Ice Fishing
I have so many memories of ice fishing with my dad. As a child, we use to go ice fishing every Thanksgiving, and then every other special "winter" holiday following Thanksgiving. It never occurred to me that my dad was expressing how much he loved me by simply taking me ice fishing; however, as I reflect on the years, I now realize why it was so important that I go. I have to admit--I really don't love to ice fish. I never have. However, somehow understanding how important it is to my dad--makes me want to go. Over Christmas Break, my dad really wanted to take us ice fishing.

Somehow it didn't seem like a great idea to build a fire on ice...

The kids liked it.

Christmas Day
It has always been my goal to make Christmas more than receiving. I want my kid's to see the true meaning of the Holiday, to experience the joy of the Savior. Last year, we took our kid's to Disneyland in November, and we told them that that would be there gift. There was no asking for presents, because they had already received a gift. Instead of thinking about what they wanted, they focused on what they could give their siblings. Christmas Day was extremely touching. It was exactly how I had always envisioned Christmas should be. My children were not even interested in what Santa had brought--they immediately rushed to the tree and begged their siblings to begin opening the gift they had prepared for them--they had caught the spirit of giving, and it was amazing.

This year, I wanted to experience the same joy on Christmas morning; however, I wasn't sure how to create the same feelings when there wasn't a trip to supersede the receiving of gifts. Throughout the Holiday Season I worried that we were not going to experience the same kind of joy, because instead of only focusing on "giving"--my kid's now had a Christmas list, and it bothered me; however, as the Season unfolded, I was reminded that although giving was essential in receiving the Christmas Spirit--receiving graciously was also a portion to that formula. It wasn't bad for my children to receive--but, it was important for them to receive with grace and dignity--like the Savior.

We have many Christmas traditions that focus on the Savior. We have a countdown, which focuses on each part of the nativity. In addition to each spiritual lesson surrounding the nativity, our family focuses on actually participating in service--some big, some small. The point of this tradition is to simply bring our focus where it should be--the Savior. In retrospect, I think these traditions have been teaching my children more about Christ than I had originally anticipated.

As I watched my kid's open their gifts this Christmas, I felt reassured that they were learning about the most important. They were learning about the true meaning of Christmas, and they were giving and receiving with grace. I hope we can continue to grow and continue in our process of BECOMING focused on what matter's most through our Christmas celebrations. 

Amber was so excited for Hailey to open the gift she had made for her. She spent hours making a blanket especially for Hailey. She coupled it with a DVD of Hailey's favorite show, and called it "a movie experience". Amber was so excited to give, and even better--Hailey was a gracious receiver (it probably helped that she absolutely loved it).

The girl's gave Jacob a combined gift. They both bought him a set of scriptures (including their testimonies) with a case, and a Ninja Suit.

Hailey made Amber a bag. I couldn't' tell who was more excited for this gift--Hailey or Amber.

Jacob bought Hailey a skirt. I love how this picture expresses Hailey's feelings as she received his gift.

All Amber wanted for Christmas (all she asked for) was a Four Square Ball. Jacob pulled through with her only desire, and they both were delighted. Jacob couldn't wait to give this gift. In fact, we had to keep telling him to be patient. We hid this gift under several branches, because it was so obvious that it was a ball--even while wrapped. Jacob kept pulling it out, and we kept hiding it again--he could hardly wait for her to open it!

I have wanted a set of pearl earrings for as long as I can remember. My daughter has received two pairs of pearl earrings from her grandma, and I am always asking to borrow a pair. This year for Christmas, my children gave me a set of pearl earrings. I love how this picture shows a tear in the corner of my eyes. I was so excited and touched that they had even thought about giving me pearl earrings. I simply couldn't' hold back my emotions.

Monster Concert 2013

Monster Concert

Hailey and Amber are involved in a Monster Concert where 11 pianos follow a chorister. Most of the time the songs are played as duets. It's a phenomenal sound when there are 22 or more pianist playing at the same time. Last night was the Monster Concert. Hailey played "Joy to the World", and "How many Candles". And Amber played "Angels We Have Heard on High". 

Brooklyn and Kortlyn Lowry are Hailey and Amber's dear friend's. They also participated in the concert.

Band and Orchestra

Hailey plays the Clarinet, and Amber plays the violin, which means that in December we get to go to their respective concerts in celebration of their talents! I'm excited that both of my girl's have opted to build their musical talents. It's such a blessing to have music played in our home!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM!

My birthday is actually on December 15; however, this year I seemed to celebrate for a month. It all started with a celebration for my friend, Heather Pruett. I wanted to celebrate her birthday (her birthday is only a few weeks prior to mine), so we met up with a few friends, and went to The Cheesecake Factory. We had a great night celebrating my friend. To end our celebration, my friend's husband ordered her a slice of cheesecake with a request to make it with a special birthday message. To my surprise, a slice came out for me as well. I insisted that this night was only for Heather; however, I was quickly outvoted. Thanks to a group of amazing friends--we celebrated my birthday too.

The second celebration occurred when we went out for dinner as a family. I had no idea that my little monkey's would order me a cookie dough pizza in honor of my birthday (my birthday wasn't for a few more days). It completely took me by surprise. I was touched at their thoughtfulness. I think my two girls were the masterminds behind this celebration. 

Here we are at Primo's with my favorite pizza!

 For my third celebration, my sweet husband took me to celebrate at Barbocoa. Since my birthday was on a Sunday, we went out on Saturday night. So much fun!

 When we came home, my children had decorated our house with signs and streamers! So Sweet!

Our fourth celebration took place on my actual birthday. Hailey spoke in church, and it was the best gift ever! We then came home to eat cake, and open presents. I am so blessed to have my sweet family. They are so thoughtful and kind. I have never been so surprised!

My kid's insisted that I open a few presents before church--they were so excited!

Bryan always gives me sunglasses. I love it! This pair is a favorite.

Advancing to Yellow Belt

Jacob loves karate. This is an exciting adventure to advance through the different belts.

One-on-One Date

I love this tradition! My friend, Amber Ulrich, introduced me to this idea, and it has blessed my family immeasurably. It has strengthened our relationships with our kids. Doors of communication have been opened. True bonding has been achieved. I am so very grateful to the example of good friends!

One-on-One Date

Amber and Dad went to The Village on an one-on-one date! There is just something special when a daddy takes his little girl on a date. I'm so grateful to a husband who takes the time from his busy schedule to pay attention to our kids. I know our children adore him for it!