Christmas Presents 2022 Plans!

 I am super happy that it is finally time to celebrate Christmas! The girls and I have jumped right in since Thanksgiving ended and are already having a blast. I am an early-Christmas-present-planner, so I also already have gifts for our kids all picked out and mostly wrapped (I do have a few left to wrap).  

I use our budget for Christmas as a way to keep myself from buying too many gifts, especially since I buy early and then in December, I see things to spontaneous-buy. We budget $50 per child for one big gift and then do one $50 gift for all the kids combined. This year (since we're really trying to pay off the house), we're doing $35 for stockings per person and we decided to only do a Christmas Eve gift for the three girls. Ben and I are planning 3 dates each, to do throughout 2023, as our gift to each other. 

Ashtyn 

Ashtyn's main gift this year is an "Alive Pet" Guinea Pig Mama. She saw it in the Amazon catalogue and really wanted it. The girls had a lot of things they liked from the catalogue, so I let them add things to a wishlist on Amazon, so they could save up for some of them later if they still want it. Ashtyn kept talking about the Guinea Pig toy, and talking about wanting to ask for it from Santa. It was over $60, which is well over Santa's budget and also over the budget that we have for her gift from us. 

As she kept talking about it, I explained that Mom and Dad's budget for gifts was $50. She could choose to pay the extra $15 and get it for Christmas, understanding that her gift wouldn't be a surprise (that is how Ben's family did gifts growing up, though mine was always a surprise). Ashtyn immediately agreed to this plan. I went on Amazon to buy it and ... it was out of stock! Other sellers had them available for over $100, which of course was ridiculous. I checked our Wal Mart and they had it in stock! I considered going over right then, but the day was busy, so I did a pickup order for the next day. The next morning, Wal Mart informed me that they were out of stock. 

Ashtyn was super upset. I went online to see if I could find it anywhere else, but everywhere was either out of stock, or sellers on places like eBay had 10 brand new ones that they were selling for $140. I was so mad, and also so confused as to why this toy was being scalped like this. 

I went into Ben's office to rant to him about how frustrated I was with the situation and how mad I was at people who buy stuff to then turn around and sell at a higher price. It literally makes me so mad. He was wanting to see the toy, wondering why it was being scalped, so we found it on Amazon and ... it was in stock! For the $65 price tag! I was ecstatic and had him buy it immediately. 

When I was telling Ashtyn about it a couple hours later, we looked it up and it was already out of stock on Amazon again (unless you wanted to pay $120). It was such a stroke of luck, especially considering I had checked Amazon literally 5 minutes before Ben did. It took a while to ship, which was stressful (I was worried they would end up telling us that they didn't have one to ship us after all), but now it is safely at our house waiting to be wrapped. I'm really happy for Ashtyn. 

(I checked online now. You can't even find it on Amazon anymore, on Walmart, they are now $150).

From Santa, she is asking for crochet materials. As her main "extra" goal in school the few months after Christmas, she wants to learn to crochet. 

Parker 

Parker has been into Aladdin since she was two, and still loves it. As Christmas was approaching, she told me she really wanted an Aladdin and Jasmine barbie. She specifically mentioned that she wanted a "thief Aladdin" dressed like the movie. We don't have a lot of Barbies, but we're not against getting them as our girls want them. My mom gave us my old Aladdin doll and I found a Jasmine and some extra clothes for the Aladdin doll. I think Parker is really going to like them! 

From Santa, Parker is asking for a makeup kit. This is something she has wanted since June and I think she will have a lot of fun with it. 

Rylee 

Earlier this year, Rylee's cousin got some fancy shoes and a fancy dress. Rylee had just spent her birthday money on a Barbie, but she decided to start saving up for it. She doesn't make a lot of money yet, so I decided to get this for her for Christmas. I think she is going to love it and will be so excited. 

From Santa, Rylee is asking for a Kitty-Corn stuffy. There was one at the library that got left behind there and Rylee loved playing with it every week during story time. Then one day, the person who owned it took it home and she's wanted her own ever since. She's also very excited for the candy Santa brings. 

Oliver 

Oliver is at an age where it was hard to decide what to get him. For his birthday, his aunt gave him a car magnet block set and he (and his sisters) love it. I decided to get another set to add to the one we have. I know it will get played with a lot over the years! 

From Santa, Oliver is asking for a big ball. He loves all things balls and cars (and anything that rolls). He's also asking for a dog stuffy. 

