Is it Father Christmas or Santa Claus?

I grew up saying Father Christmas, but here in the USA it seems he goes by Santa Claus. Kind of like I say "Happy Christmas" but here it is usually "Merry Christmas".

Either way, today was the day that we decided to take Amelia to visit Santa (yes, we picked the last Saturday before Christmas to visit a very busy mall). Last year, we traveled in lots of snow, just so that I could get Amelia's photo taken with the perfect one. This year, there was no snow, in fact the weather was quite nice. We headed to Washington Square Mall, and after dressing Amelia in her beautiful Christmas dress, stood in line to meet the man in the red suit. Amelia gave Santa a hug and had a nice visit with him. As you can see, she was pretty serious looking for the photo, but of course giggled and smiled tons after. It was fun to watch her and I love to hear her saying ho! ho! ho!

After our visit, we headed back home, and this evening, attended a live nativity, put on by our church at our new Stake Center. It was wonderful, and I have to say one of my favorite parts was seeing the live camel and sheep - a very fun surprise.

So, today has been a wonderful day for our family, all about Christmas, which ended with the true meaning, the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Happy Christmas!

Nothing Artificial About It

Earlier this year, I bid on a Christmas Tree, donated by a friend and colleague of mine to a silent auction we held at work. I have never experienced a "real" tree, so imagine my excitement when I won. Since February of this year, I have asked (harrassed) my friend as to how my tree was doing. Finally, this past weekend, we were ready to go and pick it out.

We bundled up in warm clothes, borrowed my friend Alice's truck and set off on our journey.

When we arrived the hunt began for the best Christmas tree we could find.


There were so many, it was hard to choose.

It was fun watching Amelia, as she discovered the pine needles.

My outdoors girl really enjoyed herself.

Even though it was cold, it was a beautiful day and the sky was blue.

We did find the perfect tree, but most of all, we had a wonderful time as a family.

Now the tree sits in our living room, wrapped with ribbon, covered in colourful lights, displaying all of our treasured ornaments, that hold memories of our family's past Christmas's.

I can hardly wait for next year, when we can do this tradition all over again.

No Evidence of a Baby Anywhere

Here's Amelia reading a book in her new twin bed, along with friends George the Monkey and her pup Scamp.

We recently bought this "big girl" bed for her after many sleepless nights (due to fact that she kept jamming herself up in the corner of her crib rails). The funny thing is, Amelia doesn't even come 1/2 way down the mattress. I found the most perfect flannel sheets for her, they are pink with monkeys and her new quilt is also quite adorable (as you can see).

The best part, is that I can now kiss her goodnight when she is asleep, before, I couldn't reach far enough into the crib to do this.

I'm happy to report that her sleeping pattern seems to have settled down again for the most part, and the bed is perfect.

Once the bed was up, We took down the crib (which meant her crib mobile went away), and also removed her changing pad and replaced it with a shelf for her books. So now, as I look around, there is not really any evidence of a baby (well, with the exception of diapers I suppose), my little girl is growing up...fast!

Below are photo's of Amelia in her new bed for the first time...

...Simply angelic!

Sweet dreams my Sleeping Beauty!

Autumn Leaves

I love Autumn, especially because of the beauty all around. The changing colour of the leaves are breathtaking and I couldn't wait to take photo's of Amelia playing in them. A couple of weeks ago, Matthew and I took her to the park on a quiet Sunday morning. The weather was perfect and we had a lovely time together, taking photo's and playing in the falling leaves. When I look back at the photo's taken last year, I am amazed at how much Amelia has grown and changed.

Of course, I couldn't pick my favorite photo's, here are some of them for you to enjoy!




















Happy Fall!

A Woman I Love and Admire, My Nana

This is my Nana, Jessie. I am very sad to say that tonight, I received the news that my Nana passed away on Thursday evening. Being so far away from my family, these calls are dreaded, and I knew something was wrong when I heard mum's sweet voice at the other end of the phone, knowing it was the early hours of the morning in the UK.

As a tribute to her I felt it important to share with you just a few of the traits that made my Nana a remarkable woman.

Some of the words I would use to describe her would include:

faithful, strong, courageous and jolly.

She loved to sing, I have memories of her singing as she cleaned her home. She also sang many times at church and directed the music.

Her makeup was always on and she took pride in her appearance. Mum would fix her hair on the weekend, I even helped myself a couple of times.

My Nana loved the Lord and was not shy in expressing her faith in him.

She stood tall during stressful times, when you or I might crumble.

Her laugh was infectious, like sunshine on a cloudy day,
I hope I never forget it.

She loved to knit and always gave homemade gifts
of clothing or knitted bears.

My Nana had twinkly brown eyes.

She usually ended up wearing her food after eating,
a trait, I think she passed onto me.

Although I cannot possibly express everything I am feeling right now, I just wanted to share with you how much I love my Nana. She was an inspiration to me and I feel privileged to be her grandaughter. At this sad time, it is comforting for me to know that we will be reunited one day, I am grateful for this knowledge.

My Nana was beautiful, had the softest skin, always smelled good and knew how to smile. She will be greatly missed by many, but especially by me.

I love you Nana, until we meet again! xxxx