Advent #2

Isaiah 9:2,6-7

2 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.

6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with distance from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Advent #1

I looked all over the internet and couldn't find an scripture advent that I liked. So, I created my own. I don't know if it is something anyone else is interested in, but I thought I would share it here, just in case. I wanted scriptures and songs, because I find music such a powerful form of worship. Although we will be doing ours in the evening, some people prefer to do theirs in the morning, so I will try to stay a day ahead in my postings. I decided not to begin with a scripture, though, but a quotation from Howard W. Hunter:

"If you desire to find the true spirit of Christmas and partake of the sweetness of it, let me make this suggestion to you. During the hurry of the festive occasion of this Christmas season, find time to turn your heart to God. Perhaps in the quiet hours, and in a quiet place, and on your knees—alone or with loved ones—give thanks for the good things that have come to you, and ask that His Spirit might dwell in you as you earnestly strive to serve Him and keep His commandments. He will take you by the hand and His promises will be kept." –Howard W. Hunter

Sing “He Sent His Son” Children’s Songbook p. 34

I will be making a bigger effort to bring the true Spirit of Christmas into my life and into my home.

TWELVE!

The days have been being counted down since January. Ashton could not wait to turn twelve. Let me repeat: Counting down the days since January to the end of November when she turned twelve. Twelve is a very big deal. She now gets to attend Young Women. She can now get a temple recommend and attend the temple to do baptisms for the dead. She can begin working toward her Personal Progress award, which will take her 4-6 years to complete. She could hardly wait! She is most excited to attend the temple. I am, too. What a sweet experience it will be for me to join my worthy and precious daughter in the House of the Lord.

In spite of her excitement, she did not want any big party or anything. Her local extended family came over Sunday night for some treats. Ashton has always preferred fruit to any kind of cake or anything. So, for several years, she had fruit salad. Last year, she decided on individual fruit pizzas. It was so delicious, she wanted them again this year.

She got many fun presents, but her favorite appears to be the piano book for Pirates of the Caribbean. I will post a video of her playing it soon. It is great stuff! She is constantly on the piano playing it. I love it!

In honor of her big day, I will list twelve things I love about Ashton (in no particular order):

1. She is responsible.

2. She is supportive. I love and appreciate her.

3. She is kind. To everyone. No matter their ages, races, or situations.

4. She is helpful. Like you can't believe. How do other people survive without an Ashton, anyway?

5. She is beautiful. Inside and out.

6. She is spiritual. She loves the scriptures and the Lord.

7. She is brilliant. Really. No exaggeration.

8. She is talented. And she is not embarrassed to share her talents.

9. She is confident. I wish we all had her confidence. No arrogance. Just confidence.

10. She is genuine.

11. She has a deep desire to be good. If I need to talk to her about an unbecoming behavior that is creeping in (this is rare!), I notice an immediate change, a major effort on her part. She just swallows her pride and sets to work. I so admire that!

12. She is my daughter! She is my first daughter! She made me a mom.

I love you, Ashton! Happy TWELFTH Birthday!

My Most Recent Epiphany

This is not a Halloween post. But, because I don't have much to say about Halloween this year except that I think my kids are cute, I thought I would use a Halloween photo so you could see for yourselves how cute they are, even as Pooh, pirates and a princess. 

The other day, we went to Doug's brother's house for the blessing of their sweet new daughter, Chloe. Afterward, we had lunch and visited. It was nice. Sophie was in a cute mood and interacted sweetly with her grandparents and aunts and uncles. She was funny and charming. Roxie and Christian played nicely with cousins. Ashton visited with family members. Many people commented on how cute Sophie is. I overheard my mothers in law talking about what a lovely young woman Ashton is becoming. Comments were made about Roxie and Christian being such nice kids.

On the way home, I had mixed emotions. On the one hand, I love it when people see greatness in my children. I love it when they enjoy them and love them. On the other hand, it makes me feel sad that they don't know just how great they are. They don't know just how cute and funny Sophie is. They don't know just how amazing Roxie's heart is. They don't know just how strong and generous Christian is. They don't know just how beautiful Ashton is inside. They can't know. I feel blessed and honored that I, as their mother, know these things better than anyone on earth. I see their greatness. I see who they really are. It makes me sad that no one, except perhaps their future spouses will know what I know.

