Our Christmas

This Christmas was very difficult for me. Looking back, I think it was simply the fact that I resented going to work during the day because I was missing out on the time that I L.O.V.E. spending with my Ella. Now, add to that: 4 birthdays, family gatherings, school parties, teacher gifts, neighbor gifts (which I dropped the ball on), 2 book reports, Brian's classes + finals, Christmas cards...I'm sure I could think of more but I'll spare you. I. was. a. BEAST. Ask Brian, my mom, or Bekah they'd all agree. I feel horrible about being so short with everyone! So, needless to say, if this post may sound like it's lacking the feelings or emotions of Christmas....it's sad to admit, but this year I was just going through the motions. I vow to never let that happen again, and with that...

Christmas Eve began with a McDonald's breakfast with mom + dad, grocery shopping for all of the Christmas meal fixings and then just hangin' around the house with the kids. We played Phase 10 and ended the evening with one of our favorite Christmas movies, "Elf". Before going to bed, the kids checked out where Santa was...I believe he was making his way south from somewhere in the Northwest Territories. Christmas morning brought lots of fun surprises for the kids...Zach got lots of games for his and Brian's new birthday gift (a PS3) + some new BYU apparel, Lauren got some new clothes + a super-cool lime green camera, Tess got some clothes + and nice shiny new kitchen she'd been begging for, and Ella was surprised with her very own DS. Nannie + Papa made sure all the grandkids had new pajamas + the kids had fun picking out their gifts with the money Grandma + Grandpa sent. Okay, I still feel horrible about being a beast, and not taking advantage of what this season has to offer...

Here are some photos by Lauren