First Ski Day of the Season

 I decided to take the kids skiing today. Kade and Luke especially have been begging to go and we all really needed a day out of the house. It was sad not to have Brad there with us because he had to work, but we made the most of it and had a lot of fun! We didn’t even ski on the bunny hill, we just stuck to the blue runs and Luke’s favorite black diamond, James Bond. I’m glad we were able to stay away from the blue runs because it was really crowded on that part of the hill. It was nice to avoid that.

It was also really windy and cold but the sun was shining. Everyone enjoyed and we stayed until the last chair ran. We can’t wait to go again soon!

10:30 Church Time

 Today was our last week with our church time at 10:30. We move to noon next year. I know Kade and Tenley will appreciate a Sunday to sleep in but I have mixed feelings about the time. Not that it really matters! There are good and bad things about church times but we’re always happy to be there worshiping with our ward family.

Luke hit his head on the chalkboard in primary today. Poor guy! It bled a lot and even though he didn’t shed one tear, they decided to come get me because of all the blood he was losing. My friend who is a Dr helped me look at his wound because Brad was in another ward. Luckily he looks fine and didn’t need a hospital trip! 

Missionary Transfer Dinner

 We got to go to President Giles house for dinner with the missionaries in our stake tonight. Our missionaries are so awesome and we always love being with them. I always come away uplifted and inspired. Sister Giles made yummy burrito bowls and ice cream sundaes for dessert. She also introduced us to a fun game that involved mouse traps and a lot of cash. It got crazy! 

Family Game of Poison

 We all slept in today which I think my older two kids loved. Kade has definitely been in need of more sleep! Brad, Ryder, Luke and I got outside for a walk this morning and we made it home before either Kade or Tenley had even woken up!

Before running a lot of errands we went to the church to play basketball together. I was surprised that there weren’t other people there. It was nice to have the gym to ourselves. We played several games of poison together and somehow we all ended up being the winner of one game. Kade, Brad, and Tenley won the majority of the games, but Ryder, Luke, and I were happy to walk away with one win. We took the kids out to dinner tonight as well which was fun and then I made giant chocolate chip cookies that were delicious. 

Christmas Day

 The boys were up early! Well, they were up at 8 which is early to me on a day off! But I realize more families with young kids are probably done opening all of their presents by that time. When everyone else woke up we had our traditional breakfast with cinnamon rolls and Brad’s omelet. Then we headed downstairs to open gifts. Everyone enjoyed their presents. Tenley was sweet enough to get each one of us a gift from her. It was very thoughtful. Luke got a few Lego sets and spent the rest of the day building them. One set was 8 plus and had 8 bags! It literally took him until bedtime to finish. He was downstairs listening to Christmas music while he worked. It was adorable. The kids also got a drone and they had fun taking videos of the house Christmas lights when it got dark. And the weather was nice enough to get out for a walk which we haven’t been able to do in a while. It was such a wonderful Christmas Day!

Christmas Eve Dinner with the Elders

 Christmas time with young kids in the house is the best! Ryder and Luke were so excited for today. We did a lot of baking today and a lot of wrapping. The kids also delivered a lot of gifts to our neighbors. We got to have our missionaries over for dinner tonight. They are the best and may very well be our favorites! We had a delicious dinner and then played a fun game of Settlers of Catan. 

The kids opened their pjs and we had a sweet little devotional and the kids went to bed so willingly because they’re so excited for tomorrow!

Basketball

 The kids have been enjoying Christmas break although it really does feel like they have been fighting with each other more. I think it’s because they don’t have a schedule so they’re bored and when they’re bored they fight! Kade drove them down to play basketball at the church eventually and I think they all really enjoyed that. They’ve also been having fun delivering gifts for the twelve days of Christmas to someone every night. So if I think about it they may be getting along more than they are fighting!

Movies with Tenley

 Tenley and I went out for lunch at to the movies today. Neither of us had seen the new Wicked movie yet and since Kade was home to keep the little boys company we went out! We got a little more Christmas shopping done as well. It was a lot of fun.

Christmas Sunday

 We got to go to two Christmas services today. Kade sang in another ward so we went to that and then went to our ward right after. Both services were filled with such beautiful music and talented people! It was uplifting and joyful. Ryder and Luke sang are the the primary kids, Kade sang with the choir and a men’s chorus and Tenley and I got to help with the closing hymn. I played piano, Tenley on the flute, and a friend on the organ while the congregation sand Silent Night. It was such a joy to play with Tenley again. 

The kids played games when we got home today and Brad smoked a delicious ham for dinner. 

The Sunday before Christmas is one of my favorites!

Family Temple Day

 We all drove down to the temple as a family today. Brad, Kade, and Tenley went in to do baptisms for the dead and Ryder, Luke, and I hung out in the church together while they did. 

When they were done we went to Costco to do some shopping, taste the samples, and eat lunch. It was a fun day away!

Kade’s 4.0

 Kade’s last day of school before Christmas break was today! He came home to tell me he has a 4.0! He’s worked hard to get his grades up and I was so happy for him. He also said he doesn’t have any homework over the Christmas break which is another huge bonus! We’re excited to be able to spend so much time with him.

