One True Christmas

"It is small wonder that angels sang at His birth and Wise Men traveled far to pay Him homage. He was the one perfect man to walk the earth. He fulfilled the law of Moses and brought a new canon of love to the world. His mother was mortal, and from her came an inheritance of the flesh. His Father was immortal, the Great God of the Universe, through whom came His divine nature."
~Gordon B. Hinckley

Tis the season to be jolly

It's about time for an update. I haven't had much to blog about. We are all settled in with Lucas' parents. I am amazed how my kids always adjust so well to new situations. We moved twice this year and I think Lucas and I took it harder than our kids. They really are so resilient. They just want a routine and once you give it to them, they get right on track. I am very thankful for this. We had a lovely Thanksgiving this year. My sister Kim hosted dinner for us. Everything was perfect. We were missing some family members but it was still a great day. Lucas and I really love this time of year. We both have such fond memories of Christmas time from our childhood. We decorated the tree this past weekend. There is nothing better than Christmas music playing, the Christmas tree & lights and holiday cooking. I love it!

Gavin is settling into school pretty well. I was a little worried when he started his new school, because he seemed to be having a hard time adjusting. I think he really missed his teacher and friends from his last school. It just takes time and now I think he is finally getting used to this new school.

Tyrone and I spend time together when Gavin is at school and Niamh is napping. I've been trying to do preschool stuff with him and art projects. He loves this time together and likes when I am his "teacher."

Niamh has started to climb everything. She no longer wants to eat in her high chair but wants to climb up on a kitchen chair to eat her food. Lucas caught her on top of the piano today. She has no fear. She loves to wave and say "hi" to anyone we passby at the store. She is so friendly and loves to show off to anyone who is watching.

We are enjoying our new ward. Lucas was called as Ward Mission Leader this past Sunday. This is probably the biggest calling he has had thus far. He is very excited to work with the missionaries and fulfill his calling.

I have not received a calling as of yet, but I was asked to sing in church on December 13 and Lucas and I were asked to speak in church on December 27. So I guess if the members of the ward don't know us by now, they'll know us by the end of the year :)

A Worthy Cause

If you're looking for a way to GIVE this Christmas season, check this out. It's amazing how much we take water for granted when there are hundreds of thousands of people dying in the world for the lack of clean water. Please check out this charity. Click on the picture below.

EARLY CHRISTMAS!!!!

We cant get enough of these things!!!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

A Mini Vacation

The week before Niamh's birthday, we decided to take a trip to California. We had paid for 4 days at a condo in Newport Beach over a year ago and had not yet used it. It was awesome. A 2 bedroom condo, full kitchen, washer/dryer, huge bathtub, just beautiful. We bought food and cooked our own meals. We decided to take the kids to Disneyland one day especially because they celebrate Halloween during this month. It was fantastic. The weather was perfect, we only waited a few minutes in line for nearly all the rides. Lucas, Gavin & Tyrone are huge fans of "The Nightmare before Christmas." We got to meet Jack Skellington and Sally and the boys just loved it. Niamh had a great time too, she wasn't scared on any of the rides and even took a really long nap and was in great spirits for most of the day. Sometimes you just need those mini vacations to escape life.

Happy Birthday Niamh

Our baby girl Niamh turned 1 year old on October 20th. I still remember the day she came into this world. It has been a blissful year. Niamh has been a joy to have in our family. She bewitched us with her smiles, followed her brothers around all day and made our lives complete by her sweet little spirit. She has always acted older than she is and passed every milestone before most babies her age. On her birthday morning, we all sneaked into her bedroom and started to sing "Happy Birthday." She woke up screaming, terrified by our singing, I guess. After she recovered from her birthday song, she opened her presents. She loved ripping the wrapping paper. We had a Monster Mash birthday for her that evening. Niamh was the cutest Little Red Riding Hood ever. All the family came in costume, it was so fun. We knew Niamh would love her birthday cake. I fear she has inherited a sweet tooth from me. She wasted no time grabbing her cake and demolishing it. She had to have a bath afterward to get all the cake off her. After that, she opened gifts from all the family. Niamh had a wonderful birthday and got so many awesome presents to keep her entertained. On to the next year.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Changes (Part 2)

We are moving once again. Lucas' parents are gracious enough to let us live with them for a time while we pay off some debt. We are actually sad to be leaving the Northwest part of town (didn't think I'd ever say that 6 months ago.) Although I loathe packing, it has been a great opportunity to "trim the fat" and rid ourselves of a lot of things we were hoarding. It has actually been therapeutic. We are very excited at the prospect of saving money, especially in gas as Lucas' station is right across the street from his parents home. This is just another chapter in the Abbottland saga and I know it will all be worthwhile. We will be moving on Halloween :)