The Choice to be Grateful

Every Christmas Eve, I try to think about something I'd like to work on in the coming year to better myself. I try to get Shaun to do it too, and we write these goals down and put them in a simple box under the tree. They are the gifts we hope to bring to the Savior, whether it be more faith, patience, charity, less pride, the list can be endless. This past year I've tried to focus on gratitude. I've found it very easy to slip into the "whoa is me" mentality, that it takes real effort to remember gratitude. As I've mentioned in posts throughout the year, a change in perspective can make all the difference. This year, while it has been extremely challenging in many ways, it has also been one of great growth. I'm so grateful that I've been able to focus on gratitude. I knew I was on to something when this month'sFirst Presidency message in the Ensign was title, "The Choice to be Grateful." I have my moments when I admit I fall short and begin to complain and worry. I often have to remind myself that I may not be where I thought I'd be, but I'm doing just fine nonetheless. We have our health, our girls are healthy, our home is comfortable, my job is good, and we have the hope the future brings. We really are quite fortunate.

Looking to the future, I'd like to continue and renew this focus to choose to be grateful. Along with that, I'd like to be more diligent in many ways. So I'm adding diligence to the list of things to bring to my Savior. I know if I can humbly lay my heart upon his alter, He can make weak things strong. He can make me the person that I can only hope to be. I'm grateful for His love, for his mercy, for His saving grace. I'm grateful that he knows me personally, and that I can talk to him as a friend. I'm grateful He is my advocate with the Father. I'm grateful for his humble birth, His Atonement, His perfect example! I know it is only through Him I may be made strong.

Santa Baby~ Christmas 2011

Calderwood Family photo, Christmas morning

2011

Church was at 9 on Christmas morning, making the whole gift opening thing a bit tricky, but we just had the girls see their big Santa gift (unwrapped and waiting by the tree), and then we held off on the rest until after church and a short nap for Amelia.

Amelia enjoyed Christmas but she didn't quite get what was going on. She was happy all the same. She got big jumbo legos as she loves putting things together and especially loves pulling the blocks in and out of the bag.

Shaun got a motorcycle, a sweater, and a beautiful scrapbook of his mission memories that his sister put together. Must have taken her a ton of time, and it was absolutely beautiful! I swear the Calderwood family has more talent in their little pinkies than I do in my whole body.

Amelia got a kitty that purrs from Grandma and Grandpa. She loved it and giggled every time it moved or made noise.

Steph gave me a beautiful scarf!

Ella got more fun Repunzel pieces from Grandma and Grandpa C.

Ella and Amelia both got beautiful hair bows, but Amelia was more interested in the m&m's in her stocking.

Ella and Amelia both got poodle purses from their great grandma and grandpa Calderwood.

See, I told you Shaun got a motorcycle:-) And that is the ONLY motorcycle I will get for him.

Ella got the big tower from Santa, and the singing and glowing Repunzel doll to go with it. She said Santa did a pretty good job this year. Her favorite presents ever!

So it was a fun and whimsical Christmas day!

We enjoyed talking with family and having nana and papa there to open gifts. And I especially enjoyed getting to go to Church Christmas morning and focus on the true meaning of Christmas, surrounded by family and friends. The gift of our Savior's birth, life, infinite atonement, and resurrection mean more to me than anything. I'm so grateful that because of his humble birth and life to follow, I can be with my family eternally. I'm grateful I can repent, I'm grateful I can start again and have a re-birth so to speak every time I partake of the sacrament. I'm grateful for new beginnings, excited for the New Year ahead of us and all it will bring.

Christmas Eve

We had one of the best Christmas Eves to date in my book. My sister is here with her wonderful family so our families spent the day together and then had a white elephant chocolate exchange, followed by a delicious ham dinner, and then a visit to the temple to see the lights.

Amelia and Shaun enjoying the last rays of sunlight on Christmas Eve

My little pumpkin. Oooh I love those squishy cheeks. So kissable!

The Millers as dusk comes upon the temple grounds.

Our little family enjoying the lights and festivities

Shaun and I have been able to visit the Temple every Christmas Eve since we've been married unless we were traveling. I think this year made six out of eight. It's such a wonderful way to spend the evening, focused on the true meaning of Christmas and visiting our Savior's Holy House.

Inside the visitor's center Nana enjoys her grandchildren

In keeping with Williams tradition, my parents gave their presents to the girls Christmas Eve. Nana and Papa bought Ella a beautiful doll. Ella was in love. She named her Aurora and has been joined at the hip with her ever since.

They got Amelia a horse. She is also quite smitten.

The ladies taking a break from ham dinner prep for a photo op

Sarah and Katie played carols on the piano while we prepared

Shaun gave Nathan a hard time

And the cousins enjoyed many good times cuddling, kissing, and teasing.

