The Ogden's: December 2014 Catch Up

While I don't love the cold and the snow, I really love Christmas time. Sometimes it's hard to get out and do things in the winter when the weather is bad, but last year's winter was so mild it was weird.

On the day we pulled out the Christmas tree to decorate it, it was sunny and warm outside with no snow on the ground. We put a blanket out in the backyard and the kids didn't even need jackets. Decorating the tree with a toddler and an infant was definitely a challenge, but it was fun for the kids and that's really what it's all about anyway. We also brought out the Christmas decorations and started putting them up around the house while we listened to Christmas music.

We got tickets to the Alpine Nativity again. We did the year before as well, but it wasn't very enjoyable because the weather was pretty awful and we just tried to hurry from spot to spot without freezing. This year, the weather was much better and it made it so much easier, especially since we had our stroller that we were pushing the kids around in. We also went with my mom, sister, her husband, and their little boy. Also, I was totally suffering from 'mom-brain' and forgot a coat for Trey, so he had to wear Makadie's grey leopard print sweatshirt and a blanket. (He had warm clothes on underneath.) The way they've got it set up is that everyone who participates is a volunteer. They dress up in clothing from Jesus' time and have a little blurb they say when you get to them. There are cows, horses, chickens, pigs, sheep and even a couple of camels. (Fun side note: When I was in high school, we actually lived behind the people who put on the nativity, but they weren't doing it at the time we were there. My sisters and I got to see the little baby camel shortly after it was born and that one and the mom are the same camels they use in the nativity.) The best part is definitely the very end when you go into a (heated) barn and you see Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus. There is a spirit of such peace and reverence that even small children, like Makadie, knew they should be quiet. It was a great experience.

Every year, we try to go to Temple Square at least once to see the lights. We also go in memory of my step-brother, Jason, who was killed in a car accident just a week before Christmas almost 20 years ago. I just love Temple Square and seeing the lights. I also love being able to share it with my family and to talk about temples.

During one of Trey's naps, Kadie and I made little felt Santa ornaments. Thank goodness for Hobby Lobby and their craft kits! She had lots of fun and I enjoyed watching her learn and concentrate on putting them together.

Over the last week of December, Covey took time off to be at home with me and the kids. Makadie would beg him everyday to go out and play in the snow with her. Trey was happy to stay inside with me where it was warm. They made snow angels, stomped around, made a snow slide and chased each other. I'm grateful Covey is such a good dad to our kids. :)

Trey turned 9 months in December (about a week before Christmas). I can't believe how big he is and how fast he was growing and learning! He was such a happy, sweet boy.