The Malouf Family: December 2014

This has been the craziest December we've had in our marriage so far. Servepro was constantly in and out fixing our house and we even had to be kicked out for a few days while they refinished our floor. Craig and Renee were kind enough to let us take over their basement. We were without a kitchen for close to 2 months! I never thought I would be excited to do dishes, but when I could finally use our sink and dishwasher again at the end of the month I was thrilled! The floor looks beautiful and I love my new countertops, but I never want to go through that again! It has motivated us to go through all our stuff and get rid of some junk!

Lily is growing up in so many ways. She is so smart and funny. She has also regressed a little since the baby came (starting using a binky again, prefers bottles to sippy cups) but is overall seeming older and bigger all the time. She is such a sweet big sister to Lucy. She always wants to hug and kiss her and make her happy. She gets jealous sometimes and just wants me to hold her too, but never takes it out on Lucy. Her schedule has been a little crazy with being kicked out of our house and all the holiday stuff so lately she will stay in her room and read books to herself and play until midnight even if we put her to bed at 7! She barricades the door with all her toys so its almost impossible for us to open it. It sets an alarm for herself so she can hurry and jump back into her bed and make up some excuse so she doesn't get in trouble ("where's dog?" when he is right next to her). She can entertain herself for hours and hours on end and for that I'm grateful! She only has 1 month left being 2. We love you Lily Pad!

Lucy is such a happy, pleasant, and sweet baby! We are so blessed. She is so easy going and chill. She is getting really good at sitting up supported and has really strong thunder thighs. She hasn't mastered the art of rolling over yet, but that's kind of nice because you know she'll stay in one spot. She is such a beautiful baby with a heart melting gummy grin. She loves everyone who will smile at her. She sticks out her lower lip and pouts in the cutest way if you say something too loud. We can't imagine our life without her. she brings so much peace, love, and joy to our house.

December 1st Lily sang the ABC's all by herself :)

Polar Express Storytime and then the park after in December!

Seeing Santa:

We took the girls to the outlets by Traverse Mountain to see Santa. He had a cute little cottage there. Lily was "Shcud of him". She would talk to him from across the room in the safety of our arms and she told him what she wanted, "An Elsa doll!" and she even blew him a kiss and said she loved him, but she wouldn't go near him. maybe next year!

Temple Square:

The first night we stayed at the Maloufs while they refinished our floor we went on a family outing with the Malouf kids to see the Temple lights. We all met at the front runner at Thanksgiving Point and took the train down to the Gateway. There we got off and ate at the food court before walking to Temple Sqauare. It was so crowded, but the lights were beautiful. After looking around for awhile we got on Trax and headed back to Front Runner. We had both girls with us. They had both been really good up until this point. Then Lucy got hungry and Lily got crazy! She was so tired and stressed, and wasn't feeling well since she had been on antibiotics for a few days for a sinus infection and double ear infection. We had to wait for the train for 45 minutes and Lily was so bad. She worked herself up so much that she even threw up! It was crazy. I put her in Lucy's stroller and she fell asleep and slept the whole train ride home and didn't wake up when we put her in the car, or when we changed her diaper and put her in one of the Malouf's guest bedrooms. It was the longest night of our lives! We still had fun though and were glad we went.

Waiting for Front Runner

Christmas Adam:

My brother and sister-in-law had to work on Christmas Eve so the Stoker family celebrated on the 23rd. We all met at my parents house at 5 and had a delicious ham and turkey dinner. My dad had knee surgery only a few days before so he was in a lot of pain, but he still celebrated with us. After dinner we did the traditional Nativity where all the kids dress up and act it out while usually my dad narrates from the bible. My brother Mike took over the bible reading this year. Lily was an angel and Lucy was the baby Jesus! After the nativity we watched a couple videos - "He is the Gift" and "The Piano Guys Angels We Have Heard on High". Then we exchanged presents and then did a white elephant game. We were also going to do a talent show but by then it was 10 pm so we didn't. It was a fun evening! I love my family!

Aunt Tina

Sleeping Judy and Lucy :)

The Beautiful Angels: Shanee, Elsie and Lily

Christmas Eve:

For the first time in our marriage we ate Christmas Eve dinner with Michael's family. It was delicious and beautiful. After dinner the kids did a Nativity where once again Lily was an angel and Lucy was baby Jesus. Reynie sang "Silent Night" while playing the guitar and then sang us another beautiful song as well. After that we had dessert and then opened our traditional Christmas Eve presents of Christmas pajamas. Then Michael and I took the girls home and spent our first Christmas Eve at home! In the past we have always slept over at the Malouf's house. We've learned with our girls its easier to just go home now, especially since we only live about 5 minutes away. So Michael and I went home and helped Lily put a cookie and milk out for Santa, got the girls in bed and then we got to play Santa while watching Christmas Vacation. We were up until 1:30 in the morning assembling things, but it was fun!

Kate our awesome niece and babysitter

Michael entertaining all the kids

Christmas Day:

The girls slept in until 8:30 (thank goodness). I went into Lily's room and said, "let's go see if Santa came!" and she got a little nervous. She is kind of afraid of this Santa guy. So she was a little emotional and ornery and scared worried that Santa might still be here somewhere. She does love her toys though, especially the books and her Elsa doll. Lucy only got one present, a new exersaucer, but she loves playing in it and I know she will get lots of use out of it! Of course she got lots of presents from the grandparents and cousins. We all got pretty spoiled!

Michael and I had decided we wouldn't get anything for each other for Christmas since we have to pay all this money for our house and it was a stressful and busy month. So I followed that and the girls just got him a couple shirts and I got him some treats. Michael didn't follow that rule! He gave me some treats and this hilarious book that he wrote for me and then best of all, A VACATION! Its our 10 year anniversary this coming August so we are going to Cancun! We will actually be staying on a little island just off of Cancun that is supposed to be pretty safe and beautiful. I am so excited! He spoils me every year, I should have known! At least it s a gift for both of us.

First Family Movie!

They had to work on our house 1 more day a few days after Christmas so we decided to go to Watergardens and see Penguins. Both girls passed out for about half the movie. At least it was funny for Michael and I too.

Lucy turned 5 months old on the 18th. We were a little late taking pictures, but they sure turned out cute! How could then not when we have such an adorable model?

Lucy's Best Face =D

New Year's Eve:

Mickelle and Bryson Gregory kindly let our family and Amber and Brad Stapely's family join them for a New Year's party. Mickelle is so crafty- check out her website at http://www.madebymickelle.com/ she made the cutest little glasses and fun photobooth props and a stylish banner for the party. Amber cooked us all delicious cheese, meat, and chocolate fondue! Yum! I provided some paper plates, cups and utensils (since we have a ton leftover) and some drinks. We played a bunch of silly games and the kids played downstairs. Most of them made it to midnight. It was a blast!