Christmas 2011

Our past two Christmases have been pretty low-key, and for the most part, we have liked it. This year was a little more difficult for me because I knew Todd would have to spend a lot of his time finishing up clinic things, and starting his preparation for the bar.

Fortunately, we were able to have a great Christmas Eve and Christmas together, and even though it's not as much time as I would like, since I'm home this week, I still see him a bit more than I normally would. 

Here is our baby Christmas tree all decked out. I love that most of the ornaments have some kind of special significance. That's what I want our Christmas tree to always be like, big or small, and it's so fun to put up the tree and think about different experiences or people who have made or bought ornaments for us.

Christmas presents this year turned out to have a kitchen theme! When we got married, we only brought with us things that could move 3000 miles across the US, from Delaware to California. Needless to say, most of our kitchen things have been a modge podge of small things we've picked up along the way. 

We added to our kitchen repertoire this year: a juicer, stainless steel pots and pans (WITH LIDS! YAY!), nesting bowls, liquid measuring cups, a digital thermometer, organization shelving, strainers, etc.  I married a wonderful man who bought all kinds of things we needed, but hadn't bought before. Or maybe this is all a big hint :) We shall see :)

We also ended up with some books, clothes, and candy. It was a really great day, followed by church. It was really nice to have Christmas on a Sunday. Our ward has a really fabulous ward choir, and they did a great job. Also, a returned missionary came home from Brazil, so Todd got to hear some Portuguese again :)

Here is our Christmas decor.

One of the fun parts about Christmas Eve and Christmas Day was Skyping with our families. Seriously, I love technology!  Here is Ari showing off his books he got from Uncle Todd and Aunt Megan. We also got to see baby Deklyn, who is healthy, strong, and sooooo cute!

Here is Ari holding up a my first softie--a little monster that I made. 

 We had a great conversation with my brother Ian, who is on his mission in Huntsville, UT right now. He seems really happy, and very busy! Missions sure have changed a lot...as evidenced by our Skype session! Also, we found it hilarious that Ian's digs our better than ours...he and his companion have their own bathrooms as well as a washer and dryer :) I don't think he ever wants to leave Huntsville!

Again, it was a really wonderful day. We are so thankful for our many blessings, including that of wonderful families, and our testimonies of our Savior Jesus Christ. I am so grateful for the gift of the gospel in my life and the reminder it gives me to be better. Many churches want you to "come as you are." I'm grateful for a church that reminds me I can be better and do better and serve more...so now it's time to get onto those resolutions!