Christmas Review-Part 1

I know it has been forever since my last post. What can I say, I have been busy! Anyways, I will give you a review of the wonderful Christmas we shared this year. We traveled to Arizona to Brandon's parent's house where all of his family joined us. It was so much fun spending time with EVERYONE and it was a really long break almost 12 days off. A much needed break. Jackson and Elizabeth were super excited to see all their aunts and uncles and they were not disappointed. I think Jackson was his Uncle Justin's miniature shadow and Elizabeth was often found spending quality time with her Uncle Filipe.

The Stokers always plan fun activities including miniature golf, hiking, shopping, wally ball, playing Just Dance 3 and the Kinex and swimming at Great Grandma's house.


Jackson really enjoyed miniature gold, he took it very seriously concentrating on each hole and he is actually a really good shot. We might have a future golfer on our hands. We even participated in the annual Stoker Swing for Bling. Justin was the raining champ and he succeeded in winning again but I think Jackson had the most fun adjusting the flags and picking up all the balls with Grandma's kitchen tongs.We also went to Goldfield, AZ and visited the Ghost Town. It was a really amazing place to visit with old west buildings, large wagons and barns, and they even perform an Old West showdown. Liz wasn't too into the load gunshots and yelping but she loved the train.




We even had a Harry Potter themed New Years with all Harry Potter themed foods and a jelly bean tasting contest. I know the kids were devestated when everyone had to go home. The only thing that got them out the door was knowing that all their presents were waiting for them under the tree at our own house. It was a great vacation and holiday. Nothing is better than family.

a child's 10 commandments

I just found this on Pinterest and had to share it:

A Child’s Ten Commandments to Parents. Reading this just makes me want to do everything to be a better Mom.

1. My hands are small; please don’t expect perfection whenever I make a bed, draw a picture, or throw a ball. My legs are short; please slow down so that I can keep up with you.

2. My eyes have not seen the world as yours have; please let me explore safely: don’t restrict me unnecessarily.

3. Housework will always be there. I’m only little such a short time—please take time to explain things to me about this wonderful world, and do so willingly.

4. My feelings are tender; please be sensitive to my needs; don’t nag me all day long. (You wouldn’t want to be nagged for your inquisitiveness.) Treat me as you would like to be treated.

5. I am a special gift from God; please treasure me as God intended you to do, holding me accountable for my actions, giving me guidelines to live by, and disciplining me in a loving manner.

6. I need your encouragement, but not your praise, to grow. Please go easy on the criticism; remember you can criticize the things I do without criticizing me.

7. Please give me the freedom to make decisions concerning myself. Permit me to fail, so that I can learn from my mistakes. Then someday I’ll be prepared to make the kind of decisions life requires of me.

8. Please don’t do things over for me. Somehow that makes me feel that my efforts didn’t quite measure up to your expectations. I know it’s hard, but please don’t try to compare me with my brother or my sister.

9. Please don’t be afraid to leave for a weekend together. Kids need vacations from parents, just as parents need vacations from kids. Besides, it’s a great way to show us kids that your marriage is very special.

10. Please take me to Sunday school and church regularly, setting a good example for me to follow. I enjoy learning more about God.

Christmas in the Stoker house

I am finally feeling better, thank goodness. Now I can get back to life, clean my house, and get ready for Christmas which is only 10 days away...what? I know, Dec is flying by. So other than being housebound we haven't really been up to much. It has been rainy here and cold which is just a constant reminder of why we lived in Arizona (lol). I don't mind the rain but the kids go a little crazy being stuck in the house all day. I guess we are going to need to branch out and find some fun places to go inside in ABQ. We have been enjoying the lights and the Christmas spirit right now. The kids love looking for the Elf on the Shelf every morning. I am not always creative with the placement of the elf but he does bring a gift once in while which is kind of a take off from a tradition in Brandon's childhood.

Jackson is very excited about Christmas, asking me every day if it is Christmas yet. And Elizabeth is so excited to go to Grandma Stoker's house. She names everyone she is going to see each day including the dogs. It really is amazing how much the kids remember and take in. Everyone says they are like little sponges but it isn't until you have children of your own that the saying really comes to life.

I decided to make a few gifts this year which is really fun and gives a little personal touch on Christmas. One item that I made recently is Elizabeth's Christmas dress. I have been thinking about this dress for a long time, like 4 months. Finally I knew what I wanted and I made it. It turned out exactly how I pictured it. I just wish it fit a little better on the top, but better bigger than too small.
Jackson will be wearing a sweater, tie combo that I bought from Children's Place with matching colors (black, white, red, and grey). He looks very dashing in it. He is really getting to be such a big boy. Taller, older, smarter. I just can't believe how fast time flies. I have a picture of him sitting on Santa's lap when he was a baby and it seems like a lifetime ago. I am so happy to have him and Elizabeth in my life, I thank God everyday for bringing them to me. But mostly it brings a spirit to Christmas that is so sweet, it brings joy to every day.

