It's "almost" the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

I've been craving some Christmas cheer in every way, so I made the decision to put up our tree the week before Thanksgiving :). We also finally made the decision to go with a bigger tree this year instead of our little 4 foot beauty. It was a hard decision because that little tree means so much to me. It was our first big purchase as a couple and I remember what a big deal it was. We didn't have $99 to spend, but it was on sale and our poor potted fern could only be used as a makeshift tree so many times.... Plus we were living in North Carolina and REALLY missing family. We needed that tree, and it was on sale ;). So every year as I pulled it out of the box, the flood of wonderful memories that came with it made me so happy. We were out on our own in a foreign state for the first time and we were pregnant with our first baby. I had made that little apartment so cozy and our first tree just perfected the warm spirit in our home.

Now, that first baby is four years old and we have many wonderful memories underneath that little tree. But it was time for an upgrade. However, I couldn't bear to not put our little tree up again this year, so we put it in our bedroom and the kids were more than happy to have two trees to decorate! Grandma Helm just happened to have a tree she was wanting to get rid of since she is getting older now and can't put it up and take it down by herself anymore. So we happily obliged :). Half the lights were burned out and I wasn't too fond of the multicolored lights anyway, so the kids and I climbed in the car and off to the store for some Christmas lights and decorations because now we had TWO trees to beautify!

While we were at the store looking for the perfect tree decor for our home, we also stopped in the toy section so Austin could pick out a toy for the little foster care boy we are buying presents for at Safe Haven. Our ward set out a Christmas tree in the foyer of the church and each ornament had an orphan child who was in need of gifts this year. It was the perfect opportunity to teach Austin about the true spirit of Christmas. The reason for the season. He was in awe that there could possibly be kids out there who didn't have a home or parents who loved them and he took his job of finding this little boy the "perfect truck" very seriously. Because of course he would want a truck (hehe). We also got him a warm comfy blanket to keep him warm on Christmas night and the rest of the day Austin was obsessed with writing this child Christmas cards to help him feel loved and happy on Christmas day :). It warmed my heart to see my sweet boy so worried about this child he has never met. It was a special experience and I made sure to let him know how happy it made Jesus to see him caring for, and serving others.

We went home and I got our tree all strung with pretty lights while we waited for Daddy to come home from work. Once Dad walked through the door it was decorating time!! We put on some holiday music and the fireplace channel on our TV (someday we will have a real yule log to light), and spent the evening making beautiful memories. It made me smile to see Austin being so meticulous about the placement of his ornaments. He really wanted it to look just right. And as for Evie, she had gathered up all the candy canes and was making sure they each had a friend in the cluttered section of tree she could reach (hehe). It was so cute because she really WAS trying so hard! You can always tell because she won't crack a smile or even look up from her serious business :). Both kids did a great job while Mom and Dad quietly walked behind them and spread out their beautiful arrangements ;).

He was so happy! There's nothing like having kids to make the holidays extra special :).

Just look at all those candy canes hehe!

I normally judge people who put up their tree too early because it totally skips Thanksgiving, but this year I understood it. With all the negativity in our extended family, country, and world this year, I needed to see that pretty tree all lit up and feel the warmth and love of Christ that it brings. Not to mention the beautiful calm to adds to my morning yoga hour :).

Veterans Day Parade and some other fun stuff we've been up to lately....

Off to the parade!

 I've been working wayyyy too much lately which has made life around here just a little bit stressful. So I was exhausted when Veterans Day rolled around and I had just gotten off of an 18 hour shift in another city. But we don't mess with tradition and tradition states that we go out to my parent's house for my home town parade! I adore that parade in all it's simplicity. I mean, where else will you see goats and pigs making their big debut and more wranglers and boots than I can count! ;) The kids, of course, are mostly in it for the candy being thrown at them and I love that we don't have to worry about them getting ran over, lost, or stolen since nothing bad ever happens in Overton :). Briana and Thomas were there too which made it even more fun! Just like with Halloween, Briana was all about helping the kids score some candy ;).

We spent the rest of the day hanging out at my parents house while the kids got ridiculously dirty playing out in the desert with the dogs (as usual). It was a good day and it wouldn't be possible without the sacrifice of our Veterans. Happy Veterans Day!



Now for what we have been up to lately.... Life is so busy but we always make sure to have more fun than work! Work hard, play harder! Am I right?! :)

We had a blast baking homemade pretzels this month! These two are such goofballs and I LOVE spending time with them in the kitchen!

These moments have my whole heart.

We also did a family outing to Chuck-E-Cheese!! Sadie and Briana came with us and we had a blast!

When the ball gets stuck, send in the 4 year old (hahaha!)

Evie was in heaven giving Chuck-E-Cheese hugs and running around saying "Mommy I want to do this one! No this one!" :)

Nana is such a goof! haha!

Not the greatest pizza, but the kids don't care ;).

The basketball championships!

Of course Evie had to try it too!

Singing the "itsy bitsy spider" in the car for Nana :). She's always singing whether people are listening or not.

Austin was all about this motocross game! Look at him thinking he is so cool hehe!

I've been struggling with my family lately. It seems like there is drama everywhere I turn! So having my sisters over for a fun filled day was just what we all needed :).

Update on Evie's potty training adventures: She has basically started refusing to even try. She refuses to sit there, she throws fits, and she doesn't want to wear panties. Basically it's Austin all over again :(. So we are taking a little break and will  try again when she turns 3. Our kids can't make anything easy on us :(.

Daylight savings has had us all over the place with sleeping! Her naps are shorter than ever but she sleeps in sometimes! Not all the time though. Sometimes she wakes up at 4am.... Kids are crazy. That's all I have to say about that.

As always, Yoga is what keeps me sane!

Just look at those big beautiful eyes! How can you not love this girl?

She's obsessed with changing her outfits at least 4 times a day! It drives me insane and has created a mountain of extra laundry. But I am amazed at the outfits she comes up with! Not bad eh?!

Lookin' good and feelin' fine :)

Morning selfies with my girl after my yoga practice. So much love!!

My kids are my everything.

He fell asleep in the car while reading his rock book. He is obsessed with rocks lately! It's all he talks about! It's what he reads via flashlight late into the night before he falls asleep! It's amazing, truly.

He's also obsessed with anatomy. Basically he's a 4 year old scientist.....

Eating our breakfast smoothies on the floor while we listened to Austin give us a lesson on rocks :).

We also celebrated Grandma Helm's 80th birthday! Uncle Scott and Aunt Nancy came to visit and we had a wonderful time! I got to sit and chat with Nancy and Grandma while Scott chased the kids around the backyard for 5 straight hours! Evie kept calling him Grandpa and it made me so sad that it was my Dad's brother, not my Dad who was playing with my kids. But I guess I should be grateful that despite my parent's issues, I have a wonderful extended family who would do anything for me :).