Awesome Christmas Present

We just wanted to thank Daniel and Lisa for the awesome present they gave us. It is an illustrated hymn book and we love. Thanks you guys! I hope you had fun in California!!!

Baby Number Three

Most of you already know, but I thought I would totally make it known that baby number three will be making his/her way into our family sometime in May. We are really excited to add another little member to the family. After Eric, I told Ashlynn next. She has been keeping the secret since September. Tade found out a little later because he can't keep a secret. Ash wants a sister and Tade wants a brother. We've decided not to find out what we are having since we already have one of each. AHHHH! I don't know if I can handle the suspense. It should be fun though. I am feeling great. Sorry for all of you who had to see me when I wasn't looking/feeling so hot!

Winking and Snapping

Tade has been working really hard on learning how to wink and snap. He pretty much has both of them down, but it has been a long process. In the mean time, Ashlynn has picked up the challenge. She is not quite as good as Tade, but it is very entertaining to watch. Here is a little video of her progress.

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree, How Lovely Are Thy Branches

We decorated the tree last week for FHE. The kids did all the decorating and they had so much fun. Tade convinced me to put candy canes on it. I told them that as soon as one got touched we would throw all of them away. Surprisingly, they have totally left them alone. It is fun to see their excitement grow as they realize Christmas is getting closer.

We have been trying to think of good presents that we can give Jesus, since it is His birthday. Yesterday, at church Tade looked at me and said, "I know a good present for Jesus."

"What," I asked?

"We can share the Gospel." It was so sweet and simple and he really meant it. He is such a good example to me. I am grateful to have been blessed with such wonderful kiddies!

Food, Family, Friends, More Food and a Little Bit of Christmas

The last week and a half has been a party/eating marathon. We spent lots of time with family and friends before, on, and after Thanksgiving (which I didn't get any pictures of!). We played some football on Thanksgiving with my family, which can be kind of scary since we are all really competitive. It was really fun, though. I had to work the day after Thanksgiving so the kids slept over at Grandma's so Eric could do a little Black Friday shopping. I came home after picking up the kids to find a new over the oven microwave (an early Christmas present). Yea!!! I am really excited because it clears up some space where we had the other one. It worked out well too because my brother and his wife were looking to buy a microwave so they just inherited ours. We also made it up to Temple Square on Saturday to see the lights. Ashlynn and Tade loved it. Ashlynn especially! It is right up her alley, being pushed in a stroller while looking at pretty things. On a side note, my sister is not loving her mission so much. I feel so bad for her, but she has a lot of faith that she is where she is supposed to be. I love her and just wanted to give her a little shout out (even thought she won't know it). So that is our life the last two weeks or so. We are excited for Christmas and the celebration of our Savior's birth. There are so many things to be grateful for and I'm glad we have this time of year to refocus on those things and serve those around us and to be with those we love.