My dad spent the night with us last night. It was his first Christmas without mom and we didn't want him to be alone. I'm so glad he came. Last night we enjoyed our traditional Shepherd's dinner by candlelight next to a cozy fire, shared the true Christmas story as we read from Luke, and watched It's a Wonderful Life. This morning we started our day out with a family prayer, opened presents, and enjoyed our traditional Christmas breakfast.
Every Christmas, I'm so grateful for how easily pleased my kids are with just a couple of gifts. We've never had to be extravagant, they don't ask for much. I'm so lucky to have such amazing children! Our Christmas has been wonderful, I couldn't ask for more.
Merry Christmas, everyone!
...And speaking of Christmas....
As I listened to the Christmas Devotional again this past week, I really loved this part of Sister Eubank's talk:
“[Our Heavenly Father] sees us, His little children, trying. Our efforts don’t always succeed, but He knows how hard we are working—sometimes gritting our teeth and plunking through a disaster—and He loves us for it. For all of our dissonant, out of tune, unrecognizable music, He sent His beautiful Only Begotten Son, who is love’s pure light. Jesus Christ will repair every bad note and redeem every sour overtone if we turn to Him and ask for His help. Because of the birth, the Atonement, and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, we can all 'sleep in heavenly peace.'”-Sharon Eubank
I love this because I often feel like the one plunking through a "disastrous performance" but God still loves me through every effort, because I'm trying. I pray that this Christmas and always, each of you will be filled with the peace, love, and hope that only the Savior can bring.<3
Featured Post
The Purest Love
"The gospel of Jesus Christ is a gospel of transformation. It takes us as men and women of the earth and refines us into men and wom...
Tuesday, December 25, 2018
Sunday, December 23, 2018
Help Along the Way
Saying that "sometimes, life can be hard" really feels like an understatement especially, when the Lord has called us to those hard things: Callings we have as a parent, callings in the church, callings in the community, processing the news of the day, our financial obligations, unexpected illnesses or accidents with our loved ones... it seems as if there is no end to the burdens life can dish out.
It's easy for me in the rough times, those moments where demands are piled so high and burdens are crushing, that I want so badly just to stay in bed and pull the covers tight over my head. Instead though, I'm compelled to pray and start my day with scriptures. Even if devotional time is short, it always helps me reset and recenter.
This last week has been hard mostly because of my calling in the church. I have been exhausting every last bit of energy I have to it and felt like I still wasn't doing enough. I worry and pray for so many people and feel like there's an endless number of homes I need to visit but I can't seem to get to them all, no matter how many appointments I make each week.
The hardest part is when I hear through the grapevine that someone in the Ward is disgruntled over services that were not extended to them and yet their need was never communicated until after the fact. These are often also those who also sap the energy of everyone around them, constantly storing up negativity and spewing out gossip. Such persons can be toxic.
I finally just set up an appointment with my Bishop on Wednesday night. I'm so glad I did. He shared empathetically with me some of his same frustrations and then gave some great counsel. He also gave me a much needed priesthood blessing of sustainment and encouragement. Tears rolled down my face as he spoke and my heavy heart was lifted. On Friday, he sent me this sweet text, "Thank you for all of the work, effort, and care that you give to the members of the ward. Know that I and your Heavenly Father see all that you do and you and your family will be blessed."
Amazing how a few words can carry me through! I firmly believe we are not meant to suffer through our struggles in silence but that we have friends, family, and inspired church leaders to help us along the way. Life can be hard, yes.... But it's a lot harder when you try to tackle it alone.
It's easy for me in the rough times, those moments where demands are piled so high and burdens are crushing, that I want so badly just to stay in bed and pull the covers tight over my head. Instead though, I'm compelled to pray and start my day with scriptures. Even if devotional time is short, it always helps me reset and recenter.
This last week has been hard mostly because of my calling in the church. I have been exhausting every last bit of energy I have to it and felt like I still wasn't doing enough. I worry and pray for so many people and feel like there's an endless number of homes I need to visit but I can't seem to get to them all, no matter how many appointments I make each week.
The hardest part is when I hear through the grapevine that someone in the Ward is disgruntled over services that were not extended to them and yet their need was never communicated until after the fact. These are often also those who also sap the energy of everyone around them, constantly storing up negativity and spewing out gossip. Such persons can be toxic.
