Ashlynn's V-Day Card

Ashlynn made this adorable Valentine's day card for me and Eric. Mostly I just love how she drew Easton horizontal instead of vertical. Hahaha. That how he rolls (literally)!

Sledding Adventure

Eric texted me one Wednesday a week or so ago and asked if we should try and take the kids sledding when he got home from work that day. I was all excited at first and thought it was a great idea. Then I started remembering all the news reports on sledding/snowboarding/skiing accidents and started having some reservations about it. Eric had his sister call me and talk me into it though. She had a nice little hill by her house which wasn't too steep and had very few trees or other obstacles to run into. Eric got home early and we bundled up the kids and headed out. Let me tell you that it was SO MUCH FUN!!! We probably hadn't been sledding for 2-3 years and I wondered why we don't go more often. I thought Easton would love it because he is kind of a daredevil, but he HATED it! Carter on the other hand LOVED it. He would get on the tube, ask for a push from dad, and stick his hands in the air, giggling and laughing the whole way down. Ash and Tade had a great time too. So glad we went on this fun winter adventure.

 

These are before pictures. I didn't take any during or after.

 

Blasts From The Past

 

I got my external hard drive to work so I found all my pictures from the past. Oh I am so happy! Just had to post these of each of the kids at about the same ages. I think they all look so different.

Out With The Old And In With The New

It is always bittersweet to switch out running shoes. (I am writing this like I'm a real runner when in reality I still consider myself a "fake" runner.:)) I go through a lot with my running shoes. Lots of miles. A few races. A few pounds off. Running has become something really special for me. It is the time when I get to get away, visit with friends, or just think about life and things I need/want to change. This last set of shoes is even a little more special because the half marathon I ran in them was a big emotional thing for me. I set a goal and was able to accomplish it even when I didn't think I could. Unfortunately, shoes wear out though. So I will make new memories in the new ones and fondly remember the old ones. (I wrote this over a month ago and haven't posted it  because I couldn't get pictures to upload. Now that I have, I am realizing that I haven't gotten very many miles in since I wrote it, but I hope to get back to my old glory days. :))

Stinkin' Blogger

So the picture link is broken on blogger and has been for over a week if you use internet explorer. I haven't posted cause I keep thinking that they will get it fixed, but they are NOT! I am trying to be a better blogger and have not forgotten my resolution! :)

We Sing This EVERY Family Night

So Eric is very good at calling family night to order, but then he passes on the responsibility of conducting the meeting to whomsoever week it is to be in charge. Ash and Tade have gotten to be pretty good at it. I love seeing their confidence grow as they take some leadership responsibility. When Tade is up there I often picture him 10 years older as a missionary conducting a meeting or 20 years older teaching an Elders Quorum lesson or even leading a business meeting. I love thinking that we are actually (maybe, possibly) teaching them some valuable life skills. Anyway, back to my original reason for the post....EVERY WEEK without fail we ask whomever is up there, "What is the opening song?" And EVERY WEEK without fail we hear, "Do As I'm Doing. Spinning around. No hitting each other." The older three kids love it and Easton loves to watch. This week I stood up and spun with Easton and he had such a blast we repeated the song another time and then also sang it for the closing hymn so that Eric could record it. We are not much to listen to but we do know how to rock a FHE song! :)

*Notice the "no hitting each other" rule is not followed very closely.*

Gifts Of Service

We had many gifts of service given to us this Christmas season. Secret Elves came every night for 12 days and left a fun treat or gift and poem. Another family donated special chairs for Easton and gave the kids presents on top of that. I loved seeing the pure JOY that came into our home from these special people who were so willing to share. What a great example they were to our family. My kids were more willing to serve one another and help me and Eric. I hope that we can continue to have that JOY in our home and share those gifts of service with others. Thank you is not enough!