A Morales Minute

I was going through some things and came across a Valentine Lindsey and I made for Jaime when she was little. It was just too cute to toss but I know things can't last so I decided to get pictures of it. She's too funny! Her expressions and ways she's holding the words. Such a cutie.  

Finding what's beside the stocking as well as what's beside it is always so exciting for the kids. I didn't realize how much Lindsey loved what they always get in their stockings. She was telling Isaac all about the things they get in their stockings. He was surprised how much there was. So because of Lindsey sharing this with me I could see how much all my kids enjoy and look forward to this tradition of Christmas. It's not just about what's under the tree. They get a stocking full of treats, fruits, and sometimes little gifts as well as their "Santa" gift beside the stocking. No unwrapping needed! Mom and Dad enjoyed unwrapping gifts. Jaime's always so good to pass out gifts and make sure he spreads how who gets to open something next.  They were so cute! The haul of gifts just kept coming.  Olivia LOVES shoes! Her list of shoes is so long but everyone can only get her so many shoes. haha Every year Aidan gets harder and harder to buy for. He's s...

We shared our tradition of tamales for Christmas Eve dinner with Mom and Dad. They loved it. I mean, authentic tamales, rice, and beans...what's not to love? Christmas jammies! I just got the boys pants this year. They really don't need or want a Christmas t-shirt. So I just went with some comfy pj pants.  Olivia passed on the torch! First time the boys got to put out cookies for Santa. It's always been Lindsey and Olivia after the boys go to bed. She wanted them to help her this year.  And then they all slept in the same room! Boys in the bunks and Liv in the king bed. We've just hung on to the bunkbeds after the boys split rooms. Aidan's bedroom is big enough to have the king bed and the bunkbeds in it. It's actually come in handy! And the kids really liked being in there for Christmas Eve.   

Days closer to Christmas! This was just too cute to see Aidan and Koda cuddling on the couch. It was just a quiet day as we got ready for Christmas Adam! This year we invited Elizabeth and John and their family. It was fun to have them here with mom and dad.  We had tri-tip, twice baked cauliflower casserole, and salad. After dinner we our gift exchange, white elephant style, of homemade gifts. Everyone brought such great gifts. It was fun seeing what gets stolen and when it's dead and can't be stolen.  After gifts we hit up the dessert bar! Carmelitas, peppermint bark pretzels, peanut butter balls, caramel pretzels, peanut butter ritz dipped in chocolate, and other little goodies.  It's fun to share traditions with others.   

On December 14th I got a call from Dad saying Uncle Matt and Aunt Michele were in a car accident. Head on with a snow plow. The road was slick and going around the curvy road their car slid over the center line and struck a snow plow. Aunt Michele survived with minimal injuries, however Uncle Matt died at the scene. I couldn't believe it. I was literally in shock. A roadway he's traveled hundreds of times for work. It just didn't seem real. I cried and cried.  Our family chatted via text trying to get as much information as possible. On Maps we could see where the roadway was closed due to the accident.  As you do when you lose someone you love, you start recalling memories and moments with them. I love this picture of Matt and Jaime. Matt wasn't one to get in many pictures so at our family reunion in  Bear Lake Jaime said he was going to get a picture with Uncle Matt.  The service ended up being just a couple day before Christmas, December 23rd. With all we had goin...

I love Christmas Sunday! Sacrament meeting is just music and talks about Jesus Christ. This year Mom and Dad came to spend a week for Christmas with us. We've enjoyed spending time with them and were happy to have them join us for church. They felt the Spirit and thought our sacrament meeting was wonderful. They were so impressed with the talent and variety. I felt grateful they were here to experience it with us because our Christmas Sunday's are always sooo good! Christmas Sunday isn't complete without our photos! Makes me miss Lindsey so much! Koda has a place in everyone's hearts. We can't take pictures without him anymore lol. He's kissing you back Liv! 😘