My #38 Birthday

Whelp, I'm 38 today.  That's so old!  I had the family packed in the car at 7 am to drive to Utah.  Austin stayed home to lead the ward and do projects.   Maisie let me listen to her playlist.

Mother's glorious kitchen counter was the perfect place for a birthday song.  Their voices filled my soul.

 I ran upstairs to be with Emily and Meg for a few minutes.  Emily and I realized that I am exactly double her age.  I was 19 when she was born, now she is 19.  We're throwing peace signs to represent that double fact.

Every year I hope to grow closer to heaven.  This year gave me ample opportunity to grow towards my Savior.  I had to struggle through my hardest battle yet, knowing that if I didn't make the correct choice (the hardest of the two choices), eternity would hang in the balance.  And so I made my decision, I chose the right.  But, that choice left me with questions that probably won't be answered until I meet my Savior.  So for now, all I can do is hope.  Hope that all will be made right.  After all, He is hope.

(And I also hope that I will never have the same trial again.  Ever.  Ever.  Ever.)

Christmas Eve

Cathedral Rock in Sedona was our morning destination, and it was awesome!  The little boys begged to come back on our way down.

 Winter in Sedona is perfect.

 Every person was just happy and nice.  They all chose their favorite snack in Walmart.  Ryan's smile expresses it all.

 Santa drove us around all day.

 Home and together.

 We opened our pajamas.

 Same print, but different colors.

 They were each holding their color twin.

 We acted the nativity.  I often marvel at the fact that it takes more time to get everyone in costume then actually reading the 10 verses.  But, we do it.

 The kids went to bed, so we went to work.  Set table, check.

 That's a lot of stockings that Santa needs to fill.

 One last picture of the loaded tree.

We went to bed early which proved to be our best insurance for a very merry Christmas morning.  We were all so carefree and happy today.  SO lovely.

December 23, 2018

This boy builds with TEGU blocks every moment he can.  (I think those are Nick's spindling legs.)

 We went to church where Austin spoke and the kids sang.  Finally, I felt the magic of the season and worshiped with my whole soul.  How blessed I am that Jesus Christ was born, lived a life blessing others and then chose to die to save the world from death and sin.  I know He lives.
Andy took portrait pictures of me on the drive home.

 This is my favorite Sunday of the year -- we have no responsibilities and we could just taste the magic of togetherness.  We spent the afternoon gaming.

 I played on the floor with the littles.  We actually moved the presents and laid under the bows and looked up into the lights. Ahhh.

 Maisie made her own little fort.  She spend hours reading and eating little treats.  If her sibbies are especially nice, then they can come in with her.

 See?  They're all anxiously awaiting their turn. Heart.

December 22, 2018

We spent the day cleaning and preparing for Christmas.  We gathered for dinner together.  That's my favorite daily tradition.  

 We worked so hard that we crashed into bed.

December 21, 2018

This is the last school day before our Christmas break begins.  I awakened early to bake bread for teachers.

 Then, Nick's teacher needed a little help with their omelette in a bag.  It was cold!  I actually bundled up!

 Maddie and Eddie were certainly prepared for their Christmas parties.

 I spent the afternoon making these ornaments to give as gifts.

 Done!

That evening I planned to carol with the family at the local park, just like we did last year.  No one would come.  So I threw a fit and went by myself.  I was totally disappointed because I do so much to make their worlds go round, and they wouldn't come and sing for 30 minutes.  I felt pooped on, and I made sure they knew it.  Oh, well.  At least I don't have expectations for next year -- I'm prepared to go alone again.

December 20, 2018

I ran in Sedona today via my iFit trainer on the treadmill.  I thought that was funny. 

 Ryan, Andy and I made a new record.  I've been playing at least 14 games of Hiss a week, but today we made the longest snake in history.  Our snake was 28 cards long!

December 19, 2018

Maisie wrote me this lovely note.

 These two scaled the toys while I sewed one final project.

 Ryan and I began our ornament project.

 I awakened early to bake Maddie cinnamon rolls for her class (two pans).

December 18, 2018

Maisie got braces today.  She looks older.

 This is our last project before the break.  Nick made a sarcophagus and mummy.

 These are the canopic jars  often found within the tomb.

 He (loosely) even painted the exterior.

I'm impressed we made such a lovely project.