Lacy and Amelia sharing a moment

The best part of the day was really just being together as family. Seeing my girls enjoy their cousins and laugh with them was the best gift for me. I only wish we could have the rest of our family with us as well. We miss Shaun's family so much with them being so far away, and my other sister and brother and their families were missed too. Hopefully 2012 will allow for visiting with them at some point. But we are truly grateful for a most wonderful

Christmas Eve!

Church Christmas Party

My girls had a BLAST at our church Christmas Party last weekend!

It was casual dinner/entertainment with some of the church families performing various Christmas songs, some fun and some spiritual. Whenever a fun song came up, Ella was right up there dancing. She got up and river danced with a family during their performance of, "It's Christmas in Killarney." I don't even know where she picked up these moves, but below is a shot of her in action. She loves performing! My little ham.

She also enjoyed all of the chocolate and treats she get could get her hands on. I really tried to monitor her sweet intake, but she is quick I tell you.

Amelia also enjoyed the performances. She was very excited to sit up front with the older girls. I love this photo of her... so precious!

Amelia and daddy having a grand ole time, even if it looks like Amelia's a bit spacey.

I love having a ward family to look forward to spending holiday celebrations with. The friendships I have through the gospel (current and past) make my life feel richly blessed.

Deck the Halls!

We've been busy getting ready for Christmas at the Calderwood home.

Shaun won the light battle again so colored lights it is!

And yes, that is our nativity in the fireplace. Seemed like a good focal point.

I love the ambiance of Christmas!

Our foyer. Shaun's says it looks like the trees are on fire. Don't be worried. They are just "glowing" as all things should at Christmas time.

Happy Birthday Nana and visits with Santa

Tonight we celebrated Nana's "29th" birthday with dinner and cake... Nana's favorite, German Chocolate. Ella was very excited to give Nana her birthday present and waited patiently all weekend to give it to her today. Christmas is going to be fun.

And speaking of Christmas, Ella got to visit the big man this weekend. We took the girls to Gum Drop Square in Old Town where Ella got to sit with Santa and choose two little gifts for us (though she said they were actually for her). Amelia didn't go for the big man in red. She took one look at him and started crying. Ella was very excited but when she actually got on his lap she froze. She was a bit intimidated I think after all our talk of him knowing if she's been naughty or nice. She told him she wants the Repunzel that sings and glows. Very exciting! It's a good thing Santa went shopping at Amazon.com and took care of all these orders right away:) We are enjoying the Christmas Season and it's especially fun to feel the magic of Christmas through the eyes of a child. The littlest things hold such joy and excitement... from nana's nutcrackers and ornaments, to the lights on the tree that Amelia keeps trying to pull off. The girls are enjoying the Season which means I am enjoying the Season! So Happy Holiday Season to all of you! I hope you are enjoying the wonder and excitement this time of year brings!

The girls are having fun together these days when Ella's not getting mad at her sister for trying to take her toys.

Ella was a little less intimidated with Nana's fake Santa. She warmed right up to him and gave him hugs and kisses. Amelia has been loving on him all week too.

Amelia helped Nana celebrate with lots of loves and drooly kisses.

Giving Thanks

This has been a wonderful Thanksgiving. We missed traditions of years past, but we embraced new traditions as well. With my parents out of town visiting my brother, we decided to have a couple of families over from church. We split the work in thirds, we split the cleaning in thirds, and we enjoyed it three times as much as I think we would have otherwise. No photos though. Sorry to disappoint.

This is a wonderful holiday! I love the idea of getting together with friends and family and sharing in good food and gratitude for what we have. Here are some of the things I'm grateful for this Thanksgiving:

* Amelia started walking! She's absolutely adorable in what looks like her drunken stupor. She's wobbly but she's getting it. I think she's had it for a while, but she's finally gaining confidence to do walking more than crawling.

* Ella and Amelia let me sleep this morning while they played. Sure the house was a wreck when I woke up, but with a few baby gates and safety locks they were good to go. They're growing up and they're so adorable!

* Shaun is so helpful. He really tries to make me happy. He even did all the mashed potatoes this year.

* We have wonderful friends and family. We are so greatly blessed!

* I'm grateful to have the Christmas Season to look forward to. Now if only I can manage to teach my children the true meaning of Christmas as commercialism competes for my three year old's attention (my attention too for that matter). It will be a fun Christmas though. Ella's at a great age for Christmas morning!

A most glorious weekend

The first weekend in November has been a good one for the Calderwoods. We enjoyed having the sister missionaries over for dinner Friday night, and Saturday Shaun let me go on a four mile jog in the wonderful sunshine (after being at the gym four days in a row I loved being outside). Yesterday evening we got a sitter and went out to dinner with friends from church, and then for the first time since we've been married, Shaun and I attended the adult session of Stake Conference (a meeting for the adults of our church in the local area). It was really nice actually... a meeting free from distraction, unless it was self created. And to top off our weekend, we spent the day today driving to the mountains and enjoying the scenic overlooks of skyline drive. All in all a most glorious weekend! Here are some photos from today.

