Christmas!

Christmas this year was AWESOME! While Santa was very good to us, and we had a ton of fun with all the presents and games.. I feel like the "true" meaning of Christmas meant a little more to me this year. I have heard the story of the Nativity hundreds of times.. i was in the Live Nativity here in Vegas in high school, but for some reason it just really hit me this year the real reason why we celebrate Christmas. I'm guessing that its because of this sweet little spirit that I'm growing. :) I just cannot wait to meet her! Anyway.. I went to the Live Nativity at Opportunity Village with my Young Women this year, and I just cried through the whole thing. (I'm sure all my girls were just so embarrassed to be sitting with me haha) I just can't imagine how Mary felt. It blows my mind. So.. She is my hero.

But moving on... :)

hi my name is Michelle and i have a huge pregnant belly. :)

We had an awesome Christmas this year! We got to spend time with both of our families on Christmas Eve.. (and we made some rockin Gingerbread Houses with my family... i wish i had taken pictures. Sorry all!) We got to talk to Jared in Japan.. which was exciting.. but.. he'll be home in two weeks so Andrew and i only talked to him for like 2 seconds because we'll be seeing him in person soon so whats the point, right?? Anyway.. we had an awesome night hanging with the Clarks and Tatoms and Paces.. and then we went home. (which is SO nice. Last year we were living with my parents.. which was great.. but it is so much better to have your own space!!) and then Christmas morning we woke up early (for us) and went to my parents to watch the madness of opening presents. You know, growing up my family always did a free for all.. so opening presents was always just mayhem. And i LOVED IT! Although, more than one Christmas present was accidentally thrown out with the wrapping paper. But it always made Christmas so fun. And i really thought there was no other way.. But Andrews family goes person to person, and each person opens one present at a time until they are all gone. I was just amazed. I don't know which i like better now. Because its so fun to watch and see what everyone else gets for Christmas, too. Anyway.. we went to my parents house.. watched the bedlam of opening presents in a frenzy.. ate a little breakfast.. and then went to the Clarks to enjoy leisurely opening the wonderful presents they got us.. and then we went home to pack and prepare to head to Arizona! We did this last year, and i think we're gonna make it a tradition. Andrew and i just LOVE going to Arizona to visit his grandparents and aunts and uncles! But this year was special because EVERYONE was there! (except Jared.. obviously) We had such a fun time hanging out with everyone! I didn't take many pictures.. but here are the few that i did. :) Enjoy!

Thanks for reading! I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!!! :)