CHRISTMAS

What would Christmas be without the joy of little children? This is what gets me excited about Christmas, watching the faces of my kids as they light up as they open open their presents and seeing the magic of Christmas come alive.

The Galli family had a great Christmas this year. Our kids slept in until 8:00 (which is typical) and we proceeded down to the basement to open gifts. Reagan was content to open one or two gifts and play as the older kids opened up their entire Christmas. The big ticket items in our house this year were anything American Girl for Madi and a Rip-stick for Jaxson. Reagon loved opening gifts, as she opened her baby doll, in the sweetest voice she said "Baby", everything she opened she wanted to play with. The only thing she didn't get any joy out of was the box of clothes she received.

Madision was more excited about Christmas than ever this year. We told her about the magic and secret of Christmas and she got involved by being Santa's little helper. (She had a hard time falling asleep that night)

We relaxed around the house until 4:00 and then we headed to my mom and dad's just in time for the power to go out. We ate by candlelight and sang Christmas carols. The kids opened presents in the dark, it will be a Christmas to remember for years to come. After about 3 1/2 hours of no power we decided to move the party to my brothers house so the kids could have something to do and we could do a white elephant gift exchange amongest the adults. (I think this will be a new family tradition becuase I haven't laughed so hard in a long time) The gifts everyone thought of were fantastic, but no one could beat the gift Melissa received from us (thanks to Stoney Winterton for the tip). She recieved a somewhat live lobster.

With all the hustle and bustle of the season, I am releived and somewhat sad that is is over. It gives you so much to look forward too, and yet so crazy at the same time.

JUNIOR JAZZ

Jaxson started playing basketball this month and he is so excited. At one of their last practices he made a basket and was very proud of himself. I love watching this little boy play sports, it doesn't matter what the game is, just as long as he gets to play. We also love that the neighborhood boys get to play together and we get the best coach around, Rusty Bentley!

THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS

Our family went on a journey to Bethlehem this month, so did the rest of our neighborhood/ward. What a memorable experience this was to have the Church turned into the city of Bethlehem and have everyone dressed in the clothing of the times ready to pay their taxes. We sat on the floor to eat our dinner, the city was very crowded and we watched as Mary and Joseph searched for a place to stay, but there was no room for them in the inn.

Actually it was a little crazy because everyone was on the floor, Reagan was stepping on food and little kids were spilling over water as they tried to move across the crowded room; however it truly reminded me how it must have been to be in a city so full of people that was no place for them. It was very symbolic and touching at the same time.

Now let's talk about what Jaxson feels the spirit of Christmas is (the presents, lets be honest). A couple of weeks ago our Bishop was talking in church about the economy and Christmas and what the true meaning is Christmas is about. He talked about how one year they decided that they would give each of their children 3 gifts for Christmas, because this is what the Savior received. He said with the economy the way it is, this could be something that would be good for your family as well. So my mom if her infinite wisdom, decided to bring this up to my children the same evening. She asked Jaxson if he should receive three gifts like Jesus did. He immediately responded by saying "NO" and they walked straight over to the nativity and said " Do you see the treasure chest full of jewels and gold, that is way more than three gifts!" I don't think anyone knew what to say, so we all just laughed.

MADI'S FIRST PIANO RECITAL

Madi started playing piano in August and she had her first piano recital in December. I was so impressed, with what she has been able to accomplish over the past few months. She loves playing and can't wait to practice after school, I hope this continues because I think she has a natural gift.

THANKSGIVING LEAVES

We spent Thanksgiving with Dan's family and right outside their front door was a huge pile of leaves. The kids had a great time enjoying the nice weather and running around outside, especially Reagan. She loved the leaves, the piles were so huge she kept falling over. Needless to say these are priceless pictures.

GIVING THANKS...

I have to admit, I haven't been looking forward to the Thanksgiving holiday much this year. Its been a year of ups and downs and sometimes it's hard to be grateful for what you have, because you tend to focus on the negative things or trials in your life. I know I take for granted the blessings in my life too often and don't appreciate the joy this journey brings. I also know there must be opposition in all things in order to know the good from the bad, but sometimes like most people I want to just experience the good! I am grateful for the holiday season, so I get the chance to reflect on what is most important in my life and for the opportunity it give me to ponder all my many blessings.

I am blessed to have in my life a loving and healthily family. One who welcomes me home each day with open arms and childish grins because they are happy to see me.

I am blessed to have forgiving children, who don't dwell on your mistakes but love you unconditionally. Children who are content just to have a minute or two of your time to make them smile.

I am blessed to have a husband who truly loves me no matter what mood I am in. A husband who understands me and let's me be in charge with my strong personality. Someone who puts me and my children first and knows that if we are happy, that is enough for him.