Last week we had a Christmas party for Joy School and the kids re-enacted the birth of the Savior. Jackson was a wise men. He wasn't into the Christmas song singing but when it came time to praise the Lord he wanted to be right there. I told him that his part was to bring a gift to Jesus...his response, "But he is up in the clouds."Kids are so pure of heart. All of the kids were great in the play and it was fun to share the story of the birth of the Lord with them.

Tis the Season

Tis the season to be...SICK. I swear we have been sick for almost two weeks. It goes around the whole family and then just when I think we are over it the next one comes. I thought flu shots are suppose to protect us to an extent? Anyways, right now I am in sanitation mode cleaning the whole house of the germs that have invaded our lives. Hopefully it will pass soon and we can enjoy some holiday activities before Christmas passes. (BTW only 12 days till Christmas). Good thing I got my shopping done early.

Let it Snow

Yep it snowed here. The perfect amount in my opinion. Sat and Sun it snowed a light fluffy frost. I looked out the window Saturday morning to find my backyard covered in a beautiful untouched blanket of white. There was a little drizzle of fluffy white flakes drifting down melting just as they hit the ground. Seriously so gorgeous I stopped everything, sat on the couch and just admired the sceenery for a few moments of peace. Then came the kids, lol. They were so excited to see the snow. First time ever that they can remember. We got bundled up and went outside. Jackson made a snowman instantly, not at my request (it must be innate). Then we proceeded to make a snowman. Lizzy lasted about 10 min before she took off her gloves and cried that she was cold, proceeding directly to a nice warm bath. Jack and I continued with our snowman. When he was formed Jack had some very specific ideas for the type of snowman he was going to be. Can you guess?....


A pirate of course. We got out the hat and eye patch. Jackson made sure he had all the needed appendages (he really is a perfectionist) and we snapped a few shots before going inside.
Then we had our ward Christmas party on Sat. night where Santa came to visit. Jack talked about meeting Santa all day long, but when the time actually came to sit on his lap and shake his hand Jackson chickened out of course. He wouldn't even get in the picture with Elizabeth and me. He really is such a whimp sometimes.

Our Last 2 Weeks

Wow it has been 2 weeks since my last post...so what have we been doing?

-online classes
-taking the CFP test
-preparing Thanksgiving dinner (best turkey ever made)
-sewing
-setting up our Christmas decorations
-Christmas shopping
-making Christmas gifts
-sewing (I know but I have been doing a lot of sewing)
-preparing/planning for the RS Christmas party
-counting or at least working on counting
-taking Jackson to school
-going to the gym
-play dates
-park dates
-date night
-guest posting


Basically I am tired. I have something to do every day, aside from the usual clean the house, play with the kids, feed the family, etc. I think that after the new year our lives will calm down a bit but until then I have my calendar out and about 7 lists attached to my refrigerator.
Here are some other things we have done over the past two weeks:

Liz pulled our Christmas tree over right after we set it up and it broke so we had to buy a new one. Good thing it was Black Friday and we got a great deal. I really like the new tree, it is bigger and fuller. Plus I can put all my antique ornaments that my Aunt Sue has passed down to me on the bigger tree. The kids had a great time putting the ornaments on the tree and listening to me tell them about each one. I have a few from my own childhood which brings back so many memories of family and love. I buy the kids a new ornament each year as well so it was fun telling them about their ornaments as well. We also bought an electric train to go around the bottom of the tree this year. That facilitated about an hour of fun, laying on their bellies and pushing the button to make the train circle around.

Making pies for Thanksgiving. The kids helped me roll the dough for the crust. Jackson was actually really good and it and a big help.
This is Elizabeth's favorite activity these days. Painting. Not just painting, painting herself. I have learned that when Liz is painting she must do it naked because she really enjoys making herself "beautiful" by adding lots of colors to her tummy, arms, face, and even her hair. After her painting is done we immediately follow it with a bubble bath, her second favorite activity.
We are busy but happy and looking forward to the holidays with food, family, and friends.

Fall Themed Service

Jackson learned about service this week in joy school. They made a service sticker chart and learned about serving the community and our family. So when he got home the first thing he did was want to do a service project. It was a beautiful sunny day and fairly warm (50 degrees) so we went in the back yard and racked some leaves. It was so much fun. We racked and racked until we made a huge pile. Then of course we jumped and rolled in it! I just love fall and the beautiful color changing leaves.

I think this is the first time the kids have ever played in the leaves. It brought back all my childhood memories. Working in the yard with my dad. The roads lined with orange and yellow trees, leaves sprinkled on the ground. The fall wind brisk, a bit chilly, and smells amazing. I am just loving the weather in Albuquerque.