Annual Talent Show

Something the girls look forward to every Christmas is our families annual talent show. Its always fun to see what people come up with. Taylee sang a beautiful one of a kind song, Teagan sang a song she had written the week before while Brandon played guitar and Adalynn danced. David showed art from his college art class, Dana recited the Gettysburg Address, Marcia sang and waved her hair from shoulder to shoulder, Grandpa told a story, I showed a slide show of pictures, Hayden showed some projects from school, and Tanner showed some lego creations and some artwork. Lots of fun!

Merry Christmas 2012

Christmas 2012 has come and gone in a flash. What a great day together as a family. The girls were all excited about their gifts and wonders from Santa. They all got what they asked him for. Teagan a drum set, Taylee a DSI, and Adalynn a black flicka rocking horse. We went to Dana's for dinner and our annual talent show. And before we knew it Christmas was over. So thankful for my Savior, and this time to celebrate his birth.

Turmoil

When I started my blog it was a journal purpose for me. And long ago when I was young my journal was a vent for me. I'm feeling a great weight on my shoulders so I'm deciding to write it all down and see if it helps lift a bit for me.
I love the holidays. I love the shows where my children show off their beautiful innocence, I love getting together with family and loved ones, I love the spirit of giving, I love thinking of our saviors entrance into this world of ours.
However they also bring a bit of stress and ache to my heart. Financial stress of course, no big deal it's really an every day thing. The ache to my heart is from missing a part of me. My sweet mother. The more the years go by the more I realize she was an actual part of my being. And though you think the holidays would get easier without her, they seem to get a bit harder.
Especially this year. There has been some great turmoil in our country. A horrible tragedy indeed. Last week there was a shooting at an elementary school in Sandy Hook CT. I know it seems so far away but it really hit my heart, and really bothered me. Then this week there started to be threats at the local high schools, and Lockwood school area. And this was just too close to home. On top of it all there was a big hype about the end of the world on December 21st, 2012 according to the Mayan calendar. I was literally counting down the minutes today till I could pick Teagan up from school.  I was talking to Brandon last night about keeping her home then bringing her in the afternoon for her school party. As our conversation continued there was an outplay if what if something did happen what I would do. And I literally couldn't believe I was having the conversation. A serious conversation about what I would do if someone came into my childs school shooting. And what hurts more is the reality of the idea that it could happen anywhere. It can happen at the mall, the movies, schools, anywhere.
I don't know what it was about my mother. She didn't ever offer life changing advice. Or have all the answers to all my problems. In fact she rarely offered straight advice. But somehow after a phone call with her there was always more peace in my life. Things seemed like they would be ok.
I know Heavenly Father has a great plan for all of us. And in the end it will in fact be ok. I'm just feeling abnormally human right now, and very sensitive. And the reality is its just a bit hard to deal with. And I'm missing my mother to be able to talk to her about it. To talk to her about my girls, and my life, and the other things I've been struggling with. And to talk to her about the things that are making me happy, their sweet little shows, and jokes, and humorous things they've said and done.
And in the middle of all this struggle there really is so much beauty. My sweet girls laughter. A little hug around the calf of my leg. The financial help my photography is starting to offer. A warm home with plenty of food to eat. Friends I've made this past couple years that have offered much needed support and love. Places to go and people to see.
Just a bit torn sometimes I guess. So many good things I am blessed with bringing joy to my heart, but underlying and sometimes overlying sorrow for missing this part of me right now.
I realize worrying and fretting won't change the way of the world, nor will it change my own little world. Or will it change the heart of the evil. I know I need to work on my faith to find peace. I know my Savior is my answer. I love him with all of my heart. I am so thankful for his love, and for this season that we can remember his birth, and celebrate his glory. I hope I can work on this so I prepare my girls for the things their life has ahead of them, because I know for a fact what is ahead will not be easy, and cannot be done without him.

Christmas Brunch

The Young Womens President/ My friend Robbyn invited all those serving in the Young Women's to a beautiful Christmas brunch at her house. Although I was released a little over a month ago I was invited to join. She through a beautiful brunch. Super yummy food, darling decorations, and great company. And she had some of the home schooled young women come and babysit for us so we wouldn't have to worry about that. What a treat!

Taylee's Preschool Program

Taylee's preschool program was sweet as sugar. Her teacher did a great job with it. I had a horrible spot for pictures and had my hands full of Adalynn. As you can see Larry had a great spot for pics though so maybe I will steal some from him! Her program was full of songs, poems, and holiday jokes. Taylee was so cute swaying to the music, and singing every song. Her last year before she hits the big time with Teagan in grade school. Way to go Taylee!

Canary Christmas

Teagan's teacher puts quiet a of work into her Christmas programs. This year she had her first speaking part. It was pretty cute seeing the shy part of Teagan. I don't think I've seen that but a few times in her little life. Teagan was a canary, do you know how hard it is to find yellow this time of the year?  I absolutely love all the fun programs and parties leading up to Christmas, it really makes it a wonderful time of the year.

Girl Scout Christmas

We had a fun party with my Girl Scout Troop for Christmas. We have gone and sung to the retirement home in the past but this year it snuck right up on me so I decided to just have some fun with the girls. We had a pizza party dinner, a sock exchange, had a wrapping contest (linking arms and wrapping with only the free hand), and a couple other games. These girls sure are sweethearts. As much work as it can be at times I'm thankful to provide them with a good experience and hopefully setting some good core values into their little spirits.

Jolly Old Saint Nick

Always love the ward party. Usually the primary does a nativity but they have their hands a bit full right now with changing a lot of teachers and other things. I love watching how excited the kids get to see Santa, even knowing he's probably not the real deal. Adalynn was so cute with him, when he left she kept asking where he parked his reindeer.

Preschool Fun

The moms were invited to come create gingerbread houses with their kiddo's at preschool today. There was only one rule, to taste anything you wanted! I'm a bit of a perfectionist at creations, so it was good for me to watch Taylee's creation come to life and have its own precious little beauty of imperfection!

Is it that time already?

Its so hard to believe it is the holiday season already. And before we know it it will have come and gone and we will be welcoming in a new year. I love watching the girls grow and the new things that excite them each holiday. I love that some of our traditions are now in their head as knowing that those are the things we always do as a family.

Pappy Sparkle Twinkle

I had been hoping our family could have one of these great Santa's helpers for years. This year we were lucky enough to have her join our family. The girls named her Pappy Sparky Twinkle. She sure is a mischievous thing at times, we just never know what we are going to wake up to with her, green milk, having tea with Justin Bieber, playing Old Maid with the Grinch,  marshmallow baths, marshmallow snowman, she is a busy lady when the girlies are sleeping!
PS. notice the big black spot on her leg? She got that within two minutes of meeting the girls the first time, leave it to Teagan!