I finally just set up an appointment with my Bishop on Wednesday night. I'm so glad I did. He shared empathetically with me some of his same frustrations and then gave some great counsel. He also gave me a much needed priesthood blessing of sustainment and encouragement. Tears rolled down my face as he spoke and my heavy heart was lifted. On Friday, he sent me this sweet text, "Thank you for all of the work, effort, and care that you give to the members of the ward. Know that I and your Heavenly Father see all that you do and you and your family will be blessed."
Amazing how a few words can carry me through! I firmly believe we are not meant to suffer through our struggles in silence but that we have friends, family, and inspired church leaders to help us along the way. Life can be hard, yes.... But it's a lot harder when you try to tackle it alone.
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
How do you know truth?
I'm preparing for my final this week. Taking this class on ancient Greek and Roman literature has been very interesting. Over the past three months, I've read The Iliad and The Odyssey both by Homer, The Aeneid by, Virgil, and The Nature of the Universe by, Lucretius. We also had to read some more modern articles published in the last decade by Philosophers.
In order for my professor to get his doctorate, he did almost ten years of study and research in Philosophy. It's the same field of study Joseph's best friend, Ryan, entrenched himself in. My opinion is that it's best to tread cautiously in that area of study - it's a broad wide road, easy to get lost in. I feel like too much Philosophy is why Joseph's friend ended up leaving the church.
With some of the things my professor has said to our class, I can't help wonder if his faith is fading too. We all have trials of our faith and go through the seemingly "dark moments of our life" where we feel as if no Divine ear is listening. My professor is a great guy, anyone can tell. And he has openly expressed that he doesn't know anymore if there really is a God. He'd like to believe there is but wonders how can anyone really know. He questions, maybe there is something after death, maybe there isn't? Maybe we just die and sleep an endless sleep?
I honestly can't say for certain if my professor was asking these questions just to stir up discussion or if his faith really has been rattled from all his secular learning? I can't say but if this is what he truly believes then it's heartbreaking for me to hear... especially at BYU.
We just finished reading Lucretius in our class. Lucretius believes that when we die, that's the end of it, no heaven - no hell, just a disbursement of all our physical atoms back into the earth and air. Anything that we can truly know must be felt through our physical senses somehow, otherwise it doesn't exist. At the end of this book, our professor asked the class what the students thought of it. There was a long drawn-out silence. No one knew what to say.
Finally, I raised my hand in front of our 130+ class of students and said,
"I appreciate very much the things Lucretius taught concerning kindness, humanity, community, and his big push to abolish human arrogance and pride. However, one question I'd like to raise with ancient Lucretius and many modern Philosophers is this: They all talk about knowing through the five physical senses, that this is the way to understanding and truth. But I want to tell them that our souls are made up of the Spirit too, that part of us that has lived longer than our physical bodies, we can and must know things through the sixth sense, through our Spirit, through prophesy and revelation. Lucretius and others may question the existence of God because they have not personally seen Him, But what about those through time who have seen God, who have seen the Savior, who have spoken with Him face to face. Are we to say that it never happened because we weren't there to experience it for ourselves?"
My professor was respectful to my question, he didn't discredit it or argue, he just let it be there. He's always been good about letting everyone share no matter how different their opinion might be. But there wasn't much further discussion after my comment and he wrapped up the class pretty quickly.
All of this happened only yesterday in class so, it has been pretty fresh on my mind this morning.
In my Book of Mormon study today I've been reading through the first few chapters of Helaman. I noticed these lines in verses 11, 12, and 23 of Chapter 4: "[11]Now this great loss of the Nephites...would not have happened had it not been for their wickedness and abomination which was among them; yea and it was among those also who professed to belong to the church of God... [12]it was because of their... making a mock of that which was sacred, denying the spirit of prophecy and of revelation...[23]the church had begun to dwindle: and they began to disbelieve in the spirit of prophecy and in the spirit of revelation."
The timing for reading this could not have been more perfect! I don't think it's a coincidence. I cannot emphasize enough what a blessing it is to open the scriptures and receive truth, to have this affirmed to my mind the importance of seeking the Spirit, no matter how strange that may seem to some. I'm grateful for the privilege it is to have this Gospel in my life!
