just what i always wanted

This year, Christmas at the J. home was very exciting. Mr. C. brought too many presents, and all of them for Madelyn. Olivia got two new teething toys, but MJ really cleaned up. A brand new trike, furniture for her dollhouse, Little People sets, Dora and Mariana mermaid dolls, some puzzles and a trampoline. (Truth is, the trampoline was more for CJ than for MJ. He really loves trampolines.) CJ got an XBOX, which I was all for- anything to keep him around- and I got a new double stroller. Every time Mady opened a present she would say "oh, wow! just what i've always wanted!" so so cute. We spent Christmas Eve first at the ward party from 5-6pm, where Santa stopped by, then at Christine's with the whole famdam for Posole, a traditional Mexican soup. Think beef roast, in broth, with hominy, topped with limes, cabbage, avocado, onion, the works. Then we headed home for a nice cozy Christmas Eve-ning around our new wood stove. Christmas Day we opened presents and then had Christmas dinner with everyone at Dave and Mary's new house. It was nice to have more room, and everything was delish. I was feeling really nauseous on the 23rd and 24th so I was happy to feel better for Christmas. I made coconut cream and banana cream pies, and stuffing. Everyone was literally fighting over the coconut pie. Really. Yelling and pushing. I was appointed the forever family pie maker.

Today was MJ's last day in nursery. She will miss her Aunt Jenny but I think she's excited to be in her Grandma's Sunbeam class. Nothing makes the transition to Primary easier than having Grandma as your teacher. Although I am a little worried what she may reveal over the coming year. . . A lady in our ward says this about primary: "I won't believe what they say about you if you don't believe what they say about me."

Olivia and Madelyn were dressed alike today and they were cute as ever. They always get lots of attention from family and ward members at church. It must be fun to grow up being so doted over. Uncle Carlos is here visiting and Mady and Livi have been enjoying him. He is so sweet with the babies. The whole Jones clan are just baby people. They are all really attentive and sweet with the kids. Speaking of babies, Mary and Dave are going to have one this year! Mary is due August 6th 2008 (2 days after I was due with Olivia this year) with their last baby. We keep getting beat for having the youngest grandchild! I am really happy for Mary. It is very exciting for their family.

This week we are celebrating the New Year with Chinese food and all our family. Mady is looking forward to staying up "to give everyone hugs and say happy new year." We are going to be putting out shoes for the New Year Baby to fill with candy. Friday will be Christian's 31st birthday! I just pulled a hot apple pie out of the oven. Gotta run. Mmm!

** I updated so you can now leave comments easily! just click on the pencil below. :)