Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

These are just a few pictures I took on Christmas day of all the snow. I thought the roof was going to cave in on the good, ol' suburban (or the 'burban' as Neeley calls it).

Christmas Morning

So I guess I wasn't such a good girl ... I only took three or four pictures on Christmas morning. BUT I did take video, so one out of two isn't bad.

We had a such a wonderful Christmas. For Christmas Eve, we went to Brian's Aunt Pat and Uncle Scott's house with all of their kids and grandkids. As always, there was tons of great food! Their granddaughters are all 'tweens' and they all play so cute with Neeley! She absolutely loves them!

We woke up Christmas morning to tons of snow. Brian's mom and dad came over so that they could be here when Neeley woke up. She really didn't know what to think at first, but it didn't take long for her to figure it all out! It took us all morning to open presents, but we had so much fun. Sweet Brylen was just happy to be there.

Brian threatened that I better not 'blog' this picture of him, but I seriously couldn't resist! I don't think he checks out my blog very often, so I can probably get away with it. I think he's afraid that everyone will find out what a silly daddy he is. So for the record, he's a 'cool' dad, not silly ;). And for all you ladies that want my sexy hubby ... get in line! He had Neeley's princess necklace around his head ... I tried to get him to put the earrings on, too. He is truly the best daddy in the world! He is from a family of only boys, so all of this girly stuff is new to him, but he's such a good sport. He simply adores his baby girls!

And I can't write about Christmas without bragging about Annie's awesome Christmas dinner. We had prime rib, lobster, crab legs, baked potatoes, salad, broccolli , rolls, and all sorts of other good stuff. For dessert, we had chocolate ice cream cake from Cold Stone. DELICIOUS! And once again, I forgot my camera, so try to picture it in your head. Or maybe you shouldn't ... you might start drooling!

I hope that everybody's Christmas was as wonderful as ours!

I must have been a good girl ...

So how spoiled am I? Maybe I was just a good girl this year, because Brian totally surprised me with the best Christmas presents! Oh, yeah, and my baby girls, too! I didn't even know they were under the tree. The girls (wink) got me a journey diamond necklace. It is absolutely gorgeous! Brian is really good at picking out jewelry. He picked out my wedding ring all by himself!

And Brian got me a new pair of Oakley sunglasses. He is always making fun of my cheap-o, fall apart sunglasses (I'm a mom, you know!), and I would never spend that kind of money on sunglasses for myself, so it was an awesome gift. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE them!

We really had a great Christmas. I still need to load pictures onto my computer, so I will post later.

My Christmas Wish

Last Friday, our neighbor's little 22-month old boy passed away unexpectedly. I have been so overwhelmed with such sadness for their family - they also lost their young grandpa to leukemia right before Thanksgiving. I cannot even imagine losing a child, let alone a few days before Christmas. I honestly cannot quit thinking of them.
So yesterday, I was running around trying to get a few last minute things done. I had made a batch of fudge and accidentally added milk chocolate chips, so I hurried to make another batch. I had the new fudge poured into the little tins for my neighbors and I left it on the table to cool. I was busy doing other things, and I walked into the kitchen just in time to find Neeley poking holes into the fudge with a pen cap and then licking it off. I was fuming. But instead of being mad at the little stinker, I just had to hug her and laugh because today another mom didn't have her baby to be mad at.
This Christmas I am going to hold my babies tight and enjoy every second. I'm not going to worry about the little messes or stress out that I didn't take my neighbors fudge. I'm going to let Neeley eat the candy out of her stocking before breakfast tomorrow, and if she wants to only open one present and play with it all day, I'm going to let her. I'm going to hold Brylen all day long, even while she sleeps, and not worry that I'm spoiling her. I know that I never get even one second back... my babies will never be this small again. I'm so thankful for these precious lives that Heavenly Father has placed in our tender care. They are certainly a handful at times, but they bring so much love, happiness and joy!
So my wish for everyone this Christmas is to enjoy every moment with your loved ones! Be thankful for your kids' messes, whining and tantrums, but especially their hugs and kisses. I hope that everyone has a Merry Christmas!

Paging Dr. Robertson... Paging Dr. Robertson...

I just had to post these hilarious pictures of Neeley playing 'Doctor' at Grandma and Grandpa Holm's house. Grandma has the coolest 'Doctor Kit'. My little doctor couldn't see a patient without those fancy Schmancy blue doctor glasses (I got the giggles every time she looked at me). I had to have my temperature taken at least a hundred times, and I got a few dozen shots in my leg. I think LIL' Miss Smarty Pants has been to the pediatrician one too many times!

The Letter Game

Top Ten - Letter P Game time!!!!

I thought that this might be fun to play. All you have to do is make a list of ten of your favorite things. But there is a little catch. Everything on the list has to start with a specific letter of the Alphabet. That letter is randomly assigned by the blogger who you are playing with! I was assigned the letter 'P' by my sister Rachel at The Shelley's. For the record, she tried assigning me the letter 'X'. . . um. . . xylophone, duh. SISTERS!

(I cannot believe I am posting this picture. It was taken the day before Brylen was born.)

1. PREGNANCY ... Now I know I was a complainer, but being pregnant was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I loved to feel my babies kick and move. It is truly life's greatest miracle! Which leads to ...

2. PRETTY PRINCESSES .... They are absolutely gorgeous! My princesses are my reason for living! I simply cannot get enough of these two babies!

3. PINK ... I've always liked pink, but it wasn't my favorite color. Now that I have two daughters I LOVE the color pink (by default). My whole life is pink! Even my sweet husband lives in a pink world! Light pink, hot pink, pepto pink. PINK, PINK, PINK!!!

