I cant think of a title

my kids hoped and prayed that these clouds would bring them snow 

and more importantly a day out of school

it didn't happen

maybe moms prayers were answered and it didn't snow and school continued as usual

some may know this about me

I DO NOT like the snow

several kids did end up being home from school anyways
high fevers
so
i finished up decorating  my house

 hot chocolate and frozen whipped cream cures everything 

Alex had a severe asthma attack at school
his first in about 6 years
they sent him home and told me he couldn't come back without an asthma plan at school
so off to the doctor, the doctor couldn't even explain it
but now we have a plan
we stopped by Starbucks for chocolate croissants and hot cocoa
it was only 22* so totally need the warming up and again hot chocolate cures everything

 Grace helped me decorate 

and we had another visit with Santa
again she said
"MOM that's just another helper not the REAL santa"
but she still put in her plea for Barbies, Barbie clothes, Barbie family, Barbie house, you get the idea
she wants Barbies

still loving my wreath
I think it may be my most favorite craft I've ever made 

after kids recovered and went back to school
i went Christmas shopping
once with Grace where I quickly discovered I would be purchasing nothing that day
but she did point out a few things she would be willing to have
but with her tagging along nothing would have been a surprise 
she was so excited!!!
Is that for me?
Is that for Jared? 
Oh I can't wait!!!
so I went back a few days later with out her and got totally different things

she thinks daddy should have this
yeah no, it goes in the snow

a December sunrise
are sunrises are very late this time of year
and the are so red these days
so beautiful

as each day draws us closer to Christmas 
I am trying really hard to remember the real reason we celebrate 
it's really not about the stuff, stuff  and more stuff 
the elaborate gifts and the fancy trips
although its hard to remember that with influences around us

we are having a pretty simple Christmas this year
its not been a year where we have a lot of extra
i really want to wrap my family in a bubble and let us be happy in our home
where we can focus on the Savior 
and the gifts we have already been given
family and the gospel 

since we can't really wrap them in a bubble and keep them home 
hopefully I can build them up enough that they may share that gift with those around them!


Enjoy this wonderful season
Merry Christmas!