Part 2: Tis the Season to Be Jolly

This Christmas season hasn't panned out the way I imagined it would. First off, I thought we would be in our home, where I would do fun Christmas crafts with the kids, bake cookies, roast chestnuts in our fireplace (lol..but forreals...we have a fireplace so why not), and do activities that will focus on our Savior! Nice yeah?

Well...it didn't work out as planned. And if you read my Part 1 to this, you understand why. 

But.... 

I've learned that when you try to hold in the frustration and stress without having a proper outlet, you leave less room for happiness and joy. After letting out a few tears I've finally been able to make room to reflect and enjoy the sweet little victories in our life. 


Here are some of our little victories and sweet moments (in no particular order) that we've been able to enjoy as a family which have brought forth and continue to bring in the Spirit of Christmas. 


#1 Leila and Iosefa learning to share their testmonies. 
We had to speak in Sacrament meeting so we thought our kids would like to speak. Sefa fell asleep just before he was supposed to speak and Leila froze at the podium. Either way, I was proud they practiced and tried. Our topic was 'missionary work.'


#2 Fun family dinners- where there's always fun stories, laughter, and of course good food. 

#3 Family Outings- eating at Texas Roadhouse. Nothings better than getting to enjoy a yummy dinner in a restaurant that is loud enough to cover our kids noise, and laid back enough that our kids can throw peanuts on the floor. 



#4 Leila Moments
She is growing up and we've loved watching her little personality grow.

She loves Christmas and is learning that the true meaning of Christmas is not Santa and Christmas trees. Ask her what Christmas is and she'll reply "Christmas is Jesus Birthday." As her parents, Aljay and I proudly take that as a victory. 

She loves her brother.


She loves going to Church!
She is a selfie queen! We have a hundred photos on our camera that look like these...


I think I have Aunty Brittany, Aunty Nina, and Aunty Candace to thank for this learned behavior. 

She also loves to help in the kitchen with cooking and sometimes cleaning. *cross our fingers this habit sticks with her through her teen years. 

#5 Sefa Moments
We can't help but smile at this little guy and his funny little mannerisms. He is talking more and more which makes communication a lot easier for all of us. He is so simple, easily entertained, and just does his own thing. 


He loves his sister. 

When he is determined to do something, he does not stop until he has accomplished his mission. 
Squeezing behind the computer to get his favorite elephant toy. 
He also loves to dance and sing. Love my Sefa boy. 


#5 Aljay moments.

This guy always has his moments lol. He never fails to make me smile, laugh, and feel loved every day. He makes me feel beautiful even though I feel like a crimz mess all the time. 

He wakes up early every morning and works his muli off so that I may be able to stay at home with our kids. 

Even when he returns home exhausted and tired, he still makes an effort to play with the kids and help me out.  

He never hesitates to help those in need and always has an understanding and open mind. 

He creates wonderful happy moments in our home all the time. 

Love this man. 


#6 Early Mornings
I wake up in the mornings with Aljay to make him breakfast and pack his lunch. We get to pray together and talk about our plans for the day. Then I usually watch him back out of the drive way and drive off to work. 

I love these simple moments with him because they're easy and make us happy. Sometimes he's late to work or I'm not feeling well so we miss out on our morning routine. But I try my best not to miss. These moments during the quiet of the morning are priceless. 

#7 Lotu with the Babies
Every night before we go to sleep we have lotu with the kiddies. We just sing a song and say a prayer. 

Since it's Christmas, we decided to add in a Christmas related scripture each night to remind us of the Savior. 

We usually read the 'Daily Messages' scripture that I get in my emails since they are all Christmas related. 

It has been a nice way to end our days and have little moments with our kids.

#8 Pregnancy changes--
(1)No more morning sickness!

This is a major victory for me! I stopped throwing up right before Thanksgiving! Thank goodness! I love being able to eat and keep it down! I'm now growing into the uncomfortable stage (yes I know...already?...my belly is huge for 4 months) but I rather be uncomfortable than be throwing up. 

(2) I'm still salivating...but not as much! I'll take whatever victory I can get. 

(3) I got a bellyband! It's pricey but Aljay is good at making me buy useful things...and this one was a good investment. I wish I had one for all my pregnancies!
 It has worked wonders for me. I don't have to use a rubber band extension to hold my pants anymore lol.
.
 (Aljay would always make fun of McGuiver action). 
 I can wear skirts, jeans, and pants again without worry now!


Overall...we've had some good moments that are now added to our vault of happy family moments. The more I think about these moments the more I realize that we can overcome our trials if we stick together as a family and focus on doing what the Lord asks of us. And our obedience, humility, charity, and kindness to each other and those around us can be our gifts to the Savior. 

Took me all of that to truly feel like we've still maintained the true meaning of Christmas. 



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