Christmas Magic

Heath was so happy to have a Christmas tie like Daddy.

We enjoyed Christmas Eve with are friends doing the nativity, (only this group can make finger food so delicious)! I was so impressed Heath's friend Dillan read 'Twas the night before Christmas to us, he had the whole thing memorized!


We had a fabulous Christmas, @ home with our little family it really was just a perfect day!

I love that both my kids are believers! I didn't love it at 1:30 (Rianne), 4:30 (Heath) or 6:00 (together) but the day was fun taking our time opening presents playing with them and then moving on it stretched out the morning. They were so excited with giving and that made it even better. Heath was set on giving dad a big stapler with blue and silver stripes; I finally talked him into a big one that was blue. Rianne was very happy with a gift from Santa that she didn't even ask for, He is so good. (Fashion art studio) Rianne was very happy about new cowgirl boots.

Heath was very excited about a Batman house from Santa.

Brant gave Heath a Phineas and Ferb shirt with a guitar, Heath is convinced it makes him look older ("I look like a teenager in this")

It was a simple Christmas. I have loved the extra time we've had together. I felt more rushed this year, I was nervous that it wouldn't be as good. I love that we really felt the spirit of Christmas and I feel so blessed for the Reason for this Season. His life is the greatest gift ever given!

Its just beginning

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! This weekend we went to the tree lighting ceremony and the kids sat on Santa’s lap. Rianne asked Santa what his favorite kind of cookie was, (thoughtful) & Heath informed him that he wouldn’t eat ALL of his cookies, (thoughtful). I’m glad there will be some for Santa.

For all of you, who thought we moved to Arizona for warmer weather, should enjoy this. On Monday morning we had our first snow fall it looked so pretty, I cleaned out the car (I think we have been living in it for a month, but I did find the windshield scraper) Heath played in the snow.

Brant called about 11 am and said they were closing NAU campus at noon, he would be coming home! The snow kept coming Brant got home cleared the porch, Rianne came home from school, Brant cleared the porch again. The kids made a snowman. Then we received word that NAU would be closed on Tuesday! No work for Brant and I had a final scheduled for Tuesday! The option for finals was to take your current grade or wait until Jan 11th to take the final, I took the grade. I made it through my first semester of Grad school! Rianne’s school announced a snow day Tuesday! It snowed all night we woke up to our porch looking like this:

And check out the Car!

We had to play in it so we buried Dad!

We did some somersaults in the snow.

We enjoyed Heath trying to walk in deep snow, although he kept saying “the snow is so steep” I am a big fan of being warm and I love snow pants! Although I move like I’m very fat it was so fun to enjoy the snow as a family!

We did eventually have to clear the driveway, we almost got to the end but we got stuck! Eventually we made our way out and Brant went back to work today, Wednesday but the kids still got another snow day! 24" in 24 hours!

Grateful & 8 is Great!

I am feeling abundantly blessed, after a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend. Thanksgiving with nearly 60 people and all of whom I absolutely love! (Seriously I have the best in-laws). It never seems like there is enough time to visit with everyone and I thought I did pretty well this weekend! I contributed to the dinner with stuffing, salad and my favorite Pie!

After dinner the girls got together to do crafts, which I actually enjoyed and they turned out quite cute, good job Kanani & Tye. I felt especially blessed that night, when Brant and all of his brother's gave their parents priesthood blessings! It was so powerful, and it is always nice to be reminded how blessed we really are.

On Friday McKay organized a hike that Brant and the kids went on and found the fountain of youth. Brant said Heath was tough, he wasn't going to let anyone carry him and he was determined to pack his own water bottle all the way! He was mad to stop for a picture and dad held his water for the picture.  Heath really enjoyed playing with his Cousin Joe, although he only calls him Noel's brother. Brant asked him if he knew they were twin's Heath replied "yeah I know, they have the same shadow". Where does this kid come up with this stuff?

Next event was Rianne's Baptism on Saturday. I felt so loved to have so many come and everyone was super helpful I don't know what I would do without these wonderful people in my life. My mom came and gave the baptism talk, she did a good job. We really do get a lot of do over's, CTR. When I watched my daughter step into the font, I was completely overwhelmed for 8 years I have been able to do everything for her, whatever she needed; there she was doing for herself something I couldn't do for her. I was proud and excited at the same time it was a crossroad of growing up I guess. I must add how grateful I am for Priestood and that my husband is a worthy holder. 

Then my sweet little girl came out of the water and I wrapped that towel around her (Provided by Nate) and she said "thanks mom, I'm so glad you get to be the one to wrap the towel around me". I love that beautiful, daughter of mine. She could hear the singing and was in such a rush to get dressed, she was so fast. She said "mom I know I can repent and I won't be perfect forever but I'm going to see how long I can stay this perfect". Then Grandma Brown gave a talk on the Holy Ghost, with a solar flashlight. Grandma Brown and Ria have such a cute connection, maybe it was all the time grandma watched her. Then Ria was confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. She and dad had tears in their eyes!

Then we had a little luncheon with a soup spread and 8 shaped cookies, thanks girls. Brant also put a slide show together. If I can figure out how to add it I will.

Grandma Brown also presented Ria with her comforter blanket, (Grandma Brown's tradition to do for the grandkids' baptism).

I want to individually thank everyone but I know I'd forget somebody. Thank you all, for the effort you made for a very special event! We headed back Sunday morning so Ria could be introduced as the newest member of our ward.  When we took the sacrament Ria gave me a thumbs up and said "fresh start".   

This is Rianne and Grandpa Jeff after her baptism.  (the only picture we have of the two of them)

I did try another 8 cake too!