I've continued to focus on how much of what we make of this life is choice based. "Choosing to Become" healthier, happier, and holier has helped me also think about choosing to love. At stake conference last night many of the talks were on marriage. One speaker said, "Love is a choice." You don't fall in and out love, you may fall in and out of lust or infatuation, but not love. Love is a choice. I love that! Love really is a choice. Today I choose to love my family with all my heart. I choose to love my husband even when he's grumpy and tired. I choose love over all the other options out there. I'm grateful for a loving Father in Heaven who lets us experiences the freedom of choice!

Skunk or Treat

Our little Family, Halloween, 2012

Little Miss Elle was the Belle of the ball. Her sitter got her this beautiful Belle costume and she was so excited to wear it to pre-school and trick or treating.

Amelia, well Amelia got her first of many costume hand me downs I'm sure. She was a Stinker, our little PU Skunk. She was so dang cute. I don't think the pictures do either one justice of just how cute they were. But we had a nice time. We visited a few neighbors before heading to our church "Trunk or Treat". I'm enjoying Halloween more now with little ones. It really is a great holiday. Now if only I can get rid of all that candy, and by "rid" I don't mean in my belly. I took most of it to work today, left a few things Ella will enjoy but wont tempt me. Anyway, Happy Halloween! Now on to my favorite season... Thanksgiving and Christmas!!!

Goin' crazy, or half crazy maybe

So in my renewed efforts to become more healthy, I'm proud to report that I've been to the gym every day this week. I've taken an assortment of different classes and today, I can barely walk! My plan is to get to the gym most days after work. It gives the girls a chance to play more with others, and it keeps me from coming home ravenous at 4. If I go to the gym at that time instead, not only will I be avoiding consuming calories, I'll be burning them off! Doing step class and looking in the mirror the whole time at myself is motivation enough!

But why stop there? I'm also excited to report that I've decided I want to do a 1/2 marathon by next summer. I love running, so why not prepare to do that? I think I might do a 5k this Thanksgiving, and maybe a 10k in the Spring... work my way up to it. So does that make me crazy? Well, maybe 1/2 crazy. After all, it's a 1/2 marathon! So there you go! If anyone wants to join me or at least help keep me motivated I welcome the help!

The 3 H's

Okay, so on a lighter note than my last post, I thought I'd share some other thoughts I had while away at my conference last weekend. The whole focus was on us "Choosing to Become" and I came away with three things I choose to be for right now:

I choose to be Healthier

I choose to be Holier

I choose to be Happier

Kristin and I at Time Out for Women- taken during the boy band part that had us up dancing and laughing

So 1st, I choose to be Healthier-

I really want to challenge myself to be healthier. I've let a full time job and two little ones be an excuse for one whole year now and while it may be somewhat valid, I say it's not valid enough! I am going to push myself to get to the gym more often, to eat better, to endure longer. Heck, I may even sign up for a 10k. That's kind of what I'm thinking I'd like to do. Get myself ready to run 6.whatever miles. Anyone care to join? I am taking this challenge on a more fun and light hearted note than I have in the past. I'm not going to beat myself up, but I'm going to focus on being positive. I've already taken two classes at the gym this week. Beyond being a little sore I feel really good.

2nd- I choose to be Holier

I know I can't change how busy I am and make more time for things in an already busy and hectic schedule, but what I can do is find some of the ordinary things in my day, and choose to make them holy. I've already decided every time my seat belt alarm goes off (for shame I know- it always does because I always forget until I'm up the hill and Ella says, "mommy put on your seat belt"), I'm going to say a prayer of gratitude for something. One morning, it was the beautiful row of trees in front of me in their blazing reds and oranges, another time, it was the sun filtering through some silver grey clouds. Those are ordinary moments that I might not have otherwise noticed the beauty around me, but I'm choosing to make those moments holy. It helps me keep a prayer in my heart. I'm choosing to make the every day things more glorious! It's fun and it makes me happy. It makes me appreciate the beauties of this earth, and the little things I so often take for granted.

3rd, I choose to be Happier

A lot of this relates to my post earlier this week. A new perspective is helping me focus on happiness instead of what we yet lack. Understanding God's love means not needing to understand his time lines, and I'm happy to be on HIS PLAN A. I figure it's going to be better than any plan I can present to Him to begin with. I'm happy to be where I am in life. I'm happy to have what I have. And I'm content to not have what I want. I'm choosing to be happier. I don't need to worry because I am in the Lord's hands, and truly, there's no better place to be!

And here are some photos from our month so far

Ella ready for her pre-school Halloween party. She was Belle from Beauty and the Beast and she was so excited to wear her dress to school.

She really is a beauty

Amelia enjoying time in the front yard with her nana and Autie Katie

(one of my dearest friends). Katie bought Amelia and Ella fun fru fru headbands.

And Amelia with her Great Aunt Doris (really related) who also came to visit last weekend