memories and glimpses

After Tanner was born, when we were trying to decide if we should have another baby, what finally pushed me to have Sadie was one thing, really. I would picture our family, our future family, and it seemed incomplete. It was crazy and chaotic at the moment, but when I looked ahead 20 years I just knew someone was missing. I wondered if that someone was Macie but ultimately this little glimpse is what made me want that one more.

The image I would see of our future family was always at Christmas. A perfect, cute little Christmas. When I think of Christmases growing up I have such vivid memories. My siblings and I would make a tent with blankets and sheets each Christmas Eve, often spending a large part of the day perfecting it. We would sleep in there, and my older brother and I would try to stay up all night. I think once we did it, by watching some ridiculous black and white movie on TV that was the only option back in the olden days. :) Another memory/tradition was going to the Los Angeles temple on Christmas Eve. Also, on Christmas morning we took turns opening presents. The stockings were always EXPLODING with tons and tons of goodies--scissors and pens and gum being some of my favorites.

I struggle discovering and establishing traditions for my own family. We are working on it. This year my parents and little brother were here for Christmas. Luckily, Adam was a lifesaver and helped the kids build a tent in the boys' room. (We won't talk about which ONE child actually ended up sleeping in there - hint: it wasn't Adam), but it was really cool. I think that might be a tradition that continues on. Christmas morning is always so magical for me, because while the kids are looking around and checking out gifts with stars in their eyes, I am watching their faces trying to soak it all in and remember it forever.

This Christmas we tried to simplify it just a little bit. Which doesn't really work out when you consider all the gifts other people give...but it was fun to watch it all. I just love Christmas. And I can't wait for future Christmases, especially the ones I have pictured in my mind.

The tent^^^