Week #2

Mostly our schooling this week was outside jumping on the trampoline.  Our winter temps are perfect for high activity games.  Nick and Maddie joined the little once they arrived home from school as well.

I baked a beautiful apple pie for fun.  It was.

I finished my crocheted birthday cake.  Now I just have to wait until March 30th to use it.

Eddie is no longer in primary.  He went to his fist YM activity with Nick and Maddie.  "It was good."

$.99 flowers.  A delight.

Dinner guests to learn how to bake bread, make a gluten-free meal with dessert, and a lovely valentines table.

Eddie's new Crunch Lab build used birthday blowers.  Shocking that the blowers began hitting each others' faces intead of the little men.

Saturday was another 10 hour wrestling meet.  Eddie didn't fare too well, but he didn't give up.

 

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.

December 30th

It's the last day of the year in which to meet my exercise goals, and I did.  I worked out totally differently this year.  I charted 10,000 minutes across the Peloton platform, and I bought my self their clearanced merch -- it's pretty drippy.  

Molly sceduled spa mani/pedi appointments for her girls.  She painted our toes and nails using multiple colors and directions.  Loved it.  Love her.  Love them.  Love us.

We did not miss our "Feast of the Seven Fishes" tradition.  Lots of food and good eats.

The shrimp was especially delicious this year -- along with the ceviche and crab legs.  Well done, Austin!  (I acutally was the sous chef, and quite liked the mindless task of chopping millions of veggies.)

December 29th -- My Birthday Bit

The lovely ladies at the office gifted Austin with a mssive gift card.  He brilliantly decided to use it on my birthday/Christmas dinner.  There was no prep, no cleanup, and lots of time to just not. My #43 Birthday Song

Bea and Winnie are held and kissed every second.  

December 29th -- The Christmas Concert Bit

We practice quite a bit for our concert in November and the first part of December, but the second half of the month I did not practice the duets as much as I wanted.  I'm going to count this concert as our best.

Good King Wensleslas

What Child is This?

Jingle Bell Rock

Angels We have Heard on High

Santa Claus Comes Tonight

Once Within a Lowly Stable

Hand Bells -- Jingle Bell Rock

I'll be Home for Christmas

Little Drummer Boy

Silent Night

O Come, O Come, Immanuel

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Birthday Month

Finale

December 29th -- The Christmas Bit

"Christmas morning" was a special treat with Andy home and the Armstrong family with us.  Our home was full again, and our hearts were filled because our separation was over. 

I love a good believer.

I love a good poser.

I love an efficient unwrapper.

I love a good parent.

I love a grateful collegiate.

I love watching the spectators.

I love a good reaction.

I love a handsome teen.

I love a good aftermath.

I love my beautiful family.

I love generous grandparents that make a delcious breakfast with one working burner.

I love an adoring uncle.

I love my three big kids.

I love a good group workout.

This year the seasomal magic was nothing about the gifts, nor the candy, nor the accumulation.  But, the seasonal magic was about the togetherness and our binding covenants because of Jesus -- the little babe born in Bethlehem.