December Celebrations

December 2014 was a busy month for us. I probably didn't document it as well as I should have, but here are some of my favorite moments.

Decorating for holidays is in my blood, one of the many traits I inherited from my mother. Christmas was no exception. We got creative this year, making homemade snowflakes and other small decorations, but I love how it turned out.

Homemade Snowflakes

Our Baby Tree and Twinkle Lights 

"Merry Christmas" Banner

Needless to say, Christmas spirit was all over our apartment. We also had many Christmas dates and memories from this last month.

Selfie in Temple Square 

My Favorite Photo from the "Share the Gift" Exhibit

Temple Square Doesn't Disappoint

Life-Size Candy Ornaments at City Creek

We even had special visits with some amazing people. I got to see President and Sister Hart (my mission parents) and one of my former companions, Sister Emma Pratt. Emma was in town from Minnesota and we all went out to dinner in Salt Lake. I feel so truly blessed to know people like these. President and Sister Hart even gave us a beautiful wedding gift. It was a lovely picture of Phil and I superimposed over a copy of "The Family: A Proclamation to the World".

Part of My Brasilian Family

Mama Hart and Two of Her Favorite Daughters :)

While I was playing in Salt Lake, Phil was in Minnesota for a med school interview. He had so much fun visiting his mission. The Vega family was kind enough to host him for a few days. I am consistently amazed at the kindness and generosity of our loved ones.

Phil and the Vega Family 

They Even Made Him Tinga

After Phil came home from Minnesota, we got to celebrate a very special day for one of my very special friends. Aubrey Brennan and I have known each other since our sophomore year of high school and became best friends when we lived together in college. On December 20, 2014, Phil and I watched her become Mrs. Seth Porter. It was such a beautiful day. The sealing in the Salt Lake temple was fantastic and the celebratory luncheon afterwards was wonderful as well. The Grand America Hotel was the perfect spot to celebrate. The happy bride hardly noticed the rainy weather. 

They're Cute!

My Lovely Roommates of Apt. 401

The Beautiful Bride

I See Many Double Dates in Our Future

After the wedding, we rushed home to get ready for a family party. Phil and I invited my family over for a Mexican Christmas celebration. Unfortunately, I only got a picture of the food. There was no shortage of quesadillas, salsa, beans, rice and salsa music. I think it's going to become an annual tradition.

How We Do Christmas

Sunday before Christmas was full of tender mercies. I was able to teach the special YW Christmas lesson, I received notes from several ward/stake members (including one of my Beehives), and we got to have a special cookie party at Jake and Corinne's home. Jake even judged some of the cookies and Phil won a shiny quarter. 

My Note Collection

Phil with His Santa Cookie 

My Darling Parents

The Crepeau Cookie Plate

Cookie Self-Portraits

The Family in Action

This Christmas season has been so good for me, my family and my testimony. I have had so many touching experiences that have helped me remember my Savior and His magnificent birth. Memories like these are ones I will treasure forever.