Visitors

Landon and Becca came back today and are hanging out with us for a night. Their boys were SO excited to have them back! It was cute. The kids were all so good together. We had such a fun few days with them.
Becca helped me make a yummy Thai chicken lettuce wrap dinner with peanut sauce. It was delicious! The kids are in bed and we adults plan to watch the BYU basketball game, eat mango ice cream, and play games. It's so fun to have friends visiting!

Staying In

I had another fun day with all five kids staying home. We actually did venture out because I needed to sign Kade up for soccer, but it was a quick outing and they all did a great job in the car. We woke up to a lot of snow so the three older kids went and played in it for a bit. They found some sand toys and built snow castles. I don't know why I've never thought to do that before! It was a cute idea. We decorated a little for Valentine's Day and made some sugar cookies. Then Kade, Tenley, and Jax got to stay up a little bit late to watch the Lion King. They all love that movie and they giggled a lot! They have SO much fun together!

Happy Kids

Kade stayed home from school today and all the kids played together so well! Kade, Tenley, and Jaxson were especially happy and easy going. They were always busy doing something together; jumping on the tramp, dancing in the kitchen, playing video games, watching shows, playing hide and seek, eating, dressing up as super heros, and making a mess of the toys. I loved that they were all so good and happy.

Friends

We get to watch my friend's kids this week, Jaxson and Ty. My kids are really close with them so they're all super excited to have so much time together! We had a fun family night with them. We learned about love and treating each other like a treasure and had a hear shaped pizza from Papa Murphy's. Afterward Tenley initiated a group hug with her, Jax, and Kade. It was adorable. I also caught her and Jaxson looking at a map of the United Stated and sounding out the states names together. They are only a few weeks apart and both are learning to read right now. It was so cute. 

Weakness

Fast Sunday always makes me feel physically week since I skip two meals. It's made me realize though, that feeling weak brings us closer to Christ because we realize how much we need Him! If we never felt weak we'd probably never rely on the Lord. Feeling weak helps us remember Him and turn to Him. And relying on the Lord is the only way to get through this life with joy. I love this quote:

"While the blessings we ask for and receive through prayer are undeniably magnificent, the greatest blessing and benefit is not the physical or spiritual blessings that may come as answers to our prayers but in the changes to our soul that come as we learn to be dependent on our Heavenly Father for strength."

This past year or so has been difficult in many different ways. I have felt weak often. Relying on the Lord for help and strength has turned what has seemed hopeless into no big deal at all. He has helped me find JOY through it all. My soul has definitely changed for the better as I have become more dependent on Him.

Being Outside

The sun came out today and it almost got to 50 degrees! We decided to explore the Lewis and Clark Discovery Center and then play at a park. It was SO nice to be outside enjoying the sun and nature. The kids didn't want to leave. They had fun throwing rocks in the river, being chased around by Brad, and playing on the playground.

Ryder's Birthday

Ryder turned 2 today! It was so much fun to celebrate our little guy. He is such a cutie. So independent, but will still cuddle with me for over 5 minutes whenever he wakes up in the morning. He's saying a lot of words, climbing up onto everything, and loves to be Kade and Tenley's shadow.

We opened presents after lunch and they all had fun playing with them. Then we went to McDonald's for dinner. Ryder loves playing in the play place and eating his own ice cream cone. We video chatted with Grandparents tonight and had cake! It was a great day!

Group Selfies

The kids and I have been having fun taking group selfies together when Kade gets home from school.
Everyday Kade brings home a different book from school to read to us as homework. Right when we walk in the door, we find a good place to sit, take a group selfie, and then enjoy Kade's story. We love our little reading routine!

Safety

Today was a little emotionally exhausting. This morning my parents, siblings, and me were on a group text planning a fun family reunion, but then my Dad texted to inform us all that the high school my mom works at was on lock down and there were reports of a shooter there. For the next 30 minutes or so we all kept each other updated. My mom was able to text and say that she was fine. It ended up being a prank. There were no shots fired and no shooter, but until that became clear I was a mess. I hate that things like this actually happen in the world. I'm so grateful that my mom is safe and was apparently in no harm at all.

My kids were so cute today. Tenley has gotten Ryder into coloring. He loves to color a picture and then bring it to me, just like Tenley does. I need a bigger wall to put all their artwork on!

We had a lot of vegetables to eat tonight so Brad told the kids that if they could eat as many vegetables as him then they could have two desserts! Kade ate them up pretty quickly! It took Tenley a while longer, but she finished them all as well! They requested homemade cookies for dessert along with ice cream topped with hot fudge, whip cream, and m&ms! That's a lot of sugar!

We ended the night cuddled up watching National Geographic while my yummy new candled burned (I needed some shopping therapy earlier!). The show Human Planet is one of my favorites! I love learning more about the world and different cultures. It is amazing how people live in different climates and different parts of the world. It is truly an eye opening show. I've never felt so small! The world is a big place.