Xactwares 2012 Christmas Party

Das's work party has been at Thanksgiving Point the past 4 years but they switched it to the Provo Convention Center this year. We were concerned that we weren't going to make it with needing a sitter for 5+ hours. But fortunately, my wonderful family made it possible to attend.  My niece, Samantha came to our house to watch Logan and Dallon.  And we dropped Tristan and Ashton off at my brother and sister in law's to play with their triplet cousins.

We were a little late getting there, but Jason and Mia Love had saved us a seat.  The company gets larger each year.  I believe they said that they had hired 100 new people this year.  They had over 800 people at the party. Das was introducing me to co-workers (left and right) and their spouses.  It is so much fun to meet all these neat people that he gets the opportunity to work with.

Mia and I sat next to each other and enjoyed the chit chatting.  After eating prime rib, salmon, and all the tasty sides, they started the amazing program that they have each year.  This year they brought in Peter Breinholt.  I loved him back in high school and he was just as great as I remembered.  Then they played some clips of the employees saying Merry Christmas Xactware.  Das was one of them.  he should be awarded an Emmy. lol Then they asked a bunch of the employees children some questions about Xactware and what their parents do. Kids are so dang funny.  It was very well put together. 

Once the program was over, they passed out  bags to each employee with numbers inside each bag.  Everyone was able to swtich once with another person.  Then once you opened your bag, it determined what you recieved.  The prizes ranged from a $300 dollar gift card to Cabellas, to $25 dollars to Texas Road House......which we received.

They had dancing afterwards, but we had to get home to the kids.  As always though, we had a great time.  Das works for such a great company.  And I am grateful for all they do for the employees.  And even more grateful for how hard my husband works to provide for our family.  I am lucky wife!

 

The Spirit Of Chistmas

Christmas comes quicker each year it seems.  And each year I try to get my shopping done early, so I can just sit back and enjoy the holiday fin with my family.  This year Tristan has already started to question if Santa is real.  I am not ready for him to stop believing this early.  For the last couple of years, I have seen the "Elf On The Shelf" but I've never been a huge fan.  I was willing to try something new to keep my oldest believing just one more year.

 They have really enjoyed finding him each morning...although many times I have forgetten to move him.  I do think it has helped to keep Tristan a believer for one more year.  After the horrific incident that happened in Connecticut a couple of days ago, I want to hold on to their youth now even more. 

I won't deny that "The Elf'" is a little creepy, and cheesy.  But if it makes my children happy...then I am all over it.  I want to do everything that I can to help them enjoy their childhood and to help them stay young for as long as they can.  It seems there is so much sorrow in the world today, that I want to do whatever it takes to show my boys that there is also Love.  And I want to go to bed each night knowing that I did my best to teach them LOVE above anything else.

 

I want them to know that life is more than just being "popular' or playing sports.  That they are more then just their cute faces.  I want them to know that I love them and will always love them.  I have been given a huge responsibility as a mother to raise them right.  I will have no regrets. 

I felt very honored when we were asked by our neighbor to act out the nativity scene during a ward gathering.  I called around about some costumes, and my sister in law found some amazing shepherds costumes for the boys.  Love the beards! 

A lady in the ward had sewn the neatest Mary and Joseph costumes ever.  We didn't want to give them back. 

Dallon was our sweet Baby Jesus.  He played the role so well. 

They started out by having Das and I walk around the tables while the song,"Silent Night" was playing.  We then headed out in the hallway and onto the stage with Dallon.  Logan was supposed to walk in with the wise men and shepherds, but insisted on following us up on stage.  He was throwing a fit....and then the curtains started to open.  Like a deer in the headlights he froze up with all the lights and people looking at him.  Logan slowly backed up and stood next to us.

Once Tristan and Ashton came on stage and kneeled down, Logan followed suit.  They all sat there peacefully while the song played out.  You could feel the spirit so strong.  I was so happy that I was able to have my family experience the true meaning of Christmas.   

   

And so what is the real meaning of Christmas?  It's about that glorious night when the angels came telling the shephards of the birth of Christ. It's about the star in the heavens looking down on the babe. It's about the choirs of heaven singing of this great event. It's about His Wondrous Birth. It's about the beginning of the salvation of mankind. It's especially about Christ's love for us...the greatest sacrifice ever made. And because of His birth and His atonement, we may live with him again as we surround ourselves with his love. Christmas is about the Love of Christ. That's what I want my children to remember.

 

 

 

The Terrible Terrific Twos!

December 3rd we celebrated Logan's 2nd birthday.  Das had gone to Costco the day before to pick out a gift.  We knew we wanted to get him some sort of bike.  They had the big wheels available....but it was for 3 and older.  We figured he would grow into it.  Das had quite the challenge putting it together. 

Das also grabbed some puzzles and books for him. He loves to rip open the wrapping paper. 

I asked Das to pick him up a small cake also.  Das didn't want to get a huge one.....so he got several cupcakes instead.   They were perfect.  Logan wanted Das to keep lighting them so he could blow them out. He would try blowing them out before they were even fully lit.

Logan sings Happy Birthday really well.  I tried to get a video, but he was so busy with the candles.   

Turns out even though the big wheels is too big for him....he loves it.  He pushes it all around the house.  And he always has his santa hat on. Ho ho ho!!!

 

We give Thanks!

This was our year to have Thanksgiving at Mirabais house.  The food...as always...was delicious. 

Mirabai always has a fun activity planned each time we get together.  This year she has us each bring small items to stuff stockings to send across seas to those serving in the military.  Neat idea.   

