Christmas

Christmas this year was magical. Ty was really excited for Santa to come and he asked a lot of really insightful questions about who Santa is and why he comes to our house on Jesus's birthday. It was great to see him really starting to understand. It did make shopping a little more complicated but it is fun to have a child old enough to enjoy the magic of Christmas. His favorite part of this Christmas season was baking. As many have seen before he loves to be the "Chef" . He loved all the family dinners we had this holiday season because he could help Mommy makes lots of "great" goodies.
On Christmas Eve we started our own family tradition-(we haven't been at home, just us, on Christmas eve before this year)-we had a special dinner of Lasagna and salad(Johnson tradition) . After dinner Josh summarized the story of the Nativity for the boys. We popped some popcorn,put it in little bags, bundled all up and went to see the Christmas lights at the temple. I tried to take pictures but with the lights they all ended up very blurry. Ty was fascinated by the lights reflecting on the pool in front of the temple. He was really sweet(at first) because he was concerned that the baby Jesus and Mary were too cold. When I told him they were fake he was very upset that people would "trick us" with fake Jesus(es). Ian was calm and almost fell asleep in the stroller as we walked around. He didn't make a peep until we went into the visitor center to see the Christus, pointed and said "Wow, Jesus" and then waved and said in his sweet little voice "Hi". -- both Ty and Ian love the statue(They probably get it from their Mother :) )
On Christmas day they were both so excited that Santa had come-- Ty was so busy inspecting the Santa Cookie Plate and cup that he walked right past all his presents, including his big wheel. Ian loved opening up his presents. His Grandma and Grandpa Johnson give him a Fisher Price Little People Race Track and he loves it. After present we were able to relax for a little while before going over to my Grandma's house.At Grandma's we had a fun, and simple crock pot smorgasbord. Soups, chili and jambalaya with the WHOLE family. It was a wonderful Christmas. I took lots and lots of pictures. Here are a few...



Christmas Eve Dinner--I even took out the
glass dishes and put a tablecloth on the table.
It was faaaaannnnncy :)




Ty's new Hot Wheel


Ian loved to rip open the presents



My Handsome Men
All dressed up for Christmas Sunday


Wondering about the mess in the background
-- lets just say it was "snowing" that day.
Some will understand. If not ask Ian---: )

Thanksgiving and Oklahoma

I have started and change my Thanksgiving entry so many times that I am now a whole month behind on my blog--- sorry, Blog Watchers.

Thanksgiving was fun and hard at the same time. The boys loved playing at Grandma's house . She has a climb and slide play area and the boys love it. Especially Ian, he cried when it was time to come in and eat. Those who know him know that anytime there is food he is usually the first to climb up to the table. Ty's favorite part of Thanksgiving was helping me cook before dinner. As you can see in the picture above he had to put on his "chef's hat" and apron. He essentially made the seven layer salad all by himself. All I did was cut everything up. He was so proud and the salad was wonderful. Ian helped by sampling all of the food--he had to make sure everything was quality. : )

The Qualls Family 1999

Grandpa and Me in 1990

On Thanksgiving my grandfather (Qualls)passed away. It was expected but it still hit me pretty hard. It is strange to think that my Grandpa is not here on earth anymore. We decided we needed to attend his services so Josh, Ty, Ian, Leanne, Melissa, Aiden and I (yes all in on car) rented a van and drove to Oklahoma City. The drive there and back was easier then I feared. Even the three little ones got along really well. NO huge fits, no sickness,and no potty accidents(with two toilet training that is a miracle in it self) The drive was 17hrs and it was worth it. We were able to visit with family that we had not seen in a long time (some we had not seen for almost 20yrs-My Uncle Steve, Aunt Kathy and their kids-- Oh how things change in such a long time) My Aunt and Uncle graciously let us all stay at their house. It was great catching up. I so hope that we are able to stay in touch. My Dad flew in from Georgia and it was also great to see him again. He got to met Ian for the first time. How blessed we are with the love of our family.

My grandpa's service was a wonderful tribute to a strong and loving man . It is reassuring to know that Grandpa shared my belief in Christ and His Atonement. Sometimes it is hard when family members are of "different faiths". Yet one central faith in God and Christ is what motivates all of us to do good and to love our family. I am grateful that my Grandpa has helped remind me( even in his death) of Our Heavenly Father Plan of Happiness. I know Grandpa is working hard to prepare a place for Grandma and all of us. I know I will see and hug my Grandpa again. To see more about my dear Grandpa you can visit http://www.mem.com/ and search Densel Dale Qualls.

Ty and Aiden with their Nana Qualls

Boys With their GG( Great Great Grandma)

All of us w/ Dad(Grandpa)-Josh is taking the pic

Our Fabulous boys in the Van

"Seats 7 adults in Comfort" ??What about car seats ????