Sunday was Marc and my 13th Wedding Anniversary.  I just wanted to put up a quick post letting my blog world know that after 13 years of marriage, I love Marc more now than ever before.  It just keeps getting better babe, love you!

The week of Christmas proved to be extra special this year.  Here is a peek at some of the wonderful activities we were able to enjoy.

Tuesday:  GiGi Day!  Every year around Christmas time, my mom (GiGi to her grandchildren), plans something fun and special to do with the grandchildren.  This year, she took them to the Young Chef’s Academy to make fun Christmas treats.  The children loved it!  Thanks Mom you are fabulous!

after GiGi day, we got to go ride on a train at the Chandler mall with our cousins.  It was fun!

Wednesday:  Gracie’s 8th Birthday!!  A fun party with friends decorating cookies, playing games, and don’t forget the pinata!

Later that evening we enjoyed a Christmas dinner with Marc’s extended family.  Gracie got a birthday treat by getting to be Mary in the nativity.

Christmas day!!!

Then off to PaPa and GiGi’s house for more presents!  We were so happy that PaPa got to come home from the Hospital in time to enjoy the kids and Christmas with the family.

Next, to see Grandpa and Isabel and family!  We are thrilled that Grandpa is doing so well with his Chemotherapy.  And as to all of you who were making comments to yourself, or Marc, this is the reason for the mustache.  Marc’s Dad said that more of his flies out every time he sneezes, so in honor of him, Aaron and Marc grew a ‘stache.

Pillow fight with Carmen and Carson!

Back to Papa and GiGi’s for a little entertainment.

Next up, Saturday and Gracie’s Baptism!!  What a sweet angel we have been blessed with.  I couldn’t be more proud of the beautiful daughter she is- inside and out!

Rounding off the week is Temple lights on Monday with the Birch cousins.  We are SO HAPPY they are here to spend this special time with us!

I feel incredibly blessed to have such wonderful family surrounding me at the special time of year.  I love my family and friends and express much love and joy to all of them.  Thank you!

I know it is not yet officially December, but the Coria family has been very excited about the upcoming month with all of it’s festivities.  This year is especially busy and exciting with Gracie turning 8 two days before Christmas and getting baptized on the 26th.  Right in between are 2 other special days, Christmas Eve and of course Christmas Day!  We decided to beat the rush to see Santa this year and went for family home evening.  (A tip to anyone reading this and planning to see Santa, the Chandler Mall was desolate this evening.  No waiting and plenty of time for the children to chat with Santa.  We even had time afterwards to look at the puppies.)  This year’s photo would not be complete without a crying baby in Santa’s lap.  Each of our kids have suffered through at least one year with mom making them sit on Santa through tears.  Strangely, the tears of a baby on Santa’s lap bring me a little joy.  I think it’s like a right of passage, even though they’re too young to know or remember (I know, I’m evil).  I have posted the pictures for your enjoyment (you know you’re laughing at Sophia too-evil moms unite!). 

I had to post these too.  Here is a decade of pictures with Santa and the Coria children.  We hang these every year at Christmas time.  It is fun to look back, remember each year, and see how the children change from year to year. 

2000

When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,

When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,

Count your many blessings; name them one by one,

And it will suprise you what the Lord has done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?

Does the cross seam heavy you are called to bear?

Count your many blessings; every doubt will fly,

And you will be singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,

Think that Christ has promised you his wealth untold,

Count your many blessings; money cannot buy,

Your reward in heaven nor your home on high.

So amid the conflict, whether great or small,

Do not be discouraged; God is over all.

Count your many blessings; angels will attend,

Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Count your blessings; Name them one by one.

Count your blessings; See what God hath done.

Count your blessings; name them one by one.

Count your many blessings; See what God hath done.”

~ Johnson Oatman, Jr.

Just a quick post to let you all know that I have LOVED the weather these last couple days! So have everyone else in the Coria household.