Jesus, Joseph and MARRIED

A couple days ago Mckenna was playing around in her own little world. often she asks me to tie a blanket on her so she can act like she's dressed up. She did this a couple days ago and I didn't think anything of it. A few minutes later she came out her toy room carrying 2 dolls. She had a blanket tied around her and one draped over her head. I asked her what she was doing. She said, "Mom, this dolly is baby Jesus, and this one is Jophes (she thinks that is how you say it), and I'm MARRIED. I think she was a little confused when I laughed. She had seen the primary do a live nativity the night before so I think she realized that Mary does not wear princess clothes.

Jesu Bambino

A couple weeks ago I was asked to accompany an opera singer from Italy. She was absolutely amazing and I felt honored and needless to say inadequate playing for her. She was really amazing. Jesu Bambino is what she sang (it is playing right now). Normally it is played faster, and I couldn't find a good version with a female vocalist. I wish I could have recorded her performance. It was awesome. It is not a well known Christmas song, but it is beautiful and one that I love to play now.

Do You Hear What I Hear?

Aren't they cute? Mckenna wants a Pink Princess kitchen and kayla wants whatever Mckenna has.

We are getting really excited for Christmas. I can't wait for the girls to open presents! Kayla is old enough this Christmas to understand what's going on! It is going to be so fun. We are heading up to Utah on the 28th. I can't wait to see family and friends. Jase and I will be celebrating our 4 year anniversary. I can't believe how fast time goes by. Right now we are really happy where we are, but Jase has put in for jobs closer to home. We are praying that we get it, but we will see. Either way I think we will be happy. Willcox has really become our home so it will be hard to leave all the good friends we have made.. if that's what ends up happening. We haven't been doing much the last few weeks other than shopping and getting ready for Christmas. We took cookies around to friends tonight. The girls loved seeing all the Christmas lights as we drove around. It's funny how the simple things in life are so intriguing. Sometimes I wish that I could always see all the wonder and joy in the simple things like my girls.

A week or two ago we took the girls to lights at the Zoo. It's no temple square, but it was really fun. They have choirs and bands and lots to see and do. The girls really loved it!

We had our ward Christmas party. Mckenna sat on Santa's lap. I was a little surprised because she just took off by herself and didn't need my help at all. I thought she would be stand-off-ish, but she absolutely wasn't. When she got on his lap she looked at me and posed for the camera first. It was pretty funny cuz I don't think Santa knew what the heck she was doing. Kayla was too scared to sit with Santa. This picture is so funny. Notice the kid under Santa's chair. I think they have one in every ward.. ADD and completely out of control. Kind of funny!

Happy Birthday Grandma

Yesterday was Grandma's birthday! Happy Birthday Grandma--we love you!

Best Friends Shout Out

There is nothing like a best friend! We have made many good friends here, I think our best friends are the Whiteleys. They are in the same situation as we are. Our kids are the same ages and our husband both work for the border patrol. They have been like our family here and we are so sad that in a few months they will be leaving us. They will be moving up to Utah and I'm sure we will see them again, but we will miss them here and thank them for being such great friends! So here is a photo shout out of not all the times, but our best times with our best friends.

Christmas Wishes

It's been a funny thing this year. For Christmas we usually have in our minds set about what we want to get. Every other year we have made up our mind long before the Christmas season comes about what we want. This year there hasn't been anything that we just have to have. It has made me think a lot about what is really important and how easily we can loose site of the true meaning of Christmas and life in general. The last couple of years my in laws have given me a really nice nativity set. Every Christmas and birthday they gave me more to add to my scene. This year I have the complete set now. It is my most favorite thing in my house and I am tempted to keep it up all year round. I am excited for Christmas this year, but it feels different. I am not attracted to the many advertisements I see, but the simple things that make my life so happy and full.