December wrap-up

New Year's Eve 2019

It's almost midnight.

Almost 2020.

I'm the only one awake in a quiet house listening to the fireworks outside with the dog asleep on my feet, waiting for our two oldest boys to return home from their New Years Eve party.

We've had a great day!

The girls and I went to see Little Women this morning.

The boys fought with light sabers for hours today.

Later in the afternoon we celebrated the New Year together.

It was midnight somewhere in the world.

Then the two oldest boys went to a party with their student government friends

and the rest of us went to my parents house to watch a very disappointing U of U bowl game.

 We banged pots and pans to celebrate the New Year in New York City and then most of us went to bed.

What an incredible year 2019 has been!

Todd's new job and calling to the Stake Presidency, Sara's baptism, our house remodel, a healthy and happy family, Michael and Ben's student government election, our trips to Hawaii, New York City, and California.

We have been so blessed and I pray for continued blessings in 2020.

Christmas break

We took the Christmas decorations down on December 28th this year.

I'm still sad that they are down already but part of me is glad to get things put back together.

I have big plans to clean out our storage room and taking Christmas down was the first step.

 Nana went to the groomer for the first time.

We've always bathed her ourselves at the self-serve dog wash or with our hose but it's so cold outside and she hates the blow dryer so we decided to try sending her to the groomer.

They said she still hates the blow dryer but she was a good girl and they loved her!

She was so glad to come home and relax on her bed.

Sara was happy to see her puppy again!

 We have a new favorite game.

It is called Skull King and we're hooked!

 Michael answered to sweethearts dance.

Boxing Day 2019

 Michael, Ben, Mary and I woke up super early on Boxing Day to attend the Salt Lake temple.

This picture was taken at 5:35 a.m. as we entered the temple.

 This picture was taken at 9:05 a.m. as we exited the temple.

That's right! We were there for 3 1/2 hours.

We weren't the only people that wanted to attend the Salt Lake temple before it closed for renovations for 4 years.

While we waited, I was able to finish reading the Book of Mormon again.

What a sacred and peaceful place to finish reading a sacred book.

I am grateful for both the temple and the Book of Mormon in my life.

I took a nap later that day.

When I woke up, my heart was happy to see Michael at the kitchen table playing a Disney Princess cupcake game with his sisters.

 When Todd returned home from work, he took our 4 oldest kids armed with 2 popcorn buckets and 2  mugs to see Rise of Skywalker. Sara isn't interested in Star Wars movies, so I stayed home with her and we read part of her book and did pedicures.

Christmas card 2019

Christmas 2019

Christmas 2019 was a precious day that I will always treasure.

It was wonderful to be together and share in the joy of family and gift giving.

Next year will be special in a different way as we will enjoy the blessings of sharing in Michael's missionary experiences; but this year, I soaked up every minute of our time together.

Luke found the hidden pickle in the tree.

 Michael loves his Bingham blanket.

 Luke loves his new Utah sweatshirt.

 Mary loves her new robe.

 Ben is thrilled with his Air Force 1 shoes and he is ready to conquer the mountain biking trails in the spring with his new sunglasses.

 After the presents were opened, Todd and I went to the kitchen to prepare breakfast.

I was thrilled to look over later and see Michael putting together Sara's easel for her.

He is such a thoughtful brother.

She loves her new easel!

 Nana loves her new antler.

 Our traditional Christmas breakfast omelette with beef stick and fruit.

 We stayed in our jammies and played games all day.

 I made Krumkake for dessert.

Our Krumkake waffle iron was a gift from my Grandma Child in 2006.

I always smile and think of her when I make this special Christmas Norwegian treat.

 Before we knew it it was time for Christmas dinner.

 My parents came to visit and took a picture of us on Christmas.

We feel blessed and thankful this Christmas season!

Christmas Eve 2019

Our Christmas Eve celebrations started out at Petco so Nana could pick a new antler to chew on for Christmas day.

 We went to lunch at Cafe Rio.

 Then we made our annual toy donation to the Road Home (a family homeless shelter).

Our kids commented that this is their favorite Christmas Eve tradition.

 Then we had a lovely visit with my aunt Loretta.

 We went to City Creek mall and the boys couldn't wait to go to Donovan Mitchell's store.

 We ran into Todd's cousin Frank and his family. It was wonderful to catch up with them.

 Family picture by the City Creek mall tree.

 Our last stop was to temple square.

We went to the giving machines.

Luke couldn't wait to buy a farm-to-table meal for a child with his $5.

Michael made a personal donation with his money as well.

It was great to decide together on some family donations too.

 My parents met us at the giving machines and went to see the lights with us.

 We had a great time seeing the Christmas lights on temple square.

 We especially enjoyed our time with Michael since next year he will be on his mission.

 Family picture in front of the temple.

 Luke loves this statue since he will be receiving the priesthood in a couple of weeks.

 When we got home that evening, we acted out the nativity from Luke 2.

 Of course we did it twice so that both girls could get an opportunity to be Mary.