Combined Gift 

For their combined gift this year, I got them a big set of magnet blocks. The kids love magnet blocks and use the small set (that Oliver got for his birthday) all the time. I think they will all be really excited, and I know they will play with the blocks a ton. 

Christmas Eve 

The last few years, we've gotten the girls a blanket and Ben and I got a queen-sized blanket. The girls love to steal our bigger blanket and fight over it, so this year, I decided to get them their own queen-sized blanket. It'll be fun! 

Gifts are not the focus of Christmas, but they are a really fun part. This is especially true for me as I've had kids. I love the anticipation of the season as I look forward to the excitement, they'll feel opening and enjoying their presents! 

“Maybe Christmas (he thought) doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more.” — The Grinch 

So Much to be Grateful For!

As Thanksgiving is approaching, I have felt the desire to record my enormous feelings of gratitude once again. I decided, rather than making a list and trying to find pictures to match, instead I went through my pictures from this year and picked ones that bring out gratitude as I look at them. 

I am always, and forever will be, for this family of mine.

I am grateful for these four children who I get to be a mother to, and their love for each other. Watching them interact, serve, and play with each other is one of the best parts of motherhood.

I'm so grateful for the silly moments when we all laugh together as a family.

I love that these three are sisters. I always wanted a sister when I was growing up and I love seeing their sweet feelings for each other.

I am grateful for my babies. It is so bittersweet to watch them grow up. 

I am grateful for our son. He was so wanted and is so loved. I love how much of a little boy he is.

I am so grateful for the love Ben has for our children. I love to watch him tease them, wrestle them, read to them, hug them, and serve them. 

I am grateful for a marriage full of love and laughter. I love that Ben and I can share goals, support each other, and find ways to serve and sacrifice for each other. Marriage is better than I ever imagined it could be and I know it's because of how much work Ben puts into loving me. 

I am grateful for each one of my children's unique personalities. I love them all and am grateful I get to be right here with them as those personalities emerge and develop. 

I am grateful for the opportunity I've had to nurse my babies. I know not everyone is able to and the memory of those moments with them are so precious to me. I'm especially grateful now, as Oliver stopped nursing sooner than I was ready for. 

I am grateful for the chance I've had to share the joy of motherhood with my children. It can be a big transition for everyone in the family when to have a baby, but it has filled my heart with joy to see how much they love the baby each time, and to see them "playing mom".

I am grateful for the help my older kids have been to me as I've continued to have babies. It makes such a big difference for them to do things like keep the baby entertained for five minutes or help Rylee buckle up in the car. All my girls have a desire to help with the younger kids and it brings me joy and really does help. 

I'm grateful that my children sleep. The hardest part of newborns for me is their lack of sleep, but as my children have grown, they all sleep well and I'm so grateful for that. Also, is there anything more precious than a sleeping child? 

But I'm also grateful for the hard parts of motherhood--the times the kids wake me up in the night because they need something, those hard newborn days, the days the kids test my patience or need so much from me that my to-do list doesn't happen. I have grown closer to God in motherhood than I ever would have without it. I am grateful for these moments that make me better and turn me to my Heavenly Father. 

Going back to sleep for a minute, I'm really grateful this year for the sleep I get. I am grateful that I can just go to bed at night (instead of hoping the baby will go to sleep) and sleep through the night most nights. Remembering this time last year with Oliver really brings out that gratitude. 

I am grateful for the way my kids need me right now. It isn't always easy to give so much of myself, but I also know that these days won't last and I'm holding onto them for as long as I can. 

I am grateful for this daughter who made me a mother. I will forever be grateful that God has allowed me this role in life and for the special relationship Ashtyn and I have. 

I am grateful for the chance I have to write as well as be a mother. I have so much support to be able to do this and am so grateful for all those who help me with. 

I am grateful for Ben's example to our children. I feel this for our girls as well, but I see it especially with Oliver. I hope that Oliver grows up to have many of the traits that Ben does. 

I'm grateful for the way that Ben teaches our children. He has the heart of a teacher and I love watching him share that with our children.

I am grateful for Ben's business and the work he puts into it. He works hard for our family and for his customers and he makes such a difference in their lives. I am grateful he has the desire to help others and to support our family in such a wonderful way. 

I am grateful for Ben's commitment to the gospel. I am grateful for the priesthood in our home, for his continuing commitment to our temple vows, for his ability to bless and guide our children, and for his desire to serve others.

