Teagan's First Christmas

This was my favorite part of our vacation. My best Christmas gift was to go home and see Teagan's grave again. It was the first time we had been back since the funeral. I love the spot that she is buried in. She shares a plot with Jared's Uncle Ronald, who died when he was just a few days old. I wish I could visit more often and decorate for all the holidays, but I am glad she is buried around family and somewhere we will always come and visit. These are some pictures on Christmas Eve.

This was the first time we saw her headstone. I love it! Those are her footprints! Butterflies have been very significant in our family and now represent Teagan to us. The quote is from Joseph Smith... it comforts me when I often ask 'why'.

Our family. I love it, but it does make me cry. I think all our family pictures from here on out will make me cry... there is a person missing. But always near.

All the cousins

Christmas was hard. The day itself wasn't bad. We had a wonderful day with family. It was hard after everyone went to bed and all the thoughts and emotions came to the surface. I was very grateful for family who took care of our kids the next day while I slept and 'recovered'. And very grateful for Jared, who took care of me.

I am blessed.

The Runway

As I was looking through our Christmas pictures, I think I figured out where Bentli got her 'diva model' attitude. While I was busy cleaning and cooking, my beautiful sisters (and brother) were working on their portfolio. I was disappointed that I didn't have any of C.C. cause she normally has some really good ones! They make me laugh so hard and they are going to be so mad that I put these up!

Christmas 2011

Little bit late. But this usually happens when I have an overload of pictures to post. For some reason it is just so hard to get the pictures from my camera to my computer. Lazy. We had so much fun with everyone and the kids were so disappointed to go home and only have boring old mom for entertainment.

Gingerbread houses. Can you say sugar high?
I was impressed that Tate had any candy left to put on his house.

Temple Square. Andersons met up with the Spicers to enjoy the lights.
I love sipping hot chocolate while freezing my bum off.

Early Chirstmas with the Andersons. We had a pinata, a huge dinner, presents and lots and lots of good family fun.

Bentli with Baby Eden

Girl time with Aunt CC. Kayda, Bentli, and Kenzie

Tate playing Airplane with Uncle Vett

After Jared flew in, we headed up to the Spicers. We were so lucky that Santa and Mrs. Claus actually came to our house on Christmas Eve!

Funny side note: Grandpa Chris had been teasing the kids that the Grinch was going to be in Idaho for Christmas this year. Tate was very adamant and vocal that Santa needed to watch out for the Grinch!

Christmas Eve sibling gift exchange. I love watching the kids get excited about giving. I love how they ask each other twenty times if they liked the gift they got them.

Christmas morning! Bentli got her Lalaloopsy Doll and Tate got his T-Rex. They had a great Christmas!

Its almost a tradition now to go and play at Randy's gym. So much fun.

Ever since last year, Bentli has been looking forward to going skiing again. We decided to bring Tate too. He was really excited when we were renting the skis... not so much when we got to the hill. He spent most the time wrapped around my legs-- it was an awesome work out! By the end though he was laughing and having a blast, so totally worth it.

Bentli was doing so well! She was going down all by herself and having a wonderful time. Once Tate calmed down and realized how fun it could be, he was yelling "faster mom, faster.... careful, careful!"

My First Christmas In Heaven

My First Christmas In Heaven
I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below.
With tiny lights, like heaven's stars reflecting on the snow.
This sight is so spectacular please wipe away that tear.
For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear.
But the sounds of music can't compare with the Christmas choir up here.
For I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring.
For it is beyond description to hear an angel sing.

I know how much you miss me; I see the pain inside your heart.
But I am not so far away, we are really not apart.

So be happy for me dear ones, you know I hold you dear.
And be glad I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I send you each a special gift from my heavenly home above.
I send you each a memory of my undying love.
For after all "Love" is the gift, more precious than pure gold.
It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.

So please love and keep each other, as my Father said to do.
For I cannot count the blessings for the love he has for each of you.

So have a Merry Christmas, and wipe away that tear.
And be glad I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

--Author Unknown

My sweet neighbor gave me this poem. She always remembers Teagan and is never afraid to talk about her (and for that I will always love her). I love this poem, and I bawled when I first read it. Simply because I can imagine Teagan telling me the same thing. I know she is happy and wishes this wasn't so hard on me.

Merry Christmas

Christmas, like every year, was great! The Spicer side of the family came down to San Antonio for the holiday and we enjoyed some great family fun. Jared's parents rented a house so we could all stay together.
We went to a Spurs game, the kids LOVED IT!! Bentli watched the whole thing and talked about the blimp and coyote for a week. In the middle of the game I took her to the bathroom, when we (Jared and I) didn't rush back to our seats, she said, "Umm.. I can't see the game!!" Tate would start clapping whenever people cheered, he knew his cue. I think we have some fans.
Of course we went to the Alamo and Riverwalk with the family, what's a trip to San Antonio without that?! We all packed up and made it over to Sea World one day. The kids loved it, they always do, it was a great day to go and it wasn't too busy. That is the short version of our holidays. We had a lot of fun with everyone, it was a great way to end 2008.

All of us at the Alamo

Watching the shows at Sea World, even Tate really got into the shows

Tatum Christmas morning

Uncle Luke helping Bentli open a present

Bentli and Kallon in front of the Christmas tree

Uncle Daniel showing off his muscles! Bentli loves to get thrown around

Bentli decorating the tree with Courtney

Bentli in her new Christmas dress

Trip Home

I was able to find some cheap airline tickets home, so I packed up the kids and took off for ten days. It was a whirlwind visit, we were able to see a lot of family and friends, including my brother Jacob that home from London and Britteny, one of my best friends visiting from Germany. It was great. Here are some pics highlighting the trip.






Bentli and Tate with cousins Kayda and Kenzie and Uncle Jake



Bentli making her gingerbread house with Grandma Robbie



Tate cuddling up with Grandpa John

Grandpa Chris gave the kids whatever they wanted! It was hard for them to come home.

Tate with Grandma Robbie

Tate with Grandma Connie, opening Christmas presents

Bekah painting Bentli's fingernails.

I had to include one of me with the kids in the snow!!

Uncle Jake playing Guitar Hero with Tate.

Me and the girls, it was so much fun getting together with all my buds: Tenielle, Desirae, Britteny (and Lexi), Julie, Rachel, and Carrie (and Parker)!!

Bentli loves the dress ups Grandma Connie made for her!!