Christmas Day

Finally!

No snow storm threatened our desire to have a Christmas morning at our own home this year (and Stan's desire to sleep in his own bed Christmas Eve).
For the first time, probably since I lived at home with my parents, I didn't go to anywhere else for gift opening.
We didn't load up the car with all of our gifts.
We didn't pack our overnight bags.
We created our own McBride tradition.
We stayed home Christmas morning.

I was also excited to see Miriam open gifts this year. I figured she had to be more into it than she was last year (she slept all through the gift opening last Christmas!)

Here she's perusing her stocking stuffers.


And although she was definitely excited once the gifts were visible, she wasn't too interested in actually opening them. Everyone tells me I should enjoy it because once they realize what's going on, they start getting greedy.

So I did.

I enjoyed watching her get excited over a piece of ribbon with velcro that held her new towel together. She wore it around her neck most of the morning.
I enjoyed watching her squeal for Stan to get her new toy out of the box because she wanted to play with it now!



Miriam loving her pillow pet from Papa & Nana.

I enjoyed watching Stan open all of his gifts that I had attempted to thoughtfully pick out for him.
Stan with his new razor, and Miriam trying to get that darn ribbon apart so she can put it back around her neck!

I enjoyed opening my own gifts, especially my sewing machine.

Stan was especially pleased with himself that he managed to find something cool for me, that I hadn't asked for (or expected) and that I really liked. Apparently I'm difficult to shop for (he can explain why). He found me a sewing calendar, with simple sewing projects on each day. Good job Stan!

It was a wonderful morning.
Then we quickly packed up for the rest of the day and headed to my Dad's house to see some of my family before they left to see their in-laws.

The cousins had a gift exchange, and Miriam's cousin Braden got her a baby doll and stroller, which she loves!


It was a wonderful day playing games and eating way too much good food and good treats. I look forward to spending next week with Stan's family doing it all over again. It truly is the most wonderful (and fattening) time of year.

Hope your day was Merry & Bright too!

Miriam all decked out in her Christmas dress for church this morning.

Christmas Eve

This past November our city opened a new Skate & Spray park. Ice skating in the winter and Splash park in the summer.
We decided to go check it out Christmas Eve.
Miriam got all bundled up for the occasion.
It's a pretty small rink, but I like that it's local and outdoor.
They didn't have skates small enough for Miriam, so Stan had to carry her, but I don't think she minded.


I was pretty impressed that Stan kept his balance so well while skating with her. I tried it for a lap and felt very unsteady.


The only thing that would have made it more perfect would have been if it was snowing, it certainly was cold enough!
We spent the evening at my dad's house with a few of my siblings and their families as well as all of my step-siblings. Stan and I opened one of our "family" gifts early so we could all enjoy it.
"Band Hero" for the Wii.

We also enjoyed a lovely (and entertaining) reenactment of the Christmas Story by the children (and a few adults).

I'm so grateful for Holidays that gives us another excuse to gather with family and spend more time together.

I'm also so grateful for the birth of our Savior, and His gift of life and Atonement to the world.

Merry Christmas!

Tight Squeeze

Miriam has been experimenting lately with climbing and getting herself stuck in tight places.

She likes getting in the baskets.

She can get herself on the couch--if she can find something to step on.
When we were in the garage getting Christmas decorations out, she managed to climb 4 steps up the ladder while I wasn't looking.

We got her a toddler-sized plastic chair and she loves to carry it around the house and have a seat in random places (as well as use it to increase her reaching height).
She definitely recognizes the camera now, and squints in anticipation of the flash.
Her smiles are so precious, I love this little girl!

Music to the Ears

There is no sweeter sound to me than to hear Miriam laugh.
That is why you see parents doing ridiculous things to get their child to laugh. There really is nothing better.

We got out the plastic bowling set to have some fun, and Miriam had the time of her life (thus far).

I hope it's music to your ears too.

Wax on, wax off. Play time with Dad.

I'm So Thankful

Thanksgiving is a day of traditions.
That morning Stan was off early in the cold rain/ice to play Turkey Bowl.
I watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade while making pies, sweet potatoes & stuffing.
We gathered at my sister Jody's house with some of my family and Jody's in-laws for a wonderful meal.

We later decorated gingerbread houses while the boys watched football and napped.


That night at midnight I went to Wal-Mart for some Black Friday deals (I'm not so sure that that will become a tradition).

It was an enjoyable day, spent with family, enjoying good food and good company.

Since we didn't take the time to express our thankfulness out loud that day, here's my thanks:

I am thankful for family.
I am thankful for the Gospel.
I am thankful for good friends.
I am thankful for so many comforts in life that I enjoy.
I am thankful for a beautiful daughter, who teaches me every day.
I am thankful for a loving, patient husband, who is always there for me.

7 years ago last week, my mother passed away from liver cancer. I am so thankful for her and all that she taught me and all the things she did for me.
As a mother myself now, I can clearly see how ungrateful I was as a child. All of the things you expect your parents to do for you, because they're your parents. I only wish I hadn't waited so long to figure it out. Better late than never, right? Thanks mom, for everything. I miss you every day, especially when I want to know how you made your wonderful meals! :-)

And thanks to my Dad and Stan's parents for all you did in preparing Stan and I to become what we are today. We are so richly blessed.

Happy Thanksgiving!

1 Year Photo Shoot

We finally were able to get Miriam's 1 year photos done, even though she's now almost 15 months old. Thanks to our friend Sarah Allred for taking them (bellytonest.com).

These pictures were a bit more challenging since Miriam it very mobile, and quite fast. She loved being outside, and Sarah basically followed her around with the camera.

Enjoy!