Christmas Decorating

Trenton and I were especially excited to haul out all our decorations this year to see how they would fit in our new home.  The kids had so much fun finding new places to put it all.  My heart desperately needed the peace and warmth this season brings.  There are few things that make me happier than watching my kids play by the Christmas tree, next to the fireplace that has their stockings hanging on it.  Too...much...sweetness.

I bet there are visions of sugar plums dancing in her head.

Thanksgiving 2014

Aside from a catching a yucky head cold, our Thanksgiving was heavenly. We spent our warm and sunny day surrounded by family and an abundance of yummy food.  This has been a very tough year for me with my health, but I'm reminded of one of my favorite quotes by Dieter F. Uchtdorf-
"It is easy to be grateful for things when life seems to be going our way. But what then of those times when what we wish for seems to be far out of reach? Could I suggest that we see gratitude as a disposition, a way of life that stands independent of our current situation? In other words, I'm suggesting that instead of being thankful for things, we focus on being thankful in our circumstances- whatever they may be."
This echoes what my almost 100 year old Grandma said when I asked her what her secret to life is. She said, "Be happy and thankful wherever you are, doing whatever it is you're doing."

  I have been blessed with a wealth that can't be spent.  And I am so, so grateful.

Painting Nails

I absolutely love the time Lyla and I get to spend with each other while Emma and Ben are at school.  As soon as the kids head up to school in the mornings, Lyla turns into a different child.  She becomes extremely snuggly, silly, and curious.  She is fully aware that she has my full attention, and she uses it to her advantage.  I love reading with her, playing with magnets and puzzles, and painting our nails.  She is my sweet baby daughter, and I am so grateful for her.  

Emma's School Project

For Emma's family history project for school, she decided to make her Great Grandma's homemade noodles.  I was so impressed with how well she did!  She followed the recipe methodically and the result was pretty awesome.  She was so excited that she did this and watched the family eat it with so much pride.  She did well on her presentation and got an A on the overall project.
 

Halloween 2014

The night before Halloween we headed over to my mom's to carve pumpkins. I'm so impressed by Jessica's ballerina pumpkin, which he carved freehanded!  On the morning of Halloween, I was blessed to go to the hospital and take pictures of my friend's brand new baby.  He is so precious!  While we were there, Lyla was spoiled by the hospital volunteers, and even got to get a head start on her trick or treating.  The afternoon was filled with the kids' school parties.  While I was in Emma's class, a message came on over the intercom requesting any students that dressed in "Frozen" costumes to go to the gym for a group picture.  I couldn't believe how many there were!  While pictures were being taken, I suggested to all of them that they sing "Let it go."  And they did!  It was one of the cutest things I've ever seen.
Later that evening, Trenton and I took the kids and Kaitlyn and Lindsay trick or treating.  I was really impressed with how our neighborhood decorated for the holiday.  The kids brought their ridiculous amounts of candy back to the house and we warmed up with some spicy chicken tortilla soup while watching spooky movies.  We couldn't have asked for a better Halloween.