Tia, Marie + Three: January 2013

Does anyone really like this song? I continue to wonder, and apparently they do, because without fail, we ALWAYS sing it in church. Could a song get any more depressing? This year, as I opened up my hymnbook, I thought, "Maybe I just need to focus on the words rather than the terrible minor melody." So I did, assuming that's why people insist we sing it yearly: "The year is dying in the night; Ring out, wild bells and let him die." Um, that didn't work. Oh well, I don't need to sing it for another year. Anyways, I am glad most of the hymns are happy and uplifting.

Luckily our end of the year wasn't reflective of that depressing song, except the fact that we had to say goodbye to David and Heather and their kids on Christmas Eve. After living with them for about eight months and then seeing them so often and just knowing they were so close, it was really hard to say goodbye. We are so excited for them and their new lives in Montana where David is in Air Force JAG, but we miss them so much already!

We had a really fun Christmas season. We made it to the Riverwoods to see Santa (yay for being able to take your own free picture), went up to temple square to see the lights, made and ate lots of Christmas goodies, got all our shopping done four days before Christmas, went to Savior of the World, and of course enjoyed lots of Christmas music and firesides. We were able to spend lots of time with both sides of family and enjoyed time with friends as well. Even though the girls are young and having decorations up was difficult, ("don't touch" was a phrase they knew well by the end of December) they made the season so magical! I loved seeing their excitement with the first snowfall, seeing lights, and being able to open presents. They continue to help put things in perspective and point out all the fun, beautiful things we are surrounded by.

Becky was here before Christmas and left on New Years so it was fun to spend time with her. Sara and Chris came out as well and were here over New Years so that made it super fun! (Unfortunately, I still didn't get any pictures of Waldrons or Becky, you think I would learn!) We made lots of food, watched "New Years Eve," and just relaxed. I am grateful Christmas is followed so closely by New Years. It is so nice to focus on goals and making this next year even better! We are especially excited for our little boy to come to our family this year. It is coming so soon (only 7 weeks!) and we are getting nervous and excited. The girls add such a joyful, innocent spirit to our home, but there is nothing like having a newborn fresh from heaven and I am excited to enjoy those put together!

Riverwoods and Blickenstaffs