This is my favorite time of year! I don't like the busy malls, or the extra chores that need to be done, I don't even like getting presents as much as I used to. I do love the feeling I have this time of year. I love the strength of the Spirit, or perhaps I am just more sensitive to it. I love Christmas lights that add a glow to my heart. I love embracing friends, and contemplating my many blessings. I love spending time with family. We are truly blessed! This year we have been especially blessed as Uncle Matt returned home from his mission, and my boys met their cousin Cohen for the first time. Christmas is a time to delight in all of life's richest blessings. I am so thankful for the time we have spent sharing our love with those around us, and I am especially thankful for the love I have felt for, and from my Savior Jesus Christ. I only hope that I can not just remember what the true meaning of Christmas is, but strive to share that meaning with all those whos paths I might cross.

We Miss Daddy!

We miss Daddy! Unfortunately Chris has had to travel a lot for work lately. He was in Chicago last week, came home Friday night, and left this morning for yet another week in Chicago. He will be in Chicago again next week, and then he will spend pretty much the whole month of January out of the country. We really miss Daddy! I am trying hard to be a good mom. This week we made a gingerbread house. Actually, I tried to keep Brayden and Logan from eating all of the candy, so that Jake could decorate the gingerbread house. Now all three boys are hoping it falls apart so they can eat it (yuck!). The truth is, no matter how many places we go, or how many activities we do, it just isn't the same without Daddy! We love and miss you Chris!

I am so blessed

I am so blessed! I have been thinking a lot since Thanksgiving week about the many incredible blessings in my life. I am so filled with joy as I think about my beautiful family, and the privilege I have of staying home with my children. I am so thankful that I could go to Braydens Preschool feast, paper hats and all! I am thankful to have a home, one that I can decorate for the Christmas season, and invite the warmth of the Spirit into. I am so thankful for family and friends, without whom this busy life of school, work, and children would be utterly impossible! I am grateful for my own little "village" who take my children to get their faces painted when I am studying, and feed them dinner while I am off taking tests! As I look around tonight and see the beautiful white snow, and the Christmas lights, the greenery and bows, I am thankful for this time of year, and profoundly thankful for my Savior Jesus Christ. What would all of these things be worth without his birth and sacrifice for me?! I am so blessed!