The sweetest things in life, aren't things......

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Out with the Old and in with the New

I know that many of us are already thinking of what 2010 might have in store with us.
 Reflecting on 2009.
The good. The bad. The unexpected. The Wonderful.
And we're probably all thinking  about things we want to change or do better!
A fresh start. A new beginning.

I loved January's Ensign. It was totally inspiring!
I especially loved Elder Jeffrey R. Hollands talk entitled "The Best is Yet to Be"
In it he talks about the New Year.
Moving forward with Faith.
He says
 "As a new year begins and we try to benefit from a proper view of what has gone before, I plead with you not to dwell on days now gone nor to yearn vainly for yesterdays, however good those yesterdays may have been. The past is to be learned from but not lived in. We look back to claim the embers from glowing experiences but not the ashes. And when we have learned what we need to learn and have brought with us the best that we have experienced, then we look ahead and remember that faith is always pointed toward the future. Faith always has to do with blessings and truths and events that will yet be efficacious in our lives."

I loved this! How beautifully put!


We jump started the new year by having a special FHE this week on goals.
We talked about what a goal is. What kind of goals are spiritual and physical.
I will admit that I was apprehensive about Beau's topic. I  thought the kids might be young to understand but I was surprised at their receptiveness and excitement.
We told each of the our children to write down as many goals as their age...or more if they like. I was sure we would have to help them, but only Kennedy needed help.
Savanah took lots of time thinking them through and then not only wrote her goals down but wrote by them steps to help her accomplish them. Caleb new right away what he wanted to do and only needed help spelling "inappropriate" ha!
And Kennedy required lots of help to stay focused.
We typed up these cute papers and laminated them to put up on their bedroom doors.
 ( I wanted to put them  on here so I had them for my blog book.)


These are Savanah's Goals

She got a few cooking things for Christmas and we went out and bought a bin of her own to keep all of her cooking items in. So once a week, or once every other week I am going to help teach her basic cooking. Homemade pancakes, how to boil water, etc. Until we can move on to harder things!

These are Caleb's goals


He has really remembered them so far. He talks about his goals to!
It is so cute to hear!

And Kennedy's






Last year I posted a post on one word that summed up lots of my goals. It was PREPARED.
Of course I have lots of goals this year. I am a "list girl". Every night I sit down and plan out my next day. What I NEED to get done, what I HOPE to get done. What errands I need to run, etc. So I am constantly making and setting goals. But if I had to use only one word that described the majority of my goals for 2010, I think  it would be Focused!

Stay focused on the simple things of life.
Stay focused on what is truly important!
Stay focused on my goals!
Stay focused on my family!
 Focus on the good things of life. The things that will bring me closer to the Lord. Closer to those kinds of people who uplift and are kind.
Focus on my weakness's and make them strong points!
Focus on my talents. Continue to develop them and discover new ones!
And mostly stay Focused on my Savior. The gospel. The things that bring true happiness!


I am looking forward to a new year.
New learning experiences, new growth, new family adventures!
We have been so blessed and have so much to be grateful for!

I love this time of year!

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Sledding

This is our first sledding adventure of the season.
And may be the last, depending on snow!


 Saturday we took the kids to a small hill to sled.
I waited and watched in the van w/ Luke while Beau let the other kids run up and down the hill to sled!


The kids didn't seem to mind that the hill was small!
They had a blast!




It was equally as fun to watch.




Our dog Max joined in the fun to!
He would get close to the kids and then dodge them before they could grab him!
It was hilarious!
He also pulled them all around the field!

Kennedy getting pulled by Max! He flew with only her on the sled!



All three trying to get pulled by Max.
This brought back memories.
Max has done this forever and loves it!
I have great footage of him pulling Savanah when she was like 3 on a tube!


Caleb's turn!


We had so much fun!!
This is what family time is all about....

Friday, December 25, 2009

Favorites of December and Christmas Day

What a beautiful month! Filled with lots of family fun. Lots of traditions and reflection!
Some of our favorite things this month.....
Date nights...

Can't get enough of these nights together!
We value our time together!

Counting down the days til' Christmas...


It is fun to watch the kids excitment and anticipation as they counted down to Christmas!

Candles....


I am a aroma person. I like my house to be filled with wonderful scents and delightful aromas! I usually use a candle warmer. But in the months of November and December, I enjoy candle light. The flame of a candle  creates such a peaceful ambiance!

