Santa stopped by!

What a Christmas! This time of year seems to bring out who people really are and I just love it. I've had the opportunity to continue the Sub-for-Santa that I helped start (with the Young Women) in our ward about 4 years ago. I'm still working with this three years later on the Activities committee. This has probably been one of the biggest testimony builders for me and the 'reason for the season'. People are amazing and so giving each year. I feel bad that I can't share the feelings and things I've learned through this wonderful experience...words just can't express. I am so thankful to be in the service of those around me. It also helps me to appreciate what I have.
Christmas Eve we went to my Mom and Sister's home. Nana Cherie has officially been designated as the jammies grandma. We enjoy yummy food...usually ham sandwiches...and then open gifts. This year Braxton and Kambry got coaster cars. They had a blast!
Christmas morning both me and James were awake at 6:00. Santa wasn't going to come until after nap. I know...sounds strange, but we had to be to my dad's house by 9:00 and knew it would be a long process. Santa quickly finished setting those gifts out just as Braxton started waking up about 7:00. We opened a couple of presents and left for Papa and Nana's house. Braxton didn't mind at all. In fact, he kept telling us he was going to save some presents for later. He's not a normal child. Braxton had talked to Santa the Monday before and told him he wanted an Elmo that talked, a big truck, and a candy cane....and he delivered. Santa 'almost' forgot that candy cane, but we reminded him before he slipped out.
We opened presents at Nana and Papa's and had a late breakfast. Braxton got a kitchen that he loves. So far we've had oatmeal, cookies, and milk. That night James' parents were coming up, but his Dad had been sick the night before and the weather was awful. They came up the next night for dinner. We have always been so used to 'running' like crazy for Christmas that we didn't know what to do with ourselves...we played and hung out...it was great!!! Braxton got a digital camera and V Motion from this Nana and Papa. These were a 'big' hit. He is always trying to get our cameras. Anything technology sparks his attention...just like his daddy. We were totally surprised when we opened our combined gift and saw a Wii.
We want our family to know how much we love them and thank you for all you do for us...we're very spoiled.

Holiday Hello!

I just wanted to get a post on here incase I don't get another done until after Christmas. I'm a slacker...I know. I still haven't gone private either. Today, James was working on clearing the driveway and sidewalks and then off to the backyard to snowblow. He started this great tradition last year by making a snow hill in the backyard that Braxton could play on. He took most of the snow from our backyard and snowblowed in all to the center of the yard. Last year, it was so big Braxton had to have help to even climb up, but this year he should have a blast.
I also had to show off one of my favorite pictures I took today with my new Christmas present. Braxton sends his love with a holiday hello wave. James gave my camera to me early so I could learn how to work things. I'll probably never know all that it can do, but I'm excited to learn lots of new stuff.

Busy Times

We've been SOoooo busy lately, but we're having a lot of fun. We had taken all our Christmas stuff down before Thanksgiving to get the lights up outside. In doing this, I had a huge mess of totes to clear out before we had Thanksgiving dinner at our house this year. I refused to take down any Fall decorations until the day was over...so we had mixture of holidays going on for about a week. It's felt a little strange this year still not having snow outside.The day after Thanksgiving we did our annual shopping around. We didn't have much that we 'REALLY' wanted so we didn't go out until about 7:00 a.m. and still found what we were after. It was nice to get a little longer to sleep and we took Braxton with us. He's my 'Super Shopper'! I love taking him places with me...he has so much fun.
Every year since we've been married (James proposed the night of this production), we've gone to the 'Forgotten Carols'. This year it was Friday night...so we took Braxton to Nana's and Papa's to spend the night. We went to dinner and on to see the show. We've loved watching how it's changed over the years. I like that he adds something new to make it just a little different each year.
Saturday morning we were up and running again. We picked James' mom up and headed to SLC temple to see some friends get sealed. It was amazing...they lost their little boy a couple days after he was born and were able to be sealed to him and their daughter (who was one of my young women a couple years ago). We were happy to be there for them. After this, we jumped in the truck and headed down to IKEA. This was our first time there. It was a long day...a long weekend...but I have to say Braxton was an angel all weekend. He loved temple square and I can't wait to take him back so we can see the lights.

We had these little turkeys for a treat after YW the week of Thanksgiving. They were so cute we made them for everyone in my family. They turned out cute, but next time I'll use double stuffed Oreo's. Braxton had eaten three of them before I decided 'no more'.

Our little family...

Nana, Papa, and my baby sister Ashley...or as Braxton would say 'Ashee'.

Nikki, Jeremy, and our favorite niece 'Kambry'.

Braxton loves it when his Nana and Papa come to visit.

Braxton is always up for a picture. Here he is with his Nana.

Going Private

I've been thinking about going to a private blog lately. I've heard some pretty strange things and I just watched a special on it on the news. People are taking pictures off of people's blogs and creating their own families...scary! Well...today I checked in on a friend and her baby's pics have been posted on some strange website. I don't know all the details, but I'm going to attempt to keep my family safe...so please send me your e-mail addresses over the next week so I don't lose track of any of you and can add you to my private blog... threegales@hotmail.com

Halloween Night

Here are two handsome boys. If you asked Braxton what he was going to be for Halloween, he would say "A policeman like Daddy." Braxton loved everything about this night. He was excited to see all of he grandparents. His Nana and Papa even came up to visit and followed us around the block to 'trick-or-treat'. I keep waiting for Braxton to go to the neighbors and try it again on his own. He also got to see his cousin Kambry. They love chasing each other...and will never sit still for a picture.