New Attitude

So, I recently got back from SLC, and there will be a (super long, sorry) picture post later I'm sure, but this is not it, though it does have to do with my trip.

My family is amazing in so many ways. The way they take care of their bodies is among them. My dad recently lost a ton of weight, and he's managing to keep it off. Don't ask me how, with the freezer FULL of Ben and Jerry's (I'm not kidding, probably 30 pints), but he does. My mom can seriously kick my butt. We went to the gym, and if I used a machine after her, I'd have to decrease the weight by half. She also recently picked up bike riding. She just keeps getting stronger and stronger and looks awesome. Then there are my sisters. Amy has the kind of legs jeans designers dream of. She always looks good. My sister Wendy looks like she could be on the cover of some health magazine. She is four months pregnant, and has cut abs surrounding her tiny baby. No, I'm not exaggerating. My brother, who is in Britain, I'm sure is doing awesome on this front, with all the biking and the like.

I, on the other hand, am the curvy sister. Not just because I'm nursing, but curvy all over- in the not so nice places. In the past, I have let it get to me, but this trip, I tried (seemingly successfully) to develop a new attitude. Seeing my fit family has been inspirational. (If you're in our Biggest Loser contest, watch out) I got a gym membership for Christmas (my request), and I'm loving it. I really enjoy working out. It helps remind me that I'm more than a mom and it just makes me feel so good. I am aware that I may never be like the other members of my family, but I can be a healthier me. This is what I intend to do. I'm eating better and actually using, and what's more, appreciating this body God gave me. It's amazing what a woman's body goes through having babies. It's amazing how it heals. It has given me very few real troubles in my life. It's time I told it thank you. I'm starting to feel better on the inside already. I just can't wait for it to show on the outside too.

Christmas!!!

Our Christmas this year was SOOOO good! (said like Strong Bad in the Teen Girl Squad series) It was our first one with no family about, but it was still really nice. Our little Nicolich coven was happy and full of love and Christmas cheer. We also got to play with great friends. Here are a plethora of pictures to take you through our great holiday.

Christmas Eve was very nice for us. Bill worked a part day and came home to play. The Griggs came over for a traditional Christmas Eve meal. We watched Mr. Kruger's Christmas and had a delightful time

Christmas eve- I love how you can't see Bill's head here- the girls have taken over his body! Also, can you see that they are wearing Christmas colors?

Bill looks so happy and cute here. I love that this attractive man is my husband!

Joe played some mean violin while here. I think he should take some full time lessons- there's a boatload of potential.

The girls opening their candy cane jammies. Sally wasn't too excited that night, but they are now her favorite jammies to wear.

Emily and Alice watching Joe get down with the fiddle.

This was our spread- all this for four adults and a two year old! We had a green salad, Waldorf salad, ham, funeral potatoes, yams and apples, asparagus and carrots. It was all super yummy and awesome.

Santa did the Nicolich family good! He must have spent a good deal of time building that cool arch. I don't think he has a very mechanical mind, so there were probably lots of failed tries.

Looking through the arch to the world of wonder.

Christmas Day! I always love Christmas, but having a child who comprehends at least part of it makes it so much more fun and magical.

Sally came into our bed at about 3:30. I was SO excited, and considered really getting up then. I brought Alice in to eat at about 7:00, and she fell back asleep. This picture was taken close to 8:00- and there's no signs of waking. We had to work really hard to get Sally awake- soft brushes and whispers had to turn into tickles and loud voices to get her to stir. Usually I love for them to sleep in- this morning, however, I was anxious for them to wake.

Sally LOVES this magnetic doll. It was the biggest hit of the presents.

Cutie with some new keys- she's so cute I could eat her up.

It was so warm on Christmas. We played outside for a bit.

Helping Sally bike while talking to the fam.

That afternoon we went to the church for the MacPherson extended family party. They are all SO nice and accepting of us. There was a ton of food and some world class entertainment. They do an annual program which included some singing, dancing, and all kinds of good music things. Layne played his violin, and I even got roped into playing. I'd have to say the highlight was the MacPherson elf dance. Cute and funny at the same time.

Sally loved playing with the signs for the program

Mommy and Sally watching the cool program- can you see how cool my shirt is?

Although it doesn't look like it here, Sally was very excited to participate. She loves playing with all kids- especially older ones.

The MacPhersons did a dance to the Happy Elf. Bob was the grumpy elf they were trying to cheer up- it was classic.

That evening, we went to the MacPherson's again to enjoy a little xbox and fun. The Griggs came over as well and a delightful time was had by all. The kids were cute, and it was a nice end to our great day.

Halle and Bailey with the baby

Just two more. These were my favorite clothes gifts the girls received. Aren't they so cute?

A weekend of Grandparents, Temple, Blessing, Nativity and Awesomeness

I must warn you that there are quite a few pictures here. Mind you, they were all taken in the same weekend, it was just a VERY eventful weekend. (I'm still playing catch up, Christmas is still to come...) This isn't in chronological order, but I did try to group events together. I bet the two of you who look at this don't care either way. Anyway, here was our great weekend.

We had Grandparents come to visit us in December!!! My mom came out first, and as I already said, we went down to Florida. Bill's dad and step mom came out the day we got back. it was all to honor our little Alice sweetie for her blessing.

Grandpa Joe meeting Alice for the first time

Grandma Becky getting her last taste of baby for a while

Nicolich Grandparents being silly

On Sunday night, we went down to the chapel by the temple for their annual Christmas devotional. My mom and I played Greensleeves. It was SO great to play with her again. I don't think she gives herself the credit she deserves- she is a great pianist and great at accompanying. Accompanying is a skill I've found to be a bit unique- not all great players can accompany, but my mom is fantastic. She watches and follows. We also played in church that afternoon, Silent Night. Both went well. It was nice to be there with everyone.

This was taken at the devotional- all the girls.

This was at the Temple, can you see it? It was beautiful.


I can't remember who, but one Nicolich grandparent took this picture out the car window. Isn't it spectacular?

Sunday afternoon was very special. Alice received her baby blessing. Grandparents were there, and that made it even more special. I am VERY grateful to have a wonderful priesthood holding husband who is able to give such blessings. He did an absolutely beautiful job. The blessing was perfect. It was also nice to have some of our Georgia friends participate. Our friends out here fill some of the role our family would, if they lived near. They are all so nice. It was great to have some of them be there for this special event. Alice didn't cry, and looked adorable. Here are a few in her blessing dress.

How sweet is that face?

She had on little ruffle bum tights. I love ruffle bums.

Here she is under the tree. The concept was supposed to be Alice Marie as a present. unfortunately, it doesn't come across that way. She does look sweet here, though, doesn't she?

Daddy Daughter time

I know, the dress is hiked up, but she's adorable. Sally also wore this sweater when she was blessed. Cool, eh?

Such a happy sweetie!

The Saturday before the blessing, we had the opportunity to play the holy family in a live nativity at our church. We were supposed to do it for three hours, but having a live baby can shorten that time. We did it for an hour, which worked well. I was really impressed with the quality of the stable and such. It wasn't too cold, but a little brisk. The layers kept us warmer. I thought the experience was awesome, and the following pictures are priceless.

I know I posted this with the Christmas post, but how awesome is it? Did you know it was us when you saw it there?

I don't want anyone to think we forgot sweet Sally Rose. She was in on all the fun too.

This was at the Nativity. Our friend Bob played with her most of that time. She LOVES him- even talks about him at home. Thanks Bob!

While My mom was still here, we went to INK, a children's museum type place. While there, we painted ornaments for the tree. I think we'll make a few ornaments every year from now on. I love Sally's lip in this picture. This is her look of concentration.

More of that

Cute girl with a book. The girl loves to read. her daddy is so proud.

How cute is this picture? Sally's eyes never cease to amaze me. From a very unbiased opinion, the Nicolich daughters are gorgeous

Florida in December

In mid December, the girls and I went to visit Wendy and fam in Florida with my Mom. It was awesome! We did some fun things and encountered both sunny skies and CRAZY storms. Here are some pictures.

Here's Wendy taking a getting used to a baby again. She'll be there soon!! She was doing squats here, by the way. This girl is SO in shape it's crazy. Inspiring, really. I hope to become a bit more fit in the next while. I should tape a picture of her up on my mirror or something.

Happy Grandma and Alice. It was extremely nice to have some time with my Mom. She is such a great woman. Both girls, by the way, were awesome on trips both down and back. We only had to stop once each way! My mom drove 100% of the time, which I DEFINITELY didn't mind.

Here she is giving the cute toddlers morning cuddles. I think she would have liked to sleep in a bit more in the morning, but these two wouldn't have that. She is such a great grandma and gave them tons of loves and fun times.

Jesse is gearing up for baby mode too. I am SO excited for them!!!

Coleman is getting ready for a baby too. He'll be an awesome big brother I think.

Sally and Coleman get some story time from uncle Jesse.

I think this was the best we could get of the three cousins. Grandma gave them these matching jammies. They all loved them! Sally wants to wear her monkey jammies on a regular basis.

What a big girl Alice is- sitting up in a lounge chair all by herself!

Sally and Coleman in the same chair. this wasn't staged at all. I turned the corner and Sally had found her way onto Coleman's lap. These two share a special bond. Sally talks about Coleman on a daily basis and she always says she's thankful for him when we say prayers. I can't wait to see them together again. They are so dang adorable!

This was the night we got there. They were both SO excited to see each other. Coleman looks awesome here. I wish we could see Sally's face, but Coleman's holds excitement for both.

Sally sure loves to hold her sister. You can see it in her face.

The beach was so nice, even in December. Jesse went surfing most mornings we were there, but I was too much a wimp to get more than my toes wet. Sally loved drawing in the sand.

It was such a fun trip. It was really special to be with family in the holiday time. Thanks to the Lewis family for putting up with us. The house looked pristine when we came, but I'm afraid less than pristine when we left. They are awesome!