Light displays.........


Driving around with the kids at night and enjoying fun houses with beautiful light displays!





The house above keeps their window open to display all of these beautiful houses. And you can even see skiers moving and pieces moving!

Snow....

I will admit one of my favorite things of living here is the mild winters compared to what I am use to.
But on Monday, after experiencing such nice weather, I said to Beau it didn't feel like Christmas week 'cause there was no snow. But guess what happened?

The Christmas tree....



We have enjoyed keeping the lights on the tree on. Gathering downstairs and gazing at it. I love having  a  real tree.
I kept collecting ornaments all month long!

We have also enjoyed lots of family traditions

getting our tree together as a family
shopping for each other
wrapping presents
baking goodies together
talking about our Savior
Christmas Eve dinner
Watching "Joy to the World" together Christmas Eve.
reflecting and remembering
Tracking Santa Christmas Eve


We always get online to a site that shows where santa is at in the world and how close he is getting!
This is always a big hit before bed!
We also open one present (always jammies, thanks mom and dad) on Christmas Eve!

The kids were in bed by 7:30
Santa left everything under the tree by 8:00 pm



And Beau and I got to snuggle up and watch "The Nativity" movie together!

Christmas Day
the kids on the stairs waiting to come down together.



Opening presents
Fabulous breakfast (thanks Beau)





Savanah passed out presents.

All the kids were so grateful and excited for everything they got!
It is so rewarding as a parent to hear them say thank you and express gratitude instead of complaining or wishing they got even more!
We have been blessed with such great kids!

Savanah

I asked her what her favorite things were and she said "being together as a family, and my hula hoop, and my nutcrackers. But I loved all of it!"


CALEB


I asked him what his favorite was and he said " I Love my SPY GEAR."



Kennedy


She said her favorite was "everything. All my candy and treats, and my IPOD!"



Lukas


His obvious favorite was the biter biscuits.
The kid goes nutso over them!



We also enjoyed today...

watching movies together while daddy got called to work (YES..he had to work twice today, bummer)
playing with toys.
taking naps
eating junk food

We love this time of year.
But all the presents and Santa aside
We LOVE to remember our Savior.
His birth, His life, His sacrifice.

I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior.
The Reedemer of all mankind.
He Lives!
He loves us!
He has set a perfect example for us to follow!
I hope that He has filled your hearts with peace and comfort this holiday season.
I hope you have reflected on that magical night when the Savior was born in the lowliest of places.
He is the King of Kings and Ruler of all men!

Merry Christmas!




My talented sister Hanna made me this huge craft! Isn't it beautiful?

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Lukas


8 Months old already!?

Where has the time gone?
You are still our sweet lil' guy!
Super mellow and calm.
Hardly ever cry!



You weigh 20 lbs.
You are 30 1/2 inches long



You LOVE food!
You say "dada", "mama", "nana", "hi"
You have two teeth!
You started crawling last week!
 You smile all the time!


You are so fun to have in our home!
You add so much and bring so much joy to us!
We love you!
Stop growing up so fast!

To see a few more pictures from his 8 month session click here!

Monday, December 21, 2009

9 YEARS

WOW!
I can't believe it has been nine years already!




Several career changes, several unexpected life changes, four kids, lots of laughter, some tears, plenty of family time, lots of diaper changing, moves, new friends, surgeries, vacations,physical therapies, new beginnings, work, lots of learning, lots of growing, kisses,long walks, hugs, date nights, sickeness, health, "I'm sorry's", giggling, teasing, smiling, and so much more!
But with you by my side to experience the good and the bad it has all been worth it!
I couldn't think of a better person to learn and grow with!
Excited to continue this journey with you~

(we took these pictures awhile ago and I thought this post was perfect to share them
All taken by my six year old I might add! I just edited and cropped how I wanted them!)












I love you Babe!

You are my best friend!
Happy Anniversary!

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Warner Valley Riding


Today we had the chance to go down as a family to St. George.
Beau and Caleb planned to do a little riding.
And the girls, Luke and I did a little shopping.

The weather was perfect. 60 degrees and sunny.
We had a perfect day!






I love that Beau is a total "hands on" dad. He isn't opposed to taking Caleb riding.



 In fact, he always says how much he LOVES taking him with him.
I love that they share this love of riding.













I looked at these pictures and could picture Luke, when he is older, right there with them!

I love my boys in all their gear!