Temple Lights

Our tradition every year before Christmas for a Family Home Evening (which happen to be on Thursdays for us because of Brian's schedule) we take the kids to the temple to see the lights. It gives us a great opportunity to show them the beautiful lights and to tell them about Jesus' birth. They all seemed to really enjoy the beauty of the temple at Christmas time.

This is the front of the Mesa Temple from Main Street.

Here is a better picture of just the temple itself.

This is the Nativity Scene that they put up every year. These figures apparently were sent here from Italy.

And last but defiantly not least, Mary & Joseph. Although I think at 5 1/2 months along I look bigger than Mary does full term! Must be another one of the great blessing of being our Savior's mother!!!

Nathan's Birthday

Kaylie really wanted to help Nathan open his presents. She didn't even care what they were, she just wanted to rip paper!

Nathan and Kaylie riding bikes. And yes, Nathan is riding Maddie's bike.

Nathan for his first ride on his new bike. And for those of you who haven't seen it, that is Brian's police car behind him.

We decided to get Nathan a new bike for his birthday since a few months ago Brian ran his old one over with the truck. It is pretty mangled and although Brian wanted to try to fix it, Nathan had pretty much out grow it and was ready for a new one.

Nathan enjoying his rainbow cake.

I didn't go over board with the cake this year. I guess being pregnant put a damper on my energy! I could have bought him one, but I like making their cakes for them. I asked Nathan today if he had a good birthday and he enthusiastically said "Yes!" Brian did have to work, but we still got to spend about 3 hours with him before he left, so it was a fun day. Can you believe he is 5 already?!

Chrystal's New Project

Well, today I decided I wanted to make a hair bow holder for the girls and I am pleased to announce that it turned out just how I wanted it to. I bought the sign board with hooks (the hooks are for pony tail holders) at Walmart for $4 and the ribbon to clip the bows on was another $3 and I bought the paint for $1. So this is what I did for a total of $8 plus the time it took to paint it and put it together. I went with the pink and brown theme to match the girls bedrooms sets. Plus, it's cute and fun. It only took me about 2 hours or less to paint it and put it all together. All in all I am very happy with the finished product. I may add some brown dots to the hearts at the bottom of the ribbons, but I haven't decided yet. All the bows that are clipped on the ribbons I made for the girls. I'm sure there will be more to come...