My 1st White Christmas ( Christmas Eve at the temple)

Christmas eve we drove all the way from up from Orem (ps. with cranky kids who hadn't had naps) to Salt Lake to go to the temple to see the Christmas lights! Even though it was 18 degrees outside and we had four kids we had a blast and made memories we will never forget!

After we had walked through the Christmas like for about 15 minutes we we're COMPLETELY frozen and decided to defrost at the JB's across the street :)

My 1st White Christmas ( Christmas Eve)

My first white Christmas at my home away from home. This year was the first year I got to see snow on Christmas day and it really felt more like Christmas. I never really understood what Derrick meant when he said "it just doesn't feel like Christmas here (Arizona)" until I experienced it for my self.

Christmas eve we got to open presents with Roman & Marcus, but we had to let Alice open a few too!

Marcus LOVED Roman's Slinky :)

Roman asked for growing toys so we got him a growing aquarium!!!

Daniella helped Marcus open his first gift :)

So Photogenic!!!!

MIMIIIIIIII

DIEGO JUMP ROPE from Alice to Roman :)

And the Countdown Begins...

Derrick has been gone 1 week now. I don't understand how is gone more often and is further now than he ever was. He has been on the go the whole time doing meetings from morning till night with my papa in Russia. We try to talk as much as possible on Skype, if you don't know what that is or what it does you should get it! Derrick will meet me on the 16th in Austin, TX for my redheaded cousins wedding :), yes I have a cousin with red hair. 9 days to go and I can't wait!! We will be in Austin till sunday and then off to Salt Lake, Woo Hoo convention!!!! I have to admit I am actually looking forward to cold weather! I have been shopping like crazy to get prepared. I can't wait to see everyone in Utah! Love ya All! ~Alexa

Everything Works Out!

Romans 8:28- God works for the good of those who love him.



This bible passage is so true! You might not realize it at first, but later on you will. As you all know because of many reasons I cancelled Derrick's surprise birthday party in Salt Lake, only to find out that he will be in Russia that whole week before and after. Derrick leaves for Russia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan early Wednesday morning and will be out of the country until he meets me in Austin, Texas October 16th for a wedding. We will be in Austin until Sunday afternoon and then will arrive in Salt Lake City around 6pm for the week of Xango Convention!

Derrick and I miss everyone tons and are very excited to see everyon! We are both trying to find time to see everyone while we are there, but we are both going to be super busy, so if we don't see anyone before Sunday October 25th, we will be at Sunday dinner for sure!

4 Days Down...5 To Go

Derrick comes home in 5 days and I can't wait! The only way we've been able to talk is through Facebook and Email and the occasional Skype video chat. I can't wait to have him back! I miss him so much!

Alice in Wonderland

Last weekend I had a blast helping Stef create Alice's new big girl bedroom. The theme is Alice in Wonderland! Stef had an old bed that we refinished:) the room will hopefully be finished when I head up to salt lake toward the end of October. We are leaning toward the Mad Hatter Tea Party, so there will be fun and funky colors throughout. I can't wait to finish it up! Here's a preview :)

Before After

Alice Loved Her New Room!

Switch

Derrick and I have decided to switch families for a weekend! Derrick is off to Washington with my mom and I am off to Salt Lake City so spend a weekend with the Raynes's! Derrick will be departing to Washington DC today and will return to Phoenix on Sunday and I will be departing tomorrow to Salt Lake and returning to Phoenix on Monday. Derrick will be leaving the country on Wednesday with my mom to fly to Malaysia and Singapore. I am so happy that Derrick has great opportunities to travel and see the world. We are both very blessed to have such great families and to get to spend time with them!