Mulberry Street

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.  Luke 2:7

We take regular walks around our neighborhood to see the lights.  Genevieve and Emory especially love the snowman and reindeer.  Genevieve even requested to have her picture taken with them.  Emory mostly stares and shouts "IGHTS!  IGHTS!" Ahh.  The annual Santa Claus photos.  I think this one turned out great.  Both kids are looking forward and each are expressing their enthusiasm regarding the experience.  Awesome. Genevieve singing Christmas songs with the primary at church.  Some of the older kids had bells for one of the songs and when they jingled them Genevieve was very surprised.  She inconspicuously glanced from side to side, trying to solve the mystery.  Can you find her cute halo and unsure expression? Trimming the Christmas tree was more fun this year, as everyone helped or danced or sang songs, while putting up all the holiday decor.   Eric bought new ornaments for the kids and...

For six days straight, our kids (as well as ourselves) lost a ridiculous amount of sleep. For six days straight Emory refused to eat food…unless it was French fries....or crackers…or fruit snacks. For six days straight Genevieve’s emotional high tetered, rather precariously, on the brink. When Mac picked us up from the airport and I began telling her about the fatigue and looming sickness we were all feeling she asked, “Would you do it again?” And I answered without question, “Yes.” Our trip to California and Disneyland was worth all the suffering.  Clearly, this trip was all for Genevieve. Poor Emory was just along for the ride and the only reason we were included was to chaperone and pay her way. Genevieve had a great time with her cousins, her aunts and uncles, and her grandparents. Every single one of them spoiled her and she absolutely loved it. Genevieve mostly adjusted to the time change, but Emory never did. His poor body was so out of whack that he never knew...

by Holly Hobbie Genevieve and I just read this book and I hope, hope, hope that she understood the message regarding presents and love.  My favorite line from the story - "I wish I could take this morning and put it in my pocket and keep it forever." I've really struggled with teaching my children about..well, anything lately.  This book gave me hope to keep at it.  Most days we are all frustrated about something - meals, seat belts, schedules, etc.  However, if I can teach my children that they are loved, then all the frustration will be no trouble at all.  Please help me remember this. The book also reminded me to step back and soak up the memories I make with my kids everyday.  What a blessing that I overlook too often.  My kids just keep growing, because, that's what kids do.  Rather than spend all my time thinking about the next item on my to-do list, I need to relax and enjoy the fact that Genevi...

Boy, did we make some memories.  Some of which I would rather forget (like sitting next to a clinging, screaming Genevieve on Space Mountain while trying not to throw up myself) and some I'll try to remember forever (like dashing off to one last ride on Thunder Mountain Railroad  with Eric).  We had a great trip to Los Angeles.  After we all recover from our sleep deprivation, I'll attempt to post more of the details.

There is just no other way to catch up on our daily happenings than to binge on the following recap for the month of November.  Thanks for being patient and understanding of all the randomness. Genevieve has quite the ability to make a fashion statement.  This day she sported stripes with a dash of polka dots.  Yes, to a preschooler - this is matching. With winter looming, we've tried to make it to the park as often as possible and enjoy the sunshine while it still has the ability to warm your skin. For our Stake Service Day, Eric was charged with the responsibility of organizing and executing a 5K fun run and food drive.  There were two 5K course routes and kids dashes for fiver different age groups.  It was a lot of work and all the members of the committee did a wonderful job!  Neither of us actually ran since we were too busy with the race itself.  I volunteered as a photographer on the course while Eric ...

  These are the debut shots from my new Canon 7D.  When I put the 50mm lens on it, I felt like I had superhuman power - it is awesome!