Christmas 2014

It's well past Christmas, but I wanted to record a few thoughts from those past few months. This was my 3rd year in a row to have a small baby at Christmas time. I felt exhausted and overwhelmed a lot of the days. But, I felt truly happy. Happier than I've ever felt in my life. We had a really bad year financially-- so many things to pay for, so many things break, car problems, etc. Every month was a struggle to make ends meet. But, every month it worked out. Even with a little extra for Christmas. I felt so loved that Christmas. Not just from my Heavenly Father, but from family, friends, and my boys. Jackson was so into the "magic" of Christmas- the decorations, the suspense, the activities. It was fun to always go along with his ideas and talk about how exciting Santa is. Tommie and Dallin were old enough to get excited for the different activities and just be happy doing whatever. It was a simple christmas but so special. Both James and I remarked that even though our year had felt so challenging and frustrating, we felt so incredibly blessed. We knew Heavenly Father had looked out for us more times than we could count. 

Hiking hole in the rock on Christmas Eve day. 

Obviously the kids favorite part was all the ducks swarming our picnic lunch.

For 2 years in a row, we have had Christmas Eve with a fire pit in the back yard. I added some glowsticks as a present to open and the kids had a blast. Who cares if it looks more like new years eve? :) 

Our earliest Christmas morning yet ... 5:30 wake up from tommie and jax. 

Our Anderson family party was a hayride through lehi with a hot dog roast at the end. It was SO much fun.

We were also lucky to spend some time with Neil and Megan and their kids. They came for Spencer's farewell talk in our ward. I loved that both Jax and Kade had ugly star wars pjs - both hand me downs from neighbors :) These boys got along so good - I haven't forgotten how they used to fight :)  It's crazy to see how alike they are now.