Seasons Greetings

As the season and year draws to a close I can't help but reflect on the year and the most recent happenings. Seems like this year, for us, has been full of ups and downs. And is ending with an up. I can't deny the wonderful blessings my family has received as the result of the prayers and pleadings to the Lord made by us and our family and friends. I can't emphasize how truly blessed we are. This holiday season has been the most spiritual for me EVER. I can casually say that I felt the true meaning of Christmas. But I REALLY felt it. Every fiber in my being was touched by the miracles of this life. Christmas week started off with an amazing sacrament service full of music. I spent most of it in tears (from anxiety for leading the choir for the first time and the overwhelming feelings of the spirit) Later in the day I decided I'd follow through with a prompting I had had earlier in the month to volunteer to help a family in need this year. It was such a joyous service I had the opportunity to partake in. I spent a day and a half of shopping and trying to be open to the spirit as to what the family needed. I don't know if I succeeded in my gifts to them, but the feelings I had will never be forgotten. As we have struggled with various trials and tribulations this year (and the last couple)-it has been engraved into my head the real importances of life. And that is our family. We had the opportunity to have 5 family gatherings in 4 days. We spent Christmas Eve and Day with my parents, Christmas morning with Cody's mom's side and Saturday and Sunday with Cody's Dad's family. I might later recall this Christmas as my favorite ever.

So, on with the pictures.....

There is a crappy picture of the kids' loot.

Them playing with the bat cave Santa brought.
Opening presents




Asa's beloved cowboy suit that he's been asking for. (Coen got one too)

Christmas with Neels
Christmas with Shults'....And my dad sporting one of the kids' hats.


My neices reactions to the doll blankets they got


my kids loving the art easel they got from my parents

I hope everyone has had a great holiday so far and has a safe new years! Goodbye 2009 and Hello 2010!

Meeting Santa

Asa so far has been able to meet Santa twice to tell him what he wanted. He was so excited to see him. this first one is a neighborhood donation drive put on by one of my neighbors. Asa told him he wanted a cowboy suit. i have no idea where that came from. But that's what he wants.
Today we went to the Anthony family party (Tammy's mother's side). Here is Asa with Meema waiting for his turn with Santa.
And here come Santa and Mrs Clause!
Coen absolutely HATED it! I was hoping it would be Asa's turn before Coen's, but no such luck. I was also trying to get him geared up for sitting with Santa and how he gets a toy. He was not having it. But I made him and now have a picture of how much hated it.
Notice Asa's face in the background as Coen opens the present.
Again. I think Asa is more excited than Coen. So funny.
Asa was once again super excited to see Santa. He told him that he wants a cowboy suit and a gun. I don't know where he comes up with this stuff, but he's sticking to the cowboy suit!
He just ripped open the package to find a Hulk action figure. SOO exciting to him. He likes to take his shirt of in the house and say he's Hulk. Now Coen does it too.
Yay for Hulk-and Santa who gave it to him!