New Years Eve 2017

On Saturday night coming home from Declo we realized we hadn't planned a whole lot for food for New Years Eve, so we stopped at a Maverick at about 10:30 and let everyone pick out a snack and drink.  They had a blast making their choices.  

We spent the evening at home watching Harry Potter 1 and 2.  We may have failed keeping the Sabbath day Holy that day but we had a great day together and we did make it to church. :)

New Year's Day at our house was a rest day and was pretty uneventful.  But, it was just what we needed.  My parents came over for a bit and later, we made some goal journals for FHE. 

Last summer I read a conference talk by Elder Ballard called Return and Receive.  I am good at setting goals but not as good at keeping them.  But, while I studied this talk I got an idea to start a goal and gratitude journal for myself in order to keep my mind on some personal goals.  It has really helped me think daily about what I'm working on and keep me focused on my end goal.  It only takes a few minutes to fill out and as I look back I can see gradual changes in my life. 

Most of the kids are excited to try them.  They each picked a spiritual, mind, and body goal and everyday they can put a sticker on each goal they have worked on.  I hope they learn something from it even if it isn't something they take to heart this time around.

Magical Moments of Christmas 2017

Christmas Morning: So Magical!!!

At our house we get up look in stockings, make and eat chocolate stuffed crepes and watch a video about the Savior.  The kids then run downstairs to see the gifts and what Santa has left!

I love this pic.  You can  almost feel the excitement!

Jack with his favorite, Cheez-its

That smile!

Just waking up

Crepes!

And the moment they've all been waiting for!!!

This year was kind of fun because Hailey can Conrad (on their own) got each other and they both decided to make their gifts for each other.  They were so excited to give each other their gifts and it was really fun to watch them open them.

Hailey just learned how to sew a week before she made this and pretty much did the entire thing herself.

Bo and Conrad worked really hard and for about 10 hours on this bookshelf refurbished from bowling alley wood.

The day after Christmas my family came to spend a few days.  We had a fun time chatting and eating lots of great food. The kids played in the snow as Grandpa and some of the Uncles pulled them on sleds.  There were many crashes and lots of laughs.  It was definitely a great time and we loved seeing everyone. 

We also drove to Declo the Friday after and spent some time with Bo's family.  We had a great dinner, played lots of games of lightning, and had a white elephant gift exchange.  It was fun to see everyone and celebrate. Sadly, I didn't take any pics.

It's sad to say good-bye to the Christmas season.  I wish we could keep this special feeling all year round.  I just love it.  I'm so thankful for a Savior to celebrate and all of those who selflessly obeyed and did their part.

Activities Leading up to Christmas

December flew by so quickly that looking back I can't even remember many details.  But, the kids got to do some fun Christmas activities.  We had a parade in Rigby, my parents had the kids over to help decorate their tree and make treats, went to our ward party, played in the snow, and ate until they were sick on Christmas Eve.  We didn't take pictures of everything but, here are some pics of some of the fun.

This parade is really fun and the weather this year was amazing!

Those are camels with three wise men

Lots of fun at Grandma and Grandpa's house:

Santa.  Brayden was sick and he and I stayed home.

 Christmas Eve Activities.  Aunt Joyce Brought the Gum Drops for building and I bought an ugly sweater cookie kit the kids decorated. (I couldn't get the kids to cooperate and look at the camera.)

Gorgeous December Sunset

We had days of foggy weather and the trees we so coated it looked like snow.  So pretty.  This is my kind of winter wonderland.