Our car got stuck!

Snow Day!!!

Today we watched "Christmas with the Kranks" (which is a great movie), then played games, went to pick up Jordan from scouts got stuck in the snow, it took several guys to get us out so the boys and I walked to the park to go sledding -luckily we were already geared up! Brandon, after getting out, drove home which is just down the street, couldn't get up our driveway so he walked to the park with AJ to sled with us. Sledding was a blast!!! I love it!! So much fun!! Then we walked home, built our first snowman, shoveled the driveway and tried to get the car back into the garage ( a neighbor came to help with his mini snowplow attached to his 4 wheeler) So now we are back inside and it has been a wonderful day and can you believe it -- IT'S STILL SNOWING!! Now we couldn't even get down the street without getting stuck so.... how are going to get to San Diego!?!?!?!?

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.....

Caroling! A great Family home evening (outdoors)

We had a great time tonight!!! We went over to the Moreau's with several other families from their ward, made christmas cookie plates, then split into groups and went door to door until they hit everyone on their list. It was especially nice for us -- because we didn't know any of these people (we are in a different ward and stake) so that made it exciting. The boys were way more into it than I thought they would be. It was probably in the teens temp. wise (since it was in the low 20's during the day) so the icy chill was surely there but we didn't mind. It was so fun, walking and singing together and if anyone knows Karens she's a lot of fun to be around. It was a super perk for me because I got to hold her baby tonight and I just LOVE babies!!! The boys helped to ring doorbells, pass out plates and being some of the first to arrive at the door -- even Noah, he wasn't shy at all!!!! The boys love singing and actually Aidan had asked a couple of weeks ago if we would go caroling as a family-- so wish granted. They loved it-It was great! Later we went back to Karen's house to drink hot apple cider, hot chocolate and snack on the extra goodies. It was a nice night : ) Don't you just love Christmas time....sigh...

Sub 4 Santa

I just wanted to take a moment to share what an incredible program Sub 4 Santa is. Last Christmas our family was one in need and it was so incredible to have the community reach out and help. It touched our hearts so much and we considered the whole experience a Christmas miracle. We learned and grew so much from the love that was shared with our family. We do know without a doubt that Heavenly Father is aware of our needs, hopes and desires. Its not the gifts that matter it is the love and incredible spirit that is felt. One that is etched in our hearts forever. By the way we participated in Sub for Santa this year and it has been such a wonderful experience!!! Last year we were recipients and it was my goal this year to give back and sponsor a family. At first we didn't have that much to spend may be $30-$50 so we couldn't get a ton of stuff but with sales you can really make the money stretch. So we received family #35 a single dad who has been living in his car when his ex wife dumped all 4 kids off at the car and had had it- ages 4, 5, 6,& 7 it really touched my heart. SO we dug into our pockets a little further and spent a bit over $80 and got so many things off the list, clothes, hair ties, toys etc etc So for FHE we talked about the true meaning of Christmas and how we get to be "Santa" to another family (who will never meet us) we wrapped it all together with great love in our hearts then dropped the presents off at the coordinators house and went out to dinner. It was a great night one we will always remember and such a great lesson for the kids. I told them that they would get less this year in order to participate and they fully agreed that it was a good and fun cause and that they too wanted to contribute. We are very hopeful that next year we will be able to contribute even more. It has truly brought the spirit of Christmas into our home and has made the holidays seem warmer and brighter.And by the way at our house Santa doesn't bring much. We all give each other presents Noah buys something for everyone, Jordan , Aidan etc( I shop with each of them), Then Brandon and I get them a ton (too much most of the time) and Santa just brings ONE toy unwrapped that they find Christmas morning and the stockings of course. SO Santa isn't too big around here we focus on us being Santas to each other. The true meaning of Christmas is in the giving not the getting. We are so grateful that Heavenly Father gave us His son as our brother, our friend and our Savior it is up to us to mimic this behavior and give to one another as a symbol of our love and gratitude for each other and Jesus Christ. May you all have a very Merry Christmas!

My newest nephew!!

Our family is expanding!! We are happy to announce that Carla and David had their baby tonight at exactly 6:11pm, a baby boy, 8 lbs. 3.5oz his name ...drum roll please...

EVERETT JOHN SZELES!!!

Mother and baby are doing great and dad too : )

David's a father can you believe it!!!!