TWO!

Sophie turned two. I can hardly believe it. How come when they are growing inside your body, nine months takes approximately eternity, but once they're out, two years pass in the blink of an eye? Rude.
I digress.

It was a fun celebration.

Sophie thought that the tissue paper needed to be ripped in order to access the present inside. It was not easy to convince her otherwise!

Christian and Roxie both chose to buy her gifts using their own money. I thought that was sweet. Christian bought her this bear. You can see that it earned immediate kisses.

Sophie kept saying, "It's on fire!" But, she blew the fire out like a pro (which she is not, I assure you).

I love this sweet face!

Sophie is an awesome girl. She is a super-talker. She makes me laugh, even when nothing else can. Everything about her makes me smile. She is independent, yet snuggly. She has every single one of us wrapped around her little finger. And she loves the music from Star Wars and Pirates of the Caribbean, which cracks me up.

In honor of her birthday, I will tell you two things I love about her (not that I didn't mention several already):

1. She brings joy to everyone around her. She makes everyone smile with her funny and sweet personality and the hilarious things she says.

2. She is two. Seriously. I will love her just as much when she's no longer two, but two year olds are so much fun!

Happy birthday, Sophie! I am so glad you're mine! You are a blessing to me and all of your family.

Advent #25

"He whose birth we commemorate this season is more than the symbol of a holiday. He is the Son of God, the Creator of the earth, the Jehovah of the Old Testament, the fulfillment of the Law of Moses, the Redeemer of mankind, the King of Kings, the Prince of Peace. . . .

" 'And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!

" 'For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father--

" 'That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God.' (D&C 76:22-24)."

"This is our testimony to all mankind. It is our gift and blessing to the world. He is our joy and our salvation, and we will find Christmas of greater meaning in our own lives as we share these truths with others."

Gordon B. Hinckley, "What Shall I Do Then with Jesus Which Is Called Christ?," Ensign, Dec. 1983, 5

Sing “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” Hymns #214

Advent #24

John 14:23-27

 23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will adore him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

 24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.

 25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.

 26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

 27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Sing “Beautiful Savior” Children’s Songbook p. 62

Advent #23

D&C 19:16-19, 23-24

 16 For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent;

 17 But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I;

 18 Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink—

 19 Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men.

 23 Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me.

 24 I am Jesus Christ; I came by the will of the Father, and I do his will.

Listen to (and sing along) Hallelujah Chorus:

Advent #22

John 3:16-17

 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Sing "I Stand All Amazed" Hymns #193

Advent #21

Matthew 3:13-17

 13 ¶Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.

 14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?

 15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

 16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:

 17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Sing “Baptism” Children’s Songbook p. 100

Advent #20

Luke 2:40-52

 40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

 41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.

 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.

 43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.

 44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.

 45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.

 46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.

 47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.

 48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.

49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?

 50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.

 51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.