My Matthew

My Matthew turned nine this past week.

Nine

My little boy who was born on a snowy winter day

is nine

Matthew is one special kid.

He has a gentle heart and a passionate spirit.

He shares a heavenly bond with his little brother Caleb.

I think it was forged long before they came to earth.

Matthew has a zest for life and a twinkle in his eye.

He's a savvy fellow and is always cooking up plans to earn money and have adventures

His loves this year:

goose bump books

Legos

beanie babies

frozen lemonade at BYU games

Our make a wish play ground

the "sand pit" that was in the empty lot next to us

Things I'm especially proud of:

He's had a personal goal to read his scriptures every single night and rarely misses

He takes a special interest in his little brothers

He is an excellent student 

He earned his BEAR in cub scouts!

He's playing basketball for the first time ever.

I love that we have a special hand shake when I drop him off for school, and I'm so glad that he still wants me to give him a "tuck" at night.

He is my very first gift of Winter... 

You have my heart forever Matty.

To read his birthday story written by my mom, visit her blog here.

Creating Christmas

My favorite Christmas decorations are the ones being created by my little boys... 

Oh I just LOVE this season!

Happy creating!

To eternity and beyond

Where is heaven?

Is it very far?

When you're with the ones you love

It's right where you are!

Bradley Joel was sealed to his wonderful parents last weekend!

He belongs to a forever family!

We love you Joel...

to eternity, and beyond!!

True Gifts

We all enjoy giving and receiving presents.  But there is a difference between presents and gifts.  The true gifts may be part of ourselves-giving of the riches of heart and mind- and therefore more enduring and of far greater worth than presents bought at the store."
James E Faust

Decked!

We're counting down the days...

And we're decking the halls!

Our Stockings are hung

and our tree is trimmed!

We've Sprinkled Christmas Magic throughout the house

But I hope we'll remember the real miracle of Christmas...

That love was born on Christmas morn.

A full week, A full heart

The past few days have been full!

My sister Aubrey blessed her new baby at our home on Wednesday.   Aubrey and I grew up together and it was so sweet for me to spend the afternoon with her as we prepared for this special event.   We had a houseful of people to celebrate his arrival with lots of brownies, ice cream and hot fudge to boot! 

On Thursday I hosted Thanksgiving dinner at our home.  It's the first time I've done every bit of  cooking, and I  loved filling my table with yummy food and people I love!

Disclaimer:  I made Dallan handle the turkey preparations.  I promise I'm a strong stomached gal, but there's something about handling a turkey that looks so much like a.. well, turkey, that is gaggy to me.  Dallan in all his man-ly-ness  pulled on some of Caleb's medical gloves (laugh) then took out the neck and the giblets (gag) and then saved me when the bloody ice water started pouring out onto my socks.  Josh was watching our antics and said "Well, I think I'll go throw up now."   Once we had it on the pan, though, I was just fine to butter it , season it, and wrap it in a turkey bag.  The end result was YUM!  The dinner was delicious and the company was just as wonderful! 

On Friday my little sister Ashley was married.  She and her husband Hyrum are such a sparkly couple.  I lived next door to Hyrum for 10 years, and I knew he was special when I first met him at age 11!  I introduced the two of them in the Spring, and they hit it off right away! (Yes, I would have been a much better village match maker than a village turkey plucker.)  Their sealing was beautiful and their reception was golden- just like they are!  I love you Smash.

On Saturday, my new nephew Bradley Joel was baptized!  He looked heavenly dressed in his white clothes.  He was so well prepared and excited.  Matthew gave a talk about the Holy Ghost, and I got to play the piano.  The luncheon that followed was amazing!  My sister in law Martha is a great cook.  She and her family make the BEST Mexican food.  I'm still drooling when I think of that guacamole.

Today we put up all of our Thanksgiving decorations and put up our Christmas tree.  My heart is so full as I've reflected on the special times I've shared with my family over the past few days.  I am so thankful to have been a part of events with such eternal significance, and I am looking forward to this Christmas season to continue the celebration!

Together we can Uplift

Josh, Matthew and my little sister Alisa recently entered the reflections contest. Josh won with a poem he wrote, and Alisa won for with her artwork and music! Matthew wrote a beautiful entry about his little brother, Caleb that I have already shared. I'm so proud of each one of them!!

Together we can

Uplift

People all around the world

are wishing for a friend.

You can be that hero

the guiding light

the hand.

You can be that friend

To help their wish come true,

what once was far away

is close,

and all because of you.

People everyday are lost

and you can be that guide

to help them on a rocky path

to help their wings

take flight.

When someone is blown over,

and needs a helping hand

reach out your arm

give them a lift,

and help them up to stand.

We all matter to each other

be that glow that we all need.

Shine brightly as you try to help

and do a kindly a deed.

(by Josh Moody)

Our first big snow storm!

 At least we got enough to make some decent snow balls!!

Work of Art

Josh recently came home from school and got to work on this beauty.

He titled it "Everyone's destiny."

Prodigy

The Miracle of Adoption

I recently had the chance to attend something really special.

 My brother and his sweet wife were able to adopt their foster son.

 This little boy who hardly had a chance,

 Is now a part of a great big family who love him for eternity.

 I know that Heavenly Father has His hand in our families.

He knew who Joel needed.

He knew we needed Joel.

 

My sweet new nephew asked me why I was crying.

I told him,

  sometimes when my heart is full of love for someone,  

my eyes get full of tears.

He gave me a great big hug.

I love you Bradley Joel.

 Joseph and  Martha, you amaze me.  Thanks for having the courage to open your home to special children, and for sharing them with us.