The Best Christmas Ever!!!!

Christmas is always fun. We were definitely on the go this year. Back and forth between our Ogden abode to Utah County for parties and entertainment. By the time the Stalker Family Christmas Eve was done I was ready for a long winter's nap. At about 9pm we finally loaded up in the van for out treck back to Ogden. Nate opened the sliding door to throw a couple more things in....and you will not believe what happened. The door just fell off. It was hilarious (well, I found it funny. Nate did not find it so funny as he was trying to get the door back on.). All I could think was "How are we going to get home without a van door?" I ran inside and got a couple more strong arms to help Nate out. Luckily they were able to shove the door back on and we were able to still go home. (We just got it fixed to the tune of $175). At any rate, the crisis was averted. It reminded me of many years ago when my family went out to dinner on Christmas Eve. The only place we could find open was a Wienerschnitzel. We all filled our belly's on super grease and we were ready to head home for Santa. Out to the car we went only to discover that my Dad had locked the keys in the car. Oh, the fear I had that I was going to miss Santa Claus. I am sure the kids were a bit worried about that same thing.
Well, anyway, we did get on the road. Arriving home pretty late. The kids all slept in Ben's room. Shockingly, they fell asleep pretty quick. Then, all we had to do is wait for morning. We woke up about 8am and had a delightful time opening presents. The kids kept saying "This is the best Christmas Ever". It was very satisfying that they were so happy. The kids made us books for Christmas. They were great with pictures and stories included. Nate and I were a bit slow and didn't get around to shopping for eachother. However, Nate, being the better one, did buy me a necklace that I love. Then I went out and bought maternity clothes on super sale after Christmas. We havent' really gotten anything for Nate yet. His birthday came up right after Christmas so it sord of threw me off. Anyway, blah, blah, blah. We stayed in jammies almost all day and played. It was perfect.

Grandma Stalker's Grandma Party

What do you get when you mix 11 cousins and a Grandma. A big fat party with tons of chaos. This was Grandma Stalker's Christmas Party. The kids had a blast and regardless of it being somewhat exhausting for the adults, it was worth it. Somehow I did not escape being one of those adults. . . even though I tried. Then, Nate, being the good sport he is decided to help out too. We survived. I am always so glad that my kids have tons of cousins, Aunts, Uncles, Grandmas and Grandpas. They are bountifully blessed.

The Nativity

I always love that we can do crafty things around Christmas. I saw this Nativity at Seagull Book and just had to have it. Mostly because I know one day I will look at that Nativity and remember my little children as they were. People keep telling me that I will miss that one day. :) We had so much fun painting these little figures and each of the kids was very proud of their finished project. I can't wait to get it out next year and find it a special place in our new home (we better have a new home ;).

Rachel's Kinder Program

A highlight of the Christmas season this was was Rachel's Kindergarten Program. Rachel was so excited to perform for us and I couldn't wait either. She was fabulous and knew most of the songs by heart. What I love most about things like this is the opportunity it gives to make individual children feel special. The bigger our family gets the harder it is to single them out for their accomplishments. A program night is a night to shine and the whole family gets to support and congratulate the one on a job well done. We all need that occasionally. Good job Rachel! You were beautiful and fabulous at your program.

Silent Night. . . Crowded Night.

Tradition dictates that we visit Temple Square every Christmas season. It is not optional nor will it ever be optional. So, we packed up and jumped on the Frontrunner to head down town SLC for some Christmas cheer. Now, let me just say, though it was crowded everywhere, we had a divine time. We always love the frontrunner. The kids think it is an extra special treat to get to ride on the train. . . and we get on at the beginning of the line so we usually get seats even on a busy night. We met Auntie Adrienne on Temple Square and bullied our way through the crowds to see all that we wanted. My biggest concern was losing one of my precious children, but then I realized I have three of them with another on the way, so what's one less. HAHA. Just kidding.

After making it around temple square safely we were starving. . . so we thought we would just pop on over for a bite to eat at the new eatery. HAHA again. It was closed. After an hour of looking we finally had to make our way back to The Gateway where we all got to pick whatever our hearts desired from there 5 star eatery restaurants. And, since I was feeling generous we picked up some cookies before making our journey back home. We arrived home around 11pm. Tired but satisfied with the adventure we had enjoyed. Can't wait for next year. . .when (note to self) we will visit Temple Square on a weekday. :)

Kick off to Christmas

Sadly, there are signs that my children are getting a little older. Such as the one I had when we took the kids down town to see the Christmas Village. I personally thought it was divine. The weather was fair, the lights and little houses were magical, and there were cute little groups singing and dancing on the stage in the center. With all that, Rachel broke down in a pouting tantrum and said she "did not really have that much fun." Why? Well, we didn't buy anything or get a treat. Essentially, we spent no money and she knew it. . . and true fun can only be had when you spend money, right?

Well, we only had to ignore her for about ten minutes before she got over it and we went home for hot chocolate. In the end, we were all happy. :) And hey, I was personally always happy.

We have gotten so many cute cards this year. It's a little late for me to do something as awesome as actually mailing out a card. . . but I will blog a card. :) So Lame! I know. I will probably work on it someday.

We have had a great year. Blessing have been poured out on us as we have started to see some of our dreams coming to fruition after so many years. So many exciting things are coming for next year as well.

So, the run down, after trying out three separate jobs this year, Nate has settled down with AccuSystems and seems to be enjoying it. He has made some good friends there and is happy. I have to say he is the worlds most awesome husband and father. He never stops giving and makes sure that I always have the help I need when he gets home. I wouldn't be able to keep up with my job and being a mom without his help.

I went full time with Utah Virtual Academy this year. While it has been an adjustment, we are getting used to our new life. I love my job. . .which I have never really experienced. I have thoughts of staying with K12 for the rest of my career. They are very awesome and allow for so much flexibility with family life.

Ben is half way through the second grade year. He is doing very well with his teacher and is really a bright student. We look forward to the coming year when we can move to a neighborhood where some boys live. :)Ben is constantly a friend to his sisters and loves his family.

Rachel started kindergarten this year. She loves it and is anxious to go to school everyday. She has natural talent for making friends and is always coming home telling me about each new person she made friends with that day. What I find amazing is her ability to remember the names of the children in her class. She really takes a personal interest in them.

Emily is still our cute little pumpkin. I can't believe she is four already. She has such a playful and fun personality. She keeps us all light hearted and happy in the home. She has been so patient with my work schedule and rarely complains.

Next year we will welcome another girl into our family. We are all looking forward to that moment. The kids are very interested in the coming baby. We feel very blessed that this pregnancy is progressing normally. Hopefully I can handle a little tiny one again. It's been awhile and life is so different from what it was.

So, there you have. A Christmas update from me to you. Let me end by just saying how I love my Savior. His birth, life, death, and resurrection are the true miracles in this world. Merry Christmas.

Love, The Baxter Family