Let the Festivites Begin!: Part 1

Christmas Eve:

There is nothing better than spending the Holidays with family. Eric and I are so fortunate to have both our families living close by and we wouldn't have it any other way!

One of my favorite things about Christmas, is being able to spend time with my sister, Emily. I adore her and since she's gone off to BYU, I don't see her nearly as much as I'd like.

Emily is one of those people in my life that I feel absolutely comfortable with. She brings the goofy side out of me and I love it! When we are together we can get downright silly!

The girls love Emily too!

I also really enjoyed spending time with my cousin, Rachel. She is so cute and probably one of the sweetest people I know!

(Evey loves playing with Grandpa Burton)

(Layla loved looking at the nativity while Great Grandpa read the story of the first Christmas)

One of my favorite Christmas traditions (besides munching on lobster tails and tostadas) is getting to talk to Santa, aka: Uncle Brent, through chimney. All the kids know that Great Grandpa Brady and Santa are buddies. That's why Santa takes a moment to land on his roof every Christmas Eve to make sure each child has been good. It is the highlight of our evening.

(Evey talking to Santa)

(Lucy's turn)


After all the kids have gotten a chance to talk to Santa, we begin to open presents. Lucy and Evey got their very first easy-bake oven! Once they figured out what it was, they were thrilled!!!

(Lucy saying thank you to my mom)
(snuggles)

The following photo captures possibly one of the most touching moments I've experienced. I had just opened a present from Emily, which was a gorgeous cast iron tea set. My grandma overheard me thanking Emily for it and my mom explained to her that I collect them. She immediately stood up and walked out of the room. She returned with a box, which she placed in my lap and said "Here Katie, this is for you." I opened it and found inside beautiful, handmade Teacups, a Cream Server and a Tea pot. She went on to explain that they were parting gifts given to her and my grandfather after having lived in China for two years. I was so touched. As you can see we were both in tears. It is a moment that I will never forget. As I look back, the scripture Malachi 4:6 comes to mind. That is truly how we felt.
I love my grandma.

Needless to say, this Christmas is one that I will always hold dear to my heart!

Art Classes!

Wow! It has been so long since I last blogged!!!!
So much has happened in the last year. Where do I begin? I guess, I'll just start with the present.
Recently a friend of mine, Jeanine, approached me about teaching Art Classes for a Summer Camp she is hosting at her home. I jumped at the opportunity to share my love for art! At first I was really nervous at the prospect of teaching. I had never done anything like it before and wasn't sure if I was skilled enough to teach. Several times I nearly backed out but told myself this is something that I need to do to grow. So I dove in and haven't looked back since!!!! I began teaching only two weeks ago and LOVE IT!!!!!!!
The kids are surprisingly easy to manage and eager to learn. Despite the wide range of ages (4-12 yrs.) it seems that, so far, I have been able to find ways to adapt the lessons to meet their individual needs!


Today We worked with Acrylic Paints to make color wheels with only Primary Colors! It was so fun to see the younger kids discover that by simply mixing paints together they could make other colors! they are so cute!!!

I was worried that doing a color wheel would be too advanced for them but to my delight they did fantastically! So proud of my lil' students!!!!
After we were done with our color wheels, the kids were free to paint whatever their little hearts desired!

Lucy thinking about what she wants to paint


Busy at work!

Such a goofball

Love this girl!!!!!


I am so glad that I decided to do this! it has already been such a Joy in my life!!!! And I cannot wait for next week: Watercolors!!!!!!