Christmas 2025

 I planned a huge trip to Hawaii this year for Christmas, so we did our celebration a few days early.  Everyone was planning on being out of town after December 20th, so that was the magical day I picked for us to open gifts and eat dinner together.  

I took the boys shopping so they could get gifts for family members.  We walked around target and then headed home to wrap everything.  

 Stephen and I said we would host Christmas, so we cooked a small turkey breast, some bread, and a salad.  Craig and Blair brought some food along with my dad and Landon, they brought chicken legs.  We had a wonderful dinner, and then took turns opening gifts.  We played some fun games before everyone headed home to travel for the holidays.  I love Christmas and I am so glad we got to celebrate as a family.

 

Recital Weekend

 This weekend was my piano and voice recital for my students.  It went wonderfully.  My friend Leigh flew in with her daughter from Colorado on Friday.  I had told a lady in my old ward that I would sing at a few old folks homes around the area during the month of December.  So I had a show just before I had to pick Leigh and Vivian up from the airport.  It was fun to sing for an hour with the people in the retirement homes, but it was also a lot of work.  Especially, when I already have a lot going on during the month of December.  

After the airport, we went to dinner and then to the river of lights.  This year, it was just Leigh, Vivian, and me who went because Craig and Blair had a show at UNM that night.  Stephen didn't feel like being a part of the girl group with out Craig, so he stayed home.  Neither of my boys wanted to see the lights.  Too bad for them because it was beautiful.  We even roasted marshmallows by a fire!

 

We woke up early on Saturday morning to head over to the church for the Christmas Recital.  The recital began at 8 AM!  It was perfectly early.  HA! Every single kid did great.  A few kids were running late so they went at the end, then all the kids had cookies and hot chocolate.  I definitely miss my boys playing in my recitals.  It is bitter sweet.  After the recital, Leigh, Vivian, and I went to have tea at the tea house again, just like last year.  It wasn't as fun as last year because we were put in a room that was themed "Nightmare before Christmas"! HA!  The food was delicious, though.  Then we went for a walk around the Bosque before I dropped them off at the airport to fly back home to Denver.   

As soon as I dropped them off at the airport, I headed straight to Nolen's jiu jitsu match.  I parked, ran in, paid, and made it just in time to see Nolen fight.  He lost, but I was so glad I got to see him.  

 

After the match, Stephen and I went for an 8 mile run around the Bosque.  My favorite loop is right in our back yard.  It was the longest day but so rewarding.  As soon as we got home, I jumped right in the bath and then to bed.  I love these beautiful busy days! 

 

Happy 4th Birthday, Pearl!

 How has it been four years?  Pearl is so loved by our family.  She is such a wonderful dog.  She isn't perfect, but she is nearly perfect.  She loves our entire family and tolerates everyone else.  She is sweet, kind, calm, and always up for a good run.  I have been taking her running with me on Friday's for the last few months.  We adore her.  I know my life wouldn't be the same without her.  The boys absolutely could not live with out her. 

  

I tried my hand at making cookies and getting them frosted for my recital but it was a complete flop. I messed up something and I am not entirely sure what.  But these cookies were gross.  I voted and forced the boys to play a fun game together. 

 

Thanksgiving with the Skousen's

Happy Thanksgiving!  

 

Today was a great day!! We woke up early and headed to the Turkey Trot.  It was so tough! Stephen ran a super fast 23 minute 5K and I ran a 26 minute 5K!  Craig, Blair, Jared, and Faith all joined us on the hilly course.  It was so hard.  We ran three big hills that felt like they were trying to torture us!  It was so fun to have my two brothers come and run with me.  

Craig and Blair hosted Thanksgiving at their house.  It was awesome.  Landon made the turkey and my dad made his own turkey.  All the food was delicious.  We played games after dinner then headed to the movies, where Edward was working.  Stephen also had to go to work that day but got off just in time to come to the movies with us.  

 

Friday, I made everyone get together for a Christmas photo so we could make our Christmas Cards early.  It was a very fun and relaxing weekend.  I missed my sisters and hope I can see them sometime early next year.   The boys helped me put up the Christmas tree!!  It is so huge!! I love all of our traditions.  They bring me so much joy this time of year.