Snow in the South

Well despite some sickness - we just had to get out and experience the snow. Jackson wasn't a huge an because every time he fell down he couldn't get up. It got pretty funny to me.  But Elli loved it. Wednesday she fell asleep while eating dinner and today she took the first nap she's had in a while. We borrowed our neighbors' sled and had a big ole' time. And of course we had to have snow cream (Jackson did like that part!)

It has been a while

I have been taking pictures with my phone. Just figured out how to upload them. 

Little park time!

Helping mommy bake!

Chocolate chip cookie explosion!

She loved the muffin!

A little mommy time at the pirate ship!

2014 - Hold Me Accountable

Here it is - my goal list for 2014

Spiritual:
1. I am committed to reading the Bible daily following a plan that Jacob is going to create for us to do together. I'm not trying to do a "read it in a year" thing but I want to be held accountable to grow in that area of my life. I am looking for wisdom in the Truth and the only way to get that is to read it and be in it daily - it should be the MOST important thing I do all day!!!
2.  Participate IN and NOT LEAD a Bible Study - I need to let go of control some and see what I can learn from others. I need to let others take a turn at leading.

Personal:
1. Learn to skateboard comfortably along with kids on bikes and Jacob on skateboard too. I know it seems silly but to be able to do something that he loves so much would be a neat thing to share together.
2. Gain one more group exercise certification so I can teach different classes!
3.  Drink at least 96 ounces of water a day.  It is so good for you and I forget to do it!

Professional:
1.  Become a Diamond Coach
2.  Cancun 2015 paid for by my Success Club this year
3.  Designate and stick to OFFICE HOURS
4.  Have an office (hahah that would be nice!)

Family:
1. Become more organized with lunches for kids so that pb&j is only once a week and other lunches become staples. (I wish I could make that more specific but I'm just looking to really clean up that part of their diet - lunch is always tough here).
2. Do at least one fun family outing a month (like something exciting together - museum, show, park and picnic but something different than our normal routine)
3. Do 15 minutes of academic work with Elli before nap time during week
4. Read at least two books TO JACKSON daily (that seems weird right but a lot of times I end up reading Elli books and Jackson is just around. I want to read two books to him - just to him where he gets all the attention and gets to answer the questions instead of having Elli do it for him. If you have two kids maybe you know what I mean? Or maybe it is just me? Either way, I have to make it a point!

So there they are guys. Ask me how I'm doing - I need that kind of help. That is what we do for each other right? That is what community is all about.

Happy New Years my friends!!

A Little Fun Family Outing

We decided to take a quick outing to the aquarium.  I thought Jackson would be a bit more intrigued with the fish than he was, but it was still fun to get away as a family.  We haven't been since I was about 20 months pregnant with Jackson so it was fun to go back.

Christmas Morning

Elli had a very specific list this year for Santa:
Rody Horse
yo-yo
Piggy Bank
Robe
Bike (I helped her add that b/c she really needed it).

I think Santa obliged her.

  See how excited about having her own piggy bank?

 And Jackson got just what he has always played with everywhere we go...his own train table. I think he will grow into it but look at his little face.  Precious (until later when he got frustrated and starting throwing trains...which is why I say he will grow into it).

I want to remember this little face forever

Christmas Eve

So we had to do our normal Christmas Eve routines.

Most importantly we had church where Elli sang her songs again. We worshiped Him, the reason for the celebration and the ultimate example of sacrifice and love.

After the service, we came home to hot soup in the crock pot.  Elli had to spread her reindeer food out on the lawn and then we had to make our cookies for Santa of course.  Shameful admission - this is the first time I've made cookies from scratch and not sliced and baked them. Santa liked them and ate a ton so I guess they were ok?

I'm not going to lie, Christmas gets more and more fun each year. Sharing in the excitement, the awe, the wonder of Christmas with these two is something I wouldn't trade for the world. I love this little family and the way these children remind me of the baby in a manger.  Their tender hearts remind me of the heart and love of my Savior.

Merry Christmas to you and yours.

Christmas Decorating

Ok here are a few pictures from Christmas decorating. I didn't have my camera working but we had a blast. Elli was so helpful putting ornaments up this year and surprisingly Jackson hasn't taken them down.  I can see why this will get to be more and more fun each year. The sparkle in Elli's eye is so delightful!