On that same note, I'm so proud of my husband for being able to stay strong, even though his best friend has been trying to do everything he can to "enlighten" Joseph and "save him" from our "foolish traditions". I know it's because Joseph makes an effort every single day to study the scriptures, to pray and seek the spirit, to write his impressions as he studies, that Joseph has been able to not only withstand these attacks from his old friend, but remain civil, treating his old friend with genuine respect - all the while remaining steadfast and unshakable in his own personal testimony.
In order for my professor to get his doctorate, he did almost ten years of study and research in Philosophy. It's the same field of study Joseph's best friend, Ryan, entrenched himself in. My opinion is that it's best to tread cautiously in that area of study - it's a broad wide road, easy to get lost in. I feel like too much Philosophy is why Joseph's friend ended up leaving the church.
With some of the things my professor has said to our class, I can't help wonder if his faith is fading too. We all have trials of our faith and go through the seemingly "dark moments of our life" where we feel as if no Divine ear is listening. My professor is a great guy, anyone can tell. And he has openly expressed that he doesn't know anymore if there really is a God. He'd like to believe there is but wonders how can anyone really know. He questions, maybe there is something after death, maybe there isn't? Maybe we just die and sleep an endless sleep?
I honestly can't say for certain if my professor was asking these questions just to stir up discussion or if his faith really has been rattled from all his secular learning? I can't say but if this is what he truly believes then it's heartbreaking for me to hear... especially at BYU.
We just finished reading Lucretius in our class. Lucretius believes that when we die, that's the end of it, no heaven - no hell, just a disbursement of all our physical atoms back into the earth and air. Anything that we can truly know must be felt through our physical senses somehow, otherwise it doesn't exist. At the end of this book, our professor asked the class what the students thought of it. There was a long drawn-out silence. No one knew what to say.
Finally, I raised my hand in front of our 130+ class of students and said,
"I appreciate very much the things Lucretius taught concerning kindness, humanity, community, and his big push to abolish human arrogance and pride. However, one question I'd like to raise with ancient Lucretius and many modern Philosophers is this: They all talk about knowing through the five physical senses, that this is the way to understanding and truth. But I want to tell them that our souls are made up of the Spirit too, that part of us that has lived longer than our physical bodies, we can and must know things through the sixth sense, through our Spirit, through prophesy and revelation. Lucretius and others may question the existence of God because they have not personally seen Him, But what about those through time who have seen God, who have seen the Savior, who have spoken with Him face to face. Are we to say that it never happened because we weren't there to experience it for ourselves?"
My professor was respectful to my question, he didn't discredit it or argue, he just let it be there. He's always been good about letting everyone share no matter how different their opinion might be. But there wasn't much further discussion after my comment and he wrapped up the class pretty quickly.
All of this happened only yesterday in class so, it has been pretty fresh on my mind this morning.
In my Book of Mormon study today I've been reading through the first few chapters of Helaman. I noticed these lines in verses 11, 12, and 23 of Chapter 4: "[11]Now this great loss of the Nephites...would not have happened had it not been for their wickedness and abomination which was among them; yea and it was among those also who professed to belong to the church of God... [12]it was because of their... making a mock of that which was sacred, denying the spirit of prophecy and of revelation...[23]the church had begun to dwindle: and they began to disbelieve in the spirit of prophecy and in the spirit of revelation."
The timing for reading this could not have been more perfect! I don't think it's a coincidence. I cannot emphasize enough what a blessing it is to open the scriptures and receive truth, to have this affirmed to my mind the importance of seeking the Spirit, no matter how strange that may seem to some. I'm grateful for the privilege it is to have this Gospel in my life!
On that same note, I'm so proud of my husband for being able to stay strong, even though his best friend has been trying to do everything he can to "enlighten" Joseph and "save him" from our "foolish traditions". I know it's because Joseph makes an effort every single day to study the scriptures, to pray and seek the spirit, to write his impressions as he studies, that Joseph has been able to not only withstand these attacks from his old friend, but remain civil, treating his old friend with genuine respect - all the while remaining steadfast and unshakable in his own personal testimony.
Thursday, December 6, 2018
November 2018
"Did you take these with your Fisher Price camera, Alicia?"
