Failed Christmas

    This year, Christmas was hard. Working full time, buying gifts, decorating, wrapping, teaching about Christ on top of everything else...it was no joke. It was hard and stressful and I feel like I dropped the ball more than once. I intended to teach my children a new name of Christ everyday, but really, only did 17-20. I wanted to fnish Christmas shopping early so I could spend the bulk of my season with my kids, but I was out almost every day until Christmas Eve. I thought I could keep the magic alive, even though no body believes in Santa anymore, but I couldn't get myself to do one more night of hiding Christopher, the elf.  We didn't do one act of service this year. We didn't spend our Christmas Jar money. I failed at reminding my kids that Christ is at the center of Christmas and our lives. While I didn't do great this year, I hope to be a daily example of following our Savior. I hope that my kids know how I feel by my actions. 

    We did get to spend time with both of our extended families, which was marvelous. I barely took any pictures, but we had a great time. We played Christmas games, ate good food, and shared gifts. I love living close to family. Not only is it important for our kids, but its important for Scott and me too. 

    Christmas moring was so good. Our kids were grateful and kind and excited for their gifts. My favorite memory was Tayden working his new flyrod shirtless in the backyard because the weather was so bizzarly nice. 

     I'm thankful for this Christmas season and grateful that I get another chance to make next year better. I'm grateful for the birth of our Savior. This year, I leaned on his name, Immanual. It means "God With Us". I know this year was hard, but he was with me. Not looking on from a distance, but with me. Walking with me, cheering me on, and understanding my downfalls. His birth means the world to me. 

Crappy Christmas

 Scott decided to get creative for his annual work white elephant gift exchange and went above and beyond to wrap a gift card. He was pretty please with his handy work!

Football Banquet

 The older boys had the varsity football banquet. It was so fun to celebrate them together on the same team. I can't wait for next season! 

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving was great this year. We spent Thanksgiving with the Mennear family. It was especially great because we had Gracie with us.  We ate a wonderful dinner, even though we forgot the mashed potatoes, (that may or not have been my fault?). 

After dinner the girls painted nutcrackers. It was so much fun and a great way to spend the afternoon with my family. 

A few days later we ate with Scotts family in Dave and Cheryls new house. It was beauitful and wonderful to spend time together. 

I love Thanksgiving. This year was no different. It was great to spend time with family and take a break from work. I am so grateful for the life Scott and I have built!

 

State Football

Hillcrest made it to State Football for the third year in a row. Beckett was called up for playoffs and Tayden's collar bone finally healed. We knew the likely hood of either of them playing were very low, but I was excited to see them on the field together. 

The game didn't go as planned and they lost to a private school, but they still enjoyed being on the BSU smurf turf. They didn't get to play, but they had a good time and can't wait for next year. I'm bummed to see football come to an end, but I'm also excited to move on to the next adventure. 

 

Caches First Elk

 Cheryl was the only one to draw an elk tag this year and she was kind enough to give it to Cache. They went out the first day and came home with a cow. It was a fun, easy hunt and Cache was beyond thrilled. It was cool he got the elk, but he loved the one on one time with Scott and his Grandpa, which is what hunting is really about. 

Early Morning Baptisms

Watching these brothers head to Baptisms for the Dead at 6:30am might have been my favorite part of the year. So proud of them!