Just So Thankful

We live an abundant life; how blessed we are.

We are thankful that Maddie is the rinser.

 We are thankful that Meg came home!

 All the children were so excited to see her.  We are thankful for the light and love she shares.

 We are thankful for orthodontia. Wednesday morning Meg got her braces off!

 Look how pretty!

 We are thankful for every moment we shared together.

 Then we took family pictures, but I don't have one to show -- only our BYU girl.

 We are thankful that Austin took us to Panda for dinner.  (I guess Eddie doesn't know how thankful he is.)

 We are thankful that Austin knows how to roast a Thanksgiving turkey.

 I am thankful that my eight children know how to relax in heaps and happiness.

 We are thankful that we have endless time for games.

 We are thankful for a lovely celebratory table.

 We are thankful for our feast.

 We are thankful for a filled table.

 We are thankful for devices that bring us together.

 We are thankful for quiet evenings and long mornings.

 We are thankful for the day of transition from fall to winter.

 We are thankful for happy elves that helped put up decorations for six hours.

 This is our "Christ"mas tree.

 Andy is thankful for his muscles.  I am thankful because he carries everything heavy without a grunt.

 We are thankful for little hands that sing and talk to all the nativities using sweet whispers and gentle coos.

 We are thankful for the tiniest bit of snow, reminding us that 55* is the best kind of winter low.

 We are thankful to watch our annual movie.

 We are thankful that Meg didn't break her ankle when she rolled it in the desert.

 We are thankful for church where we fast and pray, learn and grow, and fix our foundations in Christ.

 We are not thankful that she's leaving us.  We are thankful that she will be home in 19 days.

I must remember and be thankful that the household didn't stir until 8 am each morning of break.  We slept and were rested knowing that being safe and sound together is such a treasured blessing.

Keeping It Real

I've noticed that mopping my world comes with lovely benefits.

 Maisie and Makena are finished with cross country.  Their coaches took them to DQ.  These two freshies sure deserve it.  Everyday they ran their hearts out and risked everything when they raced.  I never had the guts to race -- I'm so glad my children do.

 Nick was a boss in PE.  His teacher sent me these pictures of his mad skills.

 He's so happy -- that makes me so happy.

 Maisie dressed for winter weather that finally came our way.

 We celebrated with hot chocolate, popcorn and a movie.

 Maddie missed school pictures, so she dressed up for retakes.

 Eddie decorated my hair using pick-up sticks. 

 Saturday we hiked. 4.4 miles round trip and only one fit, from the neighbor.

 Sedona is the best.

 These primary kids were the prayer, scripture and talk. They sing with their souls and testify with their hearts.  I love being their mother.  I love hearing their faith and watching it grow.

 Molly is wearing Meg's dress.  I need to find a picture of that.

 Ryan is such a kinder!  He wrote his Christmas list and was so efficient.

I don't have Andy on here, but he gives me hugs and kisses and tells me he loves me.  He's a gem with muscles getting bigger by the minute.

Four Day School Week

We pretty much slayed this week because there was no school in honor or veterans.  We are blessed to live in this great nation.  

Monday morning revealed a front yard of toilet paper, so Maddie gathered it and made a snowman. BAHAHAHAH!

 Ryan impromptu colors all the time.

 Maisie's covered nose is proving a septic pump.  Gross.  I stayed waaaaay far away.

 FHE was just the best.  We played a "Super Smash" tourney, and Andy beat us all by miles.

 I Andy's cute post on instagram. 

 The YM activities this month was creating a pinewod derby car.  Nick's car beat everyone.  Way to go!

 Super fluke -- Austin and I wore our Ron Jon's Surf Shop shirts on the same day.  I made us pose for this on our way to bed.

 Molly and I still spend hours and hours in her kitchen and playing dollhouse.  I love her games.  She talks and talks and tells me exactly what to do and when to do it.  She's just like me. :)

 Saturday was Maisie's state meet!  She's that red little girl in the front.

 #7740 was a terrifical runner.  She did her best, and we love her for it.

 Grandma and Grandpa B. are so supportive.  They came and watched and loved.

 Shuttle ride.

Needing a quiet space to finish up my church lesson, I found my closet.  During the hour I sat in there, I was only interrupted nine times.  I wish I could walk around with a filter on my face -- it really serves my wrinkled face well.

 Sunday was a day of worship and play. 

 Oh!  Andy's post was the face to face broadcast.

 We stayed home to watch.

 My jr. high choir teacher was the chorister.  Oh!  She taught me to love singing, and I wish I could have testified with her.