President's Snow Day

Steve decided that we needed an outing. He was right too. Initially when he proposed we go to the snow for President's day, I told him he could go with the kids if he wanted to-There is always so much to do around here and besides, I don't have snow clothes any longer. As always, he expressed his desire for me to go along and After thinking about it for a few days, the morning of, I decided to go too. Mom must've felt like I did, because she said the same thing. But as the excitement of everyone getting ready continued to progress, she changed her mind as well, and came along for the ride!

We had a pleasant ride, visiting all the way up the mountain and enjoying the beautiful view. 

You can bet that as soon as we got there, the children were ready to play!

 While we adults were getting all situated, they were throwing snowballs

Some were quite amazing!

Some of us that hadn't been before, had no idea what kind of treat we were in for!

But after selecting our tubes

and going down our first run...

we were hooked and sold!

We took a break to eat lunch at the car, where Mom decided to set up camp for those that needed to come to the car, and read. It was always a delight to see her. She was so fun and chipper! 

We were making faces at each other

The children were WONDERFUL...

And Steve was his regular selfless, amazing and fun self.

Every one of us walked away...

Saying it was DEFINATELY worth it!

                     A cherished memory with one another. As we were leaving, it began to snow.

                                          We couldn't have asked for a more PERFECT day together.

What They Say Wednesday

"If I didn't have the sense of taste like some people don't, I would eat really healthy!"

                                                                                 ~Michael Alger

Mission Call!

Two Sundays ago, we were skyping with Bryon just before his final interview with his Stake President for his mission. That afternoon in church, he sent Steve a quick text saying that his papers were submitted and he would be getting his call in 10 days which would fall on Wednesday the 6th. Wednesday came and as we had prepared to Skype again for his call, he called early that day after the mail arrived to let us know that his call had not come. We were disappointed for him, but knew it would come by Friday. The following afternoon he called to tell us that his call had arrived and that having to work that evening, he would Skype us while he opened it when he got off. We expected him around 10:15-10:30 (Utah time), but being so excited, he asked to leave early. His boss let him and he called us almost exactly at 9:00 (Oregon time-10 Utah time). Immediately I asked him to hold up his envelope.  

We were all on the edge of our seats with anticipation! He was beaming as he sat in front of his laptop ready for the big reveal! We could hardly stand the suspense! His father being out of town was on the phone and all the noises you hear in the background come from both our family and around 20 or more of his dormitory friends. The one regret I have, is not catching the reaction of our family as he read the letter. 

Though it would have been logical for Bryon to go spanish speaking, it being so much a part of his life, having learned the language at 4 years of age and taking courses all through middle and High school, we are tickled with how fitting this call is for him! We know that the Lord knows him best. He knows his people best. He knows who can be touched by Bryon's testimony the most. This call is so fitting for Bryon and who he is. We are incredibly grateful for this opportunity Bryon has to serve the Lord in teaching others about the blessings the gospel of Jesus Christ has to offer all of his children! We are so grateful for his desire and enthusiasm to serve. Before he got his call, he said he was willing to go anywhere the Lord would send him. We knew he was sincere. Before he got his call, we prayed that we would all be prepared for where he would serve. We know that the Lord was preparing us. The day he opened that call, 3 of us had an impression that he would serve in Japan, even though we had previously discussed the probability of his going to Brazil or Europe. I don't know how ready I am to send my boy of for two years without seeing him. But I know I am willing to let him go for the benefit of sharing the Gospel (good news of Christ) with others!
We are truly blessed to venture into this new segment of our lives!

My Sisters, My Friends

46 years ago today, a beautiful girl was born into the world. She was born to a couple that was excited for her birth, desired her happiness and joyed in her learning, growing and existence. 2 years later a miracle was performed. Another little girl was born to the same couple on the same day that the other was born. Not a common occurance, but enriching and fulfilling. Not by accident. These two girls grew and blossomed and tread the way for 4 younger siblings along the way of life's journey.

They've taught, through their examples, how to love fiercly, bear trials faithfully, conquer the seemingly unconquerable, laugh heartily, bear with longsuffering and diligence many of life's greatest challenges, and by so doing enriched many lives along the way. That journey is not complete, and still has many of life's everydays to experience, no matter how mundain or joyful. Some day, when their work on this earth is through, and the Lord looks into their faces and smiles, He will proclaim, "you've fought a good fight, you've lived faithfully and taught loveingly. Your work is done, thou good and faithful servant." I have no doubt that this will be. I know them better than most. I am blessed to call them my sisters.

What They Say Wednesday

Mom: *Kisses Justin's cheek*

Justin: *Wipes at kiss spot*

Mom: "You wiped my kiss off?"

Justin: "No, just the slobber."

Christmas Break

Although we had a wonderful Christmas break, I find myself very glad that things are getting back into the school routine. Am I bad? No. I just realize that the children are beginning to feel rest-less. In consequence I'm finding myself ready for them to be busy with a purpose other than raking leaves to get them to the curb before the leaf truck comes for pick up or earning an extra few bucks for toys they are sorry they didn't get for Christmas. It has been a wonderful and eventful season and as I was putting the decorations away, I found myself wondering how it all went by so quickly. I'm constantly reminded as our children are growing, that each moment is precious. Each moment, although difficult at times,  needs to be relished and cherished and that those teaching moments may only come once and how we need to grasp them when we are given the (sometimes once) opportunity. I'm grateful we had that opportunity with our children this wonderful season and that the promises of a New Year are ours in changing what needs changing, continuing what needs continuing and forgetting what needs forgetting.  Perhaps the purpose for my feeling this way this year, is attributed to the fact that our oldest came home for Christmas after our missing him the 4 months prior, and knowing that when he comes home in the Spring, he will be off to serve a mission. We realize he won't be home for Christmas for the next two years. This made our family time that much more precious. How grateful we are. Here are a few pictures of the Christmas season in our home:

Looking forward to Christmas

Alyssa in "Santa's Hat". It was her turn to put the star on top this year.

Twelve Days of Christmas. We read the meaning of each day and read a Christmas story each night while the children each enjoyed a treat from the designated treat bag for that assigned day. It was SO fun! We'll probably continue this tradition each year.

    Our sweet, traditional, Nativity on Christmas Eve and Mom and Dad's first year watching instead of acting out any parts.

(woo! hoo!)

Our beautiful Mary.

Our shepherds lacked enthusiasm this year...

 

The cutest Joseph, Mary, and Angel I think I've ever seen!  

Mary took a sugar cookie break. She must have been hungry after all that work in having a baby, after all. 

Bad, I know. Heh, heh...

The Narrator had some help. Sure is a cutie, huh?

Both, in case you're wondering.

The traditional Pajama parent gift on Christmas Eve....

You guessed it! P.J.s and a book. 

                                  They look forward to them... 

                                              EVERY 

                                                                        SINGLE

                                                                        YEAR!

    CUTE BUNCH EH?!

                                                               After Santa came....

  would be pretty if it were focused. Sorry, it's all ya get. 

Christmas day, sibling gift exchange. 

          Terrible, I know, but this is all I could get with so much excitement over Santa's big surprise gift.

A new Wii!

                     Enjoying their new gifts. Alyssa paints Amy's nails (thanks Grandma and Grandpa!)

 Bonding time playing the Wii

*snicker*

                   Jeremy and Justin building Justin's new lego sets

            Happy Kids= Happy Parents

        It was a great Christmas!