New Years

On New Years Eve I picked Tim up in Olds and continued onto Edmonton. We met up with the White's for supper. We tried to go to Carls Jr and Pressed but they were both closed so we went to Wendy's instead. We are really classy individuals.

 We then went went to the Dudley's to continue the party. We at more food and went for a hot tub. After ringing in the New Year we played "Things in a Box" and it got highly inappropriate. Tim was an instigator on much of it but it was all fun. 

On New Years day we played wii, did more hot tubbing and just hung out. Jack loves his cousins and Rocko.

 This little monster is my favourite. He is so sweet and happy. I even got a laugh out of him. 

 Jack loves anything salty. He climbed up on the couch all by himself and helped himself to the bag. 

We also ordered Chinese food and I binge ate it along with some doughnuts. So delicious but so gross all at the same time. It was so fun to see my family and I am so glad we went for a quick trip. 

I always contemplate resolutions but never get around to writing them down. I have thought about what changes I want to make and how I want this year to go. I have decided that I want to take a breath. I am known for flying off the handle and being extremely emotional. I want to try to take a breath and not be overly reactive. I want to take a breath and not sweat the small stuff. I want to take a breath and enjoy my family. I want to take a breath and notice the blessing and tender mercies that surround my life. I am excited for this year and can't wait to see how it tops last year. 

Christmas

On Christmas Eve we woke up to a sick baby. He had a snotty nose, low grade fever and just wanted to be cuddled. I was hoping to get everything cleaned up and perfectly ready for when Tim's family came but it just wasn't possible. It was frustrating but once I took a step back I was able to remember that it isn't about having a perfect party but spending time with family and thanking Christ for everything he has given us. 

When the Wright's came we ate pizza, played games and read the Christmas story.

Too much food and too much fun for us. Tim fell asleep at about 8:30. 

Tim, Elise, Jack, Dede Stockings

My poor little sick baby! 

Jack opening the first present. 

Tim has been wanting a TV for a long time and is always checking the flyers. I firmly put my foot down and said no. I had no idea what to get him and found a really great deal on a TV on Black Friday so I caved and broke the budget. I had my friend store it at her house and then snuck it into the basement a couple days before Christmas. I am normally a stickler for budget and never go even a penny over so Tim was super surprised to open this box. I wrapped up a note that said his present was too big to put under the tree and I had it downstairs. He was so excited and new instantly! It was fun to finally pull off a surprise and spoil Tim. 

Christmas breakfast. 

Jack got crazy spoiled. It was fun to open the trains and play. Jack thought they were pretty cool. 

Christmas dinner. Ham, funeral potatoes, sweet potatoes and veggies and homemade pie for desert. It was delicious and I was proud because I made the entire thing!

For Jack, dinner also came with a side of boogers... 

Even Wrigley got spoiled on Christmas with a pupcake. 

Good thing they have all natural ingredients because Jack tried to get in on the action. 

For Christmas we gave Jack a ball pounder toy, books and a bath toy. Baths have become exponentially more fun. 

Pooped out after a fabulous day. 

I am so grateful for Christ and because of him my life is so blessed. This has been a challenging but amazing year. The birth of Jack and all the ups and downs that came with that, frustrations over Tim and his work and then being blessed with opportunity and being able to buy a house. Through everything I am so grateful to know that Christ is real and through the atonement he personally knows my struggles and joys. It feels so good to be at peace and have so much joy in the phase of life that we are in. 

It was so fun to have the Wright's over to celebrate the holidays. It was so fun to have a home to gather in and have fun. It was fun to start traditions and I look forward to doing it again next year!

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!