It's a very, incredibly, completely, wholly lucky thing I married the guy that I did. He puts up with so many unfathomable things that I feel sorry for him sometimes! Unfortunately, this weekend I wasn't all that sorry!

Mitch and I painted another part of our house! On Thanksgiving morning we painted our kitchen, and now just 3 days after Christmas, we've painted our living room/hallway.

First things first, my husband and I are not hoarders. Our home "before" shots do not really do us justice as being cleanly human beings... Plus excuse the huge mess. we literally just threw everything into the middle of the room. New Christmas presents? Throw them on the couch. Clothes on the floor? Don't bother putting those in the bedroom or hamper, throw them on the desk! You get the point.

Before:

Let's hope I keep sane! Actually... let's hope Mitch stays sane!!!
- Alex

Do you want to know what one of the most beautiful things is? Seeing a child open a gift and express pure and sincere gratitude for it. I swear I married into the nicest family in the world! The children are all so thoughtful and kind to each other.

It's a bit difficult doing presents with Henry. He is so hyper active and has so many expectations that you want to fulfill them all, meanwhile, anything that wasn't one of the 'top 5' items he wanted is thrown aside before the wrapping paper is all of the way off. It's a bit disheartening, especially when you don't feel an ounce of gratitude for the time, money, and energy you put into getting him a gift. But to see Mitch's siblings really take the time to open every gift, find out every item in the box, and show thanks after each present is refreshing to say the least!

But the best part of our Holt Christmas was talking to Elder Holt! Tyrell has only been gone since the end of October but it was so great to see him and talk with him! I love the maturity level he has reached in these last few months. He is not the same kid! 

Mitch and I received the most comfortable sleeping bags imaginable! Before the end of the night, I had already slept in the bad boy twice! I even made Mitch put it on the bed so I could sleep in it again! It is going to be so nice to have a double sleeping bag when we go camping; I won't have to worry about becoming a popsicle ever again!

Mitch's mother also bought me some new piano music! I'm trying to teach myself the piano and it is super slow going but I am so excited to give my new music a try! Hopefully I'll get better and be able to play Linda one of the songs some day!

Mitch and I were spoiled rotten this year! I am in such awe with how generous my family can be. Here's a quick little recap of the generosity we received this year from the Suttons!