I am grateful for the grandparents our children have. I don't have a picture of all of them, but I am grateful for each one of them and the unique way they love and bless my children. 

I am grateful for the many hours Lindi has spent babysitting our kids so that Ben and I could have time away. I'm grateful for the way she loves our children and the way we always feel welcome in her home. I am grateful for her example and strive to become more like her.

I am grateful for the love Danny shows my children. He goes out of his way to connect with them and is always finding new ways to show them he loves them. I am so glad my kids have his influence in their lives.

I am also grateful for the many times Danny has given me a break with the kids. When we visit, he will often take them out on the four-wheeler or into the garden with him (or any other number of things), giving me a rare chance to sit and relax. There have been times when that has meant more than he could have known.

I am grateful for the many family members we have who are willing to go on little adventures with our family. Whether it's hiking, swimming, Lagoon, or even just the park, we cherish those memories with them. 

I am grateful for the many great grandparents in my children's lives. All of them impart wisdom, provide cherished traditions, and share the love of Christ with my children. We especially love the family stories they share. Those familial relationships are so important and I'm so grateful we have so many of them. 

I am grateful for my parents and the role they play in my children's lives. Even though we live so far, they always find a way to stay connected. 

My mom's visits are always an event to be counted down to. My kids love the many ways she spends time with them, from reading to cooking to playing to crafts. And they love nothing better than being babysat by her, whether at our house or hers. She is such an example to me in motherhood and I love seeing how much my kids love her.  

I am grateful for Luke and the grandpa he is to my kids. He works so hard to be present in their lives. I love that he reads with them, share stories with them, plays piano with them, and shows interest in the things they care about. I am grateful for his example of living the gospel and service. 

I am grateful for the cousins my kids have. We're fortunate enough to have similar-aged cousins on both side for each of our kids. They are such good friends, and we treasure all the time they get to spend together!

We are also grateful for all the younger cousins they have! I think it's so important for older cousins or aunts/uncles to have that relationship with younger babies and kids. Plus, I love all the baby snuggles!

I am grateful for all the fun things our kids get to do with cousins. Whether it is a firepit, grandpa's boat, a fun place in Salt Lake, or just playing at Grandma's house, these are memories our kids will never forget. 

I am grateful for all the ways we have to stay connected with family that lives far away. We still miss them, but I love that we can connect so often over video chat and messenger!

I am grateful for the chance my kids have to nurture. I love the way families continue to grow and the ways we can serve each other throughout.

I love how important family is to Ben. That was one of my favorite things about him when we first started dating. I knew he would make our own family a priority by the way I saw him serve and love the family he was born into. I'm also grateful that I now get to be a part of his wonderful family, I'm truly blessed with my in-laws. 

I'm grateful for the cousins Ben has who have moved to Vernal (not all pictured). I love that we can have a close relationship and do so much together. They are like aunts and uncles to my kids, and they truly show so much love to our family. I love all the adventures we have with them all. 

I am grateful for the women in my life and especially those who are in the same stage as parenting with me. Being a mother is hard, but I have felt love, support, relatability, and Christlike service from all the women in my life. It has sustained me through the hard moments and inspired me in the good ones. 

Living far from my own family can be hard, but it makes the moments together so much sweeter. I am so grateful for the continued relationship I have with my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. I grateful for the way they have continued to include us even as we can't make it out as often and for the chances I have to share my favorite childhood traditions with my kids. 

I am grateful for the way my cousins reach out to my kids. It is such a sweet experience for me, having loved them when they were small children, to see them now doing the same with my own kids. 

I am grateful for all the aunts and uncles my children have. I don't have pictures of my siblings, but I'm grateful for them and the efforts they make to stay close with me as my little family is growing. And I'm grateful for Ben's siblings and the way they serve and love my children. 

I love the way Dalin plays with my kids and shares his own interests with them. He loves to rough house with them and is always up for running around with them. 

 

I love Hannah's love for children and babies. She is such a nurturing spirit. And we miss Caleb, but I will forever be grateful for all the times he spent babysitting my kids (he's still my most desired babysitter, if only he lived closer) and for the bond he and Rylee have. Getting to spend so much time with Dalin, Hannah, and Caleb as they were teenagers was such a special experience. 

I am grateful for all the many friends we have here in Vernal. They aren't all pictured here, but those relationships are so special to me. I didn't know when we first moved here how much of a home Vernal would truly become to me. 

