Christmas 2011. Part 2.

This post is gonna be just a bunch of fun pictures. After Christmas morning at our home, Mark and I and the boys went to my parents house to celebrate with my sister Chelsea, her husband Robby and Riley. Growing up, our tradition as a family was to have a huge breakfast. We try to do our best to continue the tradition with everyone. I love Christmas!

~The ladies and gentlemen~

~Cake pops I made~

~Preston is ready for presents!~

~Riley with her daddy~

~My gorgeous niece Riley~

~Guess he didn't like his present?~

~Books make the best gifts!~

~Where's Ethan?~

~My daddy!~

~Ethan & his froggy. He took it with him
everywhere the rest of the day!~

~Quite the contemplative one~

~Blowing kisses!~

~The fam~

~Cake balls, or drops of heaven~

Christmas 2011. Part 1.

I'm finally posting pictures from Christmas! Yay! Most of the pictures are from Christmas morning. There are a few with Karissa's tree as well. This Christmas I didn't go all out crazy like I normally do. I did more decorating outside instead.

On Christmas morning, we started by opening our presents, stockings first. The boys weren't as mesmerized by all the wrapping paper and boxes like I had wished. There's always next year. :~) Following our presents, we devoured our homemade cinnamon rolls. Yummy!!

We have started a few traditions but I would love to have many, many more. One of my favorite traditions is that we buy an ornament to hang on Karissa's tree so she will always be remembered during the holiday season. I actually started this tradition last year. When the boys are old enough, I hope to have them each pick out an ornament for their big sister to hang up on the tree. Enjoy the pictures!

~Karissa's tree~

~I adore this picture. Ethan is looking at one of Karissa's handmade ornaments on her tree~

~Ornament a very special friend made for me~

~Karissa's precious hand print~

~Angel~

Disneyland Part 2

I promise to stop blogging about every single trip to Disneyland.  But, since my blog also serves as my journal, this entry is more for me to document all my emotions that came as a result of another great day at Disneyland.

It was another gorgeous day, or night rather. If you have never been to Disneyland during the Christmas season, you are really missing out. It's absolutely breathtaking! The castle and all the lights are spectacular! And the fake snow is pretty cool too!

Anyways, Mark, the boys and I were hanging out on Main Street taking in all the gorgeous surroundings when I just started crying. Like, seriously crying. I think there is a theme developing here. Will there ever be a time when I go to Disneyland and not shed a tear? Lol!

The tears were flowing because my heart was filled with an abundant amount of joy! After Karissa died, I never thought I would have that kind of joy ever, EVER again. But there I was, with my family, with my two boys, doing the fun stuff you do when you have kids. I wasn't entirely confident that I would ever have that joy and happiness again, meaning, I wasn't sure if we'd ever have more kids to enjoy all the wonderful things that children bring to life. But, there I was, feeling not only overwhelmed with happiness but with gratitude that I have two amazing kids and an amazing husband. That I have many great years ahead making memories with my boys! That life seemed a little bit back to, should I even say it, normal. As a side note, I really hate that word because my life will never be completely back to normal after losing my sweet Karissa.

After Karissa died, living life as childless couple was very difficult and just plain horrible. No more park days, no more kid activities, no family activities/events to attend, etc... It was even hard to be around anyone with kids, especially our friends with children the same or similar in age to Karissa. Life changed overnight. Literally.

Losing a child gives you an entirely different perspective on life and how you live it. You see everything differently. While I want Karissa back with me everyday, I am thankful that I got 3 1/2 years with her. She blessed me and has made living life with Preston and Ethan, her baby brothers, that much richer.

~Ethan and Finding Nemo~

Thanksgiving 2011

I am REALLY determined to catch up my blog to the present day! These are pictures from Thanksgiving 2011. We spent Thanksgiving day at my parents house. My aunt and cousin Nicholas were with us well. Fun day!

~Preston and I~

~My little man~

~Thanksgiving Table~

~Blessed~

~Gobble Gobble~

~I think he ate too much turkey!~

Disneyland!!

I honestly didn't think the day would come when I would go back to Disneyland, without my sweet Karissa. We went with Karissa a few months before she died. Had no idea it would be the last. I have such vivid memories of her laughing hysterically on Dumbo. She loved going up and down, up and down. So very sweet. I will always cherish that last trip to Disneyland.

We decided to take Preston & Ethan for their first birthday. We got our annual passes, too! Yay!! I was excited but anxious at the thought of how I would react emotionally. I was fine until the minute I walked into the park. I stopped and just buried my face in Mark's shoulder and cried. It was a bittersweet day for me. I was so happy that we were taking the boys to Disneyland for the first time but I was also sad that Karissa couldn't be with us.

We happened to go on a Monday, the week of Thanksgiving. That was a BIG mistake. The park was wall-to-wall people. It was kinda miserable. Especially since I really, really hate large crowds and usually try to avoid them at all costs! It also happened to be that day when the Christmas tree on Main Street was lit to kick of the holiday season. 

We ended up going on just a few rides. We didn't go on Dumbo. We've been back to Disneyland twice since the boys first trip and still haven't taken the boys on Dumbo. Just can't handle it. Anyways, we headed over to California Adventure, ate dinner, went on a few rides, saw World of Color (amazing!!) and then went home. It was a great day, minus the crowds of course! We took lots of pictures....here are just a few.