Family Nights

Family Nights are the best. I love that I don't have to cook dinner since 9 times out of ten we order pizza, I love the fun games we play, I love video chatting with my parents, and I love the simple discussions we get to have with our kids about the gospel. Lately we've each been taking turns having family night. Tonight was my night which meant I got to choose dinner, the lesson, and the activity. I ordered Papa Johns, my favorite pizza, and we watched my favorite Christmas movie, Elf. The kids thought it was pretty funny. For my lesson we watched the movie A Savior Is Born (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=q_TEOyhy7Bg). I love this video! And Tenley helped me re-tell the nativity story with our made for kids manger.

Tenley caught this picture of Ryder. It might be hard to see his face but he wasn't the happiest of babies tonight.

Christmas Devitionals

Tonight our Ward had their annual Christmas Music Devotional. They practice for months for this night and the choir, musicians, and soloists all did an amazing job! It was a very spiritually uplifting night! Our kids enjoyed it as well and Ryder was quiet for us the whole time! I don't know how we got so lucky.

The songs all focused on our Savior and I was reminded of my gratitude for Him, His example, and the blessings I receive through the atonement.

"In every season of our lives, in all of the circumstances we may encounter, and in each challenge we may face, Jesus Christ is the light that dispels fear, provides assurance and direction, and engenders enduring peace and joy." -Elder David A. Bednar

Nativities

Christmas time can be so magical and wonderful but it can also be overwhelming and stressful at the same time. With decorating, gift buying, and prepping for holiday parties, the true meaning of Christmas can get pushed aside. I realized earlier this month that a lot of our Christmas traditions and outings revolve around Santa so it was so nice to hear about Nativities Around The World. We were able to listen to beautiful Christmas music, dress up and take a picture by a manger, color pictures of Jesus with the kids, and walk around to see hundreds of beautiful nativities. It was a very spiritually uplifting night and we all really enjoyed it. I'm so grateful for a Savior and for this wonderful Christmas season that we have to remember and celebrate Him.

"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."

Luke 2:10-11

Choir

Kade's school had a Christmas choir concert tonight and Kade got to sing with his class. He was so excited and he looked so adorable! It's so fun to watch him love being a part of something! And all the kids did a great job singing!

And we finally got the starts put up on our trees! 

My Kids

The Some nights can get crazy and hectic and frustrating when I'm trying to make dinner, feed Ryder, and keep Kade and Tenley entertained. And then there are some nights like tonight that go so well and I feel so blessed to have such amazing, helpful, and kind children. While I was starting dinner Kade and Tenley sat quietly at the table while we listened to Christmas music then after a while Ryder started getting grumpy so Kade fed him for me and Tenley came and helped sauté some vegetables. I couldn't believe how sweet they were being! I'm so grateful to have them!

Chocolates

Who doesn't love a good box of chocolates!?

Coeur d'Alene

Tonight we had a really fun family day. We traveled up to Coeur d'Alene to take a cruise  on the lake to the North Pole to see Santa!! We got to see a lot of fun lights along the way and a firework show. It was pretty awesome. Then we tried out a yummy grilled cheese restaurant that was good but really filling! 

Tenley was so excited to see Rudolph!

Kade and his poses...

Birthday Parties, Christmas Trees, Christmas Parades

We had a fun filled day today! We spent the morning at a birthday party for Kade's best friend Tanner. It was at McDonalds and they had a blast! Then Brad and were busy putting up Christmas lights, putting up a new tramp a friend gave us and I put up our third Christmas tree! I decided to put this one in our room and even though we don't have ornaments for it yet I just live the added holiday spirit I brings to our room! Tonight we also went to a Christmas parade. It was fun to see all the floats lit up! This month has been so much fun so far and it's just getting started!

Bean Bags and Christmas Movies

We bought a bean bag today on a good sale and the kids haven't really wanted to leave it. We got to snuggle and watch a Christmas movie in it and I was in heaven. I love my kids, I love snuggling with them, and I love the Christmas season! 

Balloons

Today was my nephew Hayden's birthday and I've been learning how painful birthdays for those who have passed on before us are. It's hard to not play the 'what if' game and wish things were different. But since we can't change what has happened we try to make the day as positive as possible. Tonight we had a special balloon launch with the kids and Brad wrote the perfect note to attach to the balloon. We love and miss you Hayden!

Kade's friend Tanner came over to play today and helped Kade and Tenley decorate their tree in their room. At least one tree is up now!

Today is Emmett's birthday so we got to go celebrate with him at his house tonight! He chose homemade pizza for dinner with Italian sodas and it was delicious. The kids had fun picking him out presents earlier as well.

The Christmas Season

I'm so excited that it's December 1st! I only wish all my Christmas decorations were up but hopefully I'll get to that tomorrow. It's tricky to figure out where to put everything in a new house! The kids and I had fun today getting a few of our Christmas traditions going. They helped me wrap books for our nightly countdown (which I wouldn't normally have them do but that's what happens when I'm behind!) and we made Christmas chains. Then Kade had a brilliant idea! He wanted to cuddle and watch Christmas light show videos on YouTube for the rest of the night so we did! And it was awesome!

Tenley doesn't look too happy in the background because Kade got to open a book tonight. We have to take turns! :)

P.S. When Kade's at school and Tenley's bored I normally find her like this:

IKEA

We made a trip to IKEA and got a lot of great furniture for our empty house! Luckily the kids did an OK job on the way home even though they were all squished together! 

Family

The weekend went by way too fast but the long drive was so worth it to be with these amazing people. I love my family!

Games, Shopping

We got to enjoy more time with the Woodruff's today! Lots of games, shopping, and talking. Being with family is THE BEST.

Barbies

Tenley found my old barbies and we had so much fun playing with them together!