It's Beginning to Feel like Christmas

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care

and nativities up over here and up there

And Weston was dreamily looking at ads

hoping to score with his mom and his dad

But something was missing something we had every year

something that always brought holiday cheer

This year our family's so many miles away

and surely we wouldn't have them Christmas day.

But what to our wondering eyes should we see

But a wreath from Grandma bought from QVC

So we hung it on the door and beamed with great pride

Our house looks so festive and the pine is alive

And Nana sent a dress and each boy got a shirt

So we took some pictures and smiled til it hurt

And Mommy got music with holiday style

Happy to play though it's been quite awhile

Now that is how Christmas should sound and should smell

Thanks to our family, aren't they just swell?

We still will miss Grandma and Nana and Russ

But thank you for sending some Christmas to us!

Days of Thanksgiving #8

I am grateful that my kids get to have these people as their grandparents!

I am blessed to have wonderful parents who I attribute for any and all good in me and I am forever grateful to my equally stellar in-laws who made my husband the great man that he is. But the best part is that my children have four awesome grandparents to look up to, love, play with, admire, get spoiled by, talk to, learn from, laugh with, idolize, and otherwise enjoy! Can there be a more cherished relationship?
This was the hardest part about moving to Georgia- placing so many miles between my kids and their grandparents- and it breaks my heart every time I think about it. But Emma as of late has become quite the conversationalist on the phone. She calls her grandparents often and chats about anything and everything and they listen as she gives her young and very interesting perspective on life. They are her most captive audience and she relishes every minute. Emma has been planning some big party at Grandma's (Jamie's mom) next time we go there with cinnamon chips and has invited all of my family as well. The other day when I was scolding Emma, she wanted to call my mom (Nana) to tell her how mean I was to her. I wasn't sure if as a mother my mom would take my side or as a grandmother would take Emma's :o). Weston is not much of a talker but no matter how long it's been he's always excited to see his grandparents and smiles and gives them huge bear hugs! Visits are one big snugglefest for Weston. Andrew is still too little to get it but hopefully we can get him closer with some time and cutting back some of those miles. I want to make sure my children reap the blessings of association with the greatest people I know!
Jamie is grateful for baptism (he's Ward Mission Leader)
Emma is grateful that Tori's safe (the dog we got rid of)
Weston is grateful for .....uh-oh I forgot. I'll ask Emma in the morning
Andrew is grateful for eyes

Flat Emmy gets a taste of the Southwest

Nana and Pop (my parents) went down to Sedona with my mom's family. Emmy got an exclusive child's pass.

The real Emma drove over the Hoover Dam last December but this pics. way cooler.

Flat Emmy sheds her coat and mittens in cold Georgia (it was freezing last week) and heads for more pleasant weather in Sedona.

Emmy visits one of Pop's favorite places.

Flat Emmy taking the spotlight from Nana.