On the first day of Christmas... Oh wait... it's past that!!!

I am officially done Christmas Shopping!!! I got my last thing for Jordon on Monday while he was sleeping! I had to get my dad to get it with me because 1) I didn't know exactly which "thing" to get and needed a mans opinion AND 2)I needed the van to transport it. I am so excited for him to open it! It is really the only surprise he is getting and it's really the biggest present either of us is going to get. All of you out there going to school and have kids know what it's like to be poor! We are loving it though! My uncle told me that these are the best days.. newly wed, new baby, first holidays, nothing is quite as fun. I believe him! I like living simply. It makes me more grateful for the little extra money we have. PLUS- I am much better at managing money cuz I have to be! Wonderful life.

I know that this is getting cliche but I am going to express my love and thankfulness for my family and friends. I just love you all!! And the Lord has truly blessed me with an amazing family and extended family that is always supportive and reassuring. They are great examples of how to live the gospel. I know that my kids have the opportunity to always to protected and loved and this brings me such peace. I have been blessed with a great husband that works hard for good grades and for his paycheck. We never have to worry about going hungry or being homeless. What a great blessing to even have a job right now! Today I want to thank Valeigha specifically. Thank you for being the "big sister" I can look up to and learn from. Thank you for living your life in a way that is an example to both Jordon and I. Thank you for being such a wonderful mother and cook! Thank you for having an open heart. Thank you for being a great aunt for Hadleigh. Thank you for all the reassuring words that you have said to me lately. It really does make me feel closer to you and better about myself. Thank You Thank You Thank You!!

Celebrate Good Times- Come on!!

My birthday week ended on a wonderful note! My parents took my whole family to Red Lobster! That is my absolute favorite place to eat! Coconut Shrimp is super yummy! Then I got even more presents!!! I guess I should review the whole week for you- Thursday December 3 I got some Christmas themed socks, Friday we were super (busy- drove out to Aberdeen for Jordon's work) shopping for more Christmas decorations so we counted that as my present, Saturday I got 2 shirts and a party with my family and the in-laws. Jordon made one of my favorite cakes!! I got some cute Christmas plates, a sweater, watch bracelet, gift card to Aero, and some cards and money, Sunday I went to church and had a great lesson on service and then came home and Jord gave me a hoodie!! Monday was the real-deal birthday- Jordon made me breakfast when he got home from work while I slept and I did absolutely NOTHING all day and it was WONDERFUL! Well- I did laundry and unloaded the dish washer but other than that NOTHING! Hadleigh was great and just played with me and she even was good enough that I painted my nails! Jordon and us girls met up with my parents at Red Lobster where they paid for dinner. My sister gave me a present which was terrific! I got a soap and lotion set in my favorite Holiday scent from Bath and Bady. My parents then gave me more presents! A shirt, a necklace, and some pants- all in my new fav. color GREY!!! My brothers went in on them too so it was a family effort. My mom said that this was the hardest year yet to shop for me cuz I didn't live with them and didn't give them any ideas. Jordon said that too! I guess this year I just didn't know what I wanted! That happens when you are poor and have a kid you would rather clothe than yourself right?
Anyways- that was my birthday week! It was great and I really appreciate all that my family did for me as well as Jordon. I really can't stress how wonderful my family is. My mother is the nicest, coolest person. She goes out of her way to make others feel welcome even when she doesn't really know them. Amazing!! My mother in law does that too!

I really am going to add pictures on day I promise!

Birthday Bells!!

This week is my birthday week! Well it is starting on Thursday and will go til my real birthday on Monday. I am excited to spend it with Hadleigh and Jordon! The past 23 years have been a roller coaster ride for everyone that has come into my life. I can't wait to spend time with most of the people that mean the world to me. Unfortunately my very best friends Matt and Kyle wont be here. Matt will be in California on base teaching the new marines what it's like to be the coolest in the military! Kyle will be in San Fran at school and then Vegas for Sara's birthday! Maybe they will sneak up this way!!!
I love this season!! I HATE the cold but I LOVE the giving spirit of winter! Thanksgiving is the best holiday before Christmas! I think it gets you ready for one of the most important holidays CHRISTMAS!! I love the smell of Christmas! Holly, Cranberries, Pine tree's, hot chocolate... I could go on and on. I think that the thing that makes me the happiest is spending all this time with my family... extended family included. I am so blessed to have the amazing family that I have. So many different people and life styles but still the closeness and love a family is supposed to have. I always say if you can't turn to your family who can you turn to? And the answer to that is no one. No one loves you the way your family does. No matter what you do are say to them they will be there for you in the darkest days to pull you up and show you the light.
It has been a pretty good week so far and I am happy for that. I can't wait to update you on my birthday week surprises!!!