December, 2022

December is always a magical month. While it can be easy to get caught up in the business and stress of the season, we can always choose joy and we can always choose to be present. It was extra special this year because, in celebration of Uncle Ben's 50th birthday, we went to a lot of fun places like Sea World, the SD Zoo, and Universal Studios. Santa and Mrs. Clause even made a special appearance at our home and visited with the children for an hour, reading, singing songs and handing out some small gifts for each of them. Somehow, he knew who each kid was, what they had done well over the past year and what they needed to improve.  

Uncle TJ & Auntie Bex!

My husband's brother and his wife stayed with us, which the kids loved (and so did we!). They live in DC, but we wish that they lived closer. We can't wait to visit them next year. My father-in-law also stayed with us for the few weeks when they were in town, which we loved. And, my father and brother spent the night on Christmas eve! It was wonderful having a full house with family.

Between two Grandpas

On Christmas day, we had so much fun taking Cha's monster truck out on the trails behind our home and enjoying the sunshine.

Christmas morning

This is 50! Celebrating Ben.

"Can't ban these guns!" Grandpa is a good sport.

Our 12th annual girls' Christmas celebration...or is it 13th?

After his church performance

Their Great-Aunt Marvel

Aut loves Basketball even more than Volleyball!

Things I Don't Want to Forget About this Month

Cha: Mommy, do you get older when I get older? 

Me: Yes, sweetie, I do. 

Cha: I want to marry you when I grow up, but I want you to be new again. Can you pray to God to be new?

And Aut insisting that she loves me more, "To Heaven and back."

What We're Reading

West with Giraffes