Well yes... It appears so...
I must say though that blurry pictures are better than no pictures at all.
 |
| Micah and his friend, Bauer Pahl. |
 |
| Painting at Alexa's work in Draper |
 |
| Dad proudly holding one of Alexa's paintings. |
 |
| Front: Kaylee, Amillia, Miriam, and Micah Back: Conner, Chandler, Alexa, Dad, and Joseph |
 |
| Me and Alexa at her work, Painter's Palette, in Daybreak |
 |
| Me and my girl! |
 |
| Conner and Alexa <3 |
 |
| Trying a new way of decoration. Painting the windows with acrylic. I had so much fun with this! |
 |
| Daddy-daughter date @ Joseph's work. The kids love the fall when they can get a hot chocolate and stroll down the parkway in the Riverwoods. |
 |
| Most of the school year, I've been taking Micah with me to my class. But this week I took Kaylee. Afterward, she wanted to spend some time reliving old memories of when I used to take her and the other kids to visit dad. So we took a walk over to the Eyring building and got a picture up by the telescopes and planetarium. |
 |
| When we'd visit Joseph at BYU when he was studying Physics and Astronomy, the kids always loved to play on this ledge in the Eyring building. I would often look out the windows here daydreaming about the time I'd get my chance at BYU. Now I'm living my dream! I love that the kids have so many happy memories on campus here. |
 |
| Kaylee in the stairwell of the Eyring Building. |
 |
| I saved up some money and surprised my family with a spontaneous date of an overnighter at a nice hotel. |
 |
| Micah, Me, Miriam, and Millie |
 |
| Me, Millie, and Micah |
 |
| Miriam and Millie |
 |
| Kaylee, just chillin'. |
 |
| Chandler didn't feel like swimming so Joseph stayed out to keep him company. They had some good conversations though. I've got some really wonderful men in my life! Love these guys! |
 |
| We helped my dad with some yard work, went out to lunch, and then went back to his house to show him Wreck-it Ralph so he would be prepared to watch the sequel, Ralph Breaks the Internet, when it came to Thanksgiving Day. |
 |
| Thanksgiving with the Nimers and my Dad |
 | |
|
 |
| My dad, Joseph, and the turkey I roasted. By the way, the turkey turned out super moist and flavorful. I was very pleased since this was my first ever! I think the secret is the brine. |
 |
| Cory, Suzanne, and Kaylee |
 |
| Happy little Amillia and Me |
I couldn't help take some snap shots of Millie's hair-do. This particular morning was our therapy session appointment. Kaylee came with as part of the treatment. Amillia was so excited to do her own hair like a big girl and show her therapist how beautiful it was. Her therapist lavished her with praise in her cosmetology skills. So adorable!
We finally got family photos with all five kids!
I loved how spontaneously we had these pictures taken. We didn't make any outfit purchases for this. I approached it all very casually and just let the kids pick a shirt out of what they already owned... this way seriously took all the stress out of it. It was awesome!!
We got basic 8x10 photos of each of the photos below and one additional 10x13 of the whole family picture all for the total price of $35. Another score!!
But what makes me happiest, is to look at these pictures and know that I have a very, very good life. I can't think of anything that matters more to me than being with these six wonderful people. I am richly, richly blessed. Nothing matters more!
Thursday, November 22, 2018
"This is my joy and my great thanksgiving."
"God is mindful of every people whatsoever land they may be in; yea, He numbereth His people, and His bowels of mercy are over all the earth. Now this is my joy, and my great thanksgiving; yea, and I will give thanks unto my God forever."
This is where I finished reading this morning for scripture study. I've taken the Prophet's challenge to read the Book of Mormon by the end of the year and circle all the references to Christ. It's been wonderful! When I read this final verse of chapter 26, I just thought it was so perfect for the Holiday! Don't you?
Honestly, I can't think of a greater gift in this life than to know without a shadow of a doubt that we have a loving Father in Heaven who is watchful and mindful of each one of us and to know He grants us hope and healing in every heartache through our Savior, Jesus Christ. There is no greater truth- no greater gift! I'm so grateful for freedom to believe in God and practice my religion. I'm grateful to have a prophet of God on the earth today, I'm thankful for temples and covenants, for scriptures, and righteous honest priesthood bearers.
