Proud

Last night was a very proud moment for us. Kaine preformed Carol of the Bells at his piano concert and knocked the ball out of the park. Sure he says he messed up a few times, but did I notice of course not and being 12 and with only four years under his belt, I could hardly believe my ears. All of his practice paid off! I must admit I no longer LOVE this song just love. To be honest I am suprised I even like the song because since September I am sure I've heard it at least a hundred times and there were those times the baby was crying and dinner was about to burn and my head was racing as Kaine practiced away. I can not tell you how proud I felt last night of him, to see him proud of himself was wonderful as a parent.  very proud moment.


Ok I've tried for two days to get this video to load and it won't. Sorry.  I'll have Matt try when he gets home and if not it will be on the end of the year video so look for it there.

 

 

I Hear the Bells

     It's the season of holiday cheer, but with recent headlines of this week's news I'd hardly call the outlook bright and merry. It is easy to be discouraged by the events unfolding around us.  It is sad, awful it is, people go out to buy their loved ones gifts and never come home, sweet little children skip off to school for the day never to return.  It would seem as though many around us have lost faith, faith in one another, faith in the good of the world, faith in God. I think the adversary would have us feel this way. Feeling lost and belittled by the bad choices of those around us is what keeps us further from the peace that Christ can offer us.

    I am so thankful for my testimony of Jesus Christ and the peace offered to all of Heavenly Father's children. What JOY it brings to know we are eternal beings with eternal families!  So while I will be on my knees in prayer more often this Christmas season praying for comfort for those who are mourning and hurting from recent events, I will sing a little louder, show my love for my neighbors just a little bit more so that the good of the world,  the testimony of our Savior Jesus Christ might shine brighter, that we might never forget His great and infinite love for us.

   I keep thinking of one of my favorite Christmas hymns, "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day," how relevant it feels this Christmas.

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

And in despair I bowed my head:
"There is no peace on earth," I said,
"For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men."

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth he sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men."

 

 

 

 

 

 



Oh Christmas tree

It's that time of year, to put on the boots and head out to find a Christmas tree. This is one of my favorite family activities. And after last year's tree (and wild adventure to get the tree) we were looking for something a little more low key.

(incase you forgot last year's tree and all it's wonder)

 So we bundled up and found ourselves at a tree farm not too far from home. Highlights from the afternoon out include, a beautiful full tree, a chilly but oh so fun hay ride and lots of smiles. I can't personally say there were any lows to the trip although if you ask the kids they might tell you about the world's worst hot chocolate "It looks like hot chocolate, kind of, but taste like warm water but not really. How can they even call this stuff hot chocolate?..... " - Kaine  "Aw gross, do I have to drink this?!" - Lilia.  Eli didn't mind it too much. I didn't bother testing it I just took their word.  We went home and made her a beauty.

 Not sure why I love this picture of the boys but I sure do

 Kaine telling us how to properly cut down a tree

 LOVE this picture

 Lilia bossing the boys

 Eli even helped carry the tree his job was the top

 Just some recent pictures of the cutest baby you ever did see...

 in his last diaper given from the baby shower

 Festival of Nativites, Lilia and Eli as Mary and Joseph



Thankful....

Thankful indeed....


This has been a year that deserves thanks, many thanks. Eli's surgery was a sucess in January, after a long 7 months of wondering and a surgery there was no cancer to be found in my thyroid, Levi was born and after a week was healthy enough to come home, we have wonderful family and friends, a home not just any home our home, food on our plates at every meal, a job that provides so many luxeries, cars and the money to fuel them to take us where we please, trips to the beach, beauty all around, the list goes on and on. This year we were able to celebrate Thanksgiving at Grandma Tami's house with Grandma Pat and Uncle Casey and Aunt Christi. It was a wonderful meal, so thankful for the wonderful food and even better company.

 These pictures are from Grandpa Murlin's 80th surprise birthday party

 Eli and his best bud Uncle Case

 LOVE this picture