Christmas Activities 2014

We enjoyed a lot of fun Christmas activities this year.

First up was decorating our home! Lucy and I put up all the Christmas decorations one day when Zach was at work to surprise him. I love the cozy and magical feel they add to our home.

Stockings hung by the chimney with care, while I am always dreaming of a white Christmas. 

Next we celebrated St. Nicholas Day by putting our shoes out by the fireplace in hopes that we were good enough that St. Nick would reward us with treats! We were not disappointed!

Zach got a game and Hello Panda cookies and I got Hello Panda cookies. pajamas, and makeup.

Lucy was so excited to try on her new pajamas that she immediately took off her old pajamas, and had to wrap herself up in this blanket so that I could take a picture of her with her treasures, which included: Candy cane stripe pajamas, cat ear headband, Hello Panda cookies, white church tights, polka dot hair bow. 

Clara loved her new maracas, pj's, and Hello Panda cookies. 

The next fun family activity we enjoyed in December included a surprise family date planned by Zach! We went to the Clay Festival at the Art Museum, which included free admission to the museum for the day.

I didn't take any pictures of the ceramics and clay, but I did snap a few pictures of some of my favorite paintings from their collection.

Passing Storm over the Sierra Nevada's, 1870
Albert Bierstadt

Low Tide, Hetherington's Cove , Grand Manan,1881
Alfred Thompson Bricher

Blue Bonnets at Late Afternoon, 1915
Robert Julian Onderdonk

We enjoyed spending time relaxing together on a Sabbath afternoon.

Zach and Lucy watching scripture stories on his phone together.

Clara and I snuggling as matching stripe twins.

Lastly, we enjoyed a very special family night watching a live nativity that several local churches (including ours) collaborated on together. I was brought to tears while listening to the special musical number performed by one of the volunteers who dressed as a shepherd as he sang about the birth of the Savior.

This was my favorite family Christmas activity this year, and can't wait to attend next year. Maybe we will even volunteer and dress up as angels or shepherds ourselves. I loved the sweet spirit I felt as we watched the scriptures being played out before us.

Lucy's favorite part was the baby Jesus doll.

Enjoying the finale, and joining in singing Christmas hymns. 

Bass Pro Shop Christmas 2014

We made another trip to Bass Pro Shop this year to enjoy their awesome (and free) Christmas activities.

First up was a family picture with Santa!

When Santa asked Lucy what she wanted for Christmas she told him, "Christmas lights on my house." Haha! Keep wishing. ;)

Next up, we rode the carousel.

Followed by archery practice with Dad.

They got the bulls-eye on the first try!

Not pictured: Making foam ornament bird crafts, getting free Christmas key chains, and checking out the huge fish tank and all the other taxidermy animals on display

We ended the night by using a gift card we had to buy some of their homemade fudge. It was the perfect treat to end our family night.

Pumpkin pie, rocky road, apple pie, dark chocolate with walnuts, caramel praline. 

Enjoying family night together. 

 We look forward to going again next year!

Fourteen for 2014

Sometimes we get discouraged about all the things we didn't do - goals we failed to achieve, or just things we didn't make the time for. Instead of lamenting and feeling guilty about what we missed this past year, let's focus on some of the positive, uplifting, and even hard things we've done- even if they were unplanned and not a "goal".


Here are fourteen accomplishments we achieved in 2014!

1. Bought A Mini Van

We were already looking for a mini van in anticipation of the new baby, but kicked the search into over gear after my Escape randomly wouldn't start one day. Luckily, we found the perfect thing and were able to buy it within a few days. 






2. Hosted Weekly Preschool Ballet Class at Our Home

A lovely lady in our ward offered to teach free weekly ballet classes for preschool age kids. We offered our home as a ballet studio since we have a large front room that is completely empty. 

The Halloween dance class. Elsa, a Cloud, and Aurora are learning how to pique.

The first dance class at our home. Clara is mesmerized by it all.

3. Went to Alaska for My Grandmother's Funeral

My grandma Beryl Walther died at age 92 this summer, and we were fortunate enough to be able to go to her funeral and also visit family in Alaska while there. 

See post with details here.



4. Went to Salt Lake City for Emily's Wedding

Very short, but sweet trip! Oh, I am so glad I decided to go! I miss my family so much, and barely even had enough time to visit with them before having to head back to Texas. I bought the ticket to go three days before the wedding and luckily everyone was gracious enough to help me get to and from the airport, and find somewhere to sleep for the one night I was there. 

I left Texas Sunday afternoon, got to Salt Lake City Sunday evening, spent a little time with family before hitting the hay, woke up the next morning to get ready for the sealing at 9am, attended the luncheon, went back to the hotel room to pack, headed to the airport, and got back to Texas around 11pm on Monday night. Whew! A whirlwind trip. 

