Christmas 2019...

Christmas was so great! We’ve been playing games all day for the last two days. Board games. My favorite thing in the whole world (besides reading) to do with my kids. Even Chris has been playing games which sort of doesn’t happen that much. It’s been splendid.

We missed Austin. Gosh we missed him. But a loving family took the missionaries into their home and fed him a wonderful meal. How grateful I am to the people who serve our son.

Merry Christmas. 🎄

Level 4 state, 2019...

Grace was the bars state champion and 4th place all around. Scarlett was right behind her placing 5th all around. Top 5! Very proud of these two!

Clara and Christmas...

This sweet girl came and stayed with us for a week while Halee and Jared went on a trip. She even got to join us for Christmas festivities. I want her to come back now and stay forever. 😍

Field trips and freedom...

Two months into our homeschool journey and all I can say is WOW. But a GOOD wow. I love the flexibility. I love that we can go explore and on days where it’s quiet and not packed with people. I love that I know what my kids are learning because the keys to their educations are literally in my hands. That’s a lot on a persons shoulders! But I’m learning that teaching a child is not nearly as daunting as I originally thought. Kids soak up knowledge if presented in an effective way. Some days are harder than others but knowing the kids are happy and loving life is what keeps me motivated.

More meets...

Another great meet for these hard working girls. Grace came in 1st place all around. Scarlett got the highest beam score (9.350) of the entire team. So proud of them. ♥️

Happy Halloween...

From a couple of fat boys and Dr. Suess. Oh, and the girls wanted to go as a few different things so why not throw in some cats too? 🎃🎃🎃

Corn maze...

You know what I love about homeschooling? You can go do really fun things with your kids on days where all other kids are in school. It’s quiet, it’s serene and it’s FUN. The pumpkin patch and huge corn maze didn’t let us down. Plus, really great memories were made.

Meet season...

We are two meets into the season and the girls are shining. All that hard work is paying off. Grace loves the quote by Nadia Comaneci that says “Hard work has made it easy. That’s my secret. That’s why I win.”

We are so very proud of them.

Elder Chapman...

I miss him daily. I pray for him three times a day with a constant prayer in my heart...

Connor growing up...

Connor looked more like a man than I think I’ve ever seen him before when he accompanied a sweet girl to homecoming this year. What a handsome young man he is...

That smile...

My sweet little, Clara...

Today...

We learned about the science of water and cool things like “cohesion” and “adhesion.” 

I’ve loved this first week of homeschooling. It’s not easy but every single bit of it is rewarding. And that’s enough for me.

Clare bear...

I miss my sweet, Clara. Who can resist this little girl that finds and gets into everything she shouldn’t. She makes the world a happier place.

Side by side...

What you see on the top is a missionary tag for Chris, and on the bottom a tag for Austin. Austin requested we send him Chris’. You better believe we searched the attic until we found it. Tears popped to my eyes and my heart filled with joy to see this picture Austin took of them one on top of the other. Side by side in more ways than one...

Family...

Halee, Jared and sweet Clara came to see us. My life is so blessed. Family grows and I kind of like it that way.

Baptism...

My boy got to baptize last week. He’s in the right place at the right time, and I’m thankful for that.

Welcome home...

This year we have chosen to homeschool our youngest 3. It was inspired by the fact that our girls do competitive gymnastics and that takes many hours per week. The stress of being away so much was just plain too much. I had no idea what a joy it would be to embark on such a special journey. The kids are SO excited and I had no idea of the resources available to homeschooling kids. 

When I told the girls back in June of my plans to homeschool Scarlett turned into a different girl. She used to get angry easily. Frustrated and unhappy at times. Sad. Stressed. Not that school makes you unhappy! Because my oldest 3 loved school. It really just depends on the child but I can say unequivocally that the stars aligned when I made this choice. It was the right thing at the right time. Plain and simple.

I feel a lot riding on my shoulders but also I feel truly privileged to be the teacher to my children. It’s going to be a really incredible year...

Connor...

I realized recently that Connor is leaving us in less than a year to serve a two year mission for our church. I’ll have to boys gone. What is even happening????

I’ll miss so much about Connor. He’s the kind of the boy that makes you feel protected and safe from danger. And you can always count on a funny sense of humor. This house will get very quiet when he leaves, and my heart will break once again 

Thank goodness this is all for a reason...❤️

Van Halen...

Christian plays guitar. And when I say plays, I mean PLAYSSSS. He’s freaking awesome and is 100% self taught. I’ll hear him upstairs and think it must be the amazon Alexa and I’ll check in on him and it’s my Christian. Playing his heart out. 

He spent several hours this weekend turning this guitar into a replica of Van Halens guitar. This used to be a boring single colored guitar but Christian brought it to life. This boy amazes me...

Grace’s first concert...

And nobody can beat Josh Groban. You might as well plan on a music coma if you listen to him. Grace would agree.