2017...

I've learned a few things in 2016. Hard things are possible. I learned that if you set goals and stick to them the payoff is worth every second of the effort. I learned that when your kids leave home, life really does go on. And it's still a happy life. I was reminded on numerous occasions that family is what really matters. Nothing can compare. I'm hoping that 2017 brings more of the same for me and my family...because it's a beautiful life as is.

Christmas Day...

Christmas was a hit. Lots of food. Lots of love. We sent Halee home the day after Christmas. She's going to Alaska to meet her boyfriends family. Should I feel cheated? We are happy, as long as she is. But she will be missed. I love my sweet family.

Christmas Eve, 2016...

My Christmas Eve began with a run with my sweet Halee. I've absolutely loved having her home even if it's only for a week. Running before I bake with six kids keeps me from turning into a monster mom. It's a must. That's pretty much what we all did the rest of day. Cooked and baked. Then we got to eat it all up. We of course did our Christmas pageant and the kids insisted that our 4 lb dog play the part of baby Jesus. Heaven help us all. Then of course it was Jammie time. That was interesting because for the first time in many years I promised the kids slippers. Here's how that went: Austin's were too large. Grace and Scarlett's were too small. Crying from Scarlett ensued. I will never do slippers again. Ever. That's okay though, in the end the crying children realized I wasn't going to be much sympathy for ungrateful attitudes. So luckily that didn't last long. 

This has been another beautiful Christmas Eve with the people that bring me the utmost of happiness.

Married eggs...

I found this masterpiece on my kitchen counter the other day...the creativity never ends when you have little girls.

Sneaking out...

This past summer Christian And I became obsessed with watermelon. We'd sneak out on the side porch and hide out, eating our watermelon. Chris was onto us unfortunately. He snuck a picture of us and I stumbled upon it in his phone yesterday. It made me miss Summer and warmth. And of course the taste of that juicy watermelon.

Hot hillbilly...

My husband looks like a hillbilly in this pic and I find it totally hot.

Cards...

I'm not always the best mom. Some days I wonder how I could have been chosen for this job with all my flaws and at times lack of patience. But then after hard days I try to remember that Heavenly Father is on my side. He's guiding me every step of the way. He loves me and knowing that helps me to show love for my own sweet babies. Now and then I'll make them cards with a personal message for them on the inside. I don't know if this makes a difference to them on a large scale, but little things like this help my children know that I'm trying. Everyday is a new day. I love motherhood.

Apple pie and frosty...

Our Sunday fun...

Another year down...

I found crayons and paper on the floor last night where Scarlett snuck away to make me a birthday card. You know you are loved when you find evidence proving it. I'm grateful to be alive and healthy, another year. I'm blessed to have a husband who treats me like a queen even when I act like a hot mess. I'm blessed to have children who love me even when I'm not always the most patient. I couldn't ask for more to be grateful for.

Snow...

It seems like the kids have been waiting forever and praying forever that we'd get snow. Their wishes came true and it's time to nestle down because it's supposed to snow all.night.long.

Shepherds...

We had a beautiful nativity held at our church. The girls were asked to be shepherds. Chris made them staffs out of our trees. It was so fun to watch them be excited about playing a role in remembering our saviors birth.

Colored lights...

Cozy and cozier. I love Christmas. Give me more. It's like living a childhood dream. My mamaw (my mothers mom) always had a tree with colored lights. This is the first year we've done colored lights instead of white. In the strangest way it brought back so many good memories of good food (my mamaw was the best cook ever) and dolls....she got me a beautiful doll every year for Christmas. It's amazing how a small thing like colored lights can bring a joyful memory to my heart.

Christmas is coming...

I won't lie. I have a major crush on Christmas. It's all I think about. It's my true obsession.

The temple...

My sweet Christian went inside the temple for the very first time. He had been asking about it and anticipating it for weeks. His testimony of the gospel is like a bright light. I'm so grateful he got to have that experience. 

Shopping...girl style...

It really helps when you and your daughter are the same size. It makes shopping for her a whole lot easier when I can just shoot her a text like this one...

Thanksgiving and feeling thankful...

It's been nearly 20 years since all of my siblings and I have been together at the same time. We all finally made it happen this past thanksgiving. The funny thing is, people don't really change that much...so years are really just words and are completely relative. 

Time is an interesting word. We never run out of it but can't get enough of it. I couldn't help but wonder if this would be the last time we'd all be together with both of our parents living. That's one thing you cannot do with time, you can't change it. I feel and am blessed to have had time with my wonderful family. They are what have molded me into me.

Last but not least our beautiful Halee came home from college for 5 days. It went by too fast but We get her for Christmas so I am once again doing a countdown until then. 

Family is everything.

Cutie...

Only this girl could look this cute with this filter...

The cube...

If you know me well, you know I am pretty much anti-video games. I just think there are so many more worthwhile things to take up my child's time. We purchased a rubik's cube last week and the kids are obsessed. Especially Connor. He's one determined child. He's been working his tail off to get it right and he's been successful many times. I admire this child.

Nurturing...

Scarlett ended up getting her fingers shut in the door yesterday, and Grace immediately ran in and did everything she could to take care of my sweet little girl. As the kids get older I am needed less and less. And it's not something I can be too sad over because seeing the kids take care of each other is one major reward in parenting. 

Date night...

This little girl was thrilled to get a banana split all to herself with her special dad...

Time...

I love being with these kids.