I am blessed to have a crazy toddler running around my house non-stop, creating a disaster where ever she goes. For someone you didn't plan on having in your life, she sure fulfills it! A child who makes us laugh everyday with her husky voice and mischievous personality. A child who wraps their arms around you after a hard day and it makes everything better.

I am blessed to have a wonderful and stressful job. One that I know is stable and will provide for my family. A job where my talents are put to good use and I know I can help others grow. A company where they appreciate me and want me leading there team.

I am blessed to have a beautiful home. A place where you feel safe and warm and protected from the outside world. A place you love coming home to, because your family and reminders of your family are there.

I am blessed to have loving and thoughtful parents who live down the street. Parents who welcome our visits at anytime of day or night and love being around our family. Parents who play with our children and love being involved in their lives.

I am blessed to have a handful of the best friends anyone could ask for. Friends you could tell anything to and who will not judge you. Friends who will cry and laugh with you depending on the day. Friends who brings so much joy into my live and aren't afraid of letting their hair down. Friends I can travel with and you look forward to the vacation.

I am blessed to live in the best neighborhood and ward possible. I couldn't imagine my life or my children's lives not being here. A neighborhood where you feel safe and there are friendly faces everywhere you go.

I am blessed to live in the United States of America, where we have so many privileges that others in the world do not. Where we get to enjoy freedom and all the things that come with freedom.

I am blessed to have the Lord in my life and the comfort of knowing where I cam from and where I am going. I am blessed to know that families are forever and that my Heavenly Father loves me. Thank you for giving me everything!

NEW YORK OR BUST

I loved New York so much that I had to go back two months later! Only this time it was a girls trip and boy did we shop till we dropped. Every night we came home absolutely exhausted, so we would all put on our pj's and hop into bed with a box of pastries. (Oh did a forget to mention it was also a dessert trip) We found the best pastry shop in Little Italy, so we went there more than once. We also discovered Magnolia cupcakes, Serendipity and Starbucks (sometimes twice a day).

We worked Canal street up and down for knock off purses, Tiffany Jewelry, hats and Pashmina Scarves. Canal street worked us with lousy copies of DVD's and IPODs we purchased.

We ventured off to the Today show Friday morning and even met Matt Lauer and crew. We spent some quality time on the TV, some of us calm and others not so calm. I don't want to mention any names, but if you saw the Today show, you already know (Jen and Kristen).

My favorite part of the trip was eating Sunday brunch at the Boathouse in Central Park. The service, food and entire atmosphere was amazing. We devoured the bread basket, soaked up the excellent view of the autumn leaves, licked our fresh fruit and waffle plates clean and enjoyed the canoes passing by.

HALLOWEEN

We have a family tradition on Halloween of eating dinner in a pumpkin. I started doing this years ago to be a festive and cute mom. I made the mistake of inviting over my extended family a few years ago, and now it is tradition for them to all come over for dinner in a pumpkin too. The other Halloween tradition we have is mom's homemade spudnuts. She has been making these since we were small children and we refuse to let her off the hook now. Although it is a lot of work I enjoy having everyone over for the evening.

Madi and Jaxson both went out trick-or-treating with friends this year, so all I had to do was take Reagan to a few houses. She thought it was great be able to get candy from the neighbors; however when we reach the Hormon's home, Suzy gave her a tootsie Roll Sucker and it was all over. She dropped her candy bucket, opened the sucker and was done. She didn't take the sucker out of her mouth until it was gone.

TRAILER TRASH PARTY

For Halloween this year we decided to Host a Murder Mystery Party, what a great way to ring in the holiday with a little white trash!

Everyone was assigned a character and had I known everyone would get so excited about dressing up for the event, I would have done it last year.

It was a riot because everyone had fun putting their spin on what white trash is, for example...

Tattoo's / Mullets / Horrible Teeth / Bras straps sticking out / Wife Beaters / Flannel / Hairy Chests / Muscle Shirts / Mini Skirts / Tie-Dye

We even had an authentic white trash meal including; KFC bucket, pigs in a blanket, jello with hair in it (thanks Stoney), macaroni and cheese, cheese tray with Spray cheese and a hostess platter for desert.

The decor included, a clothes line with stained underwear, cheap lingerie and Nascar posters.

All and all it was a night full of white trash talking and laughter. I love that I had friends who are not afraid to let their hair down and have a good time.

FOOTBALL FRIENDS

I love that Jaxson gets to play sports with all of his friends. This past fall we tried out flag football. It was a little more intense with practices, two-three coaches and working plays on the field. Not his best sport ever; but he had a good time running around the field with his buddies Jacob and Karter! His favorite part of the season is getting the trophy, it sure makes him feel proud!