After eating and catching up....we left and headed to my parents house.  It worked out too since they had started their gathering later.   

I'm so thankful for little helpers.  These girls love playing with the babies. 

My heart is full.  I have so much to be thankful for. 

I am thankful for my 4 beautiful healthy boys.  They fill my life with so much love and laughter.  They each bring so much to our family.   I am thankful for my husband and all he does for our family.  I am thankful for his strength and his testimony.  He is my best friend, my everything.  I'm thankful for my parents.  They have taught us so much.  And taught us the importance of forever families.  I am thankful for the gospel and for our Savior, Jesus Christ.  I have much more to give thanks for.  Happy Thanksgiving!

Das had surgery

I dropped Das at the hospital early Thursday morning.  Two hours later I came back to pick him up.  He was in a lot of pain. Hmmmm...Morphine!

Logan at first seemed really concerned and was afraid to go near him.

But after a minute he wanted to give him loves and make sure he was okay.

Das has spent the whole week laid up in bed.  He hasn't complained much.  I know he has been hating not being able to do much.  And it probably kills him that I have had to drive him around.  I am a very cautious driver.

I took all the kids to church Sunday and left Das at home.  Our primary class made Das some get well cards.  They were cute!

I left the boys with Das for an hour and came home to these sleeping boys.  So sweet!

Das has to keep the brace on for a little longer.  The surgery was a lot more intense then his first one.  Longer recovery and physical therapy.  But I am glad he finally got it taken care of and he can focus on less pain in the future.  Ive enjoyed having him home.  It has been a lot of work.....but I've loved the company while I have been painting and my regular daily duties.  But its back to work for him tomorrow.:(

Photo dump!

Logan is our funny boy.  After we took the sacrament, he stuck the water cup into his mouth.  It is now his favorite thing to do during church.

After the big snow fall, I had to go buy Tristan some new snow pants.  I came across this ski suit that was on sale.  Purchased it for 30 bucks. Score!

Logan loves books.  My Aunt Nancy gave us some really neat books when Dallon was born, and Logan wants us to read them to him all the time.

Aunt Keli came over to babysit last week and brought a bunch of stuffed animals for the boys.  They sure do love her!

Dallon sure is a chunk!  I think he may way as much as Logan.

Tristan and Ashton love sleeping on the floor.  I only allow it on weekends.  I know I wouldn't be comfortable on the floor.

Dallon is the sweetest baby.  He loves to cuddle and eat!

Looks like some one is teething.  Slobber galore!

Who you calling fat?! I love his muffin top!

Tristan was baptized!

Tristan William Monroe was baptized yesterday into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  He has been so excited ever since he turned 8 in October.

It was a stake baptism held at 11:00 on a Saturday.  Which was nice to have time in the morning to get ready.  The stake primary president had called me earlier that week asking if I would do a talk.  I asked her if we could do the musical number instead.

We asked Tristan if he would like to sing, and he definitely wanted to.  We practiced all week.  He sang "When I am Baptized" with his cousins Savannah and Carly.  They sounded beautiful.

After we got done taking family pictures, Das and Tristan headed to the dressing rooms to get into their baptismal suits.  Das told me later, that when he and Tristan were about to go into the water, Tristan said, "I feel so good right now I want to cry."  I am so excited that he has chosen to become a member of our church.  He is going to be such a great example to his little brothers.

I am so blessed to have 4 fantastic boys whom Das and I can teach the gospel too, and to someday serve missions.  I can only pray we do a good job in preparing them.  They seem to teach me more each day than I feel I teach them.

 While we were waiting for Das and Tristan to finish getting dressed for Tristan's confirmation we were lucky to have my nieces perform.  Claire was supposed to play the violin while the three kids sang.  But due to the horrible weather, they were late and missed that part.  Which I was glad they did....so we could hear it again.

 It was such a nice surprise to see my neighbor and her kids there to see him get baptized.  Tristan and Ashton adore them.  Brayden is....I think....12.  And the boys are always going over to play with him.  He is always so nice to them.  All the boys in our neighborhood have been so great to let our younger boys tag along.  Logan loves them too.  He didn't want to go to anyone else at this time.  Tristan also received a gift from Savannah, Paxton, Will, and JD.  It was such a sweet thought and he loved it!

Afterwards we headed to Spaghetti Factory for lunch.  Tristan didn't care where we went, as long as his cousins could come.   

It took a while to get every one's order and food....but it didn't matter.  We had our own separate area.  The cousins all played and had so much fun.  And the adults just enjoyed each others company.  It is so much fun having a large family.  Sisters, brothers, moms, dads, cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and most importantly...Grandma and Grandpa.  Best of friends in this group! 

Top left corner of this picture....Logan and my sisters boy Riley.  Everyone thinks they look exactly alike.  I have to agree. 

Bottom left...My nephew Dan and Dallon.  Again....they look so much a like.  I am so grateful for this amazing family.  And a big thanks to all of you that came.  I know its not easy to give up half your Saturday.  And I also know the weather was disastrous....so even a bigger thanks for coming.  It means the world to me and I know means even more to Tristan on his special day.  Thanks to all of you...this will be a day he will never forget!  Lots of Love!

One special gift that was given to Tristan was from his Grandma.  To each grandchild that turns 8...she buys them their first pair of scriptures, makes them a blanket(resembling the Holy Ghost) and a pillow.  Tristan has such a special bond with his grandma.  They always have.  So this meant the world to him.  He sat during sacrament looking through them and marking scriptures that he liked with the highlighter she gave him.  Thanks mom!