December things

My favorite thing in December is the opportunity we have to practice a little more giving, loving, and spreading holiday cheer because of the birth of our Savior. I love how the holidays bring people together, and after the terrible shooting in CT, we could use a little more unity and love. Here's what we've been up to these past few weeks:


Crafting:

 We made this darling handprint Christmas tree for family night a few Mondays ago.

 We made these star crayons as Christmas gifts.  

We talked about gifts we could give to Jesus this year in our Primary class. 

The children made this Christmas chain and put their ideas on each link.

We used it to decorate our tree. 

Baking:

My friend and I made sugar cookies for the sisters we visit teach. 

I made these delicious peanut blossoms (aka peanut butter cookies with kisses on top) for friends in our church congregation, and we delivered them as a family. 

Going out:

 Logan's work held a Christmas Party at a delicious Brazilian steakhouse called Brasa. 

It's similar to Tucanos, to all my Utah friends.  

We went on a sleigh ride one night. Too bad there wasn't any snow! 

Ugly Sweater Christmas Party:

 My friend, Christine (not pictured - her son got sick that night), and I hosted a party. It turned out really well considering the location got moved at the last minute and a lot of families couldn't come due to sickness and/or other obligations. We ate, played Minute to Win it Games, and had a really great time with friends. 

 We also got some pretty good awkward family photos that we can submit to the website now.

I have no words for this particular one.  

We didn't have to decorate much for the party since this is what our place looks like in December. 

It is so pretty.

 Cupcakes made by my friend, Cari. Gingerbread cupcakes with eggnog frosting. 

I thought these were the cutest salt and pepper shakers. I found them at Harris Teeter for a dollar each. Score! 

Logan made wassil. (I pronounce it "WAS-SIL")

It was yummy!

Being home together:

 With all the holiday traveling for Thanksgiving and soon Christmas, it has been nice just being home and enjoying our family of three. 

How grateful I am for my darling family. I love them so much!

We are excited to spend Christmas in VA with ALL of our family. It will be such a fun time. We are looking forward to it. It will be busy, but we figure we can hibernate later! 

For Conneticut

My heart sank as I heard news of the elementary school shooting in Newtown, CT on Friday. What a terrible thing. Those little, innocent faces are instilled in my mind every time I pray because I just can't even imagine what their loved-ones are going through. But I do pray for them, constantly. For Heavenly Father to comfort them and offer healing and peace.

I keep hearing about those teachers too - who helped, sacrificed, and/or died to save those children. My eyes fill with tears just thinking about it all. Because I always knew deep down that being a teacher is more than just teaching; it is caring, loving, and protecting children too. I am so grateful for those teachers at that elementary school who did the very best they could to protect and to uplift those children in those darkest minutes. They are my heroes. And to all those who were my teachers, who are teachers, and who will be my son's teachers - thank you, thank you! Being a teacher isn't for the faint of heart; it is for the brave, the patient, and the resilient ones. It makes me prouder than ever that I decided to become one of them. What a noble, worthy profession. 

And, now, I leave you with this beautiful poem that has brought me to tears and a deep realization that those small children and their teachers are finally home. With their Savior and Heavenly Father. 

twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38
when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate.
their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.
they could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.
they were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say.

they remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.
"where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.
"this is heaven." declared a small boy. "we're spending Christmas at God's house."
when what to their wondering eyes did appear,
but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.
He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.
then He opened His arms and He called them by name.
and in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring
those children all flew into the arms of their King
and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,
one small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.
and as if He could read all the questions she had
He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad."
then He looked down on earth, the world far below
He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe
then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,
"Let My power and presence re-enter this land!"
"may this country be delivered from the hands of fools"
"I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!"
then He and the children stood up without a sound.
"come now my children, let me show you around."
excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.
all displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.
and i heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,
"in the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT."

