Week 1 of 2024

We started off the new year correctly -- in the gym.  Eddie was doing push-ups on Andy'c back who was doing push-ups.  Genius.

Andy picked up yoga while on the mish.  It's nice to have a few yoga buddies.

Later that evening, our kind bishop came and the priesthood holders in the family confirred the holy priesthood upon Eddie and ordained him to the office of a deacon.

Bishop Hoggard thought through the fact the Elijah and Andy were in town, so he came the very first day to make sure all of Eddie's support team was in town.  (Ryan couldn't be left out -- he's just two years away.)  "The priesthood is the eternal power and authority of God by which He blesses, redeems and exalts His children, bringing to pass 'the immortailty and eternal life of man'" (Daughters in my Kingdom, pg. 126).  This definition of the priesthood is one of the most complete I've read in a while.

It's a beautiful game they play all day with their souls = nurture and love two newborn babies.  These two defy all great parenting I've ever witnessed.  They are intentional, present and willing to give up every ounce of space to help their babies live and grow.  Posterity is so grand.

Some of our best moments are always together as a family -- we spent hours together holding babies, playing games and giving/receiving strength and love from each other.

Tuesday night we plunged.Polar Bear Plunge 2023 Austin added the requiment of touching the bottom of the pool.  We were cold.  We had fun.

Wednesday night Maddie, Eddie, Ryan and Molly put on a "Just Dance" concert.  They memorized nine songs of choreography.  We cackled and cried.  Just like last year, each song had a costume change and a different order of dancers.

Thursday morning we headed to the airport.  The cutest little family left us and flew home.  Oh, we will miss our babies.

While in Phoenix, we took the opportunity to shop for Andy.  He needed a wardrobe haul to prepare him for BYU.

I think we did pretty good.

I spent the time in the car crocheting.  Miss Tulip is charming, isn't she?

Later that night the boys were watching a show, and Maisie and I holed up in my room to read and just be beside each other.  She's so easy to vibe beside.

A little CFM via The Book of Mormon this year.  How will we invite the Savior's power in our lives this year?  We will continue to study The Book of Mormon everyday together.

There was time for games this week.

There was time for a movie, "Boys in the Boat."  Of course the book is way better, but the movie is wonderful.

Saturday we spent 12 hours, including commute time, at Eddie's wrestling match.  I missed Maisie leaving back to BYU, but I did prepare 3 loaves of bread for her to take.  We will miss her.

Double chicken wing.

He won 4/5 matches (barely lost the one) and took third.

Home again well into our fasting physically, and mentally well into the reality of early church this year.