Love, Hailey

I just had to post a couple of the priceless things that happened this week. Yesterday, Grace and I had planned to go visit a friend from high school who lives in Houston. Ben decided since we would be so close to the temple he wanted me to drop him off there while we spent some time with my friend. As we got close, Grace was really restless so I told her we were going to see Jesus' temple. When she saw it she was very excited. Ben got out of the car and gave us each a kiss (of course) and when she realized what was happening, that she and I were not staying and going in with Daddy, she flipped out. Big crocodile tears filled her eyes, and she said, "I want to go in the temple and see Jesus". It was kind of heartbreaking actually, to see her sheer disappointment. Can you imagine thinking you are going to see Jesus in the temple and then your mom drives you away! Luckily she was distracted when we arrived at my friend, Lisa's house, because Lisa has 3 babies. That's right 3!! She has 4 week old twins, and a 1 year old, plus a 3 and 6 year old! She is so amazing! What a challenge, but she handles it with such ease. That's my perspective though. I'm sure she feels like life is in total chaos. grace was seriously in heaven, she looooves babies.
I have mentioned before that Hailey is a big time note writer. She writes me notes to tell me how mean I am, but mostly she writes me love notes. I've felt like a rotten mom because I never write her back. So as I was making her lunch before school this week I remembered! I was so excited because I knew she would really appreciate it. After school I looked in her lunch box and it wasn't there. After a couple hours went by she hadn't said anything so I asked her if she found a note from me. She smiled and said yes, I asked her where she put it, and would you believe what she did?!! She crossed out love, Mom and put love, Hailey and gave it to Mrs. Crabtree! Mrs. Crabtree isn't even her teacher, she's one of the other 1st grade teachers. What a little stinker :)
So Mrs. Crabtree received a note in my hand writing that says, I love you so much sweetheart! Have a great day! Love, Hailey
I would really love to just be a fly on the wall watching this girl all day. She is just amazing. I feel like I don't even know half of the cute little things she does.

Awesome Talk

I listened to this talk over Christmas break and it is sooo good.

I had heard a few people say really good things about it so I decided to check it out.

I loved it, there are so many great tools for better communication with others, but primarily your spouse. You have got to listen to it! I promise you will be so glad you did. He talks about different love languages, being a content communicator (not communicating through tone or dropping hints), owning your expectations through being a great initiator as well as a great responder. The best part (I think) is that he uses humor, so it really is easy listening.

Go get this, run don't walk!

Polka Dots

I am slowly getting around to redecorating the girls' room. It's going to look a little something like this....

The vision is in my head, now I will work on putting it all together.

A Wonderful Christmas Time

It was too hard to narrow my picture selection down any further, so here goes. We spent our Christmas break in UT and it was so wonderful (except for the freezing temperatures)!

Me and my amazing grandpa

A look at 4 generations

We were spoiled!

Grace was hillarious. I think she liked getting clothes more than toys. Every time she opened some new clothes, she went upstairs and either tried it on or put it in her suitcase. What a little fashionista!

Grace entertained us with some sweet dancing skills.

Heels...just what every little girl needs

My cute SIL surprised Rich with this fabulous present!

Santa paid us a visit, but these two weren't fooled.

My little baby bro with my baby!

For some reason she started calling him George,

and when he was wearing this he was green George.

Now this picture I love!

Grace and her Grandpa

Grace and Uncle Dick

Hailey, Grace, and Dick

Grace's arms crack me up. But how cute is Dallin with his hand on her.

We love you Grandma and Grandpa! Thanks for taking care of us for a whole week!

Our next week was spent in Price at Nanie and Poppy's.

The kids had so much fun outside helping "Farmer Poppy" feed the animals.

Tim and Stacey came down and it was so great to spend time with them too.

Hailey almost had to ask Santa for her two front teeth,

but they both fell out a few days after Christmas.

We hope everyone's Christmas was Merry and Bright!