A Thankful Heart

Sunday's have changed a lot for us over the last year and a half. When we lived in Utah, Sunday's were spent at family's houses, we rarely stayed home. Then we moved here and wondered what we were going to do with ourselves all day. I have come to love Sunday's in a different way. It has always been a spiritually uplifting day for me, but I have come to value the special time it is for our family.

I love this picture of Devin. His true smiles are hard to capture, I have Lucy to thank for this one. 

                   

This is the video behind the smile on the picture above.

We have been trying very hard to hold Family Home Evening more consistently this year (the past few months have been better than most of the year). This week we had it on being grateful. We learned a new song, read the story of the ten lepers. We have each child a handicap, blind, dumb, and had them eat their treat.

 It took a few minutes for ten to get the ideA, and then the frustration set in. 

After our treat, they wanted to try different handicaps. no hand, hurt legs, etc. it was really fun.

 I hope they understood a little bit about what others have to endure throughout their lives and can be a little more grateful to have bodies that are healthy and work so well. 

Being tied up was so fun they kept the game going until bedtime. 

This week has been so fun and relaxed! Lucy only had school on Monday so I felt like our holiday started tuesday morning. We stayed in our PJ's all morning and played around. 

 Eddi was looking outside with the girls...They thought it was cute and told him all about what they were watching out the window.  That night we had the Scheives over for dinner and fun. Kelsey and I have WAY too much fun trying things on Pinterest. We tried a yummy dessert I found and made a little christmas craft. I loved it, but apparently forgot how old my kids are. They had fun doing it and I need to just relax about getting the right 'end result'.

They are now proudly hanging in the kids room .

 Wednesday we made money bags and played with coins. Cole enjoyed it the most. He filled his bag as full as it could go, all the while repeating, "I need MORE gold!" Then he would heft his bag over his shoulder exclaiming, "I"m mighty strong!"...while this was fun for a while scattering of coins all over the house became way too much for this mama and we put the coins away...I am sad to say the moneybags haven't been played with since then. 

Thanksgiving morning sleeping in. I just love this picture. 

And of course there was dancing :) 

 Eddi was particularly pensive while I made rolls.

 Speaking of rolls--check these out!!!! Aren't they beautiful?? I've finally figured these out. After many, many attempts and lessons from Oma, I think i've got it!! Still working on making them all the same size, but I have no complaints! They were light and fluffy and oh so yummy!

 We ate thanksgiving dinner at our Bishops house, with all the missionaries. It was lovely to be with them for the holiday, the kids had a blast with the Kristen and Bobby (bishop's daughter and son-in-law) and didn't want to leave. The kids all fell asleep in the car. we were successful waking up Sadie and Lucy, but Cole was OUT. Eventually we took him to his bed where he slept all night. 

 Friday the kids went with Devin to see 'Big Hero 6'. And that night we got our first big tree!! We set the tree up that night, the kids were so excited. Here is Cole talking to the camera about his ornament.

 Saturday morning we turned on the lights as the kids were waking up. It was so fun to see the smiles on their faces as they came into the living room! I love the christmas season, all of it, the lights, the tree, the emphasis on the life of Jesus, the music. the giving, and all the joy and happiness that comes with it.

 

The kids wanted pictures taken in front of the tree!  

And last but not least this little guy is ONE MONTH OLD!!! Seriously.

I am so grateful for my growing family! These kiddos have taught me so much about love and patience --through their love and patience with me! I am incredibly grateful for my amazing husband. He is such a loving husband, and great motivator. I learn everyday from his example, he is so good at teaching our children simply.  I couldn't have asked for more. I am especially grateful for my Savior. It is because of Him that I get to be with my family forever. It is because of Him that I have such happiness and joy in my life. I know that He lives and that through Him we gain strength and peace. I am so grateful for the knowledge that I can turn to Him for guidance throughout the day and for help as I raise these kids and try to be a loving and supportive wife.