We had President Giles and President Campbell and their wives over for dinner tonight. We had fun spending time with them. With so many people at the house, Ryder got creative with the seating arrangements by stacking enough pillows on a chair that he could reach his plate at the bar! 

We played card games after dinner and Luke was happy to be the winner! Luckily President Campbell was nice enough to let him win!

Indoor Soccer

 Soccer season came to an end today for Ryder and Luke. Ryder enjoyed it more than Luke. Luke says he prefers basketball. But he still had fun running around with his friends. Kade will keep up with it after Christmas break to stay in shape for Spring soccer. 

The wind has been blowing like crazy! Many of Brad’s outdoor Christmas decorations have been falling but at least nothing is completely destroyed. And the pole is standing strong! We are thankful for that!

Service, Choir Concerts, and Christmas Parties

 This morning the kids and I minus Kade met up with our friends at the Salvation Army to help organize gifts for families in need. They had a lot of donations! I think Luke was more interested in the toys than helping but he was still very helpful! 

Tenley and I spent most of the rest of the day getting presents ready. I think things will calm down after this week but it’s definitely a little crazy right now.

Kade had his holiday choir concert tonight. It was a nice program and Kade is so handsome! I went alone because Brad had church meetings and Tenley, Ryder, and Luke were at a Christmas party. 

Luke’s Basketball Season

 Luke had his last basketball game tonight. He’s missed a few weeks of games and practices so he seemed a little out of sorts on the court but he told me afterwards that he had a lot of fun with his friends. That makes me happy! I’m glad he enjoyed playing and I hope he tries again next year!

Walks

 The weather warmed up to over 50 degrees so I had to go for a walk after church today. I loved being out in the neighborhood again! I think Keena loved it too. The boys came out to meet me when I got close to home. December is a little too busy and a walk out in the fresh air was so nice!

The Christmas Piano Recital

 The kids played the piano for their Christmas recital tonight and Tenley played the flute. It was fun to hear them play and hear the other kids play as well. I love hearing the kids play Christmas music!

The Ward Christmas Party

 We had our ward Christmas party tonight. Tenley and I spent a few hours at the church this morning helping set up. She loved it. I think she’ll be a good party planner in the future. 

She’s wasn’t sure about going tonight because of my damaged face, but I really wanted to see my kids play and sing so I went anyway. Ryder and Luke sang “Stars Were Gleaming” with the primary kids, Kade played a solo on the piano, “Carol of the Bells,” and Tenley accompanied us all in singing “Silent Night.” My kids are amazing and it was worth being there!

The Morning Sky

 I had to leave early this morning to go to Bozeman to get my scar revised with a surgeon there. The sky was so gorgeous! Beside how windy it was, the drive went well and the surgery went well as well. Although Luke did tell me it looks worse. Haha. It definitely looks worse right now but hopefully when it heals it will be fine.

The kids did a great job taking care of each other while I was gone. Tenley is still healthy and Ryder and Luke are feeling better! It was good to seem them acting more normal today and eating food again. 

Luke’s Legos

 Luke has been on the couch half asleep all day. He’s hardly even eaten. It is so sad to see! I miss his energy, his laugh, and his smile. Kade is doing a lot better and Ryder has improved a lot as well so I’m hoping in a few more days Luke will be back to himself. All of his Legos that he has lying around the house now make me smile instead of get annoyed. I hope he’s a little better tomorrow!

Rest

 Well Luke is down for the count now too. Poor boy! He was so excited for co op today but he knew right when he woke up that he didn’t have the energy for it. He rested all day. Hopefully that will help his body recover quickly! 

Kade and Ryder are improving but both are still pretty sick. I hope the rest of us can avoid this!

Ozzy’s Haircut

 Ozzy got a new haircut today and he looks adorable. The groomer even took some pictures of him which made me laugh but the kids loved it! He’s a sweet little dog and he looks so handsome now!

Luke

 Kade has been sick and it hit Ryder today. Luke wanted to stay home with the boys from church to take care of them, or just to hang out with them I’m sure. But he actually did take good care of them! He made sure Ryder was warm and got him food and water. It was really sweet to hear. I hope the sickness doesn’t last long!

Thoughtful Elders

 We started the day off watching BYU football play in the conference championship and although the first quarter was exciting and gave me hope, the rest of the game was not fun to watch at all. It was a sad loss. The Elders serving in our ward know we’re big BYU fans because they are too. I’m not sure how the knew the outcome of the game, but they dropped off some treats at our house tonight with a note saying they were sorry about the game. It was so kind and thoughtful of them! I’m grateful we have such good Elders in our ward right now for my kids to look up to.

The Christmas Stroll

 George and Judy left this morning to hopefully beat a snowstorm. They made it to Idaho Falls tonight with no problems so that is good! We had a fun time with them here. George listened to the kids play the piano all morning. He enjoyed his concert.

Tenley and I had a lot of practicing to do. We got to play at the Christmas stroll tonight to provide some live music for the passers by. Kade was going to join us as well so we could do a duet together but he is feeling really sick so he stayed home. Tenley played a few songs on the piano and then I accompanied her on the piano while she played the flute. We practiced having her playing my arrangements with me on her flute and it worked out pretty well. It was fun to play with her! I was impressed with how well she could sight read and follow along. We need to do it more often!