January, Week 1

Sundays are lovely, even though I am the sole entertainer for most of the day.  In this moment the bigs were at a fireside, the middles were studying church materials, the smaller middles were preparing FHE, and the two littles just needed some floor time.  

 Double decker.

 After our date to Walmart, Austin and I noticed 9 javelinas foraging in the neighbor's yard.

 Maisie and Eden started their science fair project.

 Friday Eddie drew a hermit crab.  He's still wearing his Santa hat, because the Christmas tree is still up -- that was his agreement.

 And, I finally got around to some photos of these three elves.

 Thursday Nick received a couple belt loops at pack meeting.  (Photo was taken with Molly in my arms, and Ryan climbing all over my lap.)  Way to go, Nick!

 Maisie and Ryan filled the hall with bubble wrap, then somersaulted all the way popping bubbles as they went.  It was especially funny in the morning when the popping sounded at 5:30 as the kids moved their way into our room for scriptures.

 My extra clean kitchen, because it was Wednesday night and I was bored.

 Eddie and Rayn were very clever finding sheaths for their weapons.

 Monday we drove home from Utah.  Meg slept 8 of the nine hours, Nick and Andy were deep in their seats reading as well.  I think a car ride is so cozy.

Happy New Year 2017

Sunday, January 1st, was our last day in Utah.  We worshipped in church, and I think Ryan was the luckiest, because Grandma was in nursery.

 The family room was quite full, but kids still ran in and out.

 Lots of cousin time.

 My kids hadn't seen grandpa's stone, so we visited there.  The local siblings meet there every Sunday.  (My plot is right where Andy is standing.  Yes, I'm pepared for death.)

 New Year's Eve was spent in the great room with great food and music and fun.

 The smaller kids ran and slid through the legs of their uncles (and Tanner).

 We mostly just watched the chaos.

 Lots of love everywhere brought in the new year at 7:30pm.

My goal this year is to recognize my ordinary tasks as extraordinary.  The smiles that brighten the faces of my family and friends, the laundry that keeps my family smelling good, preparing food that nourishes our healthy bodies, the taxi driving taking children to extra activities that allow them to try new things, and the weekly sacrament that connects me with the atonement and essentially heaven.  Here's to a year of growth, and five minutes of piano everyday......

Holiday Week

We drove to early late Monday morning.  This is the drive.

I sat bewteen Maddie and Molly for quite a bit of the way.  She had all sorts of things to tell me.

The entire family was waiting for us when we arrived.

 The resident baby whisperer never fails.

 Darling picture of Emily.

 I found myself winning a Catan game, then losing it from a trade just before I would have won.

 Early Tuesday and Wednesday mornings Austin took the kids skiing.  Grandma Ki always had a lovely breakfast for them.

 Then she entertained us by the hour.

 My dear friends from the ward and school came for an afternoon visit and chat.  Oh, it was just delightful to listen and be connected again.

 Thursday the 29th -- my 36th birthday -- we drove to Idaho Falls to visit Goodells.  Grandma had lunch ready for us, complete with a trifle cake and candles.  How sweet to be in her home and physically feel of her love for me and my family.  She prays for us daily, and I often feel her prayers and legacy.

 Grandpa is 97 and quick as ever mentally, though has slowed down an bit physically.  Grandma sure cares for him and they are still so happy together.

 We then stopped by the Bells' house.  The kids act like cousins, and Zsahnae and I never miss a beat.  We can talk and laugh by the hour -- we always could.  I've often felt so blessed that Heavenly Father gave me a best friend on the first Sunday we moved to dental school.

 We have 14 amongst us.

 Friday was our adult date at a burger joint in AF.  We've finally realized what works -- meeting and eating at 4:30, so we're home early enough to play games and still interact with our little kids for a bit.  Meeting earlier also means there is adequate seating for our intimate group of 16 adults (and the perpetual nursing babies).

Oh, and Friday morning was our annual girls' day.  We started at the temple, then off to breakfast and home to Dad's office for the gift exchange.  I often wonder why Heavenly Father has taken us and placed us far from our family -- but then I realize it's because I wouldn't need anyone in my community and ward family.  I could block out the rest of humanity, because I would be filled.

Christmas Sunday

Merry Christmas!  Santa Came!

 Anxiously awaiting.

 Lots of surprises.

 "Man" soap for our Nicker.

 Maisie's new hat.

 Maddie's band-aids.

 Meg's succulents.

 Ryan's daddy.

 Andy's "Man" soap.

 Eddie's Gup-A

 Crowded selfie.

 I love as we gather to watch each other open gifts.

 Austin recieved a $5 CD that blew his mind -- just look at that grin!

 Final morning photos.

 After church.

This year our holiday was filled with a different sense of wonder.  Worshipping Him at church through song and prayer allowed for Jesus Christ to be remembered differently than before.  I know that the birth of Jesus Christ began his mortal life so that he could bless, and teach and atone.  God be thanked for the matchless gift of his divine Son.