January and February 2014

January and February have been restfully uneventful. I have enjoyed the routines. I spent much of January organizing my thoughts, my home, and my goals. I have continued to work on establishing good habits for myself and my family. I have gotten back into the habit of getting up at 5 AM to get my personal time (gospel study, exercise, shower,etc.) before the kids wake up. The quality of my diet has improved, and I am getting lots of water and vegetables! My time is mostly used effectively, and my home is organized/clean most of the time. I will never be perfect, but I will be grateful for the progress I make toward being my best self. I am also learning how to better minister to others. I have learned that it begins with praying for others, listening/visiting with others, and then thinking about what I can do for them. Sometimes I feel very limited, but caring is hopefully something! My goal is to somehow always respond to others as Christ would. This can be hard to remember in the day to day living, but that is why we have to constantly make Him our focus, and pray for charity, trying to let go of our pride. I know he wants to help us and so it is just a matter of being tuned in to His direction.

January and February have seen us continue in our progression in the various areas of our lives. The kids continue to excel in school and are learning time management, priorities, and that they can overcome challenges. They enjoy opportunities to share the gospel and having the missionaries over for dinner. What a blessing that is in our lives! These Elders and Sisters are real, living, heros! They are positive, kind, spiritual, encouraging, beautiful/handsome, and focused! What more could you want than to bring them into your home to teach your family? They inspire our family to be better every time. With 3 sets in our ward, we regularly get to have them over. What a blessing!


We haven't had too many noteworthy activities. I will just share a few highlights. In January I finally had to give Christian his first hair cut. I didn't want to say goodbye to his sweet little blonde duck tail, but I didn't want him to have mullet hair either. So, here are the before and afters.

As you can see, he likes to talk on the phone and watch trucks working outside. He also really enjoys reading with me. His favorite books include nursery rhymes books, animal books, counting books, and a puzzle book. He can roar like a lion and make a pig sound. He also plays peek-a-boo, and gives kisses. He says "uh-oh", "Mah" (more), and "yeah". He loves push toys (his new lawnmower, his vacuum and mine, strollers, and rolling musical toy), and plays with balls, and in his pretend kitchen. He also loves to climb.


In February I helped plan and organize our ward social. My aim was to help the members get to know each other better, and encourage unity. The theme was "Be Mine", "If ye are not one, ye are not mine." We played fun get to know you games, had cookie decorating, pictures of loved ones, and a spot for the kids to make Valentines. I think the activity was a success, I just wished the turn out could have been better. There has been a lot of sickness going around, not to mention the COLD!

Finally, we had a very nice Valentine's day. A few days before we were delighted by a care package from Annie. Annie is so good at the "Gifts" love language! We loved it!

The kids enjoyed decorating their Valentine boxes. Each one designed their own. Sterling's is a character from Minecraft.

And finally, I slaved over a fancy family dinner. :) Notice the heart shaped calzones. I also made vegan chocolate cake with strawberries.

We enjoyed having Sister Whittaker one last time before she finished her mission. She is so wonderful! We felt a special kinship with her, and I personally felt a lot of support and love from her. I am so grateful to her and all the other sisters who help in our area!

I have also included the Valentines that the kids made for everyone. Happy Valentine's Day!