Other things I'm grateful for are my amazing children, my sweet husband, extended family and friends, a home to live in, clothes on my back, shoes on my feet, indoor plumbing, and all the little conveniences we so often take for granted. I am richly, richly blessed! I am very content!
Our plans for the Thanksgiving Holiday today are pretty simple. It's my side of the family's year to get together. It will just be my dad this year:
My niece, Alexa, would normally be here but she's going up to Logan with her dad's family this year.
My younger brother can't make it because he lives in Texas and used his money for travel in March when mom passed away.
My other brother, who is a year older than I am, has sadly disowned my father because my dad went down to Price a couple of months ago to visit his granddaughter (my brother's only child). My brother wants nothing to do with his daughter and saw my dad visiting her as a threat to their own relationship and basically told my dad that it would either be him or her. (Personally, I think what is so offensive to my brother is, he can't stand the guilt and shame that eats at him for choosing to isolate himself from his little girl and it's too much for him to know that my dad wants to hold on to his relationship with his granddaughter. It's easier for my brother to hold resentment and blame rather than face up to his fatherly responsibilities.) Of course, I would never share my theory with my brother. I have reached out many times just to tell him that I love him and how glad I'd be to see him. Unfortunately, he hasn't answered any of my texts or calls and especially not any invites to come down for Thanksgiving. He didn't respond when I told him about Amy's apartment fire either. He won't respond to anything I try to send him. Anyway... I guess my brother has also decided to cut the rest of us off from his life too. It's tragic!
Another tragedy is that my older sister has gone back to live with her abusive alcoholic husband and has made up every possible excuse of why she has to be with him rather than join us for dinner today. So, as I said before.... It will just be my dad from the Manwill side today.
But, my good friend's Suzanne, Cory and their kids are going to join us. They've met my dad many times before -so it all works out. Normally, Suzanne would drive out to be with her family in California for Thanksgiving - but she's pretty exhausted from just recently moving into a new house - so we get the honor of having the Nimers with us. And later, after dinner, our friends Reggie and Lorraine are coming to say hello too. All these friends are family to us - we look forward to being with them!
I'm also really looking forward to heading out to see the new Wreck-it-Ralph movie this afternoon, Ralph Breaks the Internet. We have been waiting for months to see it! Afterwards, we're going to have our Thanksgiving dinner with my dad and our friends. Can you believe that this will be my very first turkey?! I'm actually excited about it. I have the turkey soaking in a brine right now. Sometime this morning, I need to rush to the store to by some fresh sage and rosemary, along with a few other awesome flavors to stuff in. I've watched all the Youtube videos of how to make the juiciest and most flavorful turkey. I'm crossing my fingers this will work!
Happy Thanksgiving!!! 😁
- Alma 26:37
This is where I finished reading this morning for scripture study. I've taken the Prophet's challenge to read the Book of Mormon by the end of the year and circle all the references to Christ. It's been wonderful! When I read this final verse of chapter 26, I just thought it was so perfect for the Holiday! Don't you?
Honestly, I can't think of a greater gift in this life than to know without a shadow of a doubt that we have a loving Father in Heaven who is watchful and mindful of each one of us and to know He grants us hope and healing in every heartache through our Savior, Jesus Christ. There is no greater truth- no greater gift! I'm so grateful for freedom to believe in God and practice my religion. I'm grateful to have a prophet of God on the earth today, I'm thankful for temples and covenants, for scriptures, and righteous honest priesthood bearers.
Other things I'm grateful for are my amazing children, my sweet husband, extended family and friends, a home to live in, clothes on my back, shoes on my feet, indoor plumbing, and all the little conveniences we so often take for granted. I am richly, richly blessed! I am very content!
Our plans for the Thanksgiving Holiday today are pretty simple. It's my side of the family's year to get together. It will just be my dad this year:
My niece, Alexa, would normally be here but she's going up to Logan with her dad's family this year.
My younger brother can't make it because he lives in Texas and used his money for travel in March when mom passed away.
