Boots

I'm not a big Black Friday shopper, but Keila was in town and wanted to look for boots to wear for her wedding. 

How could I pass up buying boots for my kids when they were on sale and they wanted them so badly? We do live in Texas, you know...

Six Flags with Family

I was so excited that Keila could drive into town from Illinois. She came so she wouldn't be lonely for the holiday, but it was such a blessing to me to have her here. It made my heart happy to have my sister to squeeze and laugh with. 

It was really fun to go to Six Flags with her, the Goodwins, Grandma and Grandpa, and of course my little family!

Keila and I started off riding the New Texas Giant! We loved it! After that, we took our turn with the kids while the other adults went to ride a few rides. We met up and switched again later so that Tony, Jeila, and I could ride the Titan. 

It was fun to have enough adults that we could each ride some of the bigger rides while still allowing the kids to have fun doing what they loved. 

Oh and did I mention the weather?? We had been worried a week before that it was going to rain, but we couldn't have asked for a more beautiful evening! It was a little overcast, but warm with no rain! We wore our t-shirts around all night. Perfection!

Strep Throat and Allergic Reactions

We started and ended our Thanksgiving holiday with a bang! Hyrum was feeling pretty crummy the Sunday the Goodwins flew in from Utah. Sure enough, he had strep throat! So we had to have 24 hours of antibiotics before we could run and play with Cousin Jacie! Luckily the amoxicillin did its job and he was feeling just fine by the time we wanted to go to Six Flags. 

The bummer part was that the Monday following Thanksgiving (cousins still here) he decided to break out with a rash. We went to the doctor again and sure enough, 8 days into the 10 days of amoxicillin, he decided to have an allergic reaction! Poor kid was covered from head to toe in red speckles! 

So, we get to start new antibiotics in a few days after the rash decides it's done hanging around. 

So, here's to wishing your family (and mine) health and happiness the remainder of your holiday season!

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.