Christmas Time

I had the best Christmas yet because I had the cutest little one. I didn't think Rilynn would understand much and we would have to unwrap her presents for her but she had a lot of fun with it. She loved unwrapping the presents and then when she would see what the gift was she would wave her hands up and down with excitement. It was hard to get her to bed after all that fun, the poor girl just didn't want to miss out on any of it. 

It wasn't the typical Christmas but we were easy going and it turned out really well. Dave's parents went to visit his sister in Colorado Christmas day so we did Christmas with his family Christmas Eve. They truly spoiled Rilynn and I. They had the MOST thoughtful gifts. We love them and feel pretty lucky to be apart of their family.

I finally got a picture of her two bottom teeth! 

Opening her first Christmas present. A christmas book that made us all cry. 

Grandpa Paul picked this present out all by himself and has been so excited to give it to Rilynn. It warms my heart that Daves family thinks of Rilynn and shows her the love they do. 

It's her very own baby rocking chair with her name carved into the back of it. I'm sure she will love this when she is older but she surprisingly already loves it. She wiggles her body to rock it back and forth and loves holding on to the arm rests. Who knew one of the most entertaining toys this holiday would be a chair. 

Thank you Southworths for making our Christmas so special. It will be one I will always remember!

 Christmas day was not the typical either. Rilynn went with her dad for the morning so Dave picked up a couple hours at work. After he was off work we opened our presents from each other. He is the best gift giver. I didn't give him hints of anything I wanted yet he knew early on what he wanted to get me. I got my first pair of diamond earrings and I love them! He knows I like those things that sparkle :) Then he got Rilynn a beautiful picture of Jesus to put in her room and I got this really cool framed saying that will match the living room. He is such a thoughtful person and knew exactly what I would love.

Then it was off to pick Rilynn up and head over to my familys house. They were feeding 4 missionaries and letting them call their families. By the time we did all that and had some time to sit down and open presents together it was 6 o'clock. We once again were all spoiled rotten. I tell everyone we don't need much and to keep it simple, but it's evident they just love us too much. Rilynn got lots of fun toys and a cute outfit that her poppy picked out. Not your typical Christmas but we loved every minute of it. Thank you family for showing Dave, Rilynn, Abby, Jetta and I the love you do, you are all the best!

The Magic of Christmas

After going to see the lights with the young women it put me in the spirit and I wanted to come back with Dave and my family. The weather was cold but not raining so being outside was much more bearable. We walked around at the Gateway, ate dinner at PF Changs (my favorite) and then looked around at all the lights and candy shop windows at City Creek. We stayed the night and Saturday wasted time shopping so we could eat another delicious meal at Cheesecake Factory.

My parents got her the cutest little snow outfit for Christmas so she got it a few days early. She was hilarious in it and probably the cutest thing I've ever seen.

 

Her arms were stuck like this unless we pushed them down. We all stood and laughed at her for a while before we helped her out. It was just too cute

I love these three people a lot and I've loved being with them so much over the holidays

I'm the luckiest girl ever to have these two cute people love me the way they do

 Aren't they just romantic 

There aren't words to describe how much I love this boy. He is my rock and has changed my life. He has embraced everything about my life and somehow loves me more for it. It can't get better than going on trips and creating memories with your loved ones. 

Mr. and Mrs. Claus

I really can't handle how cute these two are. I hope they will be friends forever so we can tease them with these pictures when they are older. 

Just because she is cute

It's so hard not to take pictures of this beauty because she is always willing to smile for the camera. Rilynn is now lucky enough to get spoiled and get lots of loves from three sets of grandparents. I really only had one grandpa that was present in my life until I was 14 so my hope for Rilynn is that she can grow up with lots of grandparents to spoil her. We truly are very blessed to be loved by so many people. 

 

Daughters of God

This past year I have had the privilege of serving in the young womens. It has been one of the most challenging callings I've had but, it has all been a blessing. I know through all my trials this year teaching these girls has really opened my eyes and helped me think outside of myself. I debated if I was emotionally strong enough to stay in this calling during my divorce. Through prayer I knew that I was given this calling for a reason and not only did the girls need me but I needed them. 

We have a small young womens of 5 girls but they make up for it in spirit. Only one of our girls has a parent that comes to church and despite that these amazing girls are at church and mutual almost every week. Throughout the entire year we knew we wanted to do one thing and that was take the girls to SLC to see the temple and the lights. They had never been before and we hoped it would be something special that they would remember. The weather wasn't so great because it was raining all night and we were soaked but we made the most of it and all had a blast together. These girls will always have a special place in my heart. 

We ate dinner at the delicious California Pizza Kitchen

Our Fearless leader Rachel. We give each other sanity and I wouldn't be able to do it without her. 

Carly

Sarah

Kaela

Brianna