should be)

REALLY??? Must I go on??? There are so many more of you that I could list. I can kindof do some of those things, but that is just me. I like to try a lot of things ...but really I'm never GREAT at any one thing. I'm not trying to complain and I'm NOT looking for anyone to praise me in their comment. I really am thankful for the gifts that the Lord has blessed me with, but sometimes it is easier to see other's gifts clearer than your own. I really just wanted to say how blessed I am to have such incredible friends who inspire me with their talents and ability to create. I AM SO AMAZED BY EACH OF YOU!!! I love you all.

No Thanksgiving Pictures??

What was I thinking? I totally forgot to take any pictures on Thanksgiving, so here are a couple others that I took this last week (I have to post pictures to make Grandmas happy) :) .


Me and my buddy. She tells me that she's my shopping buddy. She LOVES to go shopping, and HATES to go home because "home is boring". I think I'm in for trouble in a couple of years.
You may be asking..."Why does she have a band-aid on her lip?" Because she bumped her lip of course. Apparently, band-aids make everything feel better.

Okay, so I have to add this story b/c it is hilarious. Cory took the day off of work today b/c he had to work on Saturday. So he went to Kate's school and had lunch with her. At dinner, I asked Katelund how it was having Daddy there for lunch. She said that he had everyone doing thumb wars and that he made all the kids have fun and be loud and so he got in trouble with the teachers. Apparently, the teachers had to come over and ask them (not really them...Cory) to be quieter and calm down. He said all the kids got all wound up b/c they were so excited. It's funny to me because it reminds me of church. I'm constantly quieting my kids down, but not as much as I'm giving the evil eye to Cory b/c he is tickling them and instigating their craziness. Anyways, I thought it was pretty funny.