December Randoms

I have a TON of pictures from December-- naturally I guess based on the busyness of the month and season. So, here we go playing catch up again!! Here are some randoms from the month.

This needs to be rotated, but this is Jace's drawing of an airport and airplane. I just love this kid and his creativity and artistic skills. Because I totally lack them, I think I find everything he does to be that much more impressive. 

We had our first big snow just right before Christmas. Prior to that, it had been unusually warm! Now, the winter has been horrendous...go figure.

Flor had a successful visit to the dentist and she did not bite this one (as she did the last one), so she got this prize. She would not let me fix the mustache though, Silly girl.

Hallie had her first piano recital! They played for an assisted living center and the residents. She was really nervous, but she did a great job.

 

For part of our Christmas giving this year, we heard about a refugee family who was in need of some help for the holidays. We helped provide some presents for them, but the most touching thing to me was when we went to meet them. They lived in extremely humble circumstances. Their little boy was about the same age as Jace, and the two immediately hugged and became buddies though words were not exchanged due to the language barrier. As we were leaving, the little boy, who had three toy cars to play with, immediately offered one to Jace for him to keep. I was really touched to see this little boy give almost all he had, yet I sometimes find it hard to give of my abundance. I hope that little car is a reminder of this lesson for years to come. We live in a time of more, more, more and wanting to have the nicest and the best, yet there are some people who have very little and yet are happy and willing to give back.

I am very proud of the little business my co-workers and I have built. We meet every so often with our contractors and we were able to do a little pre-Christmas dinner with them this year to celebrate another great year. We have such an amazing crew and I am so proud to work with each of them. From L-R, Lauren, Koleen, myself, Sara, Amber F, Krystal, Amber L, and Teresa. 

Devin decided to start playing basketball again so I had to document the occasion :) 

Another one of Jace's drawings. I just can't remember what this one is!! 

I was having a rough day one day and my sweet husband had these flowers delivered to the house. They cheered me right up, especially the Happy Birthday Balloon that came with it, since you know, it wasn't my birthday. I called him to ask him about it and he did not order any such balloon. I guess the flower shop just took it upon themselves to help me celebrate by birthday really late (or really early)!

My BFF Camille was in town for a week or so and we were able to go to sushi one night and to a play at the Hale Center Theater. Just what I needed! It was awesome to spend time with her. 

Our first attempt at straightening Mishell's hair. Not bad if I do say so myself!

And again. She liked it!

Hallie's Baptism day!

Hallie was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on November 5, 2016. She turned 8 just the day before, so it was special that she got to be baptized so quickly after her 8th birthday. Hallie was baptized with her cousin Ryder in Ryder's ward. The two were also blessed together- so fun to share milestones with family! While we were getting ready that morning, I asked Hallie why she had chosen to be baptized and she said "Because I want to follow Jesus Christ and be a part of His church." She is a true blessing in our lives and a wonderful daughter and sister.

The day was beautiful and wonderful in many ways. It is crazy how fast our kids have grown up and are reaching these big milestones. Hallie looked beautiful in her dress from Grandma Lisa. She was baptized and confirmed by her dad. We had a luncheon after at Kirston's church, which was also really wonderful. We made sure to sing Happy Birthday to my mom as it was her birthday that day :)

All the big pictures are on Kirston's camera, but here are a few that we have. It was a day we won't soon forget.

Hallie turns 8!

It is beyond crazy to me that my firstborn is EIGHT.....How can time have possibly gone by this fast?!?! Here's a bit from her birthday and some copying from Instagram posts with details about her. 

From Instagram: Yesterday was a stress fest...I worked all day, the kids had karate, dance, and piano, I have 5 home studies to write and a stack of emails to respond to...it was the type of day where I literally didn't sit down until 8 pm. In the midst of it all, Hallie politely informed me that we had forgotten to complete her Star Poster because she's Star of the Week at school since her birthday is this week. Total mom fail. I felt so bad that she didn't get to have it there all week because I forgot. We made a run to Hobby Lobby and completed the poster together late last night. It was so fun to reflect on this sweet little (almost) 8 year old's life. She's a dream child. So helpful, so giving, so kind (mostly) to her siblings, and oh so forgiving of her parents and our shortcomings. We love you, Hals. Cannot believe she's been ours for 8 years!

And from the post I wrote on her birthday:

It's true what they say that the days are long but the years are short. I can't believe that 8 years ago today we were blessed to have this beauty join our family. Fun facts: Though she's not our oldest, she was our firstborn and she's the only one who didn't come with a sibling the same year. 😄
Hallie has been an absolute amazing child who is mature beyond her years. In some ways, she's had to grow up quickly because of the way we've built our family after her. However, Hallie's most beautiful qualities of care, compassion, and kindness have truly blossomed as she's welcomed 4 siblings after her. She's especially embraced Flor and Mishell, loving them unconditionally from day one, despite the challenges they brought with them through no fault of their own and depsite the fact that they require a lot of mom and dad's attention. Hallie is happy to fly under the radar and does not need outward praise or recognition, she just goes about quietly being a wonderful daughter and sister. We are truly blessed to have her in our home and I'm so glad we get to celebrate her today for her birthday and tomorrow for her baptism. Love you always, dear Hallie. Thanks for being you.

Hallie was lucky enough to have extended family here for her birthday since the next day was her baptism. It is not often (or ever) that my kids get to have their grandparents or cousins at their birthdays, so that was a special treat. We had Costco chocolate cake, per her request, and opened presents. We of course had Hawaiian Haystacks for dinner (Every year-- wonder if this request of hers will ever change!)

My grandma Clark sent down this tiny tea set for Hallie that she got years ago in Japan. It was special to her and she wrote a card saying how she wanted Hallie to have it, which was just darling. I hope Hallie recognizes what a special gift this is.

Jace picked this gift out for her at the grocery store and requested I buy it for him to give to her. How can you say no to that?

Love this girl!!

Hallie's Pre-Baptism pictures

Hallie was baptized on November 5, 2016 as a member of our church. We didn't think about getting pictures taken of her before hand, but then an announcement came in the mail for her cousin Ryder's baptism (they were baptized together), so she was wondering where her announcement was. You'd think she'd learn that her parents are just not that on top of things! :) So, we took her to the Ogden Temple on a Sunday afternoon and took some pictures ourselves. That's why they look so professional ...;) We made up an announcement and sent them off, you know, a few days before the baptism. That's okay; at least we have the keepsake I guess! 

Hard to believe our girl is 8. Here are some of the pictures we took:

 And a few of just the temple, because it's pretty gorgeous.