Happy birthday Mitchell!

My Mitchell turned 3 years old on Saturday! He was put in a stocking after he was born, and he came home just in time for Christmas! He was born with Christmas spirit and has been a JOY to all of us. We love you Mitchie!

The Christmas Spirit

Christmas cookies

Christmas cookies and holiday hearts

That's the way the holiday starts

Goody goody

YUM YUM YUM

(remember that song from Elementary school?)

Matthew and the Brazilian Emerald

My mom started a special birthday tradition this year. For each grandchild's birthday, she writes them their very own story! She knew Matthew had been asking to hunt for emeralds in Brazil, so she wrote him a story with treasures in mind. On his birthday she gathered us all together so she could read it out loud. Please read his story here before you continue on the adventure!

After she finished reading Matthew's story, there was a knock at the door! It was a professor of rocks! He heard there might be treasure in our backyard!

He took Matthew outside

And they used binoculars and a treasure rod to scout out the area.

When they found the right spot, the treasure rod started wiggling!

So Matthew knew it was time to start digging!

He kept digging

Until his shovel hit something!

It was a container with something hidden inside...

A Treasure Chest

full of Emeralds!

Right in our own backyard
Thank you for the magic Mom and Dad. We treasure you!

So you have room...

The Polar Express

Today we had a Christmas adventure on the Polar Express! We met at KBER radio station where each of my boys was given a golden ticket! Then we boarded chartered buses with other make a wish families, and we were on our way! (Caleb stayed cozy at home with Dad because he hasn't been feeling well, but we took him in our hearts.)

Mitchell thought the bus ride was the adventure! He loved it!

The buses drove us through the snow covered canyon to McDonalds in Heber! They provided all of us with a yummy lunch!

The boys were tickled when they were welcomed by Ronald himself!

From there the buses drove us us through Heber City,

Until we arrived at the POLAR EXPRESS!

All Aboard!

We listened to the Polar Express Story, and we were given bells from Santa's sleigh!

We traveled through the snowy canyon all the way to the North Pole!

When the train stopped, we were met again by our busses, and they took us to our final destination.... SANTA! When we arrived at the lodge, Mitchell looked at me with wide eyes and said, "Is this the North Pole? WE MADE IT! HOORAY!"
We were met with hot chocholate and Christmas cookies, then each child had the chance to meet Santa and recieve a special gift!

Thank you Make a Wish, KBER, McDonalds and countless others who created this magical day for our family!
We BELIEVE!

It's great to be 8

For the past 364 days, Matthew has been waiting to turn 8. He was so excited because got to get baptized on his birthday! Matthew made some very special assignments for his program. He asked Uncle John to speak about "Baptism" and his big brother Josh to speak about "The Holy Ghost." He also asked all of the boys to sing called to serve with Nana and Papa singing the second verse since they recently returned from their mission in Maryland. It was a wonderful program, and Matthew looked like an angel.
(My camera is on the fritz, thank you for indulging my fuzzy pictures)

The Birthday Boy

Our amazing Baadsgaard Family

Our wonderful Moody Family

Grandma and Grandpa Baadsgaard

Nana and Papa Moody

My Matthew. I'm so proud of you!

Josh's talk "The Holy Ghost"
After Jesus was resurrected, he stayed with his apostles for 40 days. He taught them many things about the church. When it was time for Him to return to Heavenly Father, the apostles were sad. Jesus said that the Holy Ghost would comfort them and help them.

There are many ways the Holy Ghost helps us:

1. He warns us of danger or evil
2. He strengthens our testimonies
3. He helps us to know and choose the right
4. He helps us to understand things
5. He helps us to recognize the truth
6. He guides us in making decisions
7. He teaches us
8. He inspires us
9. He comforts us
10. He helps us remember things

When we want to have the guidance of the Holy Ghost, we need to choose the right. In the doctrine and Covenants, Oliver Cowdery learned how to receive guidance. He wanted to translate the plates like Joseph Smith. The Lord taught him that you have to study out your questions in your mind, and then ask for help. This teaches me that I should keep the commandments, and do all that I can do so that the Holy Ghost can help me.

I am thankful for the Holy Ghost and the ways that he helps me.
He has helped me to feel less nervous on the first day of school.
He has helped me to feel comforted when Caleb is in the hospital.
He has helped my testimony to grow when I hear things that are true.

I’m grateful that Matthew will be able to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost today. That gift is the best birthday present of all!

In the name of Jesus Christ Amen

JOY

Visit this link for a joyful message today!
Joy to Everyone

You scream, I scream

Are you in the mood to Ooooh and ahhhh?

Are you ready for some serious dessert?

Are you ready to put a smile on your face

with one bite of amazing frozen yogurt?

Just try to resist my lovely concoction!

The toppings were amazing

and the company was delicious!

Thanks for a scrumptious night out!