It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas....

Sixteen GLORIOUS days off work.  I love the holidays, especially once I am done with work.  This year is extra special because Bryce is able to take the week before Christmas off as well.  Don't think we're sitting around doing nothing though.  Okay, Bryce has been in the basement all day because BYU played in a bowl game and now BYU basketball is playing.  But I, however, have been busy today. 

First, I took Payton to her Christmas party at her dance studio. 

Then I came home and ran the kids to the junior high so they could go sledding:

Next, it was time to build a snowman in the front yard:

I wanted someplace cute to put all my Christmas cards.  I told Bryce that a friend of ours tapes hers to a door in her home.  He said, "Our door is metal.  Why don't you use magnets?"  Of course I couldn't just use any magnets so I went to Gracie Lou's and bought some super cute buttons and now our front door is the official showcase of all your fabulous Christmas cards.  Keep 'em coming!

We just finished making some caramel corn for some of our friends and neighbors:

and whenever I can get Bryce out of the basement we are going to Tucanos for dinner to celebrate Bryce and Jeff's birthdays.  No, you didn't miss Bryce's birthday.  He and Jeff signed up for birthdays at Tucanos in December and June so we could all go together and use the "buy one get one free" certificates.  Don't worry, I'm still honest.  Happy Holidays!

Payton's 1/2 Birthday

Today I'm thinking about how fast my little Payton is growing up.  It is her "half" birthday today.  The reason I know that is because she gets to be the V.I.P. in her class today.  She got to bring a poster, treats for her class, her favorite toy, and her favorite book.  She has been so excited.  Today as we were walking to her class I said, "Are you so excited to be the VIP today?"  She said, "Mom, I think you are way more excited about it than I am."  Seriously??? Where did she learn to talk like that?  4 1/2 years old....where in the world did that time go?

I feel really blessed that Payton is at the preschool/daycare at my high school.  It is the most fabulous program and I love it when I get to see her.  The other day I was grading some papers in my classroom at the end of the day and I heard a whole bunch of racket coming through the hallways.  Her class was playing "marching band" and they were visiting all the teacher-moms at the school.  I can run down and talk to her, hug on her or just say hi anytime I want.  It has been awesome.

Last week one of my yearbook photographers was taking pictures of the child development class and she took this picture for me.  She said, "I just couldn't help it.  Payton looked so cute!"  I agree....what a cute kid.

Here are 4 1/2  things I love about Payton:
1.  She makes me smile every single day.
2.  She is SUCH a girl.  She loves dance, gymnastics, haircuts, painting toes and fingers, etc.
3.  She is super smart and a little bit of a smart aleck which I have to admit I love.
4.  She is so sweet.  She acts like a big sister to the kids in her preschool.
1/2.  Every time Bryce and I hug or kiss each other she says, "Wouldn't it be better if I joined?"

I am so glad every single day that my Heavenly Father decided to send me this happy little surprise!