Written by Cameo Smith, Mt. Wolf, PA

I know that the Lord lives and loves us. That He is in control. And that our suffering, grief, and pain should be but a small moment in the space of eternity. 

To the families in CT, we are praying for you. So much. 

Another year older.....

and wiser, braver, wittier, and cuter too. That's my husband for you.

We celebrated Logan's birthday on the 7th.

It was a great day, mainly because we had surprise visitors. Too bad the surprise got ruined an hour before they got there (I won't unveil the person who blabbed).

Somehow we never go out to eat for Logan's birthday dinner. It's always dinner at home, and we always have shrimp for his birthday. Lucky for me, I found the PERFECT shrimp recipe here. Then we had funfetti cake and ice cream - another tradition. I love how Logan is perfectly content with the same thing every year. Makes his birthdays easy, and yet something we look forward to all year. Love it.

 Helping to make the cake.

 Helping to eat the cake and ice cream. 

I should have gotten a picture of Logan's face. It would have looked similar to this. ;)

 A momma and her first born on his 26th birthday.
Great surprise birthday visit!

 Corbett brothers reunited.

Love this picture. 

 Pointing to their missions on our world map (Austin's hoping to go to France in about 7 years. We shall see.)

 Remember how I said Austin's the favorite uncle in my last post? This is why. 

What other uncle would pass up playing a game with the rest of the family to eat popcorn and be a couch potato with his cute nephew? Exactly! Only Austin! 

 Birthday gift from Logan's parents. New backpack.

Here's to hoping it will be put to good use come this summer! 

Happy Happy Birthday Logan, dear! 

We love you! 

Back and Forth

After Thanksgiving, we were home for about 4 days and then it was back to Virginia (minus Logan). Logan's parents went to Peru to pick Carson up from his mission, so I spent a few days "watching" the younger kids - Austin and Mariah. My parents were also out of the country in Thailand and Laos for a month long excursion with friends. It was a fun few days especially with getting to see Carson after two years, but by the end of the trip I was ready to go home.

The trip was somewhat of an eye opening experience. It made me realize that I need to give Logan more credit because being without his help for a few days was tough. It made me realize that our siblings aren't getting any younger; they are turning into mature, responsible, and caring individuals. And lastly, it made me realize how grateful I am that kids come out as babies before they are teenagers.

I'm glad I get a few years before I have to wake kids up for school, drive them to seminary, take them to swim practice, pick them up from piano, go to a swim meet, be at home alone until midnight on a Friday night (one was at a swim meet, the other at a campout), cook for them (teenagers can eat), and listen to sibling bickering.

Being a parent to teenagers is a lot of work (granted, I only did it for a few days). I admire the many parents who have done it and who are currently doing it. Because I was pretty exhausted at the end of most days.

Here are some pictures and videos of our few days in Virginia...

Right after we made it to NoVA. 

Yes, I had a dog in the car too (had to pick Lexi up from my sister's in Richmond since my parents got back from their overseas trip that same week). 

Friday night. 

At the Christmas tree lighting with one of my best friends from high school, Anna. 

Saturday morning.

The Annual Christmas parade in my hometown. 

Hudson passed out in the car after the parade. With his legs crossed just perfectly. 

My dad got back from the trip a week early since he had to be back to work. 

Luckily, we got to sneak in a lunch with him and my grandma one day. 

I love my beautiful grandma. She is the best! 

Monday night.

Hudson was in awe of all the balloons in the Corbett house. 

We decorated and prepped for Carson's big welcome home.

With a little dance party too.

And then the big day came...

Tuesday! On our way to the airport to pick up Carson and his parents. 

With Carson! Finally!

Corbett siblings. Just missing three more. 

Carson trying to gain "favorite uncle" status.  

Happy to have Uncle Carson home!

Unfortunately for Carson, Austin still reigns as Hudson's favorite.

He's had that title since Hudson was a baby.  

At the stake center right before Carson got released as a missionary.  

Welcome home, Carson! We sure missed you!