Brandon and Jennifer: Merry Christmas

Morning:

Will woke us up at 8:30... thinking it was an ordinary day. We had to wake up the twins and show them that Santa brought them presents last night.

The twins loved their kitchen set and baby stuff.

Brandon set up Will's race track.

Will has been wanting a helicopter so bad lately.

They had a blast playing with it.

Baylee, Abbee and Kalyssa got here at 12:30 to open their presents.

Brandon and I gave them painting supplies. In the new house we're buying, the plan was that the 3 of them would share one huge bedroom, but our gift to them is that we're building them their own rooms as soon as we move in. They will pick their own paint and help decorate it. They were so excited!

Brandon surprised me with a new camera... he's so awesome!!!

I turned on my NEW camera and found 2 pictures already on the memory dated 12-20-12...

Picture 1

Picture 2

Lol... Brandon must have been SECRETLY playing with my camera before he wrapped it. Just to show how crazy he can be sometimes... who takes pictures of themselves like this?! Omgosh... he makes me laugh so bad. I love you honey. Sorry, had to post this.

Day:

We're at Aunt Julie's for Christmas dinner with Brandon's family.

Paisley keeps tooting and Hillary is getting teased that its her. Haha.

Grandpa Bob and Grandma Dixie

We're sitting in a big circle taking turns opening presents. Mitzi and Russ bring so much for everyone. I don't know how they keep up with all of us and they're grandkids.

Mitzi always gives the perfect gifts. :)

Zach won't let me take a decent picture... haha... what a turd.

Emmy sticks her tongue out when she's tired.

Mitzi made Brandon and I an awesome cowboy quilt for the living room chair.

Four generations... Dixie, Mitzi, Heather, and Gavin.

Paisley loves to cuddle with everyone. Kristin is taking advantage of it.

Julie is hemming Kalyssa new pants in her sewing room... cause they were about 5 inches too long. Thanks Julie!

Night:

Grandpa Kevin and Kathy came to see us and brought more presents to open...

We are so spoiled on Christmas.

Dec 25, 2012

My Favorite Ensign Quotes

"I have found that implementing these five patterns-going to a private place to pray, kneeling, praying vocally, expressing gratitude, and praying for others-has helped me to pause and ponder on what I say in my prayers and has made the experience more meaningful. The Book of Mormon teaches other patterns of prayer as well, including being consistent and giving sufficient time to prayer and meditation. The Savior's prayers in the Book of Mormon include all of these five patterns."

-Patterns of Prayer in the Book of Mormon, October Ensign 2012

My thoughts: I want to make my own prayers more meaningful lately. As I read these patterns I could see what my prayers lacked. When I was pregnant it was very uncomfortable to kneel and pray, so I got in the habit of not kneeling. As President Thomas S. Monson stated, "Kneel to pray." I will follow his counsel and kneel to pray. I know praying vocally will help also.