Arise, and Shine Forth

We showed this video (click the link) to our kids for FHE last night and they LOVED it! I played it this morning while they were waking up and getting ready for school and everyone was so cheerful (and they watched it about 10 times)! As a mother, it spoke to me since this is what I hope for my kids - for them to be fearless and humble and an inspiration to the world. We have all been inspired by its message and are doing our best to arise! and shine forth. We have also all been singing the song all day, hehe:)

I am so in love with my kids - they bring so much joy to my life! Madlyn is getting so grown up; Jeff & I were just wondering where time has gone - where is that cute toddler who walked around our little apartment wearing my high heels? She is so sweet and thoughtful and organized - I love that girl! Cole is so tenderhearted and sweet; he melts my heart. Lately he has been giving us lots of little gifts and love notes - and he is starting to be a little stud on the basketball court! Cade is so fun - I get a kick out of his little dimpled mischievous grin! He is super good at MarioKart and is so fun to play with! Lane is such a darling! He is a Sunbeam this year and is quickly charming his new teachers! I am loving the little bit of one-on-one time I get with him. Callie & Kimber are really starting to interact with each other and it is hilarious! Usually Callie will instigate some sort of game of chase or peek-a-boo and Kimber will just laugh and laugh. They make me smile.

Life is good - we are happy!

Today my heart is sad. A friend of mine who used to live here in Hewitt gave birth to a baby girl two days ago, a baby born at term with Trisomy 9, spina bifida, and many heart problems. Gracie Belle passed away early this morning. My heart is tender for those sweet parents who have struggled for months with the knowledge that their baby would not survive and who are now dealing with the loss of their baby girl.

How thankful I am for our Heavenly Father's goodness and mercy to us, especially in these times of trial. How wonderful it is to be able to be sealed as a family for all of eternity in the house of the Lord. I know it does not take away the pain and heartbreak of losing a child but I know it can help bring peace.

I am thankful for my opportunity to be a mom and to have these precious souls with me. I know I will be giving lots of extra hugs and kisses today:)

Christmas, The Girls Turn 1!, Halloween, Lane's Birthday

We have had some wonderful months! Our kids are so much fun and we truly enjoy being together and love being their parents. Often, after a busy day of working and playing together, I will turn to Jeff and say, "This is why we have kids!" Enjoy a few pictures of some of our big events:
Christmas Eve with new jammies from Dad & Mom

We told our kids that we would be able to open one present on Christmas Eve evening and they all wanted to choose the gift they wanted to open but we told them that they had to open the one we chose. They weren't too happy about opening the "soft" gifts because they knew that they were clothes. But when they opened them and found their jammies, they immediately were so excited! They loved that they were all button-down and went on and on about it - it was so cute! Lane, in particular, said, "I don't believe it! It has buttons!" I am not sure why they were so excited but it was so gratifying to see their grateful hearts. We didn't hear one more word of complaint about only opening the soft present:)

Christmas morning

Callie on her birthday

Kimber on her birthday - she was pooped!

Halloween - L to R: Batman, Thing 1, Cat in the Hat, Thing 2, Martin Kratt (from PBS), and Spiderman

Lane's 3rd birthday

Christmas Eve before opening our button pajamas:)

Our new year has started off great - we are busy and happy! Stay tuned for more of our adventures! I promise to do a better job at posting - my kids are growing up too quickly and I want our families to be able to see them!