I am grateful for all the memories I have, and for the family history stories I have access to. I think that family stories are so important, and I'm glad for my own story to share as well. 

I am so grateful for the chance I have to homeschool my kids. I love the time we spend together. I love having a front seat to watch their accomplishments and frustrations. I love watching them learn. I love sharing my own passions and interests with them and sharing in their own interests. I feel blessed every day for this opportunity.

I love our morning walks. Now that it is getting colder, we don't do it as often, but I love spending time outside with my kids. 

I am grateful for the chance I have to teach and mentor my children. I love teaching them to clean, cook, read, and just all the things. It is so rewarding to work with them and watch them improve. 

I am grateful for my children's love of reading. I have always loved reading and sharing that with them has been my favorite thing ever. It's especially fun now that they are getting a little older and I can share some of my own favorite books with them. 

I am grateful for my kids' creativity. I love watching them create things with paper, drawing, blocks, and so much more 

I am grateful for the magic of childhood. It is even better as a parent than it was as a child.

I am grateful for the way my capacity as a mom has grown. This is especially true with how I am learning to accept my children's big emotions (and my own, in the process). 

I am grateful for the way my children help me appreciate the little things. Something as small as a balloon can be magical and wonderful if viewed through a child's eyes. 

I am grateful for our library. They have the best librarians, wonderful activities, and a huge selection of books. I feel so blessed to live in a place with such a wonderful library!

I am grateful for the front seat row I have in the interests my kids have (like how much Ashtyn loves bugs). 

I am grateful for Ashtyn's love of reading (I know I kind of already did this one, but really, I am). I love that she pulls out a book so often. 

I am grateful for the small moments with babies and children. 

I am grateful for the time Ben spends with the kids and with our family. 

I am grateful for the dates I've been able to do with my girls, and for Ben's willingness to stay home with the baby while I do. 

I'm grateful for baths for my kids. Especially as the weather is turning cold, they are such a good way to keep my kids *cough, Rylee, cough* occupied.

I am grateful for the many pictures I have of my kids. Even as they grow, I can look back on their tiny selves and just be glad to have had that time with them. 

I love the beautiful places we live close to and the many events in our community that we get to go to. I love that we have so many opportunities as a family to create these memories together. 

I am grateful for summer! I have always loved summer and warm weather. Now that I have kids, summer is pretty much heaven!

As much as I love summer, I am also grateful for fall. I love the weather cooling off, the way our days slow down a little as the weather cools, and the nostalgia that comes with the changing of the leaves. I also love the anticipation of the holidays. 

And I am grateful for snow and winter (though I could do with a shorter winter). Snow makes it feel like Christmas and snow with kids is the best! The long winter also increases my gratitude for spring and then summer. 

I am grateful for the opportunity to serve my family as a homemaker. I love to use my skills to cook and bake for them, especially for special occasions like birthdays. I love to serve them by keeping the house clean and managing our finances, etc. It is a blessing to be able to put my time fully towards my family and my kids. 

I am grateful for all those who serve us when it is hard. A great example is when we got Covid in the summer--we had so many willing to help out and I am so grateful for that. 

I am grateful for the wonderful food we have every single day.  

I am grateful for all the dates Ben and I have had in the past and the pans we have for the future. 

I am grateful for the time Ben spends with me. He does activities he knows I will love, shares his interests with me, and makes time to talk with me daily.

I am grateful for all the gifts Ben gives me. He does it because he knows it's one of my love languages. From flowers to paintings to notes to small things he buys if he goes out, they all mean so much to me. 

I am grateful for our family's gratitude tree, that helps us focus on all the good in our lives. I am also grateful for our many family traditions.

I am grateful for the gospel and the way it has blessed my family's life. I am also grateful for the chance I have to share it with my children. 

I have so many blessings. I love this time of year because of the focus on gratitude. Even as life gets hard, or if the number of "things" I have to be grateful for seems to diminish, I hope I can keep a spirit of gratitude for God's love and gospel and many blessings. 

"Perhaps focusing on what we are grateful for is the wrong approach. It is difficult to develop a spirit of gratitude if our thankfulness is only proportional to the number of blessings we can count. True, it is important to frequently “count our blessings”—and anyone who has tried this knows there are many—but I don’t believe the Lord expects us to be less thankful in times of trial than in times of abundance and ease. In fact, most of the scriptural references do not speak of gratitude for things but rather suggest an overall spirit or attitude of gratitude."

-Dieter F. Uchtdorf