Lovelace Christmas Adam

We were able to talk my Mom into doing the Christmas Eve celebration on the day before Christmas Eve so we could keep our own traditions that we started as a family.  We headed over to Jenna's at 6pm.  We started the night by eating yummy deli sandwiches which is a tradition we have had since I was little.  It was fun to sit around and chat while we ate.   We decided to forego the family dvd this year because Don and Charity are going through a difficult time.  So instead we went down to the basement and played Left Center Right.  It was so much fun.  Tag almost won one of the games but Jax took it at the last minute.  After the second game Jax gave his winnings to Tag.  It was honestly the kindest thing.  What a great example!  After the game we went back upstairs to open presents.  I love that my kids get to grow up with cousins their age.  Such a blessing.  I loved celebrating Christmas surrounded by family that I love.  We drove home listening to Cold Missouri Waters.  A perfect ending to the night!

Childs White Elephant Party

Tonight was the Childs White Elephant party.  I love this night.  I love spending time with Joey's family. We had the party at Jamie and Mindi's house.  Mindi was so nice to pick up pizza and we all brought treats to share.  To start the night we took a family picture since Daryk and Ikumi were in town from Japan.  We had everyone in the picture except for Ryan who had to work.  After the picture we ate dinner and visited.  It was so fun.  Then we went upstairs.   We watched a Christmas message and then started the gift exchange.  This year instead of drawing numbers, Daryk did a wheel on the tv that had each of our names.  We would spin the wheel and when our name showed up it was our turn.  I was a little nervous because Joey took charge this year of the white elephant gifts and they were a little random.  But I apologized on the drive home since everyone loved the gifts.  What a fun night!  I am so lucky to have married into a family that I love.  They are all such blessings to me.

Mimi's train party

Today was the annual Train Party with Mimi.  Luke had to work so he was not able to come but all the other kids came.  We had some pizza and then the train construction began.  This year, Mimi offered a prize for the most accurate train according to the printed example.  This calmed the frenzy and the kids worked hard to make their trains perfect.  She promised a prize on Christmas Eve.  Gray, Nash and Har worked on one train together and Tag got to do his own.  I love that the kids could spend time with their cousins on the first day of the Christmas break.  Getting so excited for Christmas.

Nash is a teenager

Nash is 13!  When did that happen?  Nash is seriously the best kid.  He is always kind and is someone that I can always count on.  We celebrated by having In and Out for dinner.  Then Nash opened his presents- he got some new clothes, hershey kisses, and new bedding for his room.  Nash asked for caramel brownies and ice cream for dessert.  It was so fun to take a little time to celebrate such a blessing in our family.  Happy Birthday Nashie!

Nash's Birthday Party

It is a party year for Nash and he decided that he would love to take his friends to see the new Spiderman movie.  Nash invited his friends Dylan, Tracen, Tanner, Gabriel, Kai, and he asked Gray to come.  They were going to see the 3pm movie.  We got there a little early so they could all get some snacks.  They each had a large popcorn, drink, and some candy.  They were all set and ready to enjoy the movie.  They all loved it!  After the movie they came back to our house to have pizza and cupcakes, open presents, and hang out.  They were all here until about 10pm.  I loved hearing the laughter and fun.  Nash has the best friends.  They are all such good kids- such a blessing.  I hope Nash had a great celebration and felt loved.

Breakfast Club

I was so excited that we were able to bring back our annual Christmas celebration with the Breakfast Club.  Deb, Janet, and Serene are truly some of the best people that I know.  I love spending time with them.  I always leave wanting to be a little better.  We went to Cheesecake Factory and talked for hours.  I am so blessed to call them friends.  I am hoping since we were able to make the Christmas celebration work this year, hopefully we can find a way to enjoy a weekend in St. George.

Traverse Mountain Elementary Christmas Sing

Today was the annual Christmas sing.  I was extra excited this year because Gray was chosen to play Santa for the 6th grade classes.  The sixth graders were the first to perform and minus the big Santa pants falling down, Gray did a perfect job.  Tag was the third group to perform.  He had given me strict instructions that I could not video the second song where he had to do a bunch of hand actions.  He did a great job.  So proud of both this cute kiddos.  This is Gray's last one.  Next year I will just be watching Tag perform.  Where did the time go?

Snow Day

Winter finally came!  The winds and snow started around 10pm last night and did not stop until about 9 am.  The snow fell fast and was super heavy.  It was so much that they actually cancelled school.  They said that we got more snow in this one store then we got last November, December, and January combined.  So crazy!  Nash, Gray, and I went out to attempt to clear the driveway. With the side of the road we are on, the snow drifts were unreal.  The snow on our driveway went up passed my knees.  With three shovels going it was seriously going to take hours to clear it.  Our sweet neighbor across the street clearly felt sorry for us as 45 minutes of work barely made a dent!  He came over with his snow blower and finished our driveway and sidewalks. It was such a beautiful act of service and completely lightened our load.  What a blessing.  The snow really is beautiful when I look at it from the inside of our warm home.  

Harlee's Christmas Dance Recital

Tonight was Harlee's Christmas dance recital.  I was so excited to watch her dance.  She auditioned for a part in the finale and was chosen to perform.  So not only will I get to watch her dance with her class but I will get to see her perform in the special spot she earned in the finale.  She did not disappoint!  She is such a beautiful dancer and performer.  She just lights up on stage.  Her friend Ari also recently started taking at Showcase so it was great to watch them perform together.  Afterwards celebrated by taking Harlee to Cafe Rio for a little congratulations dinner.  What a wonderful night.

Dream Team Christmas

I realized today that I did not have a picture of "The Dream Team".  The Dream Team consists of Sarah McNamara, Jon Kimble, and myself.  Sarah is the real estate agent that has trusted me since 2016 to work with her clients as their lender.  I love her!  It has been such a blessing to not only work with her but to have built such a strong friendship.  Jon is our title guy.  He is someone that is so reliable and personable.  He has also become such a great friend.  I love working with these two and love that we could give the "gift of time" today as we celebrate Christmas together.

Moving on up

Today Nash and Gray both had their priesthood advancement interviews.  Gray will moving into the Deacons Quorum in the Young Men's and Nash will be moving up to the Teachers.  How are these boys that old? They are both so innately good and will be such great examples to the other young men in their quorums.