Random December

Audrey got a cute new outfit so we had to take pictures. I love this little baby model!

Mike and the boys got haircuts so Audrey decided she needs one as well. I cut off about half an inch. She asks for haircuts weekly now. 

 

Merry Christmas!

Christmas has come and gone and it's now the middle of April. I was caught up for a while, and then life happened. Christmas this year was wonderful. We had a simple Christmas with loved ones, and it was perfect. We started out the morning by watching "The Nativity" and then opened gifts. My parents joined us and we all rocked our Baby Yoda pajamas. The boys were excited about their video game and I received a sweet Theragun.  

 

        

A few days before Christmas we visited Erik. I love the lights around his cemetery at Christmas time. Rather than being a gloomy place, it's always a place of light and peace. It helps remind me that because of our Savior, this is all just a waiting game. Because of a little baby in Bethlehem, we get our little baby back some day. 

On January 8th Steve and Lynette came over to celebrate Christmas with us. We hadn't seen them in a while, so it was great to see them. The kids all loved their gifts. Parents loved their cash. ;)

Merry Christmas Everyone! If you're reading this, then you're part of our lives and we thank you for all you bring. <3

New flooring and half bath

 When we built our house in 2014 we chose cheaper flooring knowing that it was easier to replace than some of the structural upgrades we wanted. I've decided that the next time we need flooring we'll just move. ;) The first thing we installed was CVP. We picked out a color we really liked and added having it go down the hall to the front door and into the piano room. This would hopefully dissuade a particular cat from ignoring the litter box. On the day of the install, when they were about half way done, we realized they were installing the wrong flooring. Same flooring, just a different color. They offered to tear it out, but the redder color matches our cabinets, so we let them leave it. Mike loved replacing the baseboards after. ;) 

After the flooring and baseboards were done we decided to redo the half bath. We took out the pedestal sink and added a nice vanity, lights and mirror along with some new shelves and a toilet. 

Next up was the carpet. The color we chose came out a cooler gray than we'd planned, but we still like it. Hopefully the patterns mean it will wear well and last a million years. 

Luminaria

 We hadn't taken the kids to Luminaria before, so we bought tickets when they were on sale. It's a neat experience walking through Thanksgiving Point gardens and seeing millions of Christmas lights. The statue garden of Jesus' life was a perfect compliment to the season. I think we'll make it a tradition as long as we have a season pass to Thanksgiving Point. 

Random November

 I wasn't sure what to get Mike's dad for his birthday this year. In the past we'd do gift cards to Guitar Center, but that hasn't worked in a few years. My friend Clarissa posted about commissioned water color paintings, so I contacted her about doing one of Kevin and Louis. Mike's parents adopted Louis after Kevin died, and Steve loves the dog. She's been having health problems, so they may not have her long. When we gave it to him, he loved it. 

Another month, another quick trip to the Butterfly Biosphere

Happy Birthday Princess!

I'm not going to lie, I'm kind of in denial that my oldest child is a year older. Fifteen isn't quite as monumental as some of her upcoming birthdays, but it definitely means she's that much closer to adulthood. Her birthday fell on a Saturday and she was nice enough to allow the family to celebrate by going bowling. She came in third with a respectable score, but it may change once we stop allowing the kids to use bumpers. ;) We found that Audrey really likes bowling and has asked to go many times since. 

 

Sarah decided that instead of a raging party she'd like to do an escape room with a couple of her besties. They did the Harry Potter room, and escaped in time. Phew! After the escape room we went to Leatherby's for ice cream and she was THRILLED when they came to sing Happy Birthday to her. ;)

The biggest news was getting her learners permit. Yes folks, she's going to have her driver's license in a year. She passed the test on the second try, and has been doing some driving around town. It will be nice to have another driver around when the time comes. (She will be my slave. Finally!)

We are all blessed to have Sarah in our family. Her kind heart and helping hands are a huge help around the house. Here are 15 things that  help make Sarah, Sarah. 

1. Sarah is kind. Very kind. She has a good heart. 

2. She's a smarty. She chose to take all honors classes and one AP Class this school year. It's been a challenging load at times, but most of her friends are in class with her, so it's been a good year. 

3. She's got a great sense of humor. Gone are the days of jokes and insinuations going over her head. It's fun watching shows and movies with her and hearing her giggle at the jokes she wouldn't get a few years ago. 

4. She's a helper. One of the reasons we decided to have Audrey was because I'd have older kids that could help out. Their help has helped counter my old age. ;)

5. She's a great sister. Sarah loves her baby sister. She spoils her and I have to let her know Audrey doesn't need a million gifts and toys. She loves her brothers as well, but they have the potential of getting on her nerves more than her sister. :) 

6. She still loves to read, and read, and read. She finds new series and constantly rereads series she's already gone through. She's still a Potter Head, but sadly gave away most of her Potter shirts since she's outgrown that phase. Sigh...

7. She's a girly girl. She's grown and turned into a beautiful young lady. She's become more fashionable and actually cares about her hair. Her poor dad is not looking forward to her dating. 

8. She is a great organizer. I can check on how she is feeling by her room. When she's relaxed, her room can get cluttered occasionally. If she's anxious, her room is pristine. She adopted the way

9. She is quick witted and has the joke formulated and out before anyone else. 

10. She's responsible. Everyone always called her an "old soul", and now that she's a bit older it's changed to "mature". 

11. She's a teenage girl. Period. (I'd elaborate, but everyone that has had one or been one will understand)

12. I can't get her to run with me, but she's become more athletic and usually works out each morning when she wakes up. 

13. Sarah is creative and artistic. Her uncle Andy gave her a calligraphy set a few years ago, and she's learned how to create beautiful letter art. She's also a great artist and makes most of the cards we give away to people. Elaborate floral designs are he specialty. 

14. Sarah is a good friend. She isn't a people collector, but she values her friends and is a good friend. We're glad she's surrounded herself with a good bunch of friends. 

15. She's self motivated. Whether it's reading her scriptures on her own, doing her homework, cleaning, etc. she doesn't have to be reminded. (Often. Piano is another thing) ;) 

Sarah is a beautiful human and we feel grateful to be her parents. Happy Birthday Princess! 

Christmas mini session

 A friend of mine was doing "mini sessions" for Christmas pictures so I signed up for a 15 min slot. I was just going to do Audrey, and then I figured I should force all the kids to go. I'm glad I did. Sarah wore a dress I own and no longer fit into. It's crazy that she can now borrow my clothing. 

Audrey was compliant through the first backdrop, and then she was done. She would cry or scoul at the camera. For the final backdrop on the bed, we pulled the old "Don't smile!" trick and it worked. 

Yes, she's growing up WAY too fast! Yes, she's beautiful inside and out. 

Audrey was much more compliant once she was given a candy cane.