Celebrating Christmas

Christmas Eve began with the three of us completing the advent calendar my sister-in-law made for me. Thank you so much, Jill! Marshall and I have loved doing this calendar together. Afterwards Jesse read the Christmas story from his Bible. Then I tried to read a children's book about the birth of our Savior and it was at this point that Marshall stopped cooperating. I'm sorry to say it, but he ended up going to his naughty spot during our Christmas celebration. When it came time for him to get off the naughty spot I told him to come into the living room so we could finish our story. I didn't get any response. So I walked in the kitchen to see him lying on his naughty spot. I said, "Marshall, you can get off your naughty spot now." His little smart response was, "I'm relaxin'." Oh really little boy, because mom's blood pressure is through the roof right now! Anyway, we finally finished our story and he was able to open one present. Christmas jammies! Which he actually seemed pretty happy about and he was really good the rest of the night.

Our night continued at my Grandpa and Grandma Gomez's house. We had a great time with our family and both my cousins and their families were there to celebrate with us. We were able to take a moment out of the busy night to focus on what the party was all about and had Communion as a family. It was a great way to remember why Jesus came and what His ultimate act of love was.

Marshall was an absolute joy on Christmas morning. We started the day off by singing Happy Birthday to Jesus. I think Marshall liked that because when he woke up this morning he asked me to sing Happy Birthday. He opened his presents so well and was really excited about all his stuff - Elmo chair, Batman backpack, Thomas the Train set, a puzzle, toy cars and motorcycle, but I think his favorite was his little bear. We even had time to sit and play with some of his toys before we headed out to my Grandparent's house.

Grandpa Louie and Grandma Mare made breakfast for all of us which included my grandpa's yummy quiche he makes every year for Christmas. After opening presents we played a few rounds of Catch Phrase, one of Jesse's gifts to me, and it was reconfirmed that my dad is the sorest loser ever. Then we headed out to battle the storm on our way to Jesse's parent's home.

We arrived there safely for more family, food and presents. All of Jesse's family was there and I'm happy to report that all my nieces and nephews stayed off the naughty list. However, Hudson kept insisting that what he got for Christmas was "a secret" and I still don't know what that means. He never told me what he got. After presents we were able to get in some much needed nap time. Later that evening we sat and visited with Mike and Anita which was very nice in the glow of the Christmas lights.

We ended the night back at my grandparent's house playing Rummy. Marshall had potato chips for dinner. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Fisher Fondue / Evening with the Evans

This past weekend we were busy with two fun Christmas parties. The first was our annual Fisher Fondue at my parents' house. There was a ton of great food and, the best part, chocolate fondue for dessert. After dinner we opened presents and we all got a lot of really great stuff. At the end of the night we played Apples to Apples - Bible Edition while all the grandkids watched The Chronicles of Narnia with Grandpa Dick. Savannah and I stayed up until two in the morning playing her new High School Musical board game. I know what you're thinking, Party Animals!

The next morning we hooked up the sled to my dad's Rhino and drove around in the field. That's my kind of sledding. No hills to walk up. Just sit down, hold on and try not to fall off the sled into a pile of horse manure. It was way fun and Marshall and Valerie even enjoyed a few laps around the field. The piles of horse manure only added to the fun and bumpy ride.

The next evening we went to a party for Jesse's side of the family. It was fun to see everyone we don't get to see much throughout the year. I wasn't talented enough to keep track of my two year old and take pictures at the same time. Sorry. The adults played pool and had a gift exchange. You know the one - you draw numbers and people get to steal gifts from others. Jesse ended up with some pub glasses, couldn't have found a better owner, and I got a gadget used for pedicures, also couldn't have found a better owner. Santa dropped off a bag of presents for the kids. Marshall got a book about the true meaning of Christmas.

Which leads me to the end of this post. Even more magical than Santa coming down the chimney to deliver gifts to good little boys and girls is this. That God Himself came down from His glory to deliver naughty little boys and girls from their sins. Christmas is about the fact that we have a Savior that would leave the comfort of Heaven to come into this world, not as a powerful ruler, but a helpless baby in a manger who would ultimately die for all of us. Thank you Jesus for loving me that much. Have a Merry Christmas everyone!

Ball of a Birthday Party

I did a sports ball theme for Marshall's birthday party: footballs, baseballs, soccer balls, basketballs, you get the picture. We had our family over for soup, salad, cake and ice cream to celebrate. Jesse and I made his cake.(Jenn, please don't critique my cake decorating skills too harshly.)We told him to smile after blowing out the candles and this is what we got. Although he did not enjoy opening his presents (that would require him to sit still for far too long) he has enjoyed wearing / playing with them. He got tons of great gifts: clothes, pajamas, cowboy boots, a tool box with a drill, Iron Man car, sports balls, and a Doodle Pro to name a few. Jesse and I gave him a new bike to ride.Our happy family relaxing after all the chaos.The following day we took him to Jumpin' Jacks. He had no fear and didn't even think twice about going down the huge slides.
Savannah came with us and she was a big help. Thanks for chasing him around for us Savannah!He had a blast and it was so nice to be able to just let him run around and be as crazy as he wanted to be.Good times!

Six Years of Bliss

Jesse and I celebrated our sixth wedding anniversary over the weekend. We had a lovely evening out to dinner with just the two of us. A big thank you goes to my parents for letting us ruin their dinner plans at the last minute to come over and babysit for a few hours.

