Christmas Miracles

I am writing this post solely for our family's history.  I don't ever want to forget the blessings we've received over the last few weeks.

Last year, we were given a gift that made Christmas possible.  My goal back in January was to set aside a little bit of money each month, for this year, so that we'd have enough saved by Christmas to purchase gifts.  I'm horrible at saving and didn't get around to setting aside even a single penny.  Combine that with a slight pay cut and I was getting a little nervous as to how things would pan out.

To earn a little money here and there, I complete surveys online.  I earn points that I can then trade in for cash or gift cards.  I received a surge in surveys over the last few months that allowed me to earn some extra money just in time for Christmas.  But it still wasn't enough.

I should mention that I know the true meaning of Christmas isn't about buying gifts.  And I wish I did a better job teaching my kids this.  But can we please be honest and say that a 6 and 2 year old would be extremely sad if they woke up Christmas morning without any gifts?

Since October, I've been doing some work for my dad at his rental.  It's worked well with my schedule and, once again, gave us some extra money just in time for Christmas.

Almost two weeks ago, I was reading a bedtime story to the boys in their room when we heard a knock at the door.  "Who the heck is knocking on our door at 9:00?!" was my first thought.  I opened the door to find an envelope with our name on it.  I opened it up to find this note along with some cash. I instantly erupted in tears and couldn't believe it was happening to us. This is stuff you watch in movies or read in the Ensign but it doesn't really happen.

LaVor and I threw names around all night, trying to figure out who could have done it. We still don't know and it really doesn't matter. We are just so grateful and humbled by the generosity of others. Our prayers were answered and someone was extremely in-tune with the Spirit to know what we needed.

Last Friday, we received a large amount of consistent rain and the roads were slippery. LaVor was in a minor car accident on the way home but the only damage sustained to anybody or anything was the other persons mirror was knocked off.

After being home for a short time, he had to leave again. About 10 minutes after he left, he calls me and says, "I almost died." Not exactly the phone call you want to receive, especially after you got a text letting you know about a car accident an hour prior.

He was at a stop sign, getting ready to go, when a car was coming towards him but wasn't slowing down in the slightest. For whatever reason, she didn't T-bone him but rather missed him by inches.

I don't know what we've done to deserve all these tender mercies and HUGE blessings but I do know that Heavenly Father is aware of us, every second of every day. He knows everything we're going through and will always provide a way.

This has been a year of trials but also a year of growth, and Christmas miracles.

Christmas 2016

Things were a little less white around here compared to what we experienced last year but still a lovely day, nonetheless!

After getting about 5 hours of sleep, I woke up to bake the cinnamon rolls I prepped the night before.

While I got ready for church, Doodlebug woke up and hung out in bed with LaVor until The Lime woke up (at 7:45). We checked to see if Santa came because we were really unsure if he'd stop by our place. But The Lime's last push to be good this week saved his butt.

A new Nerf gun for The Lime and a scooter for Doodlebug. Santa left LaVor a watch and brought me a pair or booties. Apparently we were all good this year.

The boys played with their gifts and opened their stockings for a little bit before it was time for the rest of the gang to get ready for church (even though they all preferred to stay home).

As soon as the services started, our bishop commented that we were all where we were supposed to be. I had a tough time singing all of the songs, just thinking about our wonderful Savior and the gifts he's given us.

The hour was probably the longest one The Lime's ever had to live through but before we knew it, church was over and we were headed back home to resume the festivities.

Before we knew it, it was lunch time and then nap time. While everyone napped, I got started on dessert and then LaVor and I started working on dinner. I did the ham while he created his own Potatoes Au Gratin recipe (they were amazing!). We ate dinner in our pajamas and continued playing with toys until it was time for bed.

Our Christmas was low key and relaxing but meaningful and one we'll remember.  We have felt the love and light of our Savior this season and throughout the year.  We know He was born in a manger to Mary and Joseph and that He still lives today. 

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve 2016

I would have loved to spend Christmas Eve in San Francisco but the cards just didn't fall that way this year.

The Lime suggested we go "Downtown" like we did with Omi and GrandPop. I couldn't pin point what he was talking about until I realized his "Downtown" meant Old Sacramento.

