Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

So one thing I have neglected to mention is that we've been in the process for the last couple months of trying to purchase a home. We found one we liked that accepted our offer and we have been jumping through hoop after hoop with this horrible government lending agency called RanLife. Anyway we were suppose to have closed and been moved in before Christmas. But it must not have been meant to be because after doing some digging we discovered that we were getting a horrible offer and our mortgage was going to be almost double the price of what we are currently paying for rent.  I guess you can see why I haven't mentioned it. Well with all this going on and with our apartment being teeny tiny. Mom and Dad A invited us to come spend Christmas with them. They have a lot more room and with Bob and Ilia in Thailand for most of December. Mom and Dad have been babysitting Lucas and it would be fun for the kids to enjoy Christmas together. So on Christmas Eve we packed up a little overnight bag for all and headed over to Nona and Grumpy's. We had a wonderful dinner and then Lucas got to Facetime with his mom and dad. After the kids opened up their Christmas jammies and we headed out to go look at Christmas lights. It worked really well to wear them all out and it didn't take to extremely long for them to fall asleep.

 Avery and Lucas slept in the sewing room and Kilian tried to sleep there too, but ended up in bed with us. :p I told Avery that when she woke up she needed to come and get us. Well that didn't happen. :P I woke up to the sound of Avery and Lucas going crazy and walked out to see both of them half way through their stockings. Kilian was NOT ready to wake up so early, so we let him sleep for awhile. Lucas and Avery had fun going through their stuff and when everyone was finally awake we opened gifts from Santa. after those gifts were open we took a break for breakfast before getting into the rest of the presents. The kids of course were crazy with excitement, it took Kilian a little while to wake up and realize what was going on. But once he did there was no stopping him. It was so chaotic between the three that I forgot to grab my camera or even my phone and take any pictures. The rest of the morning was pretty laid back, the kids played with their toys while the adults rested and napped. 

  Later we headed over to my parents house for dinner, pie and more presents. My aunt Norma was there too and it was so good to see her and spend that time with her. Overall it was a very nice low key Christmas.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!!

Work Christmas Party

We had a nice little ugly sweater party this morning at work. Jimmy brought us all breakfast from Hash House A Go Go. It was very good breakfast. After, we had a white elephant gift exchange. I got a nice warm fleece blanket and the gift I brought got a good laugh from everyone. It was a toy called the Grim Ripper a toy that when you pushed its finger it made a farting noise.

I was a little surprised that everyone thought it was as funny as they did. 

He's Coming to Town

Avery and I had a funny moment today that I just wanted to share. We had been talking about how she hadn't had the chance to see Santa yet. She was worried he hadn't got her letter and wanted to make sure he knew what she wanted for Christmas. I reassured her that he received the letter and that he knew. Fast forward a couple of days (today) we were in Walmart and headed to the self check out when we saw SANTA. He came up to the check stand right next to ours, Avery kept looking at him and said "mom I want to say hi" I told her it was fine she could. She said she was shy and scared, but as time dragged on I told her she was going to lose her chance. I don't know if he overheard us or is he is just super perceptive but he spoke up and said hi to her and was asked her if she was excited for Christmas. He was so wonderful and kind. I knew that if Avery left the store without talking to him that she would have been so sad and would have regretted it. I really love this season and how it brings out the best in people. It seems like it the one time of year that people let the light of Christ within them shine forth as bright as it can be.

O Christmas Tree

Our apartment is to small for us to put up our tree, so I went and got a mini version to try and help things feel more festive. It think it's kinda cute.

A Night at the Tuacahn

Going to the Tuacahn every Christmas and seeing the lights and watching the live nativity is one of my favorite things. This year we were very excited to share this experience with Nona and Grumpy. We had fun walking around and seeing all the beautiful lights, we got really great seats down close to the front for the live nativity. This is such a great production; every year most of the different denominations in St George come together to act out and share with all of us the story of Mary and Joseph and the birth of our Savior. It is so amazing and the spirit there is always so strong. After the nativity Avery and I had tickets to ride on the train, Kilian was being kind of naughty because he was so tired. So James went and sat with him in the car while Avery and I took our ride. Then we headed home for the night. I love being able to share moments of the true meaning of Christmas with my kids in such a wonderfully spiritual way.

Oregon Buddies

When we went to church today we found a nice surprise. Our friends the Lister family from Oregon was down for a visit. IT was so great to see them and catch up a little. One of their girls is going to Dixie and their other girl Aleina is planning on transferring next year. Brother Lister's parents are in our ward so it is so great to see them when they come to visit. Soana sent me these cute pictures of our kiddo's in nursery.

Thanksgiving 2019

November 28-
So this year I was actually very sick for Thanksgiving. I told James if he wanted to take the kids and go to Mom and Dad A's that I was fine with just staying home. James said he didst want to chance giving anything to the family. So we told the family of our situation and that we weren't going to be able to make it. A couple hours later I hear Mom and Dad at our door. They had brought over decorations and the finest plastic wear for the best thanksgiving table around. Then James said they promised to come back with Thanksgiving dinner once it was done. I couldn't believe it, I was so incredible thankful to them. True to their word later that afternoon they came back with a complete thanksgiving meal including the cherished Armstrong thanksgiving soup. I think this thanksgiving is forever going to hold a special place in my heart.

November 29-
I still wasn't feeling well, but James and the kids wanted to go see the family. I was fine with it as long as everyone else was. James and the kids headed over to Nona and Grumpy's for a fun filled day with aunts,uncles and cousins, whilst I slept. :)

 November 30-
Today I was feeling better, which was good because the family was really wanting to do family pictures. I did my best to get my family in matching clothes. i.e. girls in white boys in black and tried to make myself look as presentable as possible. Then we all headed up to Pioneer park to take pictures. It seemed to be EVERYONE'S idea in the greater St George area. But we patiently waited our turn and got some great pictures. After the pictures we headed back to Nona and Grumpy's for some hot chocolate and dessert. The kids had fun watching Christmas shows while the adults gabbed. :) After awhile Nikki and Justin said they wanted to go see the lights at the Desert Gardens and at the temple. It sounds like a lot of fun so we headed there with them. I love seeing all the beautiful nativities from around the world and hearing the story of Christs birth from prophets of God. What a great way to start the Christmas season. When we were all cold and tired, we said bye to Nikki and Justin and their kiddos and headed home.