My other brother, who is a year older than I am, has sadly disowned my father because my dad went down to Price a couple of months ago to visit his granddaughter (my brother's only child). My brother wants nothing to do with his daughter and saw my dad visiting her as a threat to their own relationship and basically told my dad that it would either be him or her. (Personally, I think what is so offensive to my brother is, he can't stand the guilt and shame that eats at him for choosing to isolate himself from his little girl and it's too much for him to know that my dad wants to hold on to his relationship with his granddaughter. It's easier for my brother to hold resentment and blame rather than face up to his fatherly responsibilities.) Of course, I would never share my theory with my brother. I have reached out many times just to tell him that I love him and how glad I'd be to see him. Unfortunately, he hasn't answered any of my texts or calls and especially not any invites to come down for Thanksgiving. He didn't respond when I told him about Amy's apartment fire either. He won't respond to anything I try to send him. Anyway... I guess my brother has also decided to cut the rest of us off from his life too. It's tragic!
Another tragedy is that my older sister has gone back to live with her abusive alcoholic husband and has made up every possible excuse of why she has to be with him rather than join us for dinner today. So, as I said before.... It will just be my dad from the Manwill side today.
But, my good friend's Suzanne, Cory and their kids are going to join us. They've met my dad many times before -so it all works out. Normally, Suzanne would drive out to be with her family in California for Thanksgiving - but she's pretty exhausted from just recently moving into a new house - so we get the honor of having the Nimers with us. And later, after dinner, our friends Reggie and Lorraine are coming to say hello too. All these friends are family to us - we look forward to being with them!
I'm also really looking forward to heading out to see the new Wreck-it-Ralph movie this afternoon, Ralph Breaks the Internet. We have been waiting for months to see it! Afterwards, we're going to have our Thanksgiving dinner with my dad and our friends. Can you believe that this will be my very first turkey?! I'm actually excited about it. I have the turkey soaking in a brine right now. Sometime this morning, I need to rush to the store to by some fresh sage and rosemary, along with a few other awesome flavors to stuff in. I've watched all the Youtube videos of how to make the juiciest and most flavorful turkey. I'm crossing my fingers this will work!
Happy Thanksgiving!!! 😁
Sunday, November 11, 2018
A Narrow Escape
My sister's apartment was on the news the other night. The stairwell outside her apartment was engulfed in flames so she couldn't leave through her front door. And the only other outside window was in her living room where the balcony is. She had to jump from her balcony seconds before the flames began to take over her living room blocking any further escape. If she had waited only one minute, she wouldn't have had any access to an egress.
She lost everything! I'm relieved that she made it out with only an injured ankle though. The good news is that her Ward and Stake and all her surrounding neighbors have been incredibly kind to her, offering help, supplies, and support. I'm so glad she's okay.
Prayers for her are needed greatly as she continues to recover from this!
Tuesday, November 6, 2018
What You Say Of Me
I love this song. These past several months, I've shared it with so many people when they have been going through a hard time. It's so important that no matter how broken or inadequate we might feel, that God sees our infinite worth, that He hears our prayers, and that He is working miracles on our behalf. When we turn to Him, cry out to Him- in the sincerity of our hearts- we can trust that He will guide our path and give us strength beyond our own. Why? Because He has promised to do so, because we are His children and He loves us!
Lauren Daigle - Lyrics
"You Say"
I keep fighting voices in my mind that say I'm not enough
Every single lie that tells me I will never measure up
Am I more than just the sum of every high and every low?
Remind me once again just who I am because I need to know
You say I am loved when I can't feel a thing
You say I am strong when I think I am weak
And You say I am held when I am falling short
And when I don't belong, oh You say I am Yours
And I believe, oh I believe
What You say of me
I believe
The only thing that matters now is everything You think of me
In You I find my worth, in You I find my identity, o-ooh
You say I am loved when I can't feel a thing
You say I am strong when I think I am weak
And You say I am held when I am falling short
And when I don't belong, oh You say I am Yours
And I believe, oh I believe
What You say of me
Oh, I believe
Taking all I have and now I'm laying it at Your feet
You have every failure God, and You'll have every victory, o-ooh
You say I am loved when I can't feel a thing
You say I am strong when I think I am weak
You say I am held when I am falling short
When I don't belong, oh You say I am Yours
And I believe, oh I believe
What You say of me
I believe
Oh I believe
Yes I believe
What You say of me
Oh I believe
Sunday, November 4, 2018
October 2018
General Conference -Women's Session. Went out to dinner before the session with Alexa, Miriam, and Kaylee. I love my girls!! Four more years and Millie will be able to join us too!
