Provo firefighters still fighting tabernacle fire (Gallery Viewer)

The Provo tabernacle, the building that held my husband's graduation ceremony, burned down last weekend. It was a beautiful pioneer building from the 1800's. After the firefighters were able to go into the destroyed building they found this painting...

ksl.com - Provo firefighters still fighting tabernacle fire (Gallery Viewer)

What a beautiful reminder that our Savior, Jesus Christ, is always there; His light always giving hope amongst tragedy. I am so grateful, especially during this Christmas season, to know of our Savior's birth and perfect life. I am filled with gratitude that he willingly came into this world in the humblest of circumstances and descended below it all for each of us. As awful as losing this building is, what an incredible reminder of our Savior during this season of his birth.

More Christmas Magic

Day 8: Wrapped presents. Printed more cute Christmas tags from West Elm.

Day 9: Button wreath ornaments. {Thank you Kristen and Martha.} Not very festive colors but I was not making another trip to Michaels for buttons.Day 10: Ward Christmas Party. Caden was so excited to see Santa but as soon as he got up to his seat he was climbing Bryan like a tree to get away from him.Day 11: Burke Junction's Christmas train ride with Larsen's. Which somehow ended in a balloon sword fighting match.Day 12: Gifts to Jesus. I had read this idea on my friend Kami's blog and immediately wanted to do it. Apparently I got overly excited about it and didn't read the whole discription about giving your gift to Jesus on Christmas morning. Whoops, next year... This year we wrote down our gifts to him Sunday morning; They are now sitting under our tree with all the other gifts. I knew this would be a special activity but I didn't know how much the spirit would pour over our home as we wrote down the things we would be valiant in this year for our Savior. Caden was so excited as we wrote to Jesus. All on his own he said, "I go to nursery and sing songs for Jesus."
Day 13: Put together a snowman train that great-grandma bought Caden. He sat through 118 pieces. Miracle!
Day 14: Snowflakes.

My parents got 22 inches of real snowflakes Saturday. It made me homesick. Then they told me it was also 20 degrees below zero. Homesickness cured.Beginning of the day.End of the day.

My dad sent me a Christmas package and one of the items in it was a sweeeeet ornament with a picture of me from 2nd grade. I'm sure you all have one just like it. Bryan shows Caden and tells him this is mommy when she was little like you.

Caden's response: Nope, that not mommy. That's a pretty girl. A pretty skinny girl.

Wow. Merry Christmas.

{Happy Birthday to Lesley! Hope you are having a wonderful day!}

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.

It's my very first Christmas without snow. Who knew it would bother me so much?!? As with most things you don't know what you've got til it's gone {...sing it with me} For me, snow has always been part of the magic of the Christmas season. Though you will not hear any complaints from me about being able to have my kids play outdoors in December, it is an adjustment as far as feeling the Christmas spirit goes. There is just something very weird about looking past your Christmas tree to lovely weather. Sun in December? Who knew that existed? It's throwing me off, so I've gone to extra lenghts this year to try and bring the Christmas spirit to our home.

I will also admit that I have been inspired by so many of my wonderful friends and all the amazing things they are doing this time of year. I've been doing one-ish Christmas themed activity per day with the boys. Here is what we've been up to:

December 1: Decorate the Tree
{This is normally the day after Thanksgiving but someone threw his back out...}

Read Llama Llama Holiday Drama

Day 2: Wreaths for the boys bedroom doors {inspired by Sutton Grace}. We also watched the classic Frosty the Snowman which has become Caden's favorite new show. Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer has a scary monster in it that he has talked about nonstop since seeing it.

Day 3: Helping Great Grandma decorate her tree

and hanging our outside lights.

Day 4: Telling Caden about Santa and coloring pictures of him and his Elves.
Me: Caden, Santa only brings presents to good boys and girls that listen to their mommy's. Caden: OHHHHHHHHH, I be GOOD!!

Day 5: Making present tags. Don't judge, we all know I'm no artist.

Day 6: Yarn Trees {also inspired by Sutton Grace} and eating Candy Canes which carried over into day 7 because Bryan was unimpressed with a single tree. I'm still working on the ornaments.

Day 7: Putting up Candy Cane's on the deck.

Lots more Christmas goodness to come! :)

It was a big day at our house.

Bryan passed the Bar Exam!

I am Grateful to be a Mother.

My heart's desire was always to be a mother. In this season I am filled with gratitude that my prayers were answered. My life is pretty simple at the moment, but that doesn't belittle the magnitude of my blessings. These two have taught me how to be a mother; I am so grateful for them.
And to make this Thanksgiving time even more special, little Parky took his first steps!

Happy Halloween