Merry Christmas 2015

Christmas was bittersweet this year. Without Bella it just wasn't the same.

The girls still had fun opening their presents. Claire's big present from Santa this year was an ipod. He even hid it!!

When Bella got home the girls huddled around her as she opened everything that was under the tree for her. And she was thoughtful and had made present for each of them even though we drew names.

Bella's Home!

Christmas break seemed never ending with Bella gone. But the day she got home everything felt right again! Oh how we (especially me) missed her.

The bottom picture shows how happy she was to be home!

Christmas Eve 2015

It's a bittersweet night- Bella is gone so it just doesn't feel the same. When Seth said the prayer he got chocked up and started crying. Which made me cry. He loves her so much. Last night was hard for me. I cried a lot. Every night she's away from us it gets harder. 

Tonight we watched a few Christmas movies, had dinner, opened pj's and then they had the traditional (as of the last 2 years) sleepover. That was hard to see Bella not there. But it's also so fun to hear them talk and giggle. They all have so much excitement about Santa. I love this age! They bring me so much joy! Even hen they are hyper and keeping me up. :)

Can't wait for tomorrow.

Sledding

on our last We had a great time sledding on our last day with Bella before she had to leave for Christmas break. The kids and I were worn out. It was so much fun!

First Big Snow

The first big snow fall was so crazy. They didn't cancel school so we walked with the Loveless's and each of the girls only had 10 kids in their class. It was just too hard for people to get there. The next day they said it would be a late start so the kids woke up and went and played in the snow until it was time to go to school. Everyone had fun!

Santa and The Elf

I wish I could just freeze the kids at the ages they are now. I love listening to the twins talk to the elf every day. One morning he was hiding on our ceiling fan. They came in our room that morning and I just heard the sweetest giggles. They thought it was so funny. It melted my heart.

Then tonight Claire got up to blow her nose and came running in to tell me that Maurice (the elf) had already left and gone back to the north pole. Her eyes were so big! She couldn't control her thoughts about where he would be hiding tomorrow and how he had flown away without her noticing.

And Bella has been such a kick. When I was in the girls room tonight Claire was saying to Bella "Bella do you think Santa would hide our presents!" So Bella says "Yeah, I know he would!You just need to leave him a note". Then she looks at me with a mischievous smile. She makes me smile.

They all make me so happy! I love being a mom! I never knew it would be this amazing! I just wish I had more patience and energy every day.

Normal Day

This morning I met with Rob and few of the attorneys to talk about working there. It went well. Then after I went home to get the twins who were with my dad. Syd wanted to stay so Bre came grocery shopping with me. It was so fun to listen to her talk about her day and her friends. I loved having her with me.

Then tonight Linda brought Bella a cake. 

For FHE activity we decorated a ginger bread house like every year then the kids ate the cake.

It was just a normal day. But I appreciated it so much because Bella was gone all weekend and it made me miss her.

I love this little family of mine.

Busy Weekend

This weekend was so busy. 

On Friday we celebrated Bella's birthday. After school she opened presents since she wasn't there in the morning. Then she took Nina and we got ice cream. They played for a little bit and then we went out to dinner at Texas Roadhouse. After dinner we picked up Nina and headed to see Claire in Shrek Jr. She actually had 4 performances of Shrek Jr. She did such a great job as a Dulac citizen. She is such  a great performer. It was so fun to watch her on stage. I could just see how much she enjoyed it. 

She and the twins also had dance performances. Claire did a great job in the hip hop recital. She looked great and it was obvious she was having a good time.

Syd and Bre did their first recital as well. They said they were nervous but had a lot of fun!

That night me and the twins went to the ward Christmas party. They loved seeing Santa. Bre was trying to decide if it was the real Santa or his helper. But she told him what she anted just in case.

Happy Birthday Bella

Dear Bella,

I say it every year but I can't believe another year has gone by. 

You are growing up to be such an amazing person. I am so proud of you. You make me so happy! You have to go through so much and it's only making you stronger. Dad and I are always saying how lucky your sisters are to have you as their older sister. You are a great example to them.

We've loved watching you improve in golf and signing and acting. You really come alive on the stage and on the golf course. It's fun to watch.

We're excited for another year!

We love you!

Love,

Mom & Dad

Gratitude

Tonight after bed Claire came in and said "mom, can grandma and grandpa take us to get a present for someone?". I asked who and she stammered a little and I said "do you want grandma and grandpa to take you to get a present for me or dad?". She said "yes, but it's for both of you. Do you think they will pay for it or should I bring my own money?"
I told her I was so thankful that she would think of that on her own and how thoughtful she is.

Earlier today I had to run to the bank and to pick up a pizza for dinner and Syd was the only one who wanted to come. She held me hand and talked and skipped the whole way. Oh I love her!

Then tonight for bed I got to tickle Bre in her bed. Her laugh is contagious. It just made me happy.

The only way the night could have been better was if Bella was there. But she was here the past weekend and we had a great time. Plus she was sick yesterday and stayed home from school so I got to be with her.

Just wanted to journal how grateful I ma to be a mom to these 4 amazing kids!
I love them!

Bed time storie

Came in to see Seth reading bedtime stories and the girls totally enthralled. I love this

Family Pictures 2015