11.13.2014 - for music

I have found the older I get, the pickier I am with the music that I allow in our home. I know I am getting old, because I absolutely cannot stand listening to most pop music anymore. I find the songs incredibly obnoxious and the lyrics are awful. I will proudly admit that I have been listening to the local classical station on the radio. The boys are taking piano lessons right now, and I would be lying if I didn't say that I hope they learn to play beautiful classical music. (they are hoping to play Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter music. I'll take it)

I think one of the reasons I love listening to Christmas music so early in the season is because the music is just plain good and happy. We have been listening to the traditional Christmas station on Pandora and we have a few favorite cds in our car that we love. One of the songs that I have on repeat is this version of Angels We Have Heard on High. Love it! Plus about a million other Christmas songs. 

I feel music has such great power. My hope is to have that power be good in our home.

(this is not meant to offend anyone who loves different types of music. I know there is still lots of good with all types of music. except country...that's just gone way down hill :) )

11.12.2014 - for our carpool

^^ crazy hair day ^^

This year our neighborhood got the bus taken away. I have not missed it one bit. Three of us moms decided to start a carpool. We each take one week to drive the kids and then get two weeks off. I. love. it. It's nice to not have to drive to the school every day, but then I LOVE the week that I do get to drive. It's a blast listening to their fun stories. Plus getting to be a fly on the wall and hear things I otherwise wouldn't hear, is pretty awesome.

We also started a fun, little tradition. Friday is early out, and we are all super excited that we made it through another school week. So when we pick up at the end of the school day, we bring a treat of some sort to enjoy. Great way to kick off the weekend in my opinion! 

11.11.2014 - for school teachers

School teachers really are amazing. I remember wanting to be a teacher when I was younger, I realize now that I'm not so sure I could handle it. Which makes me appreciate these teachers even more. 

I am feeling particularly grateful for Corbin's teacher this year. She truly loves her children and wants the best for them. I love that she not only focuses on educating them, but on encouraging them to live good lives.  

We had Parent Teacher Conferences today and with tears in her eyes she thanked Corbin for choosing to be so respectful and kind to not only her, but to all the students in the class. My mommy heart was so happy.

And I just love the motto she has. "Make it a great day!" 

11.10.2014 - for hide and go seek with levi

Levi is usually quite an independent child. Which I love. But sometimes cuddling is not his favorite. 

Our activity for Family Home Evening this night was hide and go seek. My most favorite part was Levi wanting to hide with me every round. One of our hiding places was on the top bunk under the covers. We were giggling so much it was no wonder we were the first ones to be found. I am so grateful for this moment with this boy.

11.9.2014 - for mandi-jon and family

Sunday evening Mandi-jon and the kids came over for dinner and a game. We were all just a liiittle excited to have them over. I feel so so so grateful that I get to live close to my sister. She's pretty much the best. 

11.8.2014 - for no work saturday

On Saturdays I love to get projects done and clean bedrooms and whatever else needs to be done. I guess that I was becoming no fun, because the boys and Justin begged not to have a working Saturday, but an actual playing Saturday. So that's what we did. 

We were lazy, we went to the park and played, we watched a movie and that was pretty much it. And I have to admit, it wasn't so bad.

11.7.2014 - for the pictures on our fridge

The other day the boys brought home their samples for school pictures. I never buy the pictures because seriously, I already take a million pictures of the boys. But these just made me so happy.  

Also, a couple of months ago Rudger's nursery leaders gave him this picture. They said he was the only kid to smile this big. 

Everyday, while working in the kitchen, I just feel so happy seeing these pictures on the refrigerator.