Christmas Time

About 2 weeks ago, I gave in to Grant's continual begging to decorate the house. I'm not going to lie, I was glad he kept pushing me to do it. I'd keep my Christmas decorations up year round and be perfectly happy about it! I think it is because my grandma (the one Grace is named after) LOVED Christmas. I am pretty sure that is what she lived for! The joy she felt for this beautiful season rubbed off on me (and a lot of my cousins, I think). I remember so clearly having our family party the first Monday of December--year after year, it was pretty much the same. A yummy dinner, laughter, the grandkids doing the Nativity scene, Santa making a special visit... But what I remember the most is that my grandma always bore her testimony. She testified that she knew Christ lives! She reminded us all of how important it was to love one another and do what is right so we can be a family forever. She also reminded us to serve others, to help those less fortunate than us, to be Christlike. Yes, Christmas is my favorite time of year, and I hope that Grant and Grace will love it, too! And hopefully, they will always remember that Christ should be the center of our lives ALL year round, not just at Christmas.Anyway, here are a few of our decorations that Grant requested I take pictures of. I cannot find Grace's stocking anywhere! Guess that is what happens when you move across the country- some things get misplaced. :-) Grant wanted to put "snow" around Santa... And on the tree in his room, which he decorated ALL by himself. I am surprised he hasn't asked me to snap pictures of our Christmas lights. Which by the way, can I just say that I am SO excited to have our own house! It is so fun to put up Christmas lights! And on a side note, Fenway got his first haircut. Doesn't he look so cute?!?!

Free Holiday Cards, Anyone?!?!

I LOVE shutterfly! They have quality products for an excellent price! So you can imagine my excitement when I found out that I could get 50 free holiday cards! What's that you say?

I said, Bloggers get 50 free holiday cards from Shutterfly… sign up: http://bit.ly/sfly2010

Awesome, right? Since money is a little tight, I was trying to figure out what to do for Christmas cards, but this amazing deal solved the problem for me! Now the problem is narrowing it down to which card to choose. Can I just send one of every kind? Okay, that is not possible so here are some I have narrowed it down to. (Click on "one" to go see it...yes mom, that explanation is for you because you never know how to get to the link) I really love this one because I can put a few different pictures of the kids on it. I have such a hard time narrowing down pictures to the "best" one! This one was super cute and is also Grant's first choice. I really like the modern flare. Then there is this one , I love the part about giggles and grins. Mostly because that is what our days are filled with thanks to Grant and Grace. Which, speaking of Grant and Grace...no matter what card I choose, it will be wonderful because Grant + Grace = Perfection! Guess you will just have to wait and see what our final decision is!

A new addition

Introducing..... Fenway Barrow! He is an 8 week old maltese and so far, Grant adores him. Grace, well, the jury is still out on whether or not she likes him. Here is a little video I took right after we got him home last night. I am so paranoid that Fenway is going to get stepped on and get hurt. And don't worry, he and Grant have a run in at the end of the video but Fenway is just fine!