simple Christmas decor

Christmas around our house is just plain simple. I don't know how we have four totes full of Christmas decorations because every year when I pull it out and spread it around our home, it sure doesn't seem like we have that much. But I like it that way. My hope is that it feels reverent and calm, but also a place where I can tell that kids live here. (though I do think the noise and the toys scattