Austin made me cry today...

When I got off work today Austin told me he wanted to play me a song on the piano. His own arrangement of “what child is this.” I sat down and listened as he played his heart out. 

Our nativity happens to sit on top of the piano..as Austin played this touching rendition I couldn’t help but look at Joseph...looking down on baby Jesus with a deep and abiding love. Tears filled my eyes. Tears didn’t stop until the song finished. 

I feel such gratitude for our Savior. He loves us all no matter who we are, what we are, where we’ve been...or what we’ve done. His love is in everything and everywhere. I feel so blessed to know that I’m never alone..

I know Mary loved Jesus with all her heart but after today..I’m going to remember that Jospeh loved Jesus also...

Oh Christmas tree...

Decorating the tree. Even when you’re a grown up, nothing beats the excitement. We sang carols around the tree and drank hot chocolate afterward. A good time was had by all...

A portrait of perfection...

Scarlett is such a creative artist. She can draw just about anything and give it a certain kind of zest. This is her picture of Halee and Jared. She definitely captured how they look at each other...

It’s that time...

And I could just scream with joy because this time of year brings out the screamer in me...

Oh my...

I never realized how much having dogs could affect a child’s (children’s) lives. Our children love these dogs with all of their hearts. As much trouble as it is having pets...this fact alone makes every effort involved, worth it.

Checking in...

Austin recently suggested that we start a group text (Chris, Halee, Jared, myself and Connor.) where we all “check in” after reading our scriptures for the day. What an inspired suggestion. What’s even more inspiring is the example of a child....I’m not always feeling the “scripture reading” vibe. I’m busy...I have other things I’d rather be doing. I’m tired. It’s just like my husband always says “any excuse will do if you need one to.” But this has helped us all be a little better. And in a world where doubt is literally at every corner, I have felt a sense of safety (like a warm blanket) whenever I open the scriptures. I could never do this “living” thing alone. I’m grateful I don’t have to.

Never too old...

They like to pretend they’re grown ups but once in a while they still like to play with toys (as long as their motorized) and they still like hugs and cuddles. My boys are everything good to me...

A girl and her doll...

The girls got new dolls from mamaw and Papaw for Christmas when we visited for Thanksgiving. My mamaw used to get me a doll every single Christmas when I was young. I can still smell the new plastic that I interpreted as fun...cozy...Christmas...love. I’m glad my girls are experiencing the same kind of memories...

Hot tamales...

These two improvised when they didn’t have swimsuits for the hot tub at our rental near my parents. They weren’t going to miss out...

Close up...

Sharing a bed will bring you to closer to someone than just about anything else...

Thanksgiving...

It looks as though (from the below pics) that Halee was with us this thanksgiving and I’d give just about anything to make that be true. Not so, though. Jared sent us this photo of her making pies and told us to “be jealous.” We were.

What a beautiful holiday it was. We rented a house along the river and some of my siblings and of course my parents were there. And my husband and children. Even though Halee and Jared were far away...I felt so blessed.

We drove through the “festival of lights” and there was one that replicated the manger scene. Chris stopped the car and we just stared at that manger scene for a good while, saying nothing. Tears filled my eyes because I felt such gratitude for my Savior. And to Heavenly Father for sending him to bless all of our lives.

P.S my brother David’s baby was there and when I held her I realized that I’m destined for to be a grandma and it made me want to jump for joy.

Program and pie...

I love my kids’ small school. It’s blessed our family since our oldest was only 5 years. I feel grateful to have been able to see them perform at their Thanksgiving program.

Split...

I’m not sure how they do it...but they do...

Hindsight is 20/20

My sister called me the other day after having the opportunity to watch our baby niece. She had rocked her to sleep and she reflected  on how she wished she had taken the time to just relax and live in the moment as a parent when her little boy was small. I knew exactly how she felt. They grow up so fast. This Picture of Connor reminded me of that a few days ago. He still has that same intensity and I would give anything in the world to see him singing his heart out at a school play again. 

There’s something about reading...

I stumbled upon this scene of Austin reading a book to his siblings, and let me tell you...my heart just about burst out of my chest. There are days where I wonder if my children even like each other, much less love...but then things like this happen and it’s a tender mercy that reminds me that there’s a locket of love wrapped up in each of their hearts and they’d do anything for each other...