Temple Square

The last time I went to Temple Square at Christmas time is when Lexi was a year old. So last night we got the bright idea to brave the snow storm and head up to Salt Lake. My kids love riding Tracks and with parking being a nightmare we were all happy. As soon as we got off the train and walked into Temple Square the most warm beautiful feeling filled my soul. One of my girls said, "we don't have to pay to come in here". It was snowing, I was there with people I love, and The Christmas Spirit filled the air. It was a magical night for all of us.

MaKaya's party

This year MaKaya had an old fashion birthday party. We played musical chairs, pin the tail on the reindeer and had a pinata. And it was a lot of fun. It doesn't really matter what you do when kids are together they just know how to have some fun.

Tyce, Macy, MaKaya, Shalyse, Addey, Mckenzie, Boo and Ellie

Christmas Party Fun!!!

Doesn't she look HOT!!!

Instead of playing Bunco we decided to have a Christmas party. Destiny was our fabulous host (she really can throw a party). We had an Ugly Christmas Sweater contest, and my did we have the Christmas attire glowing. Destiny beat us all with her denim jumper and side ponytail. The food was delicious and the white elephants were, well lets just say some were naughty and some were nice!!! I love these girls!!!

Two Pink Piercings

For months every time we have gone to the mall MaKaya has asked Boo if she wants to get her ears pierced. Each time we hear the same reply, "On Monday I will." Then when we are at home MaKaya will ask her and the answer is always yes, but as soon as we are at the mall it quickly changes back to "On Monday".

Today my mom and I were at the mall and out of the blue Savanna says "me get my ears pierced". I was shocked and surprised, but quickly proceeded to the earring store. She very quickly picked out her daisy earrings and sat in the chair. Her white face and scared eyes indicated how nervous she was. She sat perfectly still as her first ear was pierced. Then the tears quickly came. I was afraid she wasn't going to let us do the other one, but she was brave and then more tears came. As soon as she was offered a sucker no more tears for her.

Christmas Box Angel

Years ago The Christmas Box was written and because of this book there are now 100 angles across the country where family and friends can go to mourn for their children that have died. My sweet friend Kate lost her 4 month baby boy 5 years ago in October, and lovely Krista had a stillborn last December. What a humbling experience this was for me. It broke my heart to look around me and see so many souls that have had to endure the trial of loosing a child. They are so brave. Just thinking about that makes my heart hurt and my eyes wet. Thank you Kate, and Thank you Krista for being so strong and silently teaching me more than you will ever know.

Sponge Bob

MaKaya's best friend Macy gave her the love for Sponge Bob. I find no humor in the show, just annoyance, but MaKaya loves him dearly. When we finish our basement she has told me that she wants her bedroom to be Sponge Bob. I'm fine with us waiting 10 years to finish the basement. MaKayas dear Granny had her friend make MaKaya a Sponge Bob cake our family birthday party. She was absolutely thrilled. When it was time to eat him she chose to eat a leg.

6 Years of JOY!!!

MaKaya Joy was born Dec. 2nd six years ago, and she has filled my life with Joy since the day she was born. Towards the end of my pregnancy I was so overcome with hugeness that I earnestly prayed many times daily that she would be born. Then one glorious morning my water broke and very big 8lb 9oz, 20 inch baby being born 2 weeks early came into my world. I always bring my children home from the hospital in a preemie outfit. MaKaya's didn't fit. The snaps budged at the belly and the pant legs were inches too short. She had cute round cheeks, and a dimple that melted your heart. She was an angel to me when I really needed one.

I quit working and was babysitting to earn extra money and my life was very over-whelming. So many changes had taken place and watching a 4 year old, 2 year old, 18 month, and 2 brand new babies was a little much for me, not to mention we were poor as could be. Lexi was having a very hard time adjusting to the new baby and all the kids at our house. I would ask myself can I really do this, is being a mother worth giving up so much? Then the night would come and it would be just MaKaya and me. I would rock my new precious baby that brought me nothing but Joy and with tears streaming down my cheeks I knew that my answer was yes.

As MaKaya got older her sweetness never left, and she never left my side. She was painfully shy. I know for many of you this is really hard to believe. If people would look at her she would turn her face into me and cry big alligator tears. I worried that she would never have friends or enjoy peoples company. Pre-school changed that for her. The first few weeks were very uncomfortable, but we pressed on. Before we knew it she was the social butterfly of her class. MaKaya has a lot of friends and loves people but her favorite place to be is home with her mom.

One more thing I must say about MaKaya is her sense of fashion. She LOVES clothes and LOVES to put an outfit together. She will tell you how much she likes your shoes, or that you have a cute shirt on. I am so used to it that I don't really notice it, until a neighbor or a friend will tell me that she complimented them.

6 Things I love about MaKaya

1. Her ability to keep a positive attitude

2. Her bright happy smile, she so willingly shares

3. Her kindness towards Boo even when she doesn't deserve it.

4. Her enthusiasm to learn

5. The monstrous messes that she can create in just minutes

6. Her honesty in all things even when it hurts.