Everything was so lovely, and I just wish Zach and the girls could have come with me, and that we could have spent more time with my family before having to head back. 

Me and the blushing bride! My sister, Emily. 

Daddio sandwich. 

The picture heard 'round the internet: Posting this picture to Facebook and Instagram was an unplanned announcement of our pregnancy. Surprise! We're having a baby boy on February 10, 2015.

The lovely bride and groom, now husband and wife.

The night before: Boyd and I surprising Andrew with Boyd's unexpected visit from Alaska!

My dad and I walking around Salt Lake City Temple Square the night before the wedding. 

I love my family! Wish I would have taken more pictures of the rest of my siblings that were there too!





5. House Guests! 

If you know me at all, you know I love it when people come to visit us! Living so far away from family and friends, I relish any opportunity we get to see them. 

This year we hosted:
Kay & Greg, Boyd, Andrew &  Trent; my dear friend Joree & Family, and Zach's brother Levi

Lucy and Clara enjoying some snuggle time with their new friend, J.

Brotherly Love. And games.

6. Zach Got His Master's Degree!

Hooray! I've always been so impressed with Zach's ambition and dedication to get the most out of his education. He has definitely taken advantage of all his education opportunities, and been able to go to school for free, or even make money while doing it! That's what I'm talkin' 'bout!

Good job, Zach! 


7. Clara Helmet

Made it through, and her head is looking good. 





8. Nursing Clara for Over a Year

Victory! 

Lucy and I struggled a lot with nursing when she was a baby, and I barely had the opportunity to nurse Peter, so with Clara I really wanted to have a good experience and try to nurse successfully for at least a year. 

I was so happy that we were able to! And she was fat and happy the whole time. This one definitely felt like an accomplishment. 





9. Big Lou's Group Date Night in June

So much fun! I am so glad we were able to go on this giant group date. I had never heard of Big Lou's before going. They specialize in huge pizzas, and we were not disappointed! 

I would definitely go back again, you just need to make sure you have enough people to help you eat it all!

This one is almost feels like three accomplishments: 

1. Getting a babysitter and going on a formal date
2. Going on a group activity and making more friends!
3. Trying a new place to eat that ends up being somewhere we would want to go back to

Sweethearts Forever.

Lady and the Tramp Style

10. Lucy Gave Her First Talk in Church

On August 24, 2014 Lucy gave her first talk in Primary. The topic was "Participating in wholesome activities will strengthen my family." 

Zach helped her write and practice it, I added the drawings and color coding to help her be able to recite most of it herself. 

So cute. 

11. Taught laurels on Sunday

In April I was called to teach the Laurel class (16-18 year old girls) on Sundays. This is probably one of my favorite callings ever. I love to teach, I love the youth, and that age group is the best! I am very blessed to have been able to work with an amazing group of young women. They have spiritual maturity and a willingness to participate, share, and learn. 

It's such a fun and full time in life. Dating, school, family, getting ready for college and the next phase of life as they transition from a youth to an adult. It's also a unique role for me as I transition from a "teacher/leader" to a peer as they become older and graduate from high school and the young women's program, and join Relief Society.  

I was so blessed as a youth to have had the influence of so many amazing women as youth leaders and teachers. I am grateful and humble to be able to pay it forward and try to teach and help these young women grow and become closer to the women they will become. What a neat and wonderful season of life! I love it!





12. Learned How to do Old Hollywood Glam Hair

Something I've wanted to learn how to do is style my hair like they did in the golden days of Hollywood. I tried a couple attempts, and this was my best outcome. I think I could still use more practice and research, but I loved at least getting closer to my goal!

If anyone has any good tutorials they've seen, please leave the link in the comment section below!

About to go to Young Women In Excellence.

13. Zach Got Promoted! 

They had a big promotion ceremony for him, and during it Zach presented me with a dozen roses, and gave Lucy one too. She loved it, and so did I! Good work, Zach!

Thank you, sweetheart!

14. Sang in a Quartet for Church Christmas Program

I love singing in a ward choir. I am not the strongest singer, and don't have a lot of musical training, but I get such a sense of camaraderie, friendship, and happiness by being a part of the choir and being willing to share, and use, any (small) talents I have. I especially love going together with Zach and sharing the choir experience with him. 

When our church congregation split last spring, our choir kind of went on hiatus because we no longer had our pianist. A few months after that, our conductor moved. I was so happy to hear them call a new choir director this fall, and start practicing for the Christmas program. 

One of my girlfriends asked if i would be interested in being in a small group number with her, and we recruited two altos to sing with us.  We sang "Oh Come, Oh Come, Emmanuel."  I thought it turned out well! 

A solo is definitely not within my comfort zone, but a quartet was perfect! 

Any unplanned, unexpected, or small achievements you made in 2014? Share below! It feels good to identify and acknowledge the things you've accomplished. Try it!           

