Happy New Year!

I am so thankful for the blessings that came to our family in the blissful year of 2016. I know we had trials and disappointments. I'm know we fought; I'm sure we struggled...but I really can't remember any of the bad times in comparison to the peace and joy, comfort and protection that ran steadily throughout our days, all year long. We had a whole year with Mae, who made everything sweeter. We moved into a new house that's just prettier than we ever hoped for, and spreading out has been so nice. We went on fun trips and made so many happy memories. Each one of us has made another year of progress for the better, especially the kids. They have all grown and learned so much. They all try so hard to be good. What more could a girl who only ever wanted to be a mom and have a happy family ask for?

Merry Christmas!

We were all healthy, and we were all together! If we hadn't had wonderful gifts and food and a beautiful church service, it would have been a perfect Christmas already! We are just so blessed...and it's all because of the Gospel. It's because of the plan our Father has for us and because of the Savior he sent to us. It's because we work to serve Him and try to follow Him. No one will ever convince me that there's a better way to be happy than this!

 

Pre-K Christmas Cheer

I went with Reedy and his preschool class to the Pratt Rehab Center this year. The kids put on a sweet little show for all the seniors, and I was so pleased to see Reed talking to and making friends with them afterward.

BFG

One of our new favorite things to do as a family is to celebrate the completion of a book by throwing a correlating movie party. We started doing it while Nolan and Colby were reading the Harry Potter books. When they would finish each one we would have a Harry Potter Party, complete with movie and related treats (jelly bellies and golden snitches). This time the kids and I read the BFG by Roald Dahl, so we waited til the weekend, rented the movie, drank Frobscottle and ate human beans (cookie men dripping with blood red frosting). Morbid, but memorable!

Another Geo Bee Champ in the Family

My awesome kids continue to surprise and amaze me! I went to watch Hanna compete in the elementary school geography bee, and low and behold...she won the whole thing! How is it that someone so pretty and so sweet gets to be so smart too! I was so proud :)