Sunday afternoons

I love Sundays. I know many people who would disagree with me. I love the predictability and routine of it all. I love going to church and being with my friends and people who love me. I love recentering (is that a word?) my priorities. I love seeing my kids in their nice clothes--who doesn't love a four-year-old in his dress pants, button down shirt and tie? He's just too stinkin' cute! I love coming home with my cute family and eating grilled cheese and tomato soup. I especially look forward to the afternoon when the kids have quiet time and I have a nap. I love having a day off TV/computers/Wii. I know, I'm a mean mom. There is something so sweet about listening to your kids play together in the basement. They get along so much better when the options don't include anything that plugs in. I love going to Scott's parents for dinner. Talk about predictability and tradition. Every week it's roast (beef or pork), mashed potatoes, gravy, corn and roll. Sometimes they push the envelope and have a turkey or pot roast. I doubt I will ever attempt a pot roast. Rich is king at this, and no one will ever top his pot roast. It would be insulting to even try because he has so perfected it. I love the peacefulness of the entire day. No errands to run, no laundry to do, no carpools, no gym (although I should after dinner. I calculated the calories one time. That wasn't smart. I really should just enjoy it and have a second roll with butter and Rich's homemade raspberry jam.). The house is generally messy because it really is my day off. Nap or cleaning the bathroom? Duh! I don't have to think about which one I choose.

Anyone? Anyone?

Does anyone ever read my blog? Or is it just for me to ramble on and post pictures of my family?

Tonight Scott came home with roses for me--just because! I was so thrilled! He said it gets him off the hook for next month, Valentine's Day. He knows I'd rather get them now, for no other reason than he loves me and was thinking about me on an otherwise ordinary day. I'm one lucky girl.

Christmas Traditions

We made it downtown to Temple Square this year to see the lights. It was cold as usual, but not too crowded, which was great. The one thing I will remember is the homeless man we walked past as we walked into Temple Square. Kaitlyn started crying because she was so upset he was there in the cold, with no home and presumably no food. She just couldn't get over it. I told her we'd make blankets and take to the homeless shelter the next week. She just kept asking, "Well, what about that man? What will he do right now?" She was so upset over it Scott finally had to take her back and give him some money. She was okay after that, but it still left an impression on all of us the rest of the evening.


They only light what we call "The Cranberry Tree" every other year, so we were so excited to see it was on "on" year.
Walking down Main Street
Every year, Nana and Bapa have a big family dinner with Santa. Mrs. Clause came too. Santa was amazing in his knowledge of each child. He knew what things they were good at and what things they need to work on a little (like having a good attitude and doing what you are asked the first time). It was, as usual, a fun evening for all.

The kids all slept in Jackson's bed Christmas Eve.

New Christmas jammies!!!