January Wrap-up

It was a fun month! We are definately spoiled. Chad suprised us with a night at the Great Wolf Lodge(as well as a trip to Ikea for mom). We went once in Dallas when Jace was little. Its a massive hotel in Charlotte built just for kids- indoor waterpark/games/candy/talking animals. The kids had an absolute blast! All 4 of us sleeping in the same room left us giggling all night. Brenna is a riot- "Jaaace, jaaaaace, watcha doin?" at 2am.

Chad and Jace ran up those stairs a Billion times to go down all the big waterslides. Jace's big goal--to be big enough for the Tornado!

I dont know about you but this freaked me out- who wants to swim with eyes like that looking at you?

Jace accomplished his first set of STARS! He gets one everytime he uses his good manners. He earned a trip to see Chipmunks. His next goal is to get a set of superhero undies he saw at Target.

We took a weekend trip to visit Chads grandma Lois. She is always so uplifting and inspirational. Still living by herself and working in her yard. We have made it a tradition to take her to church, eat at the Sawmill cafe, and play hymns on the violin. Chad was able to give her the most amazing blessing. There is no question that this lady is a choice spirit of God. We are just lucky to call her grandma.

Snow in the South

After enjoying a week of 60 degree weather, we got hit with a snow storm(or a light sprinkle if you're from the north). Everything is shut down, no church tomorrow. Just family time! I love it...although I have no chocolate in the house...note to self to always stock up just in case.

Brenna lasted a totally of 30 seconds after brother smacked her in the face with a snowball and she tried to eat snow without gloves(uh we dont own any!) She was mad at the world- I was lucky to take this picture before she threw herself into a dramatic fit again.

Christmas in Texas

Another wonderful Christmas back in my hometown. One of these times I'll try to do one on my own in Raleigh- its just no fun without a house full of people! Diana(nursing school) and Brett(senior at BYU) came down from Provo. Shannon, who is a freshman in high school, was gracious enough to share her whole entire upstairs. Mom broke her wrist while decorating but it was worth it- the house looked amazing. Dad tore his achilles playing raquetball but it was worth it! He couldnt walk a mile in front of us like he usually does. Had a blast seeing the trains at Northpark, playing in the snow Christmas eve, getting lost trying to find our Spanish family but enjoying the look on their faces as we gave them a wonderful christmas, serving the homeless, never actually getting to the christmas program I wrote up, shopping and more shopping, watching football on the 80 inch screen my dad decided to come home with, snuggling with the 4 maltese dogs and watching Brenna terrorize them, going to the club and drinking egg nog while on the treadmill, and enjoying one anothers company!

Enjoying poppa Stevo's motorcycle- nice hair Jace

This picture is for me because I think my husband looks hot

Riding through the neighborhood with no helmet- every moms dream

The bear rug- built in entertainment/child traumatizer

Eating snow Christmas Eve!

Highlight of the trip- meeting Santa! Brenna had about 3 bracelets on and her santa purse-such a girlie girl. Jace asked for a web thrower and Brenna asked for a baby.

Blue Mesa spread Christmas Eve dinner. We Titensor's know how to do it.

Christmas morning! Coming down the stairs- notice the matching pjs? so cute Brett

Jace's spread from Santa- spiderman watch and shirt were the hit

Twilight dolls I gave... Jace....and that he gave back to me!! Yes Edward does sparkle

Brenna's spread from Santa- the big bunny was the star of the show

Putting on her makeup! No tomboy here

This is what Brenna did 99 percent of the time- sitting on her bunny, sharing food with poppa. Remind me next year to tell Santa to forget toys and only bring candy.

Jace disappeared for a while during the "unwrapping". Found him stuffing his face with candy behind the couch.

Someone trying to hint something? Next time, just put the money towards a boob job please

Spoiled

THE shirt

Our favorite place- Trains at Northpark

Little Miss "Fancy Nancy"

Love my sisters- stylish, always ready to shop, hilarious, and beautiful.

Lets end this wonderful holiday with a little McDonalds.

Thanks mom and dad for a wonderful trip! Despite all the gifts, we really did focus on service and the gift of our Savior Jesus Christ. We had some really neat talks and scripture studies together. Glad I have a wonderful family to learn and grow with. Heavenly Father has really blessed me. Merry late Christmas!!

Recap of Nov-Dec 2009- yes I am behind

Fun trip to our favorite place Marbles!!

Brenna loves horses- she spent a lot of time on top of this one

Daddy and Jace at our pre New Moon dinner

Brenna dominated Jace- potty trained at 22 months!

Voice, violin, and piano students at our Christmas recital- everyone did fantastic!

Getting ready for Christmas! Jace's favorite part is putting the star on top of the tree.

Santa came to our house a few weeks early before we left to Texas for Christmas. He even called Jace on the phone to let him know. It was pretty exciting ;)

the classic christmas face

Brenna got all the Ice Age figures(a not so cheap find on Ebay) and a table and kitchen stuff for her baby.

Jace's favorite gift was his Spiderman couch that lays out into the "bad" spiderman bed. He also got a Transformer watergun(which mom hid soon after) and Handy Manny tool kit.

Raleigh March on the Capital

So I'm sure by now EVERYONE is aware of the corruption in our government. I made a promise to my family that I'd get involved this year to do whatever I could to secure them a better future. Here we are at the march in Raleigh! It was great to see a few other familys we knew like the Bartletts(who bought their 4 children). I hope Jace can look back at these pictures and remember to always stand up for righteous principles and do whatever you can to preserve freedom!

If you've never gone to a local tea party or participated in a march, I highly suggest you try! www.freedomworks.org It is like the 4th of July x 50. When you're being united with wonderful people who believe the same principles you do, there is no better feeling!