A full heart

I try not to get too personal on my posts but as I sat down to write this blog post all I could think about was the tragic events that happened yesterday. 

I have my posts planned out and today was going to be about how much fun we have been having celebrating Christmas this year. And about how excited I am to see Patrick open his presents and play with his new toys. I have been so busy shopping, baking, and decorating just trying to create fun memories that I am forgetting what is most important.

As I scroll through Facebook and read everyone's status about their personal feelings, I can only think of one thing, and that is how lucky I am to believe what I believe. My family will be together forever! My heart truly aches for the people who have lost their loved ones, but I hope that we all can find peace and happiness when we celebrate the birth of our Savior this Christmas season.  

Around The House :: Christmas Edition

This is my favorite time of year. I love having my home smell of a fresh Christmas tree! I love wrapping presents. I love giving and getting Christmas cards from all our friends and family. I really love hot chocolate and driving around looking at Christmas lights. I have a small apartment, and I might have overdone it, but it is too much fun not too.

The Stevens Family

I am so excited to be blogging these photos of this adorable family! I first met them in our old ward, here in Rexburg and I am glad we stayed in touch. It was a horrible day with rain, hail and strong wind, I was glad that they were willing to endure because it turned out great! It was such a joy to shoot the Stevens family. 

Enjoy!

A Little Christmas Cheer

It is December! I wait all year for this time. There is just something about this holiday season that makes everything better and now that Patrick is a little older, it is so fun to share all of our traditions and even create some new ones. He has loved playing by the christmas tree and all the glittery ornaments. We have already been busy wrapping presents and we even started our advent calendar this morning.

I found this burlap garland at a local craft store and knew I had to have it. Inside every pocket is a little treat and an activity. The activities are simple and mostly for Patrick, but it will be fun to share these moments with him. We will be heading to Washington for the holidays so I only put in 15 activities.

Here are what we are going to do:

Read a Christmas book

Make a Christmas card

Facetime with Grammie and Papa

Take a Christmas family photo

Go see Santa

Take cookies to our neighbors

Watch A Charlie Brown Christmas

Drive to see Christmas lights

Make a gingerbread house

Color a Christmas picture

Drink eggnog

Tie jingle bells to Patricks shoes

Watch How The Grinch Stole Christmas

Write letters to Santa

Go Christmas Shopping

I hope that you have a great holiday season, and I would love to hear what your traditions are? Any great advent calendar ideas?