A joy list.

I had such good intentions months ago of doing a weekly joy list to journal our family life and activities so at least you all would know what we've been up to when I am behind on posting photos. Also to be able to read in the future what brought us joy right now. So I'll start again and try to make a joy list every week. Wish me luck! (And don't be surprised if you see a smashed computer, printer, cameras, phones, microwave, kitchen lights, etc. in our street because I finally lost it and went pyscho running our failing electronics over with my van. Over and over again while laughing maniacally!) This computer stinks and takes forever to blog photos so I am of course behind! Okay - that stuff obviously doesn't bring joy. Here is what did bring joy last week:

• Saturday the 13th was our ward Christmas party. The boys had matching Winter train shirts. TMac played the part of a wise man in the little Nativity play. He took it so seriously and was so cute. After the party we went over to our friend's the Johansens to celebrate Dave's graduation from Cal State SB.
• Sunday the 14th Tracy spoke in Sacrament meeting and said some touching words about his topic of work and coming home to the boys so excited to see him. The boys wore their new Christmas dress up/Sunday outfits and were so gorgeous. Red sweaters with black cordouroy trains. The first chance to open presents at my grandparents annual Christmas party down in Seal Beach.
• I did the majority of my Christmas shopping way early this year from August to November when I hit great sales or clearance items so I have not been fighting crowds this year which is so nice - especially since it rained most of the week.
• Wednesday the 17th was our playgroup Christmas party and potluck and the attendance was awesome. We had our friend with us also and ended the day with a scrumptious pasta dinner with sauce made from scratch at her house. Thanks Hudgens!
• Thursday the 18th was a humongous day - Preschool in the morning. We had a Christmas crafts day and birthday celebration for one of the boys. No schoolwork or Soccer - just crafts and party time. The boys deserve it! They have worked hard the last few months. Then at night we went to see Wicked in LA and rode in a limo. So fun and major thanks to Katherine and Mark for babysitting.
• Friday the 19th we shopped for a gift for an un-named boy in our stake to help give service and I only mention it because I want to remember how into it TMac was. He was so sweet and wanted to buy everything to help kids who in his words aren't "super major lucky and spoiled" like him. He is so sweet.
• Saturday the 20th we went to Sea World with my parents, sister and kids and Hudgens girls. We had fun doing all of the Christmas things there. Everyone was bundled in layers with hats, scarves, jackets, gloves, etc. with nothing showing but the lower half of our heads but we still had a blast! The Christmas Shamu show was perfect - religious, spiritually uplifting - way to go Anheiser Busch beer people! Way to realize that Christmas is about Christ and not be afraid to have a Christ centered program in a public park! We also swung by the San Diego temple on our way to and from to see the Christmas decor and lights.
• Yesterday - Sunday the 21st was "Christmas Sunday". I really enjoyed singing in the ward choir for the sacrament program which was beautiful and letting Tracy get the kids ready and over to church. That was nice! The boys looked gorgeous again in their holiday outfits. We attempted family photos with our coordinating outfits- not so joyous but evidence of our eternal family. TMac helped me hand out treats to his teachers, Primary leaders and leadership in our ward and he came home with tons of goodie bags and presents from Primary. My men were just fine with leftovers so I didn't have to make a Sunday dinner.

What a week and those are just the big things - sprinkle some crazy boy moments, shopping, car wash crazy story, middle of the night barf in our bed surprise with full linen change and laundry in the freezing cold, sick kids, tons of rain and cold, photos at JC Penneys, a few acts of service and lot's of normal stuff in and we were officially super busy.