A Picture Paints A Thousand Words

We just got our pictures back from our product photo shoot. Tif did an amazing job with all the kids. I wanted to post a few of Iz. Look at my baby girl! Could she be any cuter? If she can't sell the products, I don't know WHAT can. We send in our application for Swiss Days this Saturday. Wish us luck!

Christmas Bells Are Ringing

Christmas was wonderful this year. I love Christmas time and was so happy to finally be feeling better so that I could enjoy the festivities. Scott and I decided to scale way back on Christmas for ourselves and concentrate on our kids and others outside our small family. This felt right. I'm glad we did. Scott and I did treat ourselves to our annual Kurt Bestor concert. I am amazed each time we go at the talent that man possesses. He truly knows how to bring out the Christmas Spirit in me. Scott and Izzy also got to take a trolley ride down at Thanksgiving Point with Grandma and Grandpa Wetsel and cousins, to see all the pretty lights. Izzy wants to go there every day now! But mostly this Christmas season, we just enjoyed spending time with family and loved ones and thanking our Father in Heaven for our many blessings. It was a Christmas to remember.

Christmas Eve was at my parents house this year. Mom decided to reenact the Christmas story. We used to do this every year when I was growing up. But, as time passed we all grew too old. So, we had to wait for the new generation of children to be born and grow to the appropriate age before we could start the tradition again. I guess this was the magic year. Grandma Ann and Mom sewed all new costumes for everyone. Nothing is done half a#% in this family! Izzy had the privilege of playing the part of Mary this year and Easy played the baby Jesus. Iz practiced her line over and over to make sure it was just right. Biggy didn't have to do much practicing. We just had to make sure he didn't outgrow the 'manger' before show time. The play came off with only a few glitches that made the show absolutely perfect! Izzy delivered her line, "Oh Joseph. I can't go any farder. Wets just take duh stable." Biggy was indeed too big for the manger, so he sat up for the majority of the time and cried. The two sheep (Lincoln and Brock) pulled off their sheep hats in the middle of the shepherd scene. Angel Zoey lost her halo and wings as she 'flew' over the manger scene. The Wisemen looked more like women coming from a spa than wise old men. And Josie, the 'star', made her way down the stairs on her daddy's shoulders. But it was all as precious as could be.

This was our little Jacer Mans first Christmas! He had as much fun with the boxes, bows, and wrapping paper, as the presents themselves. He loved helping his big sister tear the paper off of the boxes, and was super curious about everything we placed in front of him. Among his favorite toys were his Fisher-Price tool box, his squeaky animal book, his ball set, his family picture book, and his stuffed piggy. We are a bit concerned that if he stays as curious as he is now, we may have to invest in an iron gate to circle our Christmas tree next year! But, despite it all, Jace definitely brought the 'wonder' back to Christmas for us this year. Love you Easy!

Izzy made a haul this Christmas! The gift she wanted the most was a pink laptopper. Santa came through and she is now the proud owner of a Cinderella laptopper. She was in heaven! Santa also brought her an EasyBake oven. Iz feels very grown up now as she helps mommy make and bake her own goodies. He also brought her a soccer ball (because as of late she's decided that's the sport she'd like to play). Pink binoculars, a play dough ice cream maker, a Cinderella doll and house, an art set, and lots of clothes, were also gifts from mom and dad and family. Our favorite moment with Izzy this Christmas was, when sitting amidst the chaos of paper and boxes and bows, presents and goodies galore, Iz stops everything and says, "Merry Christmas Mudder. Merry Christmas Fadder." And it really was.