Our First Christmas

 

Anthony in Daddy's arm Christmas morning


Christmas was great this year.  It was our first Christmas as a family and we had so much fun despite Anthony being spoiled rotten!  We took a few pictures and a video of Anthony during the day since I got a new camera and I wanted to share those with you so that when I say "He' a growing boy!" you know what I mean.


Daddy and Anthony Christmas morning


The first item of business Christmas morning was to open presents at our house.  That was a lot of fun to take turns opening Anthony's presents for him, reading him his books, and letting him play with his dogs.  Steve and I built one at "Build A Bear" and then Santa brought him one that sings and teaches him the alphabet.

Anthony threw an absolute temper tantrum at Grandma Curtis' house becuase he wanted bread.  That's what is hanging out of his mouth!

The next item of business Christmas morning was to go to my parents house to open a lot more presents.  Anthony had so much fun with each of his new toys that he played with for 5 minutes until the next toy was opened.  My favorite I actually didn't get a picture of becuase I hadn't opened my camera yet.  Steve, Dad, Mom, Ellen, Debbie and Anthony were all sitting on the floor gathered around a car racing toy.  I think the adults were having as much fun as the kid.  We will definintly need to get pictures of that sooner rather than later!


Anthony gave Grandpa Dave some buidling blocks so when they got them out
Anthony took it upon himself to empty the bag for grandpa.


After my parents house we went to my grandma's house where Anthony got even more toys!  He sat in my dad's lap and attacked the wrapping paper off of his book.  It was so fun to watch!



Anthony loved the wrapping paper- it tasted soooo good!

  





This is my dad and his brother Bruce and the three grandkids that were born this year.
Brennan (March 8) is on the end, then Sydney (August 1) then of course Anthony (July 8).

More nap time!



<>

Anthony eventually got tired and took a nap, Grandpa Dave was happy to take a nap too!





This is the morning after Christmas.  Anthony was sitting on our bed with his new dogs and looking a little scared of them.  He loves them now!



My little man!

We hope that you all had a Wonderful Christmas day with family and friends.  Merry Christmas!

P.S. For a few more pictures check out my Facebook page.



The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

As Steve, Anthony and I prepare for Christmas this year we have been thinking about all the things we are grateful for.  This became especially important Saturday afternoon as we learned that our 7 year old nephew Andy has Leukemia.  Andy and his family live in Boise so Steve and I put Anthony in the car, picked up Steve's mom and drove to Boise.  We were both grateful that we have a car that works and enough money in the bank that we could make a quick trip to Boise to give a hug to the people we love.  The look on Andy's face was priceless as we walked into the hospital room at 10:30 PM.  His face said "You care about me!" and YES! Andy we do care about you!!

While in Boise Steve and I got a hotel room for the night and were very grateful to the hotel staff that gave us a reduced rate since we didn't get there until midnight (can't charge for a full night if you are there less than 7 hours I guess!)  We were extremely grateful that Anthony slept through the night that night.  Sunday morning we went back to the hospital to see Andy.  He looked a lot better Sunday than he did on Saturday night.  He was still in a lot of pain and that will probably continue for awhile.  Sunday we also went to Steve's sister's house to play with the other kids.  Molly and I had a great time playing dress up with her magnet dress up dolls.  We then made a beautiful picture for Andy's hospital room.

We are blessed with a wonderful baby boy that loves to sleep in the car- so much so that he slept the entire 6 hour drive home and then he slept through the night Sunday night.  Thank you baby!!
So with all of this on our minds at this Christmas season, I give you our top ten list of things we are grateful for this Holiday Season.

10- Emily only has 4.5 more classes until she graduates and then we can have Mom/ Wife back!

9-Our health- despite a few colds and such this year we only made one trip to the ER, which turned out okay in the end.

8- Our home- we have all that we could possible want in our home and we are grateful for it!

7- Good jobs that come with a pay check

6- Two good dogs- Hunter and Moco are really good with Anthony and although we miss Lucy and Sally, we love our "kids"

5- Free Babysitters- how would we work and get Christmas done without them??

4- Family and Friends who love us and support us!

3- Time spent together as a couple and a family- the moments of peace together are truly priceless.

2- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and our testimony of the gifts of the Atonement!!!!

and the number 1 thing we are grateful for this Christmas season...

ANTHONY BENJAMIN CARLSON!!!  We don't know where we would be without him.

We are excited to announce that on January 21 at 9:15 AM we have an appointment with a Judge to finalize the adoption of Anthony and then on January 22 at 11:00 AM we will be sealed together as an eternal family at the Oquirrh Mountain Temple.

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas!  We hope that you find peace, love and hope this Christmas season and that you always remember the true reason for the season.

Merry Christmas!!