Later that evening, in my effort to be a little romantic (don't worry, this won't get X-rated), I asked him in honor of six years together what are six things that he has enjoyed about our life together. I was hoping to hear things like "waking up to your beautiful face every morning" or "eating your wonderful homemade dinners every evening." I had to laugh when one of the things he chose to put on that list was, get this, Viggo. Yes, he put the dog on the list. The list that was supposed to be about our marital bliss. If you know my husband this should not be a surprise. To him, life just isn't enjoyable without a dog close by. On the plus side, at least I come in second to something that I'll probably outlive.

I love you, Jess!

Two Today

At 2:13 this morning my little stinker turned two years old. He has been such a joy and blessing in our lives. Seeing him learn and grow these past two years has been wonderful. He is more boy than I could have ever imagined but I'm so excited to see how God will use that in Marshall's life for His glory. The Psalmist was right when he wrote "children are a gift of the LORD".

Happy 2nd Birthday Marshall!!

My Little Dragon

Marshall was a dragon for Halloween. Since I had to work my mom watched him that day. He was able to come with me in the afternoon and finish up the work day with me. Well, we almost made it to the end of the day; we left ten minutes early because he spilled water all over my pants. It was still really fun to have him hang out with me at work.

I was able to see almost all of my nieces and nephews in their costumes.

We have Bailey as a Utah Fan / Clown.

Savannah was a makeup artist. She's the only one I didn't get to see so I better include a picture of her so she doesn't feel left out. This is one of her many self portraits that she has taken with my camera. I'm sure she made a wonderful makeup artist. But look at her, she's beautiful. She doesn't need makeup.

Cannon was Indiana Jones.Hudson was a football player for, what other team, the University of Utah. Sophia was one of the cutest little bumble bees I've ever seen.Valerie was Goldilocks.

Last but not least, Grady was a Saint Bernard.

You don't have to say it. I know I have the cutest nieces and nephews around.

Here's a final group portrait with the kids on Jesse's side of the family.I hope everyone had a Happy Halloween!

Look what God gave me for my birthday.

Isn't that the most beautiful sunrise you've ever seen? And He made it for me. I was able to drive to work looking at His beautiful painting the whole way.I was listening to the most fitting song too.

How Great is Our God

The splendor of a King
Clothed in majesty
Let all the earth rejoice
Let all the earth rejoice

He wraps Himself in light
And darkness tries to hide
And trembles at His voice
And trembles at His voice

How great is our God
Sing with me, How great is our God
And all will see, how great, how great is our God

Age to age He stands
And time is in His hands
Beginning and the end
Beginning and the end

The Godhead, three in one
Father, Spirit, Son
The Lion and the Lamb
The Lion and the Lamb

You're the Name Above All Names
You are worthy of all praise
And my heart will sing
How great is our God

What a wonderful way to start out my birthday!

Go "Ootes"!

Translation: Go Utes!

Marshall was brainwashed fairly easily into becoming a University of Utah football fan. Whenever he sees any kind of Ute paraphernalia he says "Go Ootes!" or "Ootah!" and he loves to watch football games on television. We went tailgating a few weeks ago and he had a blast. Marshall and I left before the game though. He isn't old enough to sit through an entire game yet but you can bet as soon as he is he'll be there with his dad.

I have a few cute pictures from the tailgate lot. Here is our niece Bailey. We couldn't quite figure out what kind of hat that was on her head but whatever it was she was certainly showing her Utah Pride. And then we have the boys; two of my nephews, Cannon and Hudson, and of course, Marshall. They were being silly and this is the best picture I could get. See what I mean. I'm seeing three future troublemakers here. But they're still cute and Marshall loves to play with them.After having so much fun watching the band, playing football, and eating cookies Marshall was all tuckered out.

Tagged by Brittany

Seven random and/or weird facts about myself.

1. If I put salt and pepper on my food, I have to put the pepper on first. If the pepper is unavailable I will wait, however long it takes. The reason for this is because you can see the pepper on your food which gives a better idea of how to apply the salt that you can't see. I know they come out of their shakers at different rates but, in my mind, it makes sense.

2. I can remember all the words to my elementary school song, but for the life of me, cannot remember anything about my high school song. And I was a cheerleader for three years! I'm sure if my memory was refreshed it would all come back, but as of now, I'm drawing a blank.

3. Growing up I always wanted my name to be Nicole. I used to imagine that was my name and how wonderful it would be.

4. I will not wear shoes that show my toes unless my toenails are painted. And my toenails can never be painted green. It looks like fungus. My friends used to threaten me that if I fell asleep before them I'd wake up with green toenails.

5. When I registered for my wedding, I didn't bring Jesse with me. I brought my mom. But Jesse was more than happy to sit that one out.

6. In elementary, I used to cry and get sick to my stomach every year on the first day of school. My mom would have to push me out the door while the little girl that lived down the street, who was younger than me, patted me on the back and said, "It'll be okay, Christa". I still get sick to my stomach when I have to walk into an unfamiliar room. The thought of everyone looking at me when I walk in is just too horrible.

7. Rainy weather is my favorite. I love when it is gray and gloomy outside. Rainy and windy, that's another story. The wind scares the crap out of me.

I'm not tagging anyone. If you think it would be fun to share a little about yourself, do it and you can say I tagged you.

The Office

It starts tonight and I can't tell you how excited Jesse and I are. There is just no end to the uncomfortable situations Michael puts us all in. I love it.