"This Christmas, mend a quarrel. Seek out a forgotten friend.
Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust.
Write a letter. Give a soft answer.
Encourage youth.
Manifest your loyalty in word and deed. Keep a promise.
Forgo a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Apologize.
Try to understand.
Examine your demands on others. Think first of someone else.
Be kind. Be gentle.
Laugh a little more. Express your gratitude.
Welcome a stranger.
Gladden the heart of a child.
Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth.
Speak your love and speak it again."
-President Howard W. Hunter

Santa, Santa, HO HO HO

All of a sudden Cooper is copying everything that the other kids say, and one of his new words is Santa. So the whole time we were waiting in line Cooper kept calling Santa and was waving at him and seemed pretty excited to see him. I knew it was too good to be true though, so I opted to not have is picture taken while he was crying. I seem to only get all my kids with Santa every other year, so I will just have to wait until next year!!
While we were waiting in line Chloe told me, "I have seen this Santa before! Last time!". And I was very surprised she remembered. She then asked me, "is this the real Santa? Because we have already seen 3 fake ones. The one who gave us candy canes, the one on the train, and at the other store." I was shocked! She is only 4 and she is so perceptive!! Everything is okay though because the REAL Santa is at the Meadows Mall!

The Lichty Gingerbread House

My kids have been begging me for about a month now to do our gingerbread house, so we finally did it this last weekend. I was feeling kind of ambitious, so we actually baked our own house this year. Chris did the builing of the home, and the roof and chimney, and the kids pretty much did the rest! I was very surprised at how much Nick was into it this year. While Chris was doing his part the kids got to do their own "Christmas trees" to put in the "yard".

They did such a good job and we had alot of fun!!

Our new Puppy

I have always said that I do kids, not dogs.
But it seems that my baby has turned into a puppy. He crawls around barking now! It is pretty cute! He drools, he plays fetch, and if you aren't careful he even bites!

These pictures are from my mom's house. He was playing fetch with Chris and randomly chewing on things that caught his attention.

Gingerbread House FUN

My very 1st gingerbread masterpiece!

This morning I had the opportunity to go to a Gingerbread Party at one of the ladies homes in my ward. She made us all our own houses for us to decorate. Alot of work! I only baked one for my family and that was an adventure.

What fun to sit with such great ladies and put our creativity to use. Everybody's houses turned out so cute!

I think this has became my new favorite Christmas tradition!! And I can't wait to make one with my kids!

All Aboard

Yesterday morning we loaded up the van, mostly with kids and headed to Willams, AZ. This is the 4th annual trip to ride The Polar Express, but my first time. I figured I should go and help a little seeing as half the grandkids my parents were taking are mine!

As much as I hate short trips, it was actually alot of fun!

When we got there we went to the deer farm. The kids (the ones that weren't scared) got to feed the deer. They totally surround you! I, myself stayed away from anybody with food. Now you know why all my kids are scared of EVERYTHING!! It was a fun experience though! They had lots of other animals there too. A camel! Donkeys, pigs, horses, sheep, all different kinds of birds, racoons, monkeys, and reindeer (Santa's).

After the farm we went to dinner at the Pizza Factory, that is part of the tradition too. And then it was time to board the train. They served us chocolate chip cookies and hot chocolate on our way to the North Pole while they read the story The Polar Express. The kids got so excited when we got there and they could see Santa and his reindeer. On the way back Santa came aboard and gave all the kids a bell. They believe!

I am so thankful that my kids have such great grandparents who have started these fun traditions for them. My parents never cease to amaze with their generosity, especially at this time of year.

Thanks Mom and Dad for a fun trip! You guys are the BEST!!!

Happy Birthday Nick!

Where has the time gone my big, six-year old boy?

What happened to your chubby cheeks and the rolls on your legs?

Six years ago today, I blessed with an early Christmas present, the best Christmas present ever, YOU!In the last six years you have never stopped amazing me! You are such a smart boy. You are doing great in school. You are such a good helper to me and your dad. Whenever you are gone, the house goes to pieces! You are a great big brother to Chloe, Alex, and Cooper. You are a great example for them, and for your dad and I.Whatever you try you excel at. You are very gifted athletically. I always love to watch you in action! You have such a sweet spirit and I can't wait to see all the things that you accomplish. I am so proud to be your mom.

Happy Birthday Nick! I love you!!