Christmas this year was a good one to say the least. It was filled with family, traditions, food, laughter, warmth, fun and happiness. I love Christmas time with my children, they bring so much to our lives and make our home come alive during this time of year. The anticipation of Santa coming was almost all too much for them to handle! I thought I was going to have to put them on some sort of anti anxiety medication! I love that every year gets better and better as they have more of an understanding of what Christmas is really about and of course because they know Santa is on his way. Everyday they were preparing in one way or another, whether it be writing and rewriting their lists, making decorations, making their home made gifts, baking and cooking with mom in the kitchen, seemed like they were doing almost as much preparing as I was! They were busy bodies for sure and it only made us that more excited to see them Christmas morning. I dread the day they quit believing in Santa and don't want to cook with me and make silly little decorations to put around the house. I am going to try my hardest to cherish these sweet, young, innocent moments with my babies.
Of course this year we followed many of the same traditions we do every year. Christmas eve with my family, eating our fresh made tamales that we slaved over the week before and having a wonderful home cooked meal surrounded by all my obnoxious brothers and laughing because my family and I all have the same sick sense of humor. I love the time I get to spend with them and how much fun I have when I am with them. On Christmas morning Jameson came in our room around 7 and quietly stood at the side of our bed and said "Mom. Dad. Santa came, he ate our cookies, drank his milk and dropped off lots of presents" then he laid down in between us and waited. He didn't beg or ask to go downstairs, he just laid there patiently. Finally Rory asked him if he want to go down and he said he would wait for his sisters to wake up, I was so amazed by his patience. He is far too mature. So he and I snuck into the girls room to get the party started (I didn't have the same patience) they all came racing downstairs to see what was in store. Jameson's favorite is probably his new art easel. He loves to color, draw and is painting all sorts of fun stuff on it! Chanel's favorite is her new camera from Nana, she is documenting every moment in our home, like it or not. Rori Ana's favorite is her new baby, it eats, talks and loves bananas almost as much as Rori! Ava loves her new stroller, she puts all her important possessions like her bottle, her Slinky, her blanket, her wipes and few other miscellaneous things and pushes it around.
That morning we also had a BIG yummy breakfast at our house for the second year! The Royce side and the Alba side came! I made a ham the size of Texas (we had ham for a week after that) and potatoes and chorizo, Rod's home made waffles, eggs and lots and lots more. After we all stuffed ourselves to the point where you are uncomfortable and all you want to do is lie around and try to digest all you have just eaten, the family all went their own ways and Rory and I did just that. We made ourselves comfortable on the couch and let the kids destroy everything in sight, not once did I pick anything up. I didn't worry about the glitter and bullets that covered every square inch of my house. I just laid there and soaked in every moment with my family (of course I paid for it the next day). Then we went to Aunt Sara's house where we got spoiled rotten! We all love aunt Sara, daddy Justin and Grandma and Grandpa Earle very much. Then we were off to the Royce's for fondue dinner. We tried to have the kids act out the story of Christ but of course they were not cooperating!
I love the joys the holiday bring, the happiness in our home, the loving family we are surrounded by, the traditions and the warmth I feel. It was another wonderful year, filled with all sorts of fun memories. I look forward to what
2011 year brings us, the ups and downs, the surprises in store and spending more time with my kids. This year my new years resolution is to be a better wife, to appreciate Rory more and to try my hardest to make our marriage the best it can be. To be a better mother and not worry so much about unimportant things and focus on how much I love these little ones and how happy they are and how happy I can make them. To be more patient, not only with my loved ones but with others, like the jack hole who cut me off today. To be more kind, and not call people jack holes. And to be more thankful. I'm not sure what Ive done to deserve all this but I am loving every minute of it!!
May this coming year bring you all happiness, joy, laughter and love!!!
Rory went to school with Chanel and told her class about what he does for work. He brought a little torch and showed them how the heat makes the metal melt together, pretty sure he scared the crap out of most of the kids and the teachers. Hope none of them get any bright ideas. We probably should have thought that one through a little more.
Rori Ana is talking more and more and she talks so fast and quiet nobody can understand a word she says, except her mama and daddy of course. And that's all that matters to her. She is so bossy and mean but I wouldn't say she is the only one. Ava is usually right behind her mimicking every word that comes out of Rori's little mouth. Between the 2 of them, we are always in trouble. Those 2 get into more trouble everyday!! Its crazy! But I love to see how close they are, I just hope Chanel can keep them in line. Because I know I cant. Chanel is so patient and kind and she is about the only one that can talk those babies into behaving. She is such an excellent big sister and she will keep them entertained for hours! She teaches them how to play house, how to dress up, how to clean etc. etc. I don't know where she gets it from but she is amazing. 
And we may or may not have taken in another dog. 
Spring and Summer cant come fast enough!! 