Awww.... kids are so cute when they beg for things as I'm standing in the check-out line of the grocery store. Too bad I rarely buy them stuff they want on a whim... especially when they beg. But, I took a picture to show them that I still think they're cute... even though I'm not buying.
Joseph turned 43 this October and we celebrated our 19th wedding anniversary. I bought him a T-shirt he's been wanting ever since he completed his Physic's degree. I also bought us tickets to Hale Center Theater to watch The Scarlet Pimpernel (one of our favorite theatrical musicals). We also took a little miniature vacation and ran away for an evening to a luxurious hotel. We had a wonderful anniversary/ birthday celebration! I'm so grateful for my very best friend in my life!
I couldn't resist posting these. Very few people see this side of Joseph. Oh how I love this guy!
I always think it's cute when the kids use my camera to take pictures. Kaylee loves piano, especially Beethoven. And ya gotta love that she took a selfie with my reading glasses. :)
Kids playing with Piper, our little bonus child through the week.
On October 12th, we celebrated our one year anniversary since Amillia came to live with our family. We decided to make it a tradition to go out for ice cream at The Creamery to celebrate this occasion. It just so happened that we also had Brendon and Emily with us on this day. I'm very grateful for Amillia in our life - we love her! And I'm so glad we are still in touch with our former foster kids, Brendon and Emily. I will always love them too!
Kaylee took these pictures. She wanted to give a (one-year-living-with-us) present to Amillia by wrapping up some old hand-me-down's and toys. Millie loved it!
As always, every week, the kids take turns visiting dad at his work. I don't always have pictures of these moments so, I'm glad Micah and dad took some selfies this time.
I love these memories that will build strong relationships forever! Priceless!
Micah made a "space guy" costume for Amillia out of cardboard - complete with a laser gun and hand grenade. She loved it!! I'm so glad the kids take such great care of her.
Miriam and Lucy - giving each other facials.
We had a real great time visiting my cousin, Lora, on her farm. We spent a couple nights and visited my aunt and uncle down the road too. This was our kids first real experience on a farm. I wasn't able to get photos of them with the cattle or horseback riding but they did it and had a ton of fun with that. Miriam especially loves horseback riding!
Chandler refused to come with us on our little farm trip. (He said he's allergic to farms.) I laughed out-loud!... Whatever, we let him stay home. He loved having the house completely to himself. We wished Chandler would have come with us though. He really missed out on some of the best people in the world and some pretty awesome experiences.
 |
| Back row: Shane, Micah Miriam Front Row: Audrey, Millie, Olivia, Kaylee |
My aunt Mary is the closest person I have left to my mom in my life. Her mannerisms and her voice so often remind me of mom. I love Mary and my uncle, Mark. Growing up, I have many wonderful memories visiting them on their farm. It's been 19 years since I've stayed overnight there. I want to make sure I don't let that much time pass again before I visit again. We never know how much time we have left. Better to take advantage of being with our loved ones every chance we get! This life is so short!
Micah blew this balloon up to the MAX... and then had fun stabbing it with a knife. I must admit, I don't like balloons blown up that far. My anxiety over it all began when I was quite young: My older brother made a sport out of scaring me any time he had a balloon. He'd get right up in my face and corner me, blowing up the balloon until it exploded into shreds in my face. He found it quite hilarious. I hated it! But my brother couldn't get enough of my reaction. Hence my trauma...
Micah at least gave me time to cover my ears and step back a few yards before he stabbed this balloon. I can only handle so many heart-attacks in one lifetime.
Kaylee's 4H Mentor, Casey, celebrating FHE night the week of Halloween. We carved pumpkins and made festive treats. Miriam's 4H mentor, Caroline, came too along with her husband, Thomas. My kids are so blessed to have these amazing friends in their lives!
Halloween Pics - Kaylee, Miriam, and Amillia are the only ones who dressed up this year.
I did some face painting at my sister's work for her Halloween carnival. She always does an amazing job as the activity director. Alexa was there too dressed as Belle from Beauty and the Beast. Micah came and showed off his Infinity Gauntlet he made from cardboard.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)