4. PARENTS ... "I, Melissa, being born of goodly parents ..." Where would I be without my parents? Where would I be without Brian's parents? I'm at a loss for words. I am so blessed to have such wonderful parents and in-laws. I'm so thankful for their examples. . . so grateful for their advice.

5. PRESENTS ... It's Christmas, what can I say? I love getting presents, but I love giving them even more! I guess it's just one of those things that happens when you grow up.

6. PHONE ... My blackberry Pearl to be exact. Brian surprised me with it last Christmas, and it's my link to the outside world ... when I can find the darn thing!

7. PEPPERMINT M&M's ... I know I've already devoted an entire post to these little delights, but the peppermint m&m season is almost over! I'm actually eating them as I type. Oh, could life get any better?

8. POLARIS RANGER ... Even though I don't ride in the Ranger as often as I should, I do love it. It's something we can do as a family, and a fun way Brian can spend time with his girls. We seatbelted Neeley's carseat right in when she was tiny! Brian even has tracks for it so that we can take it in the snow. Super fun!


9. PRAYER ... Don't be too surprised. I might not get down on my knees or pray aloud as often as I should, but I say little silent prayers all day long. I have a gazillion things to be thankful for!

10. POOPY DIAPERS, PINK PRINCESSES, PONIES, PAMPERS, PLAYTIME, PEACE & QUIET, PLAYHOUSE DISNEY, PUKE, PRETTY SMILES, POTTIES, PICKY EATERS, PIG STY, PILES OF LAUNDRY, PAJAMAS ... all of the things that remind me that I'm doing what I love the best - being a mommy!

Now it's your turn. Let me know if you want to play, & I'll assign you a letter.

Still in the Christmas Spirit

I just wanted to post a few pictures of Brian and Neeley Bug hanging Christmas lights. Five years ago, I would have never believed that one day my dear hubby would hang lights on the house without having to be nagged! AMAZING! Like I've said a million times before, he will do anything to keep our baby girls happy. . . and he tries to keep me happy too! ;)

Breakfast with Santa

Now I'll bet most of you don't know, but Helper is officially 'Utah's Christmas Town', officially. They really do have a lot of Christmas festivities (click here to find out more). This morning, we went to 'Breakfast with Santa'. Uncle Jared, Aunt Jenny, Jadon, Jacob, and Uncle Russell, Aunt Stephy, Emma, and Gauge were all there with us. The city council puts on a super yummy breakfast for the family, and then the kids can sit on Santa's lap.

This was Neeley's first year sitting on Santa's lap, and I think it went OK. You could tell she was petrified, and she wouldn't talk to Santa, but she didn't cry. So I guess we'll call that a success. She was a lot more relaxed when Santa was holding Brylen, too, and I think it helped that she watched her cousins Jadon and Jacob go first. My girls are so lucky so have cousins here!

Tonight is the second night of the 'Light Parade'. We are lucky enough to have friends that live right on Helper Main Street, so we are going to their house to watch the parade. (That way we can keep Brylen warm inside.) AND, there will be fireworks after the parade. What a fun way to kick off the holiday season!!

Smilen' Brylen

(I added this picture for my sisters. See... she didn't grow that much in a week?)

This little smile just melts my heart (sigh)! Isn't she precious? I could just eat her with a little sugar sprinkled on top!! I love my girls so much!

Matching PJs

Just a couple cute pics of my girls in their matching jammies. Oh yeah, and lovin' Neeley's bedhead and sleepy eyes.

The Grinch

I'm married to the GRINCH . . . or at least that's what I thought. Brian says he doesn't like Christmas. He doesn't like the trees, the lights, the music, the shopping. But there is one thing (or should I say two?) he LOVES ... his girls. He will do anything for his babies including putting up the Christmas tree and decorations. He brought the tree out of storage, set it up and 'fluffed' it - a chore I don't enjoy. He even helped decorate until it was done. Now he is going to put our lights up outside. I guess our little 'Cindy Lou Who' melted my Grinch's heart.

Happy Thanksgiving

SUPER CHEESE!!! Mom and her sweet girls

Neeley Bug

Cousin Troy, Uncle Jared, Brian, and Uncle Nils (holding Brylen)

Neeley and Jacob playing air hockey (all night long!)

(Not a good family picture, but I'm posting it anyway)

We had Thanksgiving with the Robertson's this year at the Slovenian home. I love Thanksgiving! I love family get-togethers, the delicious and plentiful FOOD, and just taking the time to realize how blessed we are. I am so thankful for my sweet, little family. Our two beautiful daughters have brought more love and happiness than we could have ever imagined. How blessed I am!!!

Mmmmmmm.....

I love the holidays - - the tree... the lights... the music... shopping... and best of all --(dum, dum, dum) PEPPERMINT M&M's! Who doesn't love Peppermint M&M's? I mean, peppermint chocolate in a hard candy shell. Oh yeah, and the colors - bright green and red!!!! Absolute candy perfection!

After Halloween, when Wal-mart starts putting out the Christmas goods, I immediately look for the peppermint m&m's. I love 'em. I can eat myself stupid on peppermint m&m's. And even worse, Brian and Neeley love them almost as much as I do. An entire bag can disappear in a matter of minutes around this place. Watch your fingers boys and girls because you might lose one (or two) during the m&m feeding frenzy!

So if you haven't experienced this little holiday delight - go and buy yourself a bag (or two) and ENJOY!!