Christmas Cookies

When I was at AGW (all-girls weekend) with my sister-in-laws a few weeks ago I learned the art of flood royal frosting and taught the kids and Uncle Luke today. I think they turned out so cute-especially being everyone's first time. I think Santa will be happy.

Luke is a true artist - it was so fun for each of us to be creative.

One of my cookies

Nate loved trying out new techniques!

Check out how cute this Christmas tree is that Alysee decorated!

Uncle Luke adding his final touches

The masterpieces!

Bballing with the Panthers

Nate just finished up his season of basketball on the Junior High 7th grade team.  It was a tough season but I saw lots of improvement from the whole team.

Nate really has some great ball handling skills.

This Dude is FAST!

Nate made some great shots throughout the season -- it is so hard to catch on camera!

Nate received the "Coaches Award" at the end of the season Awards Party- which I would say is the highest honor!

Happily...even after

I've been thinking a lot today about love...today is Brooke and Mark's wedding anniversary. I guess it is kind of a bittersweet day -- reminding me of Mark's death but even more, having me reflect on true love and companionship. Don't we all just want to feel loved and want to love someone? Man/woman are not made to be alone.

I rejoice today in love and second opportunities of getting a double-dip. Brooke, just knowing you are snuggled up at night with a wonderful man who loves and honors you makes me smile. Corey, thank you for being YOU and for being Mark's high school friend. I thank the Lord for opportunities in being HAPPILY...EVEN AFTER.

Mark and Brooke

Corey and Brooke - November 2016

A Christmas Tradition

To some our tree may look cluttered...to me it is perfect. I grew up getting a new ornament every year from my parents and often my grandma. When I got married my mom passed on my ornaments to me. Birch and I have purchased an ornament on many of our trips. We continue on the tradition of giving our kids an ornament each year. 

Some years they do not have any specific meaning and others they are picked out more meaningfully. This year I was able to find the perfect ornament for each child.  Merry Christmas to all!

 Chloe (a little girl in her baptism outfit)

Coop (a nutcracker playing soccer)

Nate (a french horn)

Alysee (the YW medallion representing her earning her medallion this year)

Tyler (a nutcracker playing tennis)

Alex (a globe with a heart on Romania)

The masterpiece

Snow Brothers

The first snow of the year came with so much excitement for all the kids.  Me, on the other hand, was putting my brave face on as I do not enjoy much of what the snow brings...a messy mud room, wet floors, icy roads, and always...boots that don't fit this year because feet have grown too much over the past year.

School was delayed by two hours but the boys were all up by 5:40 am ready to go sledding.  Coop and Nate are true snow brothers as they make jumps and dares until it is so dark outside they finally stumble in the house.

Nate mumbled out of his mouth the other day, "You are no fun.  You never come outside in the snow."  I'm pretty good at making a cup of hot cocoa, though.

Coop clearing Nate after a jump!

Coop giving Nate a big thumbs up after a sweet jump!

All I want for Christmas...

All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth...and gymnastic lessons, dolls clothes (specifically American Girls doll clothes that are handmade to fit like American Girl doll clothes - modern hipster jeggings, boatneck top, handknit snood, and ballet flats), a dog, a balance beam, roll audi spyder sportscar ero 6V, and a gymnastics bar.

Chloe - 8 year's old

Give A Little

With a little bit of encouragement from the parentals, Alysee just completed an amazing gift of love to our homeless teen community in Yakima.  She purchased 40 stockings (20 boys/20 girl) from The Dollar Store and then through social media and seminary solicited others to help fill the stockings with donations.  The past two weeks we've had a box on our front porch and it has been a delight to see what is dropped off anonymously each day.

On Saturday Alysee invited three friends over to help sort and fill all the stockings.  With a couple of generous cash donations she was able to put a hat, gloves, and socks in each stocking along with a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, candy, granola bards, nail polish, shampoo, etc...  There were even three boxes of "extra" items that she will be able to drop off.  All of the donations (including the stockings) will go to Rod's House which is a day-time shelter for homeless teens.  

I am grateful for the community support that was shown to Alysee!  Alysee needed a little reminding of how blessed she is and I hope this will have a lasting impact on her.  I know my heart was touched!