Christmas Ellie

When we showed Lindi these photos this morning, she sucked in her breath real quick.  It was like my two year old said, "Oh my goodness, Mom!  Look at that beautiful sister!"  And it's true!  She is a beauty!

I love this little munchkin with all of my heart!  I love her beautiful blue eyes.  I love her smile that she is always so quick to give.  I love that she laughs when the bigs and I have a toddler radio dance party.  I love when I set her down and find her somewhere new every time I come back in the room.  I loved my chunky Hyrum and Lindi, but I love my little string bean Ellie Texas.

Lindsey, thank you for sharing your time and talents to take these shots.  I can't stop looking at them!

Basketball Star

Hyrum just finished up his season of Little Ballers basketball at the Community Center.  He had a lot of fun and we enjoyed watching him.  We were impressed by how much difference a year can make for coordination and skill.

Most of what this program focuses on is teaching simple skills, but on the last day of practice they also played a game.  The excitement of running down the court to score took over and dribbling went out the window, but it made it all the more fun to watch!

Hyrum took his job as defender quite seriously.  He defended both baskets, regardless of who was shooting.  Ha!  Here he is trying to block the shot of his own teammate.

 He also made two baskets!  Oh boy, we had such fun watching him.

Dear Santa

Hyrum is a reluctant writer.  He just doesn't enjoy writing. He was super excited to write a letter to Santa, though. I was super excited when he wrote the entire thing himself. All I had to do was prompt him with the next letter. 

To translate: 

Santa

Motor Track

Dinoco

Pretend Saw

Pretend House

Hyrum

He even addressed the envelope himself. He was wearing out, though. He insisted N. was short for north, so he refused to write the word out. He was correct, so I complied.  

Hooray for learning activities that are disguised by fun. 

Ponderize November 15, 2015

I am so grateful for my Savior.  I am grateful for His life, His mission, His example. His Atonement.  The world seems to be crumbling in so many ways.  The tragedy in Paris just a few days ago stands as a somber witness of this.  On a more personal level, many are questioning their testimonies and knowledge of the gospel due to recent policy clarifications from church leaders.  It breaks my heart.  There is no more gray area.  It is black and white.  People will have to choose which side they are on.  I am on the Lord's side.  I am on the prophet's side.  I choose happiness.

This week I wanted to remember my testimony.  I wanted to focus my thoughts on the Savior.  I chose Doctrine & Covenants 76: 22-24.  This is one of my favorite testimonies of the Savior.  He lives!  I have not seen Him, but I do not doubt.

Pretty Gals

I have a couple of pretty gals I get to call my own. This morning we got to hang out, just the three of us, while Dad was at work and Hyrum was sleeping in until 10 o'clock (literally). 

When I think of my mother and the best of friends that we are, it makes me giddy to think that these girls and I will get to share that someday. I'm a lucky momma. 

Fire Station 1

This year Hyrum and I have been participating in a preschool co-op. Each mom takes a turn hosting preschool at her house (a month at a time). We meet once a week for two hours. So far, Hyrum has been loving it. I love it because it gets him out of the house with friends, learning from others! He has learned the days of the week, months of the year, and other tid bits of information. 

I am about to start my month of teaching. We began with a field trip to Fire Station 1 last week. It was so much fun, not only for the kids, but the moms too!

We got to see their kitchen, as well as where they exercise, relax, and sleep. We met the fire chief and then we got to head out to the bay where they showed us the fire engine. 

One of the kids asked how they get water out of the fire hydrants, so they pulled out their special tool and showed us! That was Hyrum's favorite part. 

The firefighter put on his gear and showed the kids. He told them not to be scared of him if they were ever in a fire because he would be there to help them. 

At the end, they got a call and we got to stand by and watch as they loaded up, turned on their sirens, and headed out to serve. Many thanks to all the firefighters, paramedics, and more who serve our community. 

It was an informative trip and enjoyable for all. My kids got in the car afterward and told me they wanted to be firefighters when they grew up!

Afterward, we went to our house for snacks and we made thank you's to send to the firefighters. 

Ponderize November 8, 2015

I found this winner while searching for my ponderize scripture. While it may be a little silly, I know it is a true principle. I have a most amazing husband and want to try my best every day to be the kind of wife who is virtuous, kind, and supportive.

I also looked up the definition of virtue and I loved what I found on lds.org. 

Virtue is a prerequisite to entering the Lord’s holy temples and to receiving the Spirit’s guidance. Virtue “is a pattern of thought and behavior based on high moral standards.” It encompasses chastity and moral purity. Virtue begins in the heart and in the mind. It is nurtured in the home. It is the accumulation of thousands of small decisions and actions. Virtue is a word we don’t hear often in today’s society, but the Latin root word virtus means strength. Virtuous women and men possess a quiet dignity and inner strength. They are confident because they are worthy to receive and be guided by the Holy Ghost. President Monson has counseled: “You be the one to make a stand for right, even if you stand alone. Have the moral courage to be a light for others to follow. There is no friendship more valuable than your own clear conscience, your own moral cleanliness—and what a glorious feeling it is to know that you stand in your appointed place clean and with the confidence that you are worthy to do so.” 

I love it! I can't wait to see what inspiration and guidance I receive as I focus my efforts toward being more virtuous.  

Halloween 2015

We had a very happy Halloween and we hope you did too! 

Hyrum loved carving his pumpkin, which means he loved watching Mom almost single handedly gut and carve the pumpkin! That's ok. Mom's do things like that because it brings joy to their children. 

I convinced him to let me make him a spider costume this year. It was completely free and only took me about an hour. He loved it! He wanted to wear it all the time and he informed me that he even wants to be a spider next year too! Win!

I saw some cute spider web costumes on Pinterest and created Lindi's (also free) based on those. It was kinda fun to have them be a costume pair. 

And Ellie was a chicken because I ran out of energy and ideas for her spider themed costume. Besides, it was free to borrow from a friend and I'm all about free. She was a very cute chicken and it kept her warm on a chilly night. 

We enjoyed the ward trunk or treat and then spent some time across the street at the Baptist Church's Fall Festival. The kids got entirely too much candy. Two gallon bags worth. It's been keeping me happy. 

Here's to eating less sugar!

Ponderize November 1, 2015

I need forgiveness all the time.