Quarter-Centenarian

Today I am 25. A quarter of a century. And I have to say it's been great. I have been blessed with a wonderful & supportive family, devoted friends, good health, and the best husband & cutest little boy anyone could ask for. My present to myself this year is to follow my own advice. To find joy in the journey. Make more time for my baby that is growing up too fast. Enjoy cleaning up the toys strewn throughout the house that won't always be there. Be thankful for all the loads of laundry, because I have a family to create it. And be grateful for what I've got & not what I've not. Because when I look at my life and what the Lord has given me, my heart is overwhelmed with His Love for me. Here's to another year.

Student Recital

A couple weeks ago, I had my first studio recital. I thought it was about time that all my beginning piano students got a chance to play for their families. All of the kids were really nervous, even though they were all SO prepared. It went well, and it was short & sweet (30 minutes). 5 students couldn't make it, so hopefully next year, there will be a few more students to play.

Christmas Day

So it was a little exciting for us to play Santa for the first time. And it only took about an hour to assemble! I'm sure the elfin workshop hours will increase as time goes by. This year, Tyler got a kitchen. I know, it may be a little girly for a boy to get a kitchen, but he loves it!

With a fully-stocked fridge & pantry (thanks Emo!).And even a BBQ grill (Ty loves to "play" with our real one when it's not hot).The picture doesn't really capture his reaction, but he was pretty excited, especially once he started playing with it. His favorite toy in nursery is the kitchen, so we knew this would be a hit.

Grillin' up some hot dogs & hamburgers.Flipping an egg "Like Dada."And even pouring us some drinks. What a good cook!

Pre-Christmas Celebrations

Is it just me, or does Christmas seem to get busier & busier with each passing year? This past Christmas was quite possibly our busiest ever. My family got together the Monday before Christmas in SLC. We all stayed at a hotel up there, went out to eat, opened, presents & just hung out. It was a great night, and I think we'll be turning it into a new family tradition. The only think we missed out on were the lights at Temple Square. It was just too cold!

Here is the shopping cart that my sis found for Tyler. If you notice, it's filled with presents. She spoils him too much.This was the first year that Ty has really understood how to open presents. And once he started, he couldn't get enough! He helped just about everyone rip off their wrapping paper.My sis bought him the cutest fake food to go along with the kitchen that Santa was bringing. So of course, he had to taste it all!Ty's favorite is the velcro cake that he can cut with a knife. He also loves the velcro ice-cream cone that he can stack five-scoops high!Thank you Emo! We love you!A little post-present snuggle.There were a few family parties that we attended before Christmas as well. Unfortunately, I forgot to take my camera to some of them. This is Tyler after getting candy from Santa at one of our family parties.Nathan's parents always host a grandkids only Christmas party. This year we went to Kangaroo Zoo & jumped around. Tyler loves anyplace that has giane inflatable toys.Then we went back to Papa & DD's for dinner, games, presents & cookie-decorating. This was the first time Ty had ever decorated cookies. He LOVED it! He especially loved the sprinkles (apparent from the look of his cookies). I guess it's time to start baking with him.

Enjoying the treat after all that hard-sprinkling-work. Yum!!!