Alaska Trip 2014

My grandma died this past summer at the age of 92.  We were able to make it to Alaska as a last minute trip for her funeral. It was great to see lots of family, and a few friends, while there. Zach had to work, so I took Lucy and Clara by myself.

It was kind of lucky that my younger brother Scott, his wife Christina, and their new baby Sophia were already in Alaska on a family vacation. We were able to visit with them and meet Sophia for the first time, and they were able to extend their vacation trip and attend the funeral. I miss being so close to my siblings.

My grandma, me, and Mom on my wedding day outside the Anchorage, Alaska Temple. June 12, 2008.

My Grandma and Grandpa's Wedding Picture

On to the rest of the trip!

Cousin Clinton Christensen and his daughter Apple; Scott holding Clara, Boyd holding Sophia.
The babies that wear helmets together, stay safe together. 

Clara Crockett, Queen of the wild frontier! With Uncle Boydie.

Lots of selfies sent to Zach back home in Texas so he wouldn't feel so lonely.

Dad and Gayle's new neighbors have miniature ponies as companion animals for one of their kids. This is a picture of one of them eating the front lawn. 

This is a picture I sent Scott when I was babysitting for them. They asked how Sophia was doing.
She loves her favorite Aunt Tracy. 

Movie time with Grandma Gayle, watching Peter Pan.

On adventures.

Alaska Wild Berry and the Worlds Largest Chocolate Fall

Kumagoro Sushi night. Yum!

Family picture at the grave site.

Getting in touch with her wild Alaskan roots.

Treat yo' self! Getting pedicures with Boyd, Scott, and Christina. 

After church picture: Sean, Scott, Boyd, Clara, William, Gayle, Emily.
Front: Christina, Sophia, Tracy, Lucy.

Siblings after church at Mom's house: Sean, Scott, Tracy and Boyd.

All the extended family at Grandma's funeral and viewing. 

The girls after church: Bridget, Delores, Clara, Tracy, and Lucy

Forgot the bib in Anchorage, so using a dish towel. 

"Hey Dad!"

Thanks for letting me use your room, Krista!

Clara picking new specimen to add to her Alaskan rock collection. 

Two Sweetpeas eating sweet peas from the garden. Aunt Bridget and Clara. 

This old family picture really reminded me of Clara. 1987.
Sean, Boyd, Dad, Scott, Mom, and Tracy

Boyd, Tracy, and Sean. June 1986.

Lucy loved my old Cinderella dress. 

Examining every baby. 

Enjoying Grandma and Grandpa Gillson's front yard and toy cars in Wasilla, Alaska. 

Salmon run in the creek at the entrance to Mom and Mike's neighborhood. 

"Hey again, Dad!"

"Me too, Dad!"

 We spent two weeks in Alaska, one week at my Dad and Gayle's house in Anchorage, and most of the second week at my Mom and Mike's house in Wasilla. It was nice to visit both wards for church and see old friends.

My mom moved to Wasilla a few years ago and I don't really know many people in her new ward. Luckily many old family friends from my Anchorage home ward attended the funeral and I was able to visit with them afterwards before heading to the cemetery.

I was also able to go to the baby shower of my best friend from high school, Brittany (Layton) Whitehead who was expecting her first baby. It was so great to see her and catch up.

We were also lucky to be invited to dinner at my cousin Natalie (Walther) Sego's house. I could have spent days and nights visiting with her. I wish they lived closer! Unfortunately, she had to leave town right after the funeral so that she could be in Utah for her sister's wedding, so we only had that one evening to visit. Lucy loved playing with Natalie's two kiddos, and still talks about them months later.

The trip home to Texas was one of my more miserable ones, unfortunately. Being pregnant, I threw up on each flight, and traveling with two kiddos by myself (one of which was a lap infant), didn't make it easier. Thankfully, I only got really sick on the way home to Texas, and not on my flights to Alaska.

When I saw Zach at the airport I gave him a huge hug and had to hold back the tears, I was so emotional. Haha. I was just so grateful (and relieved) that he was there to help me. I felt so, so sick. Poor guy. What a welcome. Clara had also gotten a dirty diaper right as we started descending, and I knew there wasn't time to change it, and even if there had been time, I knew that I wouldn't be able to keep from being sick if I tried to change it. So, that was Zach's other lovely reunion when he met us at gate. What a trooper. :) It feels so good to be with him again after being separated. I always want to be together having shared experiences. We are much better/stronger as a team.

Overall, it was a wonderful trip to Alaska and I'm always so glad to be able to visit family and share the people and things I love with my children. I love seeing them build relationships and memories of their own with family members. It is especially wonderful to have them experience the beautiful place I grew up and enjoy the differences that nature has to offer. I look forward to our next visit!