Christmas 2013

This Christmas season was full of new friends and traditions! I knew, living in Aliso Viejo, that it would be different. Everywhere you go, Christmas takes on a different face, but the meaning never changes.

This year we went to Ethan's class and decorated gingerbread houses! We used a milk carton cut in half and stuck things all over it. I love spending quality time with my boy!

We went to the Newport Beach Christmas ligh boat parade. We never expected to see such amazing displays floating on water. One boat in particular was decorated with fun party lights and they had a guy on a hydro jet pack shooting out the front of the boat. Amazing! Some people invited us to join them on their boat and watch the parade from there. They gave us cookies and a warm place to sit! There are so many good people in this world.

This is our 'Sunday before church' picture. It was a fantastic Sunday centered on Christ.

We don't have a lot of room in our little So Cal town house, so we decided to get a cute little tiny tree to fit in the living room. It turned out to be perfect! I've learned that children have NO expectations as to what Christmas has to be. Any little detail that I add as a parent is just a BONUS. I think I put those expectations on myself. I think Christmas has to be 'just-so' in order to be perfect. That's NOT SO! We had such a fun Christmas this year without piles and piles of presents. The kids were so happy!!

We spent Christmas Eve with some families from our ward. None of them have immediate family in town (like us) so we all came together around some yummy food and laughed and talked and sang Christmas carols. It definitely went away from some of our other traditions but that's what made it fun! 

We came home from that party and the children opened up their Christmas pajamas and slippers and we got all nestled in bed before Santa came!

It was a great season. Xoxo!

Ashley

(PS please excuse any typos, I wrote this from my phone)

Dentist

The kids went to the dentist for the first time this week. I have been hesitant to take them because they just have baby teeth and it seemed like a waste of time and money to me! But we took Ethan to the pediatrician a while back and I was "kindly" reminded that I should have had him to the dentist earlier. I have to agree, she did have a point. You want to get them used to going to the dentist so they will not whine when you have to take them later on! Too late for Ethan, he is afraid of getting the shot or getting drilled. Welcome to the family of a million cavities buddy! I have so many fillings in my mouth, I don't think I have any real teeth left!

Anyway, the kids did okay considering it was their first time, will they want to go back anytime soon? Probably not!

Art Hour

Some of my favorite memories as a child were the hours and hours I spent drawing and coloring. My mom taught me how to color. She is the best at staying in the lines and doing smooth even colors. 

Sometimes we get bored around our house and rather than flipping on the TV, I like to get creative with the crayons. I can't help but pull up a paper with the kids and get artsy. They get better and better at staying in the lines every day.

My kids watch me like I used to watch my mom. Ivy often asks, "How do you do that?!?" I just smile because I know she will be an even better artist than I am one day.

These little ones bring so much joy into my life. For the short time that I have them here in my home, I hope I can teach them well.

Meet the Frozen Princesses

We love Disneyland as you can see! These annual passes have been the best investment we have ever made. I will be sad one day to move so I had better take advantage of it while I can!

Ivy LOVED the new movie Frozen! I love it too! We have been listening to the soundtrack nonstop at our house. Ivy got the dollies Elsa and Anna for her birthday! We knew we had to meet the real princesses when on our most recent trip to Disney! We waited in line for over and hour. I would say the wait was worth it to see both of these gorgeous girls together. Ivy was awe-struck and therefore shy! I initially wanted it to just be her in the photo with the princesses. That didn't happen because she clinged to me for dear life! Either way, she talks about how cool the experience was. 

Yay for Disney!!

Happy Birthday Ivy (4)

When I found out I was going to have a baby girl I was ecstatic! Not only did I grow up as a "girl girl," (dresses, sparkly, pink) but I am also STILL a "girly girl" today! I desperately wanted a daughter to share those girly moments with! I feel so blessed that God knew that (he knows everything) and He gave me a sweet little princess. She has been just that! A princess!

These are a few if her favorite things:

Painting nails

Playing dollies

The Frozen soundtrack

Disney princesses

Playing with hair

Wearing pretty things

Jewelry

Cuddling (my fave)

Hugs

Her daddy (another fave)

She and I have a blast at home every day. She is smart and daring too! She will try anything!

I hope I can continue to help her become a young woman in Christ. I hope she gains a testimony of Christ early in her life so that she can bless others through example and service. 

Happy birthday Ivy! Mommy and Daddy love you to the moon and back!!