Our Story: December 2014

So I have totally slacked this year, especially this holiday season, and didn't get our Christmas cards done. Christmas seriously snuck up on me! Here's a little update on the Connell gang as we head into 2015!

Emma has grown so much this year! She turned 1 in January and impresses me every day with how much she comprehends! She speaks in full sentences and says the most hilarious things daily. Some of her favorites are:

"Mom, what are you doing?"

"Cowabunga, duuuuuude!!!"

"What the heck?!"

Whenever you give her something she says, "Fo' meeee?!"

She is very good at saying please and thank you. She also loves to say prayers before bed and before our meals. They are sweet and simple.

"Heavenly Father,
Thank you for this food.
Thank you for my family.
Thank you for my house.
I love you.
In the name of Jesus Christ, AAAAAAAAMENNNNNNNNNN!!!"

She recently has started to include everyone and everything that she's thankful for in her prayers. I love it! Sometimes her prayers are long, but I am grateful she's learning how to recognize the blessings in her life and things she is thankful for.

Emma is the sweetest girl who is excited to be a big sister. She hugs and kisses my belly often and says, "I love you, Sam!!!" She loves giving hugs and kisses, and loves everyone. She loves Olaf, and loves to sing and dance.

The holidays have been so fun this year. She loves Santa and the presents, but most of all she loves Baby Jesus. She tells him every day how much she loves him. She holds and rocks him, and likes to make sure he's ok.

She loves going to church. She loves Jesus and our Heavenly Father. She brings such a sweet spirit into our home. I don't know how we got so lucky to have this perfect little girl in our family.

She also is a sassy little thing, who likes everyone to be on her schedule. She's knows what she wants and when she wants it!!

She is currently singing "LET IT GOOOOOOOO!!!!" on our snowman rug while dancing and spinning around in circles. She loves to perform. I love this girl so stinkin much!!!

Kasey has been busy with work, and building furniture for our home, and others. He is so talented! I wish he had more time (and we had more money!!) but we are getting there! He is in the Young Men's presidency and loves working with those boys. They have so much fun together and I'm pretty sure he's having more fun than the young men!

He is the best daddy! Emma and Kasey have so much fun together, and I love it! I have been busy working 3 or 4 nights a week at the hotel, so Kasey takes care of dinner, bath, and bedtime with Emma. These two have a special bond! I am excited to watch their relationship grow and watch him grow as a dad as we bring our sweet baby boy into the world.

I have been busy with work and also serve in the Primary Presidency. I love those sweet kiddos, and I work with the best ladies. It really has been such a great calling. Emma keeps me the most busy!! I absolutely love spending my days chasing her around and watching her learn. Baby Sam will be here at the end of January (hopefully!) and we could not be more thrilled to be having a sweet boy join our family.

I am grateful for Christmas, and the gift of our Savior. I love Christmas and I love our Savior. I am grateful for the peace and joy He brings into my life.

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6