Christmas 2010

Well Christmas was a lot like last year. We went to my families house for our Christmas eve feast, and then slept over. Of course at 6:30am on Christmas day I was woken up by Matt who insisted we open gifts then. I wonder if he will ever grow out of that stage. So it was a little early, but we all had a lot of fun opening gifts.




After trying to get a morning nap in (key word trying, its hard to sleep when your brother just got an electric guitar for Christmas...) we headed off to the Wildes new Christmas tradition. We all ate homemade pizzas for lunch, and had a white elephant gift exchange with ornaments. I thought it was a success and had a lot of fun with them.

Next was to my dads house, where we opened more gifts.


My dad gave me this lovely memory foam mat to go over our bed, and really makes a difference too! Brandon got a power drill which is very manly if you ask me. I gave my dad a three crock pot cooker, which I expect to see out when our green party comes around this next year. After a little gift exchange we had Christmas dinner with a few friends. That was one of the best parts of the day, not doing anything or going anywhere. I really enjoyed myself this year, and although its a lot of traveling I want to see all of my family. Thats what it is all about right?

I'm really looking forward to 2011. Let the golden year begin!

Temple Square

Last weekend my family came up to see the Temple Square Christmas lights. Which, we do every year of course.



It was very, very cold this year. Or at least it seemed that way. No matter how cold I am though, I can never get enough of looking at this...






Oh, how I love the holiday season.

Dear Mom,

There is something about the holiday season that makes me stop in my tracks, and try to catch my breath. Life is especially unbearable without you here during Christmas. Life is especially unbearable without you here with me today.

They say time heals everything, but I'm still waiting.

Merry Christmas Mom.

Love,

Rachel

Dear Mom,

Last night I had a strange dream about you, and wanted to write down as much as I can remember. It started out with Ron telling me we had to leave and pick you up from Florida.

Florida? Yeah, I don't know why it was there either.

Anyway we flew there to get you. Apparently you left the family to go find yourself, in hot sweaty Florida. And you wanted to come back home. We ended up picking you up and flying back to Utah. In the plane you sat behind me. I turned around and said.

"Oh Mom! I've missed you so very much!"

I kept going on and on about how much I missed you, and I cried a lot. I couldn't figure out why I was so emotional because in the dream you had not been gone very long. Of course now I understand why there was so much emotion. I was seeing you alive for the first time in a very long time.

I crawled into the back of the plane, in the seat next to you and held your hand.

"I can't wait for you to meet Brandon, and I mean really meet Brandon, and get to know him." I was so excited to take you back home where you belonged. We held hands and I watched you look at me and cry, as though there was something you were not telling me. But I felt like you didn't want to ruin the moment, and neither did I. So we sat and held hands until I woke up.

I really love the moments we have together in my dreams. I really believe this is the way we can really communicate, and I feel very blessed for these moments.

Thank you for letting me hold your hand.

With love and devotion,

Rachel

A Very Merry Weekend

After this last weekend, I think all I am seeing is red and green. I had a good time though. Friday night was the XANGO Christmas party where everyone got a kindle, and $300 bucks. To say the least I was very pleased, as was Brandon whom I gave the kindle to.


On Saturday it was the annual Yates Christmas party. For once in a very long time almost everyone was there (except two). You can understand how rare this is, especially when you see how big the group is.



I always enjoy seeing family I don't normally see throughout the year. I enjoyed the company, and pizza.

Sunday night was dinner with Brandon's family. We even made gingerbread houses. I found myself getting very frustrated, because I can be a perfectionist at times, but over all it was a lot of fun. Next year I will do better.




I think the kids had the most fun. Look at their masterpiece!


As for Brandon's and mine, well it speaks for itself...




Amelia's by far was the best looking. She made it look easy too. (I'll have my revenge next Christmas)



Happy holiday times indeed!

Decking the Halls

It's about time I get to posting about something interesting (or at least cool pictures to look at). The weekend of Thanksgiving we had Trent and Brittni over to help us turn our condo into the Christmas spirit.

We did a great job, if I do say so myself.





Our first Christmas tree turned out classic!



Brandon's mom gave us this ornament


And of course I put up my favorite ornament of all time


Speaking of which, I put up my moms tree as well.



New stockings is a must.


I'm also completely in love with my new nativity scene, even if a cat has already broke off the angel's arm (don't even get me started on that).

Over all I had a great time - even the animals did.



Christmas is coming, and I think we are ready.

All I Want For Christmas...

I've been a very good girl this year.

Dear Mom,

I'm not feeling so good these days. Neither is Alyssa, well she has the flu or something, but I just feel mentally sick. It's amazing the limits you are pushed to in your life, and the simplest thing happens and I just crack. But everyone cracks, you've told me that. I also was told many times by you in my life that eventually (sooner rather then later) I have to get up and try again. So I'll do that, just not today - and probably not tomorrow either.

Marriage is tricky, and I'm learning more then ever that the first year will make or break you. The emotional/physical/financial roller coaster isn't fun anymore. I'm really hoping life lets me get off the ride before I end up puking on everyone close to me. Is it too much to ask for just a warm sunny drive on the coast line instead? (Ha! If only us "Marie" women could only be so lucky!)

Is it rude of me to ask that you work something on your side to make things better? Maybe thats cheating, but I'd like a little help in getting myself in the right direction. Going around in loops seems to be getting me no where. So, work some magic up there would ya? I mean that in the nicest way possible of course.

Good grief I miss you. Hope its warmer where you are!

With love,

Rachel