Cousin time

Christmas Eve

Allen family nativity

Our anniversary

Thanks to our darling kids (oh man, they are so good), Jacob and I were able to get away for
our anniversary. And it was wonderful. I took very few pictures, because I really just wanted
to enjoy the time, but I did take these two. And I love them because they remind me of time
with Jacob, our wonderful kids and everything that means the most to me in this life.

I love *everything* about this picture

Light

Last night, Jacob took the kids to visit Temple Square and to go ice skating,
in order to give me some quiet time alone. Which I was so, so grateful for.
The kids had a wonderful time and it meant a lot to them to be with their dad. 

Jacob took this picture last night and it is truly one of my favorites ever. I just really love it.

And love him more. I'm so blessed to be married to Jacob Allen.

Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas concert

Some kind friends gave us tickets to the Christmas concert put on by the
Mormon Tabernacle Choir last night and it was absolutely amazing. Jacob and I loved
attending and it made Christmas feel that much more Christmasy to me. I loved it.

A trail ride

When Annie and I got to her lesson today, her instructor told her that
because it was a beautiful day, she should take her mom on a trail ride
instead. So that is exactly what we did. And I loved it so, so much.

And even though I haven't been on a horse in more than twenty years,

it was so much fun and made me remember why I used to love
horseback riding. Mostly, I just really loved being with my Annie girl.

Timber!

Snow fun

Snow fun. Homework fun. Same thing.
Being a grown up is lame.

Beauty

Tonight, we went to my parent's house to have a Christmas party with them. Whenever
they are living in their home for Christmas, they have individual parties with each of their
children's families who are living in the area. And then they hold one big Christmas party
for everyone. It is really wonderful and we look forward to it for weeks and weeks.

Well, tonight was our turn and when I arrived at their home and saw the way my mom decorated
for Christmas, I was blown away. I always think she can't outdo the previous year, but so far, every
year I've been wrong. It honestly is an incredible experience to walk around and see what she has
done. The only word I can think of, and it isn't enough for sure, came from Annie as we looked
at everything together. It is indeed elegant and is such a treat to see all of it in one place.

And combine that with the delicious food my dad makes, the fun time visiting and laughing,
playing games and then watching a video about the Savior's birth (my absolute favorite I have
ever seen)--it was just a really wonderful night. And all of those gorgeous decorations made
me forget to get people pictures, because I was too busy taking pictures of a different beauty.

Oh wait, I did get a picture of this little person. Who was absolutely mesmerized
by a darling German nativity scene that would spin around when the candles
surrounding the scene were lit. It had us all pretty fascinated actually.

Thanks so much Mom and Dad! We love being with you and
love seeing your amazing talents up close and in person.

75 years

This is the first anniversary they have spent together in 14 years. I'm so happy
for them. And so happy for me. Because I get them as my grandparents forever.

But oh man I miss them. A lot.

Friendship and quilts

Tonight I went by the home of a friend to take her a Christmas treat and say hello.
She invited me in and we talked for a while. And she gave me a gift she had been saving for me.

It made me cry. Yes, because she is so incredibly kind and thoughtful. And yes,
because I absolutely love the quilt. (She was worried it was too bright, but said it
reminded her of me and she knew it was mine. I let her know I absolutely love bright
colors and that sunset just happens to be my very favorite color.) But the reason it really
made me cry is because the only person that has ever given me a quilt is my Gram.
And I had been missing her more than usual in the days leading up to today. And so
to receive such a gorgeous and meaningful gift meant everything to me that day.

I'm so thankful for the kindness of a sweet friend. Her friendship is definitely enough, but to
have this quilt on top of it, to help me remember her and to remind me in a small way of my
grandma, is one of the sweetest gifts I have ever been given. I will treasure it always.

Thank you Susie! I adore you cute friend.

Christmas dance

I'm a tad bit dying from his handsomeness, her gorgeousness and my oldness.

Oh, this boy does something to my heart. I'm so grateful for him.

Cicero and service

Every year, Jacob's work organizes a time when the employees and their families can go and serve
meals at a local homeless shelter. It has become one of our very favorite traditions and we are so
thankful for the time to think about what truly matters and the wonderful opportunity to serve.

Master storyteller

From December 1st to December 24th, we have many a wrapped book (thanks to
Annie's fabulous wrapping skills) that sit under our Christmas tree, waiting to be
opened on their appropriate day. It is definitely one our favorite traditions.

The other night, we needed to get our book read, but didn't have much time. And when
the book-of-the-night was opened, it was a long one. Ugh! So I asked Jacob to solve
the problem with his mad thinking skills. And boy did he. The "abbreviated" story
was not only much shorter, but absolutely hilarious. Honestly, all of us were laughing
so hard, we were having trouble breathing. It was one of those things that you had to
be there for, but because our little family was, I wanted it on the blog to remember it.

I love Jacob Allen so much. He is something else in every way.

Company Christmas party

We are so grateful for the company Jacob works for. They are generous and kind and really fun
to be around. It has been a privilege and a blessing to be a part of such a great organization.

(And just for the record, no alcohol was served at this party,
contrary to the lovely look on Grace's face.)