Christmas in California

Christmas Morning

First off... I'm pregnant! Baby number 3 due June 27th 2013! We announced this in California :)

David got a substantial break from school for the holidays, so, we decided to spend his entire break with our families in Clovis, CA.  We had a lot of fun! It was great seeing a lot of family and friends we hadn't seen for a while. It was nice to visit our old wards and be around people that influenced us for good and helped us become who we are.

Grandpa Reynders & Evelyn

Grandpa Murphy and Peter

The kids enjoyed playing with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. We did too :) I had the opportunity to meet up with my best friend Courtney Hosford a few times. We have known each other since we were 2! It was great to see her and it was even more great to see how well she is doing. She is a strong daughter of God. I also had the opportunity to meet up with several old girl friends from high school. They are all stellar women as well. It was great to see that all is well with them too. We enjoyed a lunch together as we caught up on everyone's lives since high school. Three out of the five of us served missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was wonderful to be among such wonderful, spirit filled disciples of Christ. It made me realize even more how lucky we all were to grow up acquainted with one another. I also had the great opportunity to spend a little time with Edy Corum. We became friends around the time Peter was born and have enjoyed conversing with one another and learning from each other. I am grateful for her friendship and the opportunity I have to know and be associated with her. She too is a wonderful daughter of God.

Me and some great girls. (Courtney is wearing the colorful scarf)

In front of our banners at the Reynders.

We enjoyed Christmas traditions with our families. We made banners to run through Christmas morning at the Reynders. We enjoyed one delicious meal after another on Christmas. We listened to lots of Mannheim Steam Roller. We played a lot of board games and cards. We baked a little. We laughed, played, and made memories. I am grateful for the blessing we enjoy. I love how Christmas time seems to bring those blessings into view even more than before. I am grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ. To me He is the ultimate gift that has been given for us from our loving Heavenly Father. He came into this world for us. He lived an exemplary life. We can find true happiness and joy in this life by striving to live as He did.