Christmas 2012

I had been without my wedding ring for months. I had a beautiful center diamond. MOnths ago I came out of the shower and noticed it was gone. I was sad but surprisingly it didn't bother me much. I have learned over the years that material things really don't matter. It's wonderful to have, fun but not what's most important. That morning I did the dishes, started laundry and took a shower so I was pretty confident it was down the drain. I missed having a ring on my finger. I finally got it back on Christmas Eve. This meant a lot to me especially because 10 years ago that is when James asked me to marry him on Christmas Eve. I was so happy to have my ring bacK!

We had a wonderful Christmas. Jocelynn had 3 weeks of school off. We didn't do too much and it was nice. We went to Dos Lagos so the kids could have a pic with Santa. On Christmas Eve we went to look at lights. We did the 25 Christmas books again this year. We have had this tree since we were first married almost 10 years ago, even most of the ornaments. SOmeday I would love a big fancy tree but the kids love it and I never have to worry about broken ornaments :) The kids were so excited. Jocelynn was nervous all month that SAnta wouldn't come. I had to reassure her that I thought she had been a good girl and I believe that he would come. She got up at 615am Christmas morning. I could hear her running down the stairs. She ran upstairs and said "he came mom, he came!!" She was so excited. Her favorite present was her fur real walking dog and Carter loved his superhero figures from Melinda and his Spiderman. We had a nice breakfast of cinnamon rolls and a breakfast casserole. My mom and grandma came over to visit and then we went to my mom's for dinner. My mom gave up each copies of pictures and videos from when we were little. We watched some of them and it was pretty funny. I'm so grateful for my Savior, for his birth but more importantly his life. I'm grateful to be able to talk and teach my children about their Savior. We brought our neighbors some treats and I was so touched when a neighbor brought us tamales and the next day our neighbor brought us clementines. 

Life

 Life doesn't slow down. I'm Secretary in Young Womens, in school, busy running the kids around, cleaning and cooking. I love my life although it's busy. Here are some random pics I got the past month. 

This boy keeps me busy. He's a good boy but is also 2 and loves to get into everything. He's a climber, a writer and wants something sweet all the time. 

 In December, Jocelynn had a Christmas program. The theme was toys and they had to come dressed like a toy. She is a princess. James had to be at a city council meeting that night so couldn't come. I was so grateful my parents came to support her.

 Jocelynn and her friend Elena.

 We have a new member of our family. The elf, Mr Mickey. The kids love him. Jocelynn tells me all the time that she misses him.

Carter seems to be getting into naughty things lately. Makes me tired. I turned around for a minute and he dumped the whole ketchup on the plate. As you can see, he did not feel bad about it.

A wounded soldier was coming home and we were able to welcome him back home to Corona. It was a great experience for our kids. We made some signs. It was cold but thankfully we got to stay in my friend's cousins house for a little bit.

 THese kids are family to us, just like cousins. We just love them!

 Aunt Dorene came to visit grandma. We went to the park and had a nice visit. They are so sweet together!

Daisy, park, and playdates

 Tuesdays and Thursdays we go with grandma to the park. I enjoy this time with her and she loves being outside. She always comments at how beautiful the parks look and what a gorgeous day it is. Her positive outlook is always refreshing. 

 Jocelynn started Daisys and loves it! Most of the girls are from church and I'm excited for all the new opportunities she will have from Daisys.

 The first day they had the moms come and talked about what they will be doing.

 At school Jocelynn had to dress as a farmer. I was able to put something together.

 This is her friend Spencer. They have a good time together. Jocelynn likes to be silly with her friends. This is a side to her that she doesn't show everyone so I love to capture the moment.

 Silly faces

 Carter had to get a picture too. Sweet boy.

 The kids loved this mask during Halloween. They would run after each other with it on. It was pretty funny.

 These are my friend Mellissa's boys. We have done a couple swaps.

 Painting. We painted this cardboard box to make a puppet show.

Carter's First trip to Disneyland

 For Jocelynn's birthday we got Disneyland passes. We were excited to bring Carter to Disneyland. We just knew he would love it. We went to Downtown Disney first so Daddy could meet us and we could go in together. We went to the Lego store first. 

 Carter was afraid of Hulk.

 The next pictures you can see just how excited Carter was. His smiles were so big and he was so happy. Disneyland closed early that night, bummer so we could only make it into California Adventure but it was still fun to go on a couple rides with him. He loved it!

 The caterpillar.

 The ladybug was a little too fast for him.

We had a great night and look forward to many more this year at Disneyland!