Christmas Day

We had a wonderful Christmas!  One of the doctors that work with Ben let him off a little early so he could spend Christmas morning with us.  Ben was working the night shift.    I thought that was so nice!

Here is what our Christmas tree looked like before the mad rush.

One of our traditions every year is that on Christmas Eve, all of the kids sleep in one room.  They always look forward to this.  We usually pick the room that is the farthest away from the Christmas tree.  And that room just happened to be Devin and Ashton's  room.  All the other kids brought in sleeping bags, pillows and blankets.  

Before anyone can go into the front room to even look at the Christmas tree, we have to eat breakfast.  I bring the food into the bedroom.  We always have the same thing: deviled eggs, oranges and cinnamon rolls.   

Right before we started to eat, we said a prayer that Ben would get off work quickly so he could join us.  Not even one minute later, Ben called and told us he was coming home early.  It was our Christmas miracle and direct answer to our prayers.  Such a little thing, but so important to us.  Our Heavenly Father is mindful of us and does answer our prayers.

Christmas Eve Performance

For Christmas Eve, we went over to Uncle Wade and Aunt Shelly's house.  We always have so much fun with them and this night was no exception.  Unfortunately, Ben had to work Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

For the evening program, some of the kids did a few performances.  I was only able to take a few pictures because I was taking care of Daisy.  But here they are:

 

Caleb, Carson and Alli all play in the same Orchestra at school.  They are only one month a part and they all love music.  So they decided to play some beautiful music that they put together.

Calvin played a Christmas song that he memorized for a piano recital earlier that month.

Carli and Chase played a beautiful duet.

And Alli played a piano solo.

Here are a few members of the audience.  We had a great time!

Santa at Pack Night

While we were at Pack night for Cub Scouts, Santa was there.  So some of the kids went and sat on his lap.  

Lacey wasn't too sure about the whole experience.  She figured that if she didn't look at him, she would be safe.

Daisy on the other hand, wanted nothing to do with Santa and made sure everyone knew it!

Devin was just happy that they handed out treats to everyone!

My Two Cub Scouts

I have 2 boys in Cub Scouts once again! Since Ashton has turned 8 years old, he is now officially in Cub Scouts.   

In December, he received his Bobcat badge.  I love it when boys join Cub Scouts because they are always so excited and enthusiastic about everything.  Ashton is no different!  I could not sew that badge on fast enough!

That same month, in December, Calvin earned his Bear badge.  So that month, I was pinned twice!  I was one happy momma!  How many Scouts get their badges from Santa?  :)

I will have to say one thing about the Cub Scout program here.  It is incredible!  I have never seen anything like it before.  The leaders are so organized and go all out!  It has been such a great experience just to watch.  The whole pack, or unit, just received a special badge for being so outstanding!  Amazing!

Great Grandma and Grandpa Richardson

Ben and I have such wonderful grandparents!

  While we were in Arizona, we were able to see all of them.  

Here is a picture of Ben's grandparents.  I love how sweet they are to each other.  Grandpa Richardson has a way of making you feel as if you are the most important person in the world.  And Grandma Richardson is one of the most optimistic people I know.  They are both always so happy!  We love them!

Ashton's Baptism

This past November, Ashton turned eight years old! We were in Arizona for the Thanksgiving holiday, so we decided to have his baptism then.

So the day after Thanksgiving, we went to a Stake Center in Gilbert and Ben baptized Ashton.

It was a special baptism and there were lots and lots of family there.  We filled up the whole Relief Society Room!  

After the Baptism, we all went to Grandma and Grandpa Reed's house for dinner.  It was a whole lot of fun and really tasty!

We are so proud of Ashton and his decision to get baptized.  He is such a good boy and always makes it a point to read his scriptures every night and say his prayers!

Thanksgiving Day at the Reeds

We had a great time visiting family during the Thanksgiving holiday!  Here are a few pictures of the fun we had at Grandma and Grandpa Reed's house.  I forgot to take my camera to Grandma and Grandpa Richardson's house.  

Grandpa Reed loves old trucks.  In fact, I drove a 1950 Chevy 1 ton dually, flat bed truck to school everyday.   So Grandpa decided to take all the grandkids on a ride while the Thanksgiving meal was being prepared.  I went on the ride with the kids and rode in the back.

We sang all different kinds of songs, but mostly Christmas songs.

Sweet little Daisy

The Meal...

Briley, Caleb, Calvin and Carson

Tillison, Ashton and Dayton

Daisy, Landon and Mayley

Bridget, Sam, John, Karlee and Lacey

Working with Grandpa

Lacey loves visiting Grandma and Grandpa's house. She particularly loves helping with the horses.  Here are a few pictures of Lacey helping Grandpa Reed.

Another Hike...

We love going on family hikes!  Ben had an afternoon off, so we decided to drive up to the Franklin Mountains again and go on another hike.

Daisy in her backpack.

Boys hiking up the trail.

Caleb

Dinner time!

Dad and Daisy

Dad and Daisy

Carson and Ashton

Calvin

Lacey

We all packed lunches and ate up on the mountain.  It was actually surprisingly cold, so we didn't stay too long.  We will definitely be back when it warms up a little...

The Simple Things-Daisy

I love this little girl!

Ashton's 8th Birthday

 In November, Ashton turned 8 years old!  He is such a nice boy!  We love him and are so glad that he is a part of our family!

He got a treasure box, scriptures, candy, Scout stuff and a hat.  

Ashton is such a good boy.  He is always trying to be good.  He worries about his grades and homework all the time.  I always have to tell him not to worry.  He has all A's.  He is loving Scouts!  He is also really becoming quite a good pianist!  You should hear him play!

Ashton getting ready to open presents with Lacey wanting to help.

Happy Birthday Ashton!

For his birthday, Ashton didn't want a birthday cake.  He wanted Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats!  He has good taste!  Anything with chocolate and peanut butter has to taste good!