CHRISTMAS! (finally)

Christmas 2009 was definitely one for the record books. Beginning the week before, Josh got the stomach flu, which Hayden and I got a couple of days later (3 days before Christmas), and proceeded to infect 13 out of the 15 people in my family in Palm Springs. We went to Josh's parents house for Christmas Eve, and enjoyed the time with the family! I tried to be energetic, and enjoy it as much as possible, eventhough I was still feeling SO sick! We woke up Christmas morning at our house, watched Hayden enjoy every second of opening her Christmas gifts from Santa, then packed up and headed to Palm Springs to spend Christmas Day with my family! It was exciting that 15 of my family members were able to be together for Christmas....but since pretty much everyone got the stomach flu....no one was hungry, no one was too cheery, and my grandpa and cousin were pretty much in bed all day Christmas Day. It was miserable and memorable all at the same time!

Overall, we had a very blessed Christmas with our families. We are lucky to have so many wonderful people in our lives!!

Here are just a few of the HUNDREDS of pictures we took this Christmas.....

Christmas Eve at The Stofle's.....

Christmas Morning at Home.....

Christmas Day in Palm Springs....

LAGGING!!!!

So, I have been horrible about blogging lately....
This is NOT because I don't want to, or don't have anything to blog about...it is because my computer is seriously on its last leg. I can't download any pictures on it...can barely keep the internet working for more than 20 minutes...and am about ready to throw it out the window! Anyway, I have pictures from Christmas, and a few other things to post when I get my computer fixed....which will hopefully be SOON!

Santa!!!

We took Hayden to see Santa today!

After waiting for an hour in line with many other screaming and unruly children, we finally made it to the front of the line. I was ready for the cry-fest to begin! Hayden waved and waved at Santa, and he waved back and said "Merry Christmas!"...she waved some more. I sat her down on Santa's lap. Hayden looked at me like, "Mommy...who is this big hairy guy in red!?!?!" She stared at me and the camera girl with a look of terror, but didn't cry! I repeat...she DID NOT CRY!!!!

So here is the best picture we got.

You have to note that she is holding onto Santa's thumb......

Twin Palms and Blue

Our first attempt at pigtails...or "Twin Palms" as Dannielle calls them!

This is what she does when I say "Ready...Set...GO!"

I love that you can see her molar!

"Hi!!"

Mommy....you make a better door than a window.

Mommy....I have sunglasses!

All smiles! I love her in shades of blue!

Giving Bruin "love"!

Our attempt at a pic in front of the Christmas tree.

Our Christmas Card!

THIS CHRISTMAS...

I know it's Christmas time, because as I am sitting here typing, I am listening to the rain outside, drinking my Starbucks Peppermint Mocha in a red holiday cup, looking at the stockings on the mantle, feeling the warmth from the fireplace, and looking at the lights on the Christmas tree and garland on the bannister.

This Christmas does feel different than any other before. This, I am sure, is for many reasons....

One reason being, this Christmas, I will be with my family on Christmas day, but for the first time (for me) it will be without my Grandma. It will be strange, uncomfortable, and maybe slightly less joyful. She always brought that special light and joy to our Christmas day.

Another reason would be that Hayden will be 13 months, and VERY much aware of Christmas (unlike last year when she was 5 weeks old and slept through Christmas morning). She already loves the Christmas tree, lights, and music. I can't wait to open gifts with her on Christmas morning!

The last reason would be our financial situation. I still don't have a job, am still getting unemployment, and am having to watch money pretty carefully. The holiday season is a difficult time of year when you are very financially strapped. Although, last night Josh and I were talking, and he brought up a very good point. When you don't have much money to spend, instead you spend the time enjoying the Christmas season with everyone you love. We aren't doing much shopping this year, as we decided to buy Disneyland passes for ourselves for Christmas this year. It's a big splurge, but will be well worth it for the next year. We got Hayden a few small things and one big gift, and are happy with that. We are happy with our life, no matter how complicated/broke/unsure things get.

So, this Christmas...

Instead of spending money, spend time.

This is what we will be doing!

Weekend in the desert...

This weekend we were in Palm Desert decorating my grandparents house there for Christmas! My whole family will be spending Christmas there this year, so Mom, Josh, and I took it upon ourselves to get it all decorated! We also went to the Palm Springs Light Parade, which was actually quite cool (by cool I mean about 45 degrees), and definitely got us in the Christmas spirit!Riding on the Pooh Firetruck!
"No worries guys...I'll put out that fire!!"

"Now what?!?!"

Hayden in the lounge chair...circa 2009.

Mommy(Lauren) in the lounge chair....circa 1982.

One of the old firetrucks in the parade. Beautifully lit up!

One of the best in the parade...circus theme and Hayden LOVED IT!

Having so much fun at the parade...playing with a Uncle Darrell's beanie.

Hayden and Daddy watching the parade.

Hayden, Mommy, and Daddy!