Our Holiday Season...Part one.

I hate being behind, it kinda stresses me out a little. But it's my fault I'm behind when I keep putting it off. But in my defense, you all know, from Halloween on, life starts getting busier and busier by the day. Sometimes I wonder why I keep doing this blog, I don't think I have a huge following, and it actually takes a lot of time to upload all the pictures and put in all of my commentary. Maybe one day I'll make this blog into a book? I do have to brag, one thing I am good at is keeping Journals. My whole life is basically documented, I've had a Journal since I was 11 years old and still write in one regularly today. And on top of that, I'm a scrapbooker, so that also is documenting my life! I might be a little overboard with it all, but it's good to know my babies, and their babies, and so on...... will know me, know about our family....and hopefully learn from our mistakes and the trails we go through. So, bottom line, I guess that's why I'm still plugging along with this blog, it's in my blood to keep any kind of Journal, even electronic ones. And for my little following, I'm thankful for you for letting me feel loved.

Since we ended last with our Halloween, I'll now start with our Thanksgiving. It went just like every Thanksgiving has in our past: it was a full house (about 30 people were there, Yes, I have a big family:), it was lots of fun, and I ate too much. I just can't get enough of those candied yams and that banana cream pie!

awww, sweet.
I'm sandwhiched between two weirdos....

The whole bunch of us!

The two Julies...and cute baby Mason :)

Later that night, Me and Katie (after days of begging and whining, Katie finally decided she'd come with me so I'd have a partner in crime) headed out for all the Black Friday craziness. My battle plan: Go to Wal-mart at 6pm and wait in line till 10pm (4 HOURS!) to get a PlayStation 3 for my Ryan. I was expecting the worst! How was I, a wimpy girlie girl that can't even put on chapstick while walking, fight off all the obsessed crazy "gamers" out there trying to get a steal on one of the 18 PS3 on sale! I was quite shocked when I found myself the 4th person in line and while waiting, making friends with those so-called "Obsessed crazy gamers". It was actually the easiest and most pleasant black Friday I've ever experienced! To top it off, I got everything I wanted and only had to wait in line 15-20 minutes (last year I was in line for over an hour)!!

It's been years since I've been to the Festival of the trees, the last time was when I was in elementary school. I have always wanted to go previous years, but still, never did. This year, there was a special tree that I had to visit.

On KSL, I read about a little family that lost their baby girl, just like how we lost our baby boy. The family started a foundation called "Flutterby IzzyJane" that helps others who have lost their babies pay for a headstone or funeral costs. They also provide the family with a bracelet that says "Forever" on it, so you can always remember your baby is with you. We are very blessed to have such a wonderful family and great friends, who helped us out. But I know other's aren't so lucky as we were. I just bawled when I read the article, and have started following her blog as well. I don't even know this girl, but I know exactly how she feels and the heartache she has to bear everyday, cause I feel it too. In a way I feel connected to her, so I had to go visit her special tree, made for her sweet Izzy, and made for all other mommas who have their own Angels.

My bestest buddy.

At Home.....

Ellie and Katie's bum :) hehe.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again.....I love my tree! And I love it even more because of this little ornament:

For our baby, our sweet Jason.

I will admit, this Christmas season has been hard for us. I had a few meltdowns. Even with all the fun activities and family outings, I still couldn't get past the pain, will I ever? It never goes away. When I was pregnant, I daydreamed about our Christmas together. Even if he was too small to know what Christmas is, there would be presents wrapped for him, his socking would be hung, and he would have a special ornament. It hurts to know I'll never get to wrap presents for him and I 'll never get to fill a stocking with candy and toys for him. But, I do have a special ornament for him, hung right in the front center of the tree. I don't know who's it more for, him or me. Anything that has to do with him brings me some peace. I just love him so, so, so much.

Who doesn't love Temple Square at Christmas time?!?! I do! Even if the parking is RIDICULOUS!! After an hour of driving around the temple trying to find a FREE parking spot(we're cheap), we gave up and parked in front of the Capital building, like 4-5 blocks away!Look at that cute family!

I love him so! So happy we will be together forever :)

Away in a manger....

Happy Birthday to the best dad ever!

We watch "A Christmas Story" every single year (ever since I can remember, that is). I especially love to watch it with my dad. He always laughs at the same spots, makes the same comments about the mom's hair-do, and tells us how he needs to get one of those leg lamps! So, I got him one :)

Look at those doggie eyes! How could you not love that little dog!

Do you like my snuggie?
There are so many things I love about this time of year, but I'd have to say one of my most favorites things would be all the feel-good CHRISTMAS MOVIES! I love snuggling up to my honey (and Ellie bellie too), eating a goodie or two, while watching a good movie! I could do that every night! I love my little family....I would be lost without them.

More to come, keep tuned for PART TWO!