Returned with Honor

We are so excited to have Uncle Ron home from serving in Atlanta. What a refreshing smile he has! We really missed him. He has adjusted very well. Ron and two of my other brothers have already planned their trip to Hawaii in two weeks from now. Oh, to be single again and just get up a leave!! Hey, boys enjoy it while you can.

Anyway, Ron served a faithful mission and all who came in contact with this guy was truly blessed. We hear leaders talk about missionary work and just being kind and serving those who we come in contact with because we don't know what lasting effect it will have on their future conversion. Well, Ron makes a lasting impression on any who he comes in contact with so the faithful Bible Belt region of our country, that is very difficult to convert, was the perfect place to send this Elder. It'll be amazing to someday see all the people that were eventually brought to the truth because of this Elder.

'Tis the Season. . .

I am so excited to tell you all about our Christmas Season we had this year! It was busy, crazy, cold, and busy. . .

My family has a great tradition to play Sub-for-Santa each year in lieu of gifts. We had a very deserving family and I know we were blessed much more than they. I'm so thankful to my family for giving every year. I know this hasn't been the best year financially for a lot of people. But the blessings we receive far out way the cost.

The kids (Blaine included-those who know us well know I have four kids) decided that with all this snow they would build an igloo. We live in a circle so we need to give our thanks to the snow removal person for plowing beautiful mounds of snow (perfect for digging out igloos) in front of our house. This is an on going project as they are actually "icing" the igloo for safety! Our poor neighbors are going to see a mound of ice/snow out their window when everyone else will be looking at daffodils this spring, LOL!

Karli performed in the Annual First Grade performance of the Nutcracker. She was a "Snowflake" dancer and "Glow stick" dancer (just like her older sister last year!). I gotta tell ya, not much beats seeing your daughter up on stage, enjoying every moment.

Abbi and Karli are privileged to be in the same dance class yet another year. I don't think they like being in the same class as much as their busy mom likes it! Hey, one less drop-off and pick-up a week does wonders! They did so awesome. They are both naturals. Too bad they both pick soccer as their on going extra curricular activity. But for now they enjoy doing both and as long as everyone stays sane I'm up for it too!
I've got to give Ty-Man credit. He sits through two recitals back to back every year just to see his sisters dance for a minute and a half. Ya, I'll admit he doesn't have much choice right now but I know if he could choose he would support his sisters. That's my Ty-Guy


This is becoming one of my favorite moments of the season each year. The Christmas studio recital has been great both years we've been apart of it. This year Abbi played "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and didn't miss a note. Her teacher has them focus so much on tone and it really showed in Abbi's performance. Karli played "Away in a Manger" she didn't miss a note either. It's so fun to watch her because she adds so much of her own emotion to the songs she plays. She's our little Drama Queen. . . in this case it worked for her!

How many little kids can say they get to play for a full studio audience a few times a year on a beautifully perfect grand piano? What an awesome start to the season.