 |
| A completely spontaneous apology on the part of a very strong willed girl |
 |
| A preschool program where Ashton refused to sing a word, but I managed to catch him smiling. |
 |
| The joy of a candy cane |
 |
| Taking pictures of my beautiful sister 1 week before giving birth |
 |
| Holding my sister's baby, Harper, minutes after birth |
 |
| Starting a new tradition of donut making on Christmas Eve. It was a hit! |
 |
| My brother, the designated ass in the nativity play, carrying his daughter on his back. |
 |
| Watching the kids rough housing before Christmas Eve began. How they all love big brother Christian. |
 |
| Christian attempting to thank Madison by hugging her for her homemade present. Her trying not to be hugged, even though I think she liked it a bit. |
 |
| Robert's un-contained glee over his surprise present: a snow cone maker. LOVE that smile! |
 |
| Madison's shrill scream of delight over a 1 cent poster I got on ebay. |
 |
| Christmas Eve pajama pictures that actually worked! |
 |
| A game of charades. This is my Mom acting out an admiring cow at the birth of Jesus. HAHAHAHA! |
 |
| Ashton hugging E. in thanks for her giving him one of her favorite stuffed animals…with a pen so he can draw on it. |
 | |
|
 |
| Look at Hunter's face!! They get Christmas Eve pjs every year so you would think they would be used to it, but Hunter thinks he's won the lottery in this picture! |
 |
| My Dad as Santa, and Christian who is apparently still not too big to sit on Santa's lap. |
--My children being overly generous in donating their money to the Sub-for-Santa family we sponsored.
"This year, mend a quarrel. Seek out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust. Write a letter. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Manifest your loyalty in word and deed. Keep a promise. Forgo a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Apologize. Try to understand. Examine your demands on others. Think first of someone else. Be kind. Be gentle. Laugh a little more. Express your gratitude. Welcome a stranger. Gladden the heart of a child. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth. Speak your love and then speak it again." --Howard W. Hunter.
--The woman's tears of gratitude when we dropped off presents for her family of 13 children. She hadn't known that she was being sponsored until the day before we came so she was prepared for no presents at all for her children.
--Madison's heartfelt poems to Robert and I as Christmas presents.
--Lots of dates with Robert because the kids are finally old enough to babysit themselves!
--After a long 2 week Christmas break, Robert taking all the kids swimming for family night without me so I could lay in bed and watch tv.
The simple things are the things that bring true joy.
My friend posted this quote, that in the essence of simplicity, I decided to make my goal for this year:
8 comments:
Steven was a great ass wasn't he? Those donuts were divine we have GOT to do that again and I can't wait to see my preggo pictures (even though I am incredibly self conscious). I am so grateful you were able to be there at the hospital to meet Harper!!!
We have so many wonderful memories from this years Christmas activities. The dinner and breakfast were stupendous. Perhaps the greatest gift of all was the birth of Harper Noel. Mom & Dad
I loved all the meaningful things you did with the kids trying to teach them the true meaning of Christmas. It was still A LOT. No wonder you're tired! Slow down a bit! Never have I seen a mother so diligent and focused as you when it comes to teaching her children about gospel principles. I especially liked that quote at the end by Pres. Hunter. It encourages us to set goals that are spiritual in nature, not just lose 10 pounds, etc.
It was a great Christmas and yes I love my snow cone machine--I've already had about a dozen snow cones! This is what life is all about -- enjoyment of eternal families.
Sounds like a fabulous Christmas. We had a few Christmas's growing up where we made gifts for each other. Those were more fun and more memorable than any store bought gifts we ever got.
CAROLYN
You always have SO much going on. :) I feel the same about Christmas, but have really tried to have a better attitude and make it all about the kids. I NEED to meet Harper!!! What an angel!
Robert, will you make me a snow cone next time I come over? My favorite kind is cherry.
Simpler is so much nicer. On a mission Christmas is always simpler. Simpler keeps the focus on the Savior and on our families. Our highlight was visiting with family members via Skype. We still have a couple of families that we are looking forward to seeing.
Post a Comment