A Fun Primary Christmas Party

This time of year we always look forward the all of the fun Christmas parties. The one that is probably the most highly anticipated is the ward primary Christmas party. Caleb loves to be around his little buddies in his class. This year our primary presidency went all out and truly made it a special party.

It started with pancakes that the kids decorated with whipped cream and candy.

Then there was a marionette presentation of "The Christmas Carol." This was really cool because it had a stage and props. The kids loved it. I don't think they had ever seen something like that before.

Caleb holding the marionette of

"The Ghost of Christmas Past"

After the kids sang a few Christmas songs, Santa came to visit with his bag of toys.

I asked Caleb if he wanted to wait and open his present on Christmas. He was too excited to wait.

After opening up this cute coloring activity he said to me, "Me and Izzy can both color this, mom." He is always looking out for his little sister.

There were also lots of crafts and fun things for the kids to do. It was a fun activity. I love it when teachers and leaders put in this much time to make these primary parties a success.

Girls Night Out at the Nutcracker!

A couple days ago I went with my mom, her friend (and my friend) Sheila, and my niece Maddie to Ballet West's production of The Nutcracker. I had never seen it before and I loved it. I didn't really know what to expect knowing that there would be no talking in it, just dancing. I was pleasantly surprised how much I liked the ballet. I'm not really into dancing but, I really enjoyed it. I don't know if Brandon would like it though. I can't wait until Izzy is a little older so I can take her. It was fun spending time with my mom and my niece. Our good friend Sheila had free tickets and treated us to a fun evening . Thanks Sheila! The nutcracker is a must see!

There's Nothing Like Icecream On A Cold Winter's Night!

One of our favorite things we like to do as a family is go get icecream at ColdStone. Caleb enjoys watching the icecream makers put together his yummy mint creation. Brandon can never turn down his chocolate reeses creation. Me, my favorite is cake batter icecream with strawberries and respberries in a crispy waffle bowl. And Izzy, likes a little of all of ours.

What's your favorite?

The Festival of Trees

Today I went with my mom to the Festival of Trees. This is a family favorite tradition that I do with my mom and sisters every year. Unfortunately, only my mom and I were able to make it. We had a lot of fun together hanging out and admiring the amazing trees.

This "Forever A Princess" tree is a very special tree dedicated to our friends Paul and Ashley Peterson who lost their sweet Ashley this year to a cancerous brain tumor. She was only 6 years old. This tree is so beautiful. When I saw their tree, I couldn't help but get choked up. It breaks my heart that these two amazing parents had to endure a trial like this. Our prayers are with them this holiday season.

Caleb couldn't wait to sit on Santa's lap and get his favorite candy, a candy cane. Izzy is terrified of Santa and wouldn't come close to him. Maybe next year she will.

My mom spoiled my kids with yummy scones and cute treat packs that were sold at the festival. This little purse Izzy is holding was filled with treats. She loves purses. Isn't it cute?

Instead of a purse Caleb got a Thomas the Train treat pack

Even artificial Santa's scare Izzy. I was lucky that she was looking forward in this picture. She didn't want to take her eyes off of this Santa.

We had fun ringing in the holiday season looking at all of the amazing trees displayed.

There's not a better time of year!

The Highly Anticipated Gingerbread House!

Caleb loves to make a gingerbread house every year for Christmas. His sweet little eyes lit up when I brought home the box that displayed the cute model house on the front. For three days Caleb would carry around the box for 3 days until I finally gave in and made it for him. He was so excited! He helped me put all of the treats on it and couldn't help snacking on the treats during the process. These are fun times with the kids! I know that they won't always be excited about making these so I cherish these moments.

Since we made this cute little house yesterday, I have caught Caleb breaking off little pieces of icing for a small taste. He even licks the gumdrops off the rooftop. He wants to keep this "forever" and never throw it away. I guess that I may have no choice but keep a little Christmas around my house long after the holiday is over.

I would've taken some pictures of Izzy but she wouldn't stop throwing a tantrum. She was shoving candy in her mouth so fast! I took it away and, of course, she flipped out. It wasn't a happy memory to remember. Ha/ha!

Potty Training Izzy!

Okay so I have attempted to potty train Izzy last night and today. Last night, believe it or not, she went #2 after only a little bit of coaching. I was so excited thinking that this would be a piece of cake. The rest of the night wasn't quite as successful.

I forgot how much work it is to teach them how to potty train. I think it is THE HARDEST challenge with young kids!

I tried again today. I bought the cute Dora panties to try to get her excited about using the little potty. She was excited about the panties but not so much about the potty. I tried every 5 minutes to put her on and it seemed like between that small little break, she would go in her panties. I feel like I have been cleaning up pee all day long.

Finally, I just couldn't do it anymore. I guess that I will just keep trying a little at a time until she gets it.

If anyone has any advice, please send it my may? That would be wonderful!

These are some cute pictures of my little pilgram in his hat he made for Thanksgiving. I love the little stick figure next to his name with big ears. I love it when he makes cute stuff at school!

Decorating the Tree

A few days before Thanksgiving I pulled out my Christmas decorations. The kids had fun helping me decorate the tree. Caleb couldn't wait to get our stuff up! he also was SO excited to get out outdoor lights up as well. After all of that work, my house is ready for Christmas. I think the best part of Christmas isn't the shopping and the presents, it's the way my home feels all decorated with lights inside and out.

Tis' the Season!