In His Name Two

This year, we tied blankets for the Ronald McDonald House for our family service project. We documented the process and made it into a book to give to my parents for Christmas. Making blankets was really great. The boys each picked the fabric for their blankets and tied them before we delivered them. I love giving them the opportunity to serve and they felt the difference they were making. As we left Kyle said, "I'm not leaving empty-handed. I'm leaving knowing that we made a difference." 

Drifting Gone Wrong

A few weeks ago, Tayden and his friend decided to go drifting in a church parking lot. It didn't work out so well for him as he lost control, jumped a curb and hit a fence. He called us, panicking, and we went up to the church to assess the damage. His wheels were facing each other and it was clear there was some major issues. Scott laid into him pretty heavy and we were grateful that our good friend, Justin Frandsen (Dad of Taydens friend, Luke) was there and helped calm things down. We left the car for the night and went home. 

At home, we had a good talk and lots of regret and tears. Tayden and I had a chance to discuss what was really important and that was that he was safe. It could have been so much worse, but it wasn't. We prayed together that night and he said a beautiful prayer. He prayed in gratitude for his safety, he prayed for forgiveness and strength to fix the problem. It was a moment I'll never forget. 

He was pretty upset, so I laid in bed with him while he fell asleep. As I laid next to my oldest son, I was overwhelmed with emotion. I felt so much love for my little boy that was growing up and facing hard things. I felt gratitude that he was safe. I felt hope and pride for the person he is becoming. It was a hard parenting moment, but so rewarding too. 

This has actually shaped up to be a great learning lesson. Tayden is fixing his mistake. He has a job lined up to pay for the damage and repairs. He and Scott worked together to fix the fence at the church and are working to fix the car. Scott found the same car in Pocatello that was being sold for parts and we are using it to fix Taydens car. Tayden and Scott have spent a lot of the time in the garage together and its been educational and bonding. Even though this has been hard, its been good. I'm proud of him for taking responsibility and learning from his mistakes. 

 

Christmas 2025

Christmas was great this year! I only took a handful of pictures, but we had a blast nonetheless. 

We spent Christmas Eve at the Mennears. We played games, ate good food, and opened gifts. It was a really great way to spend the day before Christmas. 

Christmas morning was kicked off with our candle wreath and prayer. We really want to instill in our kids that Christmas is fun, but it is about Christ and he must remain the center. We had a slow morning, starting at 8:00, and opened gifts one at a time. It was fun watching the joy on our boys' faces when they opened the gifts they were hoping for. 

We went to Packards for Christmas afternoon. Again, we ate good food, played games, and opened gifts. It was a great time. 

Christmas was different this year. None of our kids believe in Santa anymore, and I didn't anticipate what that would do to the Christmas magic. I didn't plan anything extra through the month to replace Santa, and we felt a difference in our home. Next year, I am going to do some extra stuff, like a service advent. Our Christmas experience is going through a shift and I wasn't ready for it this year, but I will be next year.

I love Christmas and celebrating the ultimate gift, Jesus Christ. His birth is nothing short of miraculous and I thank our Heavenly Father for sending his Son. The older I get, the more I understand just how blessed we are to have a Savior.