I woke up early this morning to finish some last minute shopping. Everyone else had the same idea and Wal*Mart was a little cuckoo at 8:30 but I survived. Unfortunately, I also had to swing by Raleys because Wal*Mart was out of heavy cream. Raleys was just as cuckoo but at least my errands were over and done with by 9:00.

The boys were still in their jammies when I got home. We gathered the troops, got ready for the day, and were on the road to Old Sacramento.

When we left our house, it was in the low 40s and I figured as the sun came out more, it'd get warmer so I tossed Doodlebug's extra sweatshirt back into the house. The closer we got to Old Sacramento, the foggier and colder it got. I had a long sleeve shirt on, with a cardigan and jean jacket on top of it so I figured if I needed to take one for the team and give Doodlebug one of my layers, I could.

It was about 37 degrees when we arrived but the cold didn't seem to phase Doodlebug. He just ran everywhere we went. We tried to stop in every store that seemed somewhat interesting just so we could take advantage of their heat.

In the Wells Fargo Museum

In Huntington & Hopkins Hardware store, Doodlebug was infatuated with the tin dishes while The Lime enjoyed the old tools.

We walked along the train tracks down to the old school house (which is really just a replica).

In the schoolhouse, there was a young woman playing Christmas carols on the organ while her friend sang along. It was very appropriate for the day and everyone seemed to have the Christmas spirit with them.

Someone made a gingerbread house of the school...darling!

Prior to heading to lunch, we stopped by Candy Heaven for a few free samples. The owner asked if anyone wanted to try a chocolate covered cricket. In a previous candy store, I showed them to The Lime and we both were disgusted. But this time, something came over me and I took one, as did another girl in the store. We both popped them in our mouths and agreed with the owner that they tasted like a Crunch bar. The thought of eating a cricket was much more revolting than the taste. But now I can say that I did it!

We were all starving by this time so LaVor found a place for us to eat; Dad's Kitchen. I didn't care what we ate, I just wanted something warm so I ordered the fried chicken, LaVor and The Lime got burgers, and Doodlebug ordered a grilled cheese.

Now I don't know if it's because we don't eat much chicken anymore (The Lime's allergic) but HOLY COW! It was the best fried chicken and mashed potatoes I've ever eaten. LaVor's burger satisfied his craving and The Lime was done with his sliders before I blinked. Doodlebug also ate every bite of his grilled cheese. We'll be visiting Dad's Kitchen again...real soon!

We stopped in the bakery next door for a couple cookies and agreed I need to open my own bakery. LaVor and I are talking about a 5 year plan...I more loosely than he is.

After arriving back home, we attempted to put the boys down for a nap while LaVor and I wrapped presents but it just didn't work out that way.

None of us were hungry for dinner so we settled on popcorn and hot chocolate while we watched Home Alone.

We chatted with LaVor's parents and then opened up our traditional pajamas.

LaVor attempted to read from the scriptures as well as 'Twas the Night Before Christmas but two little boys were just too excited, they couldn't sit still.

Soon enough, it was time for bed. We put out cookies and milk for Santa and carrots for the reindeer. The Lime attempted to write a letter to Santa but was taking too long so LaVor helped out. We read another book before bed and then it was time for sugarplums to dance in their heads.

After the presents magically appeared under the tree, I remembered we got two new ornaments in Old Sacramento. The Lime picked out the Army one and I noticed the A's hat. We love them both!

I also realized The Lime and Doodlebug made the same ornaments in Nursery with their cute little thumbprints.

The Lime's - 2013

Doodlebug's - 2016

And lastly, a new ornament from our friends that depicts the true meaning of this season.

For it is the night of our dear Savior's birth.

Sunday Christmas Lights

We continued our Sunday night tradition from last year of driving around to see the Christmas lights in various neighborhoods.

With the kids settled in the back with their popcorn and hot chocolate, we ventured out each week and were in awe of the presentations people put on (and honestly, we enjoyed every house that had lights on them).

I think Doodlebug enjoyed them much more this year because he's a little higher in his seat and can actually look out the window.

We could never put in the time or money that some of these nice people do to decorate our home but we're sure glad they're willing to sacrifice so we can benefit from it.

Until next year!