A Morales Minute

December 27th was our 9th anniversary.  It wasn't the typical anniversary celebration we like to have but we were still able to express our love to each other. Starting around 12:30 a.m. that morning (we still hadn't gone to bed yet Monday as we had another late night watching a movie) we were able to say happy anniversary. Jaime brought me sweet and simple flowers. We usually go to the Mexican restaurant where our wedding party and guests went to have dinner after our wedding. But this anniversary was different. Jaime's grandpa, Eusebio Palacios died on Friday the 23rd and his memorial service happened to be on the 27th at 6 p.m. We wouldn't miss it and were glad to attend. It was hard to see Jaime's mom and sisters crying together. Jaime did a good job reading the obituary during the service. Grandpa Palacios was a wonderful father and grandfather.  We will all miss him but know that he's happy and feeling better now. My photo books are still

As always we had a busy Christmas of hitting up everyone's houses. I have a hard time not going to see our families during the holidays when they live so close. So even though it kind of wears the kids (and us) out we still enjoy it. On Christmas Eve we had dinner at my parents house. After dinner we went to Jaime's parents to open gifts. Kids got to open their usual Christmas pjs.  Tyler didn't feel like standing for a picture. He was ready to open more presents.   We got back to our house late, we put our stockings out and the kids headed off to bed...and crashed hard, fast! They were excited for Christmas morning but too tired to get up early. They slept in until almost 8. Tyler was the first to get up and found his Cars 2 race track. It has shake and go cars. He's pretty good at getting the cars to race around the track. It's a fun toy for us adults too! Aidan and his Cars bike he's been asking for. Olivia and her La La Loopsy Treehouse Lindsey and

This time of year we like to drive around and look at the Christmas lights. Tonight we did a little of that and finished by stopping at a landscape company's office. They decorate the trees and yard around their office. So beautiful. To top it off you can turn the radio on to a specific channel and listen to the music that these lights dance to. It's beautiful and amazing. The music makes it so much better than just blinking lights. The kids thought it was great. Tyler dancing to the music.  The kids' favorite song was 'Hot Chocolate' from the movie 'The Polar Express.'  Even Aidan got into singing it. I love it! If you make it to Kennewick, it's definitely worth a few minutes to go check it out. I'd go again. :)   (These pics don't do it justice.)

Today I had my first cavity filled. I know, nothing to be proud of and believe me I'm not. I blame it on having kids though. Why not? Having kids affects your hair, nails, gums...why not your teeth too? When I got home Jaime and I couldn't stop laughing. My face looked hilarious! Good thing I can laugh about it because it's really not a pretty sight... have a look yourself. :) If you cover one side of my face you can see my true smile.  I was numb up to my eye and my ear too! Felt very weird. Talk about a crooked kiss! I couldn't get my lips to pucker very well. Look I can smile and there's no smile lines on the right side of my face! Still crooked though. :) Have you seen the trailer for the movie "Joyful Noise?' It has Dolly Parton and Queen Latifah in it. If you see Dolly smile, there are no smile lines on her face! She looks older but not really if that makes sense. Makes me laugh when I see it and now that I see my face doing the same it's even

We had Jaime's family over for dinner and a birthday party yesterday. I enjoy having them around. The kids really did! Aidan and Tyler are all up for anyone's birthday party.  Jaime, it's amazing all that you have been able to accomplish at such a young age. Of course you know that by hearing it all the time at work but I want you to know that I recognize the work you put in to everything you do. I admire you for your work ethic and smartness. ;)  I love you so much and I hope you had a wonderful day. Happy birthday, Babe. Jaime 12-21-11 at 32 years young Go Huskies! (Yep that's from me.) I didn't get my camera out soon enough for the rest of his and all of Bel's gifts. :) I was caught up in the fun and excitement I guess. Jaime and Bel blowing the candles out on their Birthday Cake. They're great siblings. I love the relationship they share.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAIME AND BEL!!

This weekend has been nonstop fun and busy, busy. We had our wonderful friends the Anderson's over for a sleepover. We've tried getting one together before but things just don't work out. We planned and scheduled this weekend just over a month ago. We almost thought maybe it wasn't going to happen again as we have such busy lives but I'm glad it worked out. All the kids enjoyed playing the Wii. Here it's the younger boys' turn. It's fun to see their reactions to how they do. :) Getting ready for bed. Lindsey and Cami playing on iPod touches just before lights out. After the kids went to bed us adults got to stay up later than we should just visiting and enjoying the time  together.  Saturday morning after breakfast and more Wii playing Jaime and Jeremy took Cami, Lindsey, Alex, and Olivia to the Lowes Build and Grow workshop to build a train.  While they were gone Carina and I took Aidan, Carson, and Tyler to the Stake Center behind our house

Tyler is that's who!! Can you believe it? Neither can I. He's enjoyed his day today. We keep singing happy birthday and he just joins in. This morning the kids kept singing and hugging him. He loved the attention. We're doing his birthday party and cake Saturday because it's the most convenient time to get family around. I can hardly wait as he's now old enough to understand presents.  I just love this cuddly, sweet faced, happy kid whose blessed my life with joy and chaos. Happy Birthday Tyler! We love you!

We've been busy here in the Morales household. Kids are excited for Christmas and all the activities that go on during this time of year. I love making my house smell festive with "winter" scents and watching Christmas movies.  Lindsey told me she wanted to learn how to play the piano so she's started lessons. She's very eager and loves to practice. I hope it's something that keeps on going for her. Since Lindsey was playing the piano Olivia thought it looked fun so she too is learning and taking lessons. I hope that she'll want to keep up at it too.  Aidan isn't one to be left out so he's attempting to play as well. :) I've tried to explain some to him but he just likes to play and look at the book. Good practice until he's really ready, right?  We went to the Lighted Boat Parade. It was nice to just sit by the river in our car and listen to Christmas music. The boys were in awe over the boats. Tyler was so excited each time a new o