Christmas 2018

Our Christmas was pretty low key this year. This was the first year we have done Christmas completely alone, without any family. I pretty homesick for my family. I also knew that Christmas day would be pretty anticlimactic since out kids are up at 6 AM and we would probably be done with everything by 8. Knowing this, I tried to enjoy all the Christmas "moments" throughout the season to the fullest. I enjoyed listening to my favorite Tabernacle Choir songs by myself in the car whenever I could. I did all things Christmas in New York. I sipped hot chocolate and admired my tree after everyone was in bed. I watched Christmas movies and snuggled with the kids. Christmas day was great but it's really all those moments leading up to the day that make the season special anyway, right? I'm so grateful for the extra push to appreciate the small moments and find moments of peace throughout the busy weeks. 

Our big family thing was going to the Enchant Christmas light maze again this year and it did not disappoint! I'm so glad we were able to go with Nana while she was here and that they got to make some fun memories with her. Oliver loves Santa and can pick him out anywhere. He ran straight to him and sat in his lap. 

 On Christmas Eve we took the kids ice skating, which was crazy because we were literally 2:1 on a slippery surface. Oliver loved it and every time we took him off the rink he was screaming "my skate" because he wanted to go back out. Remi did not want anything to do with it but was happy to watch. Sophie would let me push her around the rink one lap at a time and took breaks in between each one. Weslie was a champ and was skating without any help by the end.

After skating we got Maggiano's to go and had an early dinner at home. After baths we continued the tradition of opening new pajamas and watched a Christmas movie together. 

 Sophie Couldn't decide what she wanted for Christmas this year until literally the night before and then she made a whole (very specific) list. They all changed their wishes a little bit but the sleigh was already packed and ready to go...even though they insisted that Santa would know what they really wanted in their hearts. 

Christmas morning came early. They discovered their new bikes at 4 AM and then had to lay back in bed until 6. We let dad sleep in a little bit and watched some Christmas shows and had breakfast. They were all pretty happy (especialy considering the lack of sleep) and it was a fun Christmas. It was nice and relaxed just being the 6 of us. My favorite part of the present opening was that Sophie and Remi got each other the same gift. They both bought the other one the exact same lip gloss. I enjoyed the day, had a nap and didn't even take any pictures because I was enjoying just being in the moment. 

Christmas in NYC

Kevin had a conference in NYC and I was able to tag along and check off another bucket list item this year. Codi was happy to take advantage of the situation and met me in the city for all things Christmas! We walked all around that city and past Rockefeller at least 4 times. Highlights were the Christmas markets, Macy's window displays, Christmas trees everywhere and seeing the Rockettes! We got to see Sam while we were there and I finally met some of Kevin's other team members. We didn't get to do too much with Kevin but he really enjoyed the conference he attended so I didn't have too feel too bad. On the last day of the trip we went to have breakfast with some of Kevin's cousins. Afterwards we had the best hot chocolate of my life and watched the snow fall. I was over the moon that it snowed and it was the perfect ending to a magical trip. I have been spoiled this year!

Hot Chocolate Stand

Last week during dinner, Weslie made a comment about poor kids in other countries. I told the girls that there are poor people everywhere and that there are kids in Wylie that won't have dinner tonight and won't have any presents at Christmas. They told me I should buy them presents and I replied that THEY should buy them presents. So on a very busy Saturday I helped the girls setup a hot chocolate stand by the elementary school. We completely sold out and they raised over $100. Everyone had a job. Sophie served cookies with napkins. Weslie poured hot chocolate. Remi offered peppermint and mini marshmallows. They were all shouting and waving and so excited every time we had customers! It was just too cute not to document. For family night we went to Target and picked out some gifts and dropped them off at toys for tots. It was too cute not to document.

2018

I feel like I have been really selfish this year, but in the best possible way. After 8 years of pregnancy, newborns, medication changes, hormone changes, weight gain/loss I decided it was time to really take care of myself again. There will never be anything more important than my family, but it's OK to make time for myself too. I feel like I have grown a lot this year. I started keeping promises that I made to myself. I decided that goals I set weren't unrealistic and that I didn't have to be afraid to fail. I decided it was ok to have wants and dreams outside of being a mom. I let myself travel a little and have a break! I came back feeling 100% recharged. I realized that if I take care of myself and keep my cup full, then I can take care of everyone else better. 

I am trying to be more positive and nothing has helped more than keeping a gratitude journal. If I know I have to write 10 things down at the end of the day then I find myself looking for the good things all day long. I took President Nelson's challenge on a leap of faith and finished the Book of Mormon in 60 days. I feel like I understood it much better this time and I honestly believe it's because I chose to follow the Prophet for no other reason than just following him and using this as another chance to prove to myself that I can complete goals I set. 

I got healthier this year, mentally and physically. I may not have lost the weight I set out to loose but I feel so much better and that counts for something. You guys, I ran a 5k! I still can't even believe I did it! It was a huge deal for me. If you would have told me even a year ago that I would run a race I would have laughed in your face. I feel so proud for finishing it. Kevin even got a little misty eyed cheering me on when he saw me nearing the finish line.