Dec 27, 2016

Christmas Time

It's been quite awhile since I have typed in this little corner of the word. I want to get back into writing. I know I write this introductory paragraph every time I write a post now, I do however have a goal in mind, about writing. I enjoy writing, I have more time now, and while Instagram is fun its not the same.

Merry Christmas from the Allens
Two days after Christmas and its 53° we spent Christmas at home which is now Roseville, California.  The kids are out playing basketball in the beautiful sunshiny weather. They have 2.5 weeks off from school this year. They don't go back until January 10th! The time will fly by quickly, but I will savor every moment.

On Christmas Eve we went to my sister's Sandi's house and spent time with her and her family. It was fun. We played games and had dinner. While we were driving home we dropped off some gifts for people in our ward. The kids decided to do a secret Santa, we had so much fun, I think we will do it every year. My heart beat fast when the kids and Lou ran to their door and quickly ran back to the car in order to not be spotted. When we first lived in our house in Provo, we had a family do the 12 days of Christmas for us. The family dropped off gifts and notes for 12 days in a row. I'll never forget that kindness, it made us feel welcomed and loved. We wanted someone else to feel the same.  Later that night, Lou and I sat by the fire listening to Christmas music. The Christmas spirit was strong. My heart couldn't have been any more at peace.
Lou reading one of our favorite Christmas Eve books "I Believe in Santa" 

Christmas morning was beautiful, there was no waking up super early, there was no rush to the tree. We woke up at 7 for church. We went to Sacrament meeting where we enjoyed a beautiful program of music and spoken word. After church we came home, we made a breakfast of pancakes and bacon. We leisurely ate while the presents remained under the tree. The kids did not complain, I think they enjoyed savoring the beautiful morning as much as Lou and I did. When it was time to open the presents there was such a peaceful feeling, I think because we had time to fully appreciate Christmas morning and what it is all about.  Later in the day we enjoyed a visit from Lou's good friend. We also talked with family on phone and FaceTime. The rest of the day was spent enjoying our new gifts and enjoying each other.
Josh and cousin Kyler making brownies

The move to Roseville, has not been easy for me. I spent the first 4 months in Boise finishing my student teaching. It was hard having my family starting a new life and me being left behind. I am glad I finished my degree but it was one of the hardest things I have had to do, being separated from my family. I am grateful that this past week has been so special, so full of the spirit of what life is all about that I am slowly being able to adapt to our move. I am going to enjoy our time in our little apartment before we buy a house. I will enjoy being so close near each other. The kids are getting older and who knows for how long they will be happy to spend so much time with mom and dad. It will be nice to have that forced time together in our little place.



Josh matched our stockings this year! 

2016 was a crazy year (once again) for our family. Changing jobs, selling our home, changing states, trip to Disneyland, trip to San Fransisco, finishing school. I am excited to see what 2017 will bring, hopefully I will share some of it on this blog  ðŸ˜Š

Kira reading like always.

3 comments:

M A said...

Diana, I enjoyed reading your blog very much. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and impressions. It provided me with a window into your world. You are raising happy, accomplished and confident children. I love how you have incorporated new traditions with thw old. Traditions are important; they root a family. Mostly, I love you Diana. Wishing you and yours much happiness, joy, prosperity, good health and adventure in 2017. Your Aunt Mary

Alyssa said...

That picture of Josh and the stockings is perfect! I hope that you are able to settle comfortably into life in Roseville before too long. It sounds like you have a great attitude and focus for what is to come. Love you!

Anonymous said...

Fun to read about your Christmas. We miss you guys. We thought about you last week at the Jazz game--knowing that wherever you were, you were just as frustrated as we were that they couldn't contain Lowry in the fourth quarter. Glad to be moving to your state. We only wish California wasn't so long. Hope you enjoy the rest of the break and the move/transition period. Happy New Year! Steven