The ultimate gift...

I was looking through my camera roll and came upon this photo from Scarlett’s baptism. Her smile says it all. She’s thrilled to be a member of the church just like all of her brothers and sisters. I can see that in her eyes. There’s no other happiness that compares to receiving the lord, Jesus Christ in your life. No other happiness.... 

Brotherly love...

I’m thinking that in a year when Austin leaves for a mission that a certain little girl will be heartbroken for a little while. These two have a bond that is truly unbreakable....

Hidden talent...

My little Grace asked if she could learn to French braid. I showed her one YouTube video and then demonstrated it myself. She tried it on me and literally did amazing. This was her very first try. I'm kind of embarrassed to admit that I couldn't truly French braid until I was like 25! But my girls...they amaze me with how natural they are at this kind of thing. They could teach me a thing of two...

Teacher...

I was so proud of Connor last night. He realized he had to teach a class at church to the 15/16 year old boys and he immediately started preparing. He and Chris worked on it for at least an hour then Connor tied it all together on his own.

In the end...he ended up having to teach ages 12 to 18. But because he was prepared he was able to do it and do it well.

Positively beautiful...

It's been so fun to watch Halee transform from a child to a homemaker...She calls or texts everyday telling me of all the yummy dinners and treats she's making for herself and Jared. Plus, she's working so she has a lot on her plate and yet she has such a positive attitude. I think she's really in her element right now. And she's dang good at it.

Little reminders that remind us of love...

My husband has had this shoeshine kit since I don't even know when. All I know is that he has had it ever since we married 20 years ago and he's probably had it years before that. I was doing a bit of decluttering today since I will be going back to work next week and Chris gave me permission to throw it out. When Austin found out about it he immediately told me that I absolutely and positively could not throw his memories away. He then texted his older sister for back up. And apparently she agreed with him. So as it stands, it is now safely tucked away in the attic. Something tells me that one day even I will be happy that we kept it.

When you see your child happy...

Halee sends me pictures like this and all I see is happiness...pure and simple happiness. And then I feel an enormous amount of gratitude to Jared for taking care of her. For being "Johnny lingo" and telling her and showing her, through affection and effort that she's worth that of a queen.

One day they'll make babies and those babies will be so blessed to have them and this unique relationship in their lives.