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!

SWEET!

What could be sweeter than a husband who offered to stay home with Caleb
so I could go to the BYU vs UTAH football game
with some very special ladies?

Could it be the uniforms the team wore to honor the 1984 BYU national champions?

Could it be that the game went into over-time?

Could it be the crowd rushing the field

after BYU WON?

Almost...but not quite!

Thank you Dallan, for giving us such a sweet day to be together
and for making it possible for us to see such a SWEET victory!

lap

This Thanksgiving, Mitchell was especially thankful for Daddy's lap.

Thankful

For the past several weeks I've wanted to write about
the many blessings I'm thankful for.
But in thinking about my blessings,
I have been overwhelmed.
I haven't known where to begin,
and I won't know how to stop.

I haven't been able to pull the words out of my heart
because I know that I have been blessed
far beyond measure
and more than I can ever hope to deserve.
I am humbled
I am tender
I am thankful

Authentic

My sweet friend Lisa tagged me as a True Authentic Mom. I'm supposed to share 5 things that make me authentic...

* My heart is wrapped so tightly around my children that I can hardly breath. (My pants are wrapped pretty tightly too since my babies left me a little jiggle in the middle)


* I need story and snuggle time as much as my children do!

* I put fruit snacks in my purse before I grab my keys.

* I think whoever invented sippy cups, disposable diapers, and Clorox wipes deserves a BIG HUG!


* I know that my biggest masterpiece will be the legacy of love I create in my family


My children remind me every day that magic is real, that love is eternal, and that I believe in miracles.

Thank you for the sweet compliment, Lisa!
I tag all of my mommy sisters and friends who'd like to share!

Count your blessings...instead of sheep

Happiness for sale

Today Josh told me, "I'm selling Happiness for 10 cents!"
Then, as he ran downstairs he hollered...
"Now the question is, whose happiness is it?"

The spirit of Thanksgiving

Watch

My favorite quote from Josh today: "Having a watch is like having a best friend."

Beauty is...

This year the theme for the school reflections contest was "Beauty Is..." Josh submitted a poem that he wrote and he won! He was just tickled, and we were so proud!

Camping

Camping, the mysterious, chirping, howling, wild outdoors.

The heat rising from the fire,

roasted marshmallows soon begin to be made into
delicious chocolaty s’mores.

Nighttime, the stars and moon begin to rise.

The sound of crickets fills the air.

Everyone in their tents.

Telling scary and silly stories.

Squeezing into sleeping bags.

ZIP!

Camping, the greatest adventure ever.

Congratulations Josh!

Fun Run Pictures!