HAPPY NEW YEAR!

So I didn't get our annual Christmas blog posted for last year, but it was not because I didn't have time.  We finished Christmas shopping and wrapping a couple days early, but I just took a moment to enjoy my family and the days that followed.
It seemed to me, that out of the handful of Christmas cards we received from family and friends (thanks, guys) it was so inspiring to read that several families included in their list of achievements: the chance to relax in their PJ's more.  It's great to attend cool places, and do fun things, but I think the most meaningful accomplishment, is to make the moments matter.

So without further adieu, I did want to share what is has been like in our home the past year:

Royal
Still working with the kids at his youth school, started back with online school (and is rockin' it!), released as EQP and received his beloved calling in the "Man-Nursery", still my hunky hubby


Da'nelle
Loving staying at home with the kiddos, put in as Young Women president, lost all existing free time, did a 5K Foam Run (exhilarating!),  learning to live with a messy house (sorry, couldn't find a pic of me without kids)


Lucy
Loves to learn, loves books, loves her friends, and is taking on the older sister role.  Also learning who she is as a  little person, just started Primary and loves PB&J and making forts with her dad

Grant
Can you say boy? Throws everything, jumps off. . everything, kicks. . everything.  but he is still mommy's little boyfriend, so adorable and cute.  Mimics everything his sister says and does.







And come July, you will get to see this little person:

Hope all is well for your family-- let me know how it is going for you!

Love you and miss you!

O Christmas Tree, Our Christmas Tree

There is a song by Michael McLean about how this woman cries when she takes her Christmas tree down, for the memories and the season have come and gone.  The song is a bit too sappy for me to remember any more than the first line of the chorus, but perhaps it is because I can relate to it.  For I am very attached to our Christmas Tree.

Even if it is a sad little Charlie Brown Tree, Christmas does not seem to have the full effect without a tree. I can remember as a child hanging little wooden ornaments on our fake tree which seems huge at the time, and also sitting in the dark living room, illuminated only by the soft glow of the lights.  We had a little plug-in device that when pushed would pulse the lights to Christmas songs. Those simple memories are some of my most prized childhood experiences, just to name a few. 


Our tree has a bit o' history to it, however.I acquired this tree many years ago whilst single from my awesome aunt Patti.  It is a fiber-optic tree so when you plug it in, has a beautiful sparkly effect, encapsulating the shimmer and magic of the season. 

The ornaments are mostly original, but we have added our sentimental pieces through the years. 
The best items on our tree are the picture ornaments we take each year.  Royal started this tradition our first married Christmas and each year we take a picture of our family, and hang it on the tree.  It is one of my favorite traditions we have.

So, now that we have two kids, I am just thankful that our tree is still intact. I now get to sit in the embers of our tree with my children and make more memories of this special moment.  Sure, the top tilts forward in a 10 degree incline and the once symmetrically placed balls are placed in a disheveled matter within the unlaced ribbon strands, but to me, it's still OUR tree, and it truly makes our Christmas bright. 

The Leaves are falling Down

Just in time for Thanksgiving, wanted to share something awesome about the season-















crunchy leaves on the ground!

















Happy Holidays!

It All works out in the Wash *(My grandma always says)

I just have to say,
that I noticed my last post was 5 weeks ago.
That I have had several "Posts To-Do" that I have even written on my "To -Do" list.
All of which are very clever and insightful and delightful.
But today I about had a crazy moment.

I love my children. Dearly. They bring me the absolute utmost joy.
But today I felt like a horrible mother, nay, a horrible person for the way I treated them.
I had so much to do, and even prayed that I would be a good mother through it.
But eventually I had to ask Royal to give me an hour alone when he got home.

Sadly, I didn't spend that time meditating, or shopping or even being alone.
I spent it trying to work with some Young Women that have been off the radar.
I don't know why I chose to do that, but I do know that I prayed for some opportunities
to help these girls.
And maybe that's why everything happened the way it did.
I made contact. It was good.
And then, I came home, and kissed my husband and
looked in my beautiful girl's eyes
and rocked my baby to sleep.
It turned out to be a good day after all.

It was a Good One

Other than the weather giving us an uncharacteristically warm September, all other signs have pointed that summer has come to an end. Here is a bit of our season in recap:


Grant wore out his shoes














We made Truck Pool again!














We went to a few cabins,



















We did lots of swimming,




























We enjoyed dozens and dozens of popsicles,
















and played outside with our friends.















Although we are looking forward to new seasons and future holidays, we truly had a WONDERFUL summer! Hope yours was grand!

In the Morning. . .

What does 7:00 AM mean?

10 years ago: ZZZZZzzzzzzzzz. . .

7 years ago: Did I really just go to bed 3 hours ago? Oh, well, better get ready to go to class.

3 years ago: Man, gotta shower, how much time till work?

1 year ago: These cute kids are cutting into my beauty sleep.

Today: Sweet, I was actually able to use the treadmill and get a shower before the kids are up.

Disclaimer: Actions represented in the "Today" section may or may not happen everyday. Subject to multiple conditions and actual comfort of bed.

So, now I'm curious as to what the future will bring to me at 7 in the morning.

Moments That Matter Most

Just wanted to share a little pick-me-up with you. This is beautifully shot, and a great reminder to what we need to do in life. It shares a great spirit!