Christmas 2014

Christmas 2015 did not disappoint.  It was all that I imagined it would be.  It however came and ended all too quickly.  I tried my darndest to soak up every minute of the magic.  Being surrounded by our loved ones was all I could have asked for.  Sitting back watching Penelope take it all in, was worth all of the many photo shoots and hours of editing that made this Christmas possible.

Christmas Eve started off with lunch at Chick fil a.  Tyson and I inhaled the last remnants of their peppermint milkshake while doing our best to keep an eye on P in the play place.  Later that evening we headed to my sister-in-law Jana's for the most delightful meal I have ever tasted.  My mother-in-law made the most mouthwatering candied yams.  I am still dreaming about them.  After dinner we had a little Christmas program where the girls displayed some of their talents.  We also did our first ever Parker nativity scene.  I can't explain how adorable it was to see P as a shepherd.  Little Lucy made the perfect baby Jesus.

We then watched a video that Tyson and I made for his dad's 60th birthday present.  It was the best surprise.  I had so much fun looking through pictures of his past.  We also put clips of some of his closest friends and families expressing all of the love and admiration they have for him on the video.  We were a big bunch of cry babies all throughout the video.  He is such an amazing man and celebrating his birth, just added to the wonderful night.  We finished the evening with opening our Christmas pj's and doing our sibling gift exchange. 

I was up late loving every minute of playing Santa.  I could hardly fall asleep knowing what was awaiting miss P in the morning.  

We had Tyson's parents over to witness the thrill and excitement of Christmas morning.

 ^^^ Toddlers and Christmas make for the perfect day. ^^^

 ^^^ P was so in love with her new doll and teepee. ^^^

^^^ Watching P pull out each item out of her stocking was hysterical.  She would look at each thing, pause, throw it on the floor and then move onto the next thing. ^^^

^^^ That face. ^^^ 

 ^^^ We let her open every present under the tree in order to prolong the magic of Christmas. ^^^

^^^ Squeezing her squishy little feet into her first ballet slippers was my favorite. ^^^

^^^ She loved helping daddy with his stocking. ^^^ 

^^^ Ty reading through his coupon book I made him. ^^^ 

 ^^^ Yes, Santa brought him a pedi. ^^^

 ^^^ The aftermath. ^^^

After Christmas morning at our house we set out for Christmas at his parents.  We enjoyed homemade cinnamon rolls and watching everyone open more gifts.

^^^ Even GiGi got spoiled by grandma and grandpa. ^^^ 

 ^^^ By the end of the morning both girls were tuckered out. ^^^

We went home and were able to Skype with my little brother, who is currently serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  Seeing him beam with joy and a bursting testimony of the Savior were the best gifts of all.
We ended the day with another delicious meal and singing Christmas carols.  I was so exhausted by 8:00, I could hardly keep my eyes open.  Ty and I cuddled up on the couch, Christmas lights on and the fire place burning, all while watching a cheesy Christmas movie off of Netflix.  It was such a wonderful day.  
I am grateful to celebrate the birth of our Savior.  His perfect life and example is something I strive to exemplify every day.  When I fall short, which is most days I have his infinite atonement to heal me and help me become better.  I will be forever indebted for that gift.
I hope you all had a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Christmas Around The Parker's

I've got a three in one blog post for you all.  I have been burning the midnight oil and didn't want to miss the chance to post a look into our home for the holidays, as well as my girls in their Christmas dresses. To top it all off, I left you with a recipe of my latest obsession.

^^^ Grandpa Parker was sweet enough to come to our house and watch Lucy girl, while we attended church on Sunday.  Poor little thing has a double ear infection. ^^^

^^^ Still beaming even through the pain. ^^^

^^^ Miss P cheesing it for the camera. ^^^

My attempt at decorating for Christmas below.

^^^ I cannot emphasize enough, the joy it brings me to see all of our family and friends Christmas cards.  As an added bonus, I have loved seeing some of my photography grace the cards. ^^^

^^^ I'm kind of obsessed with out stockings.  They were totally worth the stress of finding them at three different Anthropologies. ^^^

^^^ P and I have a thing for our reindeer snow globe.  She love pushing it around all day in her doll stroller. ^^^

^^^ My festive pillows Tyson surprised me with. ^^^

^^^ The whole reason behind Christmas. ^^^

^^^ A little bedazzled canvas I crafted at an Enrichment activity. ^^^

^^^ Nothing like dressing up a mantle with a little reindeer love. ^^^

 ^^^ Our tree in all of her glory.  We are hoping she'll last till Christmas.  In between me blasting the heat and fire place, I'm not sure she will stand a chance. ^^^

^^^ I had so much fun wrapping our gifts this year.  Yes, Kim I am a granny. ^^^

^^^ My favorite ornament from this year.  My mom knew how much my dad loved motorcycles and how much it would mean to us kids to have a little memento of his passion. ^^^

^^^ I spy miss P. ^^^

Get ready for a million pics of my baby doll.  I just couldn't resist getting some pictures of her all dressed up.

And now what you have all been waiting for, that is if you are still around, my friends Jen's molasses cookie recipe.

Molasses Cookies

1 1/2 c. oil

1/2 cup molasses

2 c. sugar

2 eggs

4 c. flour

1 tsp. cloves

2 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. ginger

1 tsp. salt

4 tsp. baking soda

Mix oil, sugar and molasses.  Add 2 eggs and beat.  Sift flour and add other dry ingredients.  Form into balls and roll in sugar.

Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes. 

Hope you like them as much as I do.  Be prepared to eat heaping spoonfuls of the dough, it's that delicious. 

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!