Can it be Christmas again?

What a fun crazy month we just had! It was jammed packed with shopping, parties, family and friends. Since there were so many things going on, I thought I would make a Top 10 list of our favorite events of the month.

#1 Christmas
We had such a wonderful Christmas. The festivities started on Christmas Eve at Grandma & Grandpa Cutler's house. All of my brothers and sisters were there and we enjoyed some of our favorite traditions including reading over the Christmas story, opening a special gift from Grandma, and writing a letter to Santa. We made sure to thank Santa for sending Scott a wife this year :-)


Mckay opening up Grandma's gift. This year she gave the kids pajamas and some books. They loved them.

Madison couldn't believe that she was actually allowed to open the presents after being told "No, No" all month.

Mom & Dad Cutler

Our Family. We were glad to add a few more faces this year. We love you Heather & Christian!

When we got home on Christmas Eve, Mckay begged to sleep out by the tree so that he could catch Santa. After about 5 minutes of staring intensely at the wall he was out cold.

As a joke, PJ and I switched Mckay's stocking out for this giant one. Mckay thought that was fantastic!

Princess Madi all dressed up! She loved the dress up clothes that she got for Christmas.

After opening presents at our house we zipped over to PJ's mom's house for an amazing breakfast. We had such a good time visiting and sharing presents.

Pj's sister Julie & her family. (Julie, Hailey, Jon & Preston)

Grandma & Grandpa Anderson. We were so happy to have Grandpa home for a few days.

Grandma took Mckay shopping to look for a present for Grandpa this year. Mckay was determined that Grandpa really "wanted" a new tractor and of course Grandmas can't say no. Grandpa loved it and we all had a good laugh!

After a morning full of fun at Grandma Debbie's house we headed back over to the Cutler house for the rest of the afternoon. We had a wonderful time playing the wii, opening presents, playing in the White Christmas snow, and enjoying my mom's traditional steak & shrimp dinner. Mmmm....

By the end of the day we felt so blessed and spoiled! We love you family! Thanks for making it such a wonderful day for us.

#2 Christmas Cakes

For Christmas Eve dinner, PJ whipped out these Christmas cakes. The kids thought it was pretty fun.

#3 Madison's Birthday

On December 29th my baby girl turned 2! I can't believe how quick the time has flown by. She is growing up so fast and is already into everything that is pink and girly. She loves her babies, princesses, and dressing up in pretty dresses. She insists on having a bow in her hair and loves talking on the phone, wearing purses, and high heel shoes! She makes us smile every day and melts our hearts when she randomly dishes out hugs and kisses. She is such a blessing in our lives and we love her very much!

For her birthday we had both of our families over for cake & presents. PJ & I got her a kitchen set and she loves making us mi-mi's (macaroni) and oatmeal. (Staples in our home)

Opening Aunt Melissa's gift.

Julie gave her this winter set. She didn't want to take it off.

Madi knew just what to do with the candle, but almost burnt her little nose in the process!

#4 Playing the Day after Christmas

One of our favorite things about Christmas break was being home the day after Christmas. It was so much fun for us to be home and just play with our kids.

PJ & Mckay playing dart tag.

#5 New Years at the Cabin

For New Years Eve and day we went up to our family cabin and played in the snow. It was fun to go snowmobiling and sledding. We were also able to find some time to relax with a few games and movies.

Mckay rode a little snowmobile all by himselft. Grandpa Cutler couldn't be prouder.

Mckay and Grandpa

#6 Madi and her Babies

This is one of my very favorite pictures taken just after Christmas. This is how Madison wants to sleep every night. If she has her babies she is one happy girl.

#7 One sided snowball fights

The other day Mckay wanted to have a snowball fight and this is how it went....

1. I made a snowball for Madison

2. Madison would give the snowball to Mckay

3. Mckay would plaster me with the snowball

4. Repeat

5. The End

They thought they were oh so funny.

#8 Carving Snowmen with Dad

Over the Christmas break PJ took a break from studying for the GMAT and just spent time with us. We loved it! During one of those frosty nights, PJ taught Mckay how to carve a snowman out of balsa foam. It actually turned out really good and Mckay now thinks that he is going to grow up to become a professional carver.

The night after this project we went to a Christmas Carving party where Mckay stole a carving knife in a White Elephant game. He was so proud of that knife and no one had the heart to steal it back from him.

#9 Here Comes Santa Claus...

Our kids had the chance to meet Santa at our ward Christmas party. Mckay was absolutely amazed when he knew his name. Madison on the other hand was scared to death! We finally convinced her to give him a high five.

Mckay's Christmas wish this year was a Nerf Longshot and Battle Helicopters. It was a good thing that he was such a good boy.

#10 Piano Recital

One of my very favorite things in the world, next to playing with my kids, is teaching piano lessons. I absolutely love it! This is a picture from our Christmas Piano Recital. All of my students did such a great job! I was so proud of them and I'm already looking forward to our Spring Recital.

Back Row: Sarah Harris, Alisha Boyack & Me

Front Row: Elizabeth Phibbs, Katie Phibbs, Ashley Norris, Seth Jones, and Preston Bridges

Madison's First Haircut

It's official. Madi has now had her first haircut. Even though mullets are pretty cool, it just had to go. My friend Misti Loveland cut Madison's hair for us. She ended up cutting 3-4 inches off the back. Madison did such a good job holding still. She was so cute! As she was getting her hair cut she would look in the mirror and say "pretty."

Before...



After.

Happy Thanksgiving

We had such a wonderful Thanksgiving this year! It had a the neccessities of a good day: football, family, and food! The day started out with PJ being able to meet his old buddies for their traditional Turkey Bowl. While the boys were getting dirty, I meet PJ's mom and sister for an awesome breakfast at Villiage Inn. It was fun to have a little girl time and of course pour over the Black Friday Ads! After breakfast and football PJ and I were able to spend a little more time over at PJ's mom's house. She is such a blessing to us! We love her so much a truly cherish any time that we are able to spend with her.

After lunch, we meet up with the Cutler family and headed up to our family cabin. We always love going up there. It's only a hour drive away, but when you are there it feels like you've escaped from the world. It's always beautiful this time of year with plenty of snow-except for this year. Somebody forgot to order the snow! This was the first Thanksgiving that we were able to drive our little car all the way to the top.

We had a great time playing at the cabin. We stayed until Saturday afternoon and had plenty of time to watch movies, play games, play duets on the piano, and make gingerbread houses. This year PJ and Mckay made an outhouse gingerbread house! was pretty funny.

On a serious note, our family has felt very blessed this year. We feel so lucky to have so many wonderful friends and family. In a time where many our losing their jobs and homes, it really makes you think of all the little things that we take advantage of. There are so many countless blessings that our kind Heavenly Father grants us each day. One of my goals for this upcoming year is to show my gratitude for the simplest things.


Our Little Indian- Mckay's preschool made Indian costumes for their Thanksgiving Feast. He had a lot of fun playing around the house and howlering Indian calls.

Family Pictures

It's that magical time of year again when it's time to update the family photo. These are just a few that our friend Annalisa took. We are still trying to figure out which one we should send with our Christmas cards this year. Any suggestions?









This is how Mckay really felt about taking pictures.