Winter Break

Because of Claire's pinkeye, all of us were literally broken hearted that Anton's sister couldn't stay with us while they were here for Christmas. Lilly was SO sad, and cried and cried that she couldn't be with Prentice 24/7. I called the doctor and got some eye drops for Claire, and she was no longer contagious come Friday. So, we finally got to see them! We took Lilly to be with them on Thursday night, and we got to see them for a long time on Saturday. We don't see Anton's family all that often, so it was great to see them for the time we did. We look forward to seeing them again soon - and more importantly, we can't wait for our Disney trip with them that we planed!!
Because pink eye is so contagious, we had to keep Claire away from doing some fun things with family. She was really sad about it, and it broke my heart. Now that she is done being sick, Lilly is sick!! She just has a cold/cough, but I swear it never ends :) Hoping it all clears up soon!
 

 

 

Lilly got to go to her cousin Lucy's birthday party at the hair school! I think her hair dresser might need a tad more schooling. She had so much fun though, and that's all that matters!

Took the girls sledding. It was pure ice, and I was a nervous wreck they were going to crash on it and get really hurt. Sledding is fun, but nerve-wracking! They loved it though!

Christmas Morning

Christmas morning started off a little rough. As we were putting Claire to bed the night before, she screamed (which is unlike her) and screamed saying her eyes hurt. When we went to wake her up the next morning, her eyes were literally sealed shut. She couldn't open them, so we had to put a hot moist rag on them to loosen the gooey gunk up. Once she opened her eyes, we could tell she definitely had pink eye. Poor little squirt. She didn't really cheer up until she made it downstairs. It was all smiles after that! Santa really pulled through! There is only one word to describe how perfect Christmas morning always is: Magic. The smiles, screams and giggles are enough to melt my heart. So blessed to have my little family.
I can't mention Christmas without mentioning Anton. He is so sweet to me and the girls. He spoils us, and loves us so much. He always says he doesn't want anything, and I really believe he would be OK if I didn't give him anything...I do get him stuff though! The joy for him, is when we open our gifts that he has given us. There is nothing I love more than being with the three of them!!
 

 

"On the stairs" photo before presents. Claire looks thrilled! I remember doing this as a kid. When I am older, I think it will be fun to go back and see all the Christmas morning stairs pictures!
 

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas Eve

Christmas eve, to me, is almost as fun as Christmas. I love it! I could tell Claire was starting to not feel well, so we stayed home and just relaxed. I love to cook a traditional dinner on Christmas Eve. This year, since we have the space now, we invited my parents over. Cheesy, but we were so excited when they accepted the invitation! I have never used my Christmas china, and we have never sat down as a family at our new dining room table. It was really fun for us to finally have the room to entertain. I made a traditional dinner, then after dinner the girls did some crafts with Nana & Pops. They made paper chains for the tree - and yes, they are still up :) The girls got to open their "one present" while they were here, then we nestled them down to watch Mickey's Christmas while we played games. Anton and I love to play 5 Crowns with them - we always have a great laugh! It was such a great night - definitely one to remember!! After Nana & Pops left, "Santa" got to work!
 

 

 

Woodward Christmas 2013

The Woodward Family Christmas party is always my favorite party of the month!! The food is delicious, the nativity is always chaotic- but so darling, the gift are amazing, the talent show is always entertaining, and the time spent with family is precious. I look forward to this party all month! Thanks Mom & Dad - we love you SO much. 

Starting off December

I have a love/hate relationship with December. I get SO excited for the holidays - especially because of my girls - but get major anxiety about all the commitments. By the time the holidays are here, and almost over, all I want to do is just be home. But, there are so many things to love about the holidays. It was a busy December, but so much fun.  The girls were ecstatic that "Poppy" our elf came back! Poppy had to report to Santa once, because of bad behavior. I call that a success! They wrote letters to Santa - and even got one back! The holidays with my little bugs makes all of it so exciting!
 

Lilly asked for an American Girl doll, and Calico Critters. Claire asked for Spiderman stuff and Batman stuff.
 

 

Woodward Refugee project!
 

Owl Chorale concert. Oh, how I love those two little faces!
 

Thanksgiving 2013

For Thanksgiving this year, we went down to St. George to spend it with Anton's family. It was so beautiful down there, and spending time with Anton's family is always so much fun. We didn't see Anton's parents hardly at all, except for at Thanksgiving Dinner, because they were moving. So, we ended up spending almost the whole time with Anton's sister Nicole and her family, and his grandparents. We always have the best time with Nicole and Jeremy. Our kids play so darling together, we basically don't see them while we are there because they are so busy playing dress up, jumping on the tramp, coloring - it is so fun. Lilly and Prentice were so sad to leave each other. Claire and Cardon were probably glad to see one another part ways :) Nicole and I went black Friday shopping together - what an experience. We had our bag of rolls, and diet coke - we were set for a successful night of shopping! We laughed and laughed - even though she tried to kill me ("Nicole, are your lights on?!"). I feel so lucky to have such great in-laws. In particular, I feel so lucky to have a great friendship with Nicole. I feel like, even if we weren't family, I would still want her as a close friend. I admire so many things about her - every time I leave from being with them, I want to be a better mom/spouse. We laugh and laugh when we are with them...it's good therapy! We are really looking forward to them coming up over Christmas Break.
It was also really fun and nice to be with Anton's grandparents. They are so wonderful, and Anton has such a special relationship with them. We cherish the times we get to see them, and feel grateful that our girls know them and they know our girls.
It was beautiful in St. George. The sun was out, but it was still a little chilly. We took the kids swimming, went on a really neat hike up to an old volcano, played at the park, let the kids stay up waaayy too late with their cousins, ate delicious food, laughed...it was a great weekend.
Words can't begin to express how Thankful I am for my little family. I love each of them more and more every day. I am so thankful, and so very blessed.
 

Had to pay a visit to Nana & Pops before we left!
 

3 little beauties! They have so much fun together!

Do you think we had enough pies?

Fun for Truman! I am sure he loves when Uncle Anton comes into town :)

The girls were troopers on our hike. They are so fun to take on little outings like this!

November

 

Claire learning how to put in her service hours!
 

Someone got in trouble for coloring all over herself with permanent markers. She was none to happy about getting scolded.
 

After school movie with popcorn!
 

Lilly's school had a Thanksgiving feast on Monday, and they made these cute little crafts. She looked so cute in them I could hardly stand it!
 

 

Claire Bear absolutely melts my heart. Truly, one of my very favorite things in the world is to pick her up from school. She is always so excited to see me and show me the crafts she made. She tells me all about her time at school, and always wants to stop and get a treat, which of course I do!
 

It was anti-bullying week at Lilly's school last week. I didn't get any pictures of the other days, but got one of pajama. Regardless of her goofy smile, she looked so cute!

Be Still My Heart

Anton's co-worker, Becky Green, who also happens to be an amazing photographer came to our house a couple months ago and did a "lifestyle" session with the girls. I just got the disc back from her, and wanted to cry. She captured them so perfectly...doing what they do every single day, no poses, just them being them. I am so in love with them, messy hair and all! I will cherish these forever.
 

 

 

 

 

 

Time for a change

I had had enough of Claire looking like a ragamuffin constantly. I would do her hair, and 10 minutes later, it would be ripped out. I had finally had enough, so one morning I asked her if she wanted a hair cut. She was all for it. So, off it went! I LOVE it. It looks so darling on her. It makes her hair look a little more thick.
Cute Claire Bear. Love that little bug.