As I thought about this, a thought hit me. An epiphany, if you will. That is how our Father in Heaven feels about us. He knows us better than we know our own children. He sees our greatness. He really knows just how amazing each of his children is and can be. I am sure He, too, wishes that we could see one another the way He sees us. I am sure that He also wishes that we could see ourselves the way He sees us.

I love being a mom for many reasons. Countless, in fact. One of the things I love is what I learn about God through parenthood. I grow closer to Him and gain greater understanding as I try to be more like Him.

FIVE!

Well, this week, my four year old turned five. Yes, she did. Where does the time go, I ask you? They grow up too fast, I tell you. But, in spite of her unwillingness to obey my Stop Growing Up! order, we celebrated the day. First, she opened some presents. She opened them strip of tape by strip of tape. Very carefully...

Among her presents, she got a scooter. She has been wanting one for years. Look at her happy face.

Ashton and Christian bought her a cute froggy travel pillow and gave her some money in a sweet card. Precious kids.

Later, we met my sister and her darling girlies at a, well, I don't know what to call it. A fun fall festivalish thing? There were corn mazes (which I sadly had to say no to - I have a broken toe!), pig and goat races, tractor-trike courses,

hayrides,

and all sorts of fun activities. What a fun time!

Later, grandparents and aunts and uncles and a couple close friends came over for pumpkin cake and ice cream (both deliciously homemade).

A very fun evening, too!

Now, in honor of Roxie's FIFTH birthday, I will tell you FIVE things I love about her:

1. She is good. Really, really good. She wants so badly to do what is right and to follow Christ. She recently burst into tears because one of her siblings wouldn't let her do something for them. She cried, "But I want the blessings!"

2. She is HILARIOUS. Really. I'm not sure she means to be funny. She just is. Really funny.

3. She is enthusiastic. Everything is the most fun, exciting thing EVER. She makes everything better for everyone else by her enthusiasm!

4. She is a singer. She always has been. Before she could talk, she would sing - on key, so I knew what she was singing. She has never stopped. I have been told by a few Primary leaders that her enthusiastic singing is one of their favorite parts of Primary.

5. She brings us such joy. She has a happy spirit. She lifts those around her. I can not imagine our family without her. She is such a special girl.

I love her so much. I am so grateful for Roxie. I feel humbled that I was entrusted to raise such a girl.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ROXIE! WE LOVE YOU!

My Zoo

So, my in-laws took the big kids to the zoo. But I never made it this year. No worries. Sophie is all I need. I thought I would share in case you missed the zoo, too.

Slacker Blogger

I've been a slacker blogger. Sorry. Here's what happened this summer that I didn't post that I should have:

The kids went to an art studio with cousins and friends. They painted some wonderful coasters. So fun!

The tiny girls wanted to participate, too! Alas, they had to paint with water on paper towels. Meanie mom/aunt.

Doug with the little girls at the Fourth of July Parade.

To be completely honest, if I were to give an accurate representation of our summer, most of the pictures would involve dress-ups in one form or another. They are a state of being at our house.

This year, there was a Darth Vader hot air balloon at the hot air balloon festival. What is cooler than that? 

Coolest float ever. Well, according to Christian, anyway.

Fireworks are mesmerizing.

They are loud, too. Good thing there are lots of cousins to make it even better!

All of the girls wanted curly hair for church. Christian wanted no hair.

We took a hike in the canyon. Check out Sophie's face. Priceless.

Apparently, rolling down hills does not come naturally. It must be learned. But, oh, what fun!

A little horseback riding. Sort of...

We met this guy at the Llama Fest. I love him.

Sophie wasn't quite sure about the llamas.

Christian earned his Wolf badge and like  a bazillion arrow points and a belt loop! What a scout!

Namma and Papa took the big kids to the zoo. Good times!

My sister sang the National Anthem at the minors!

Well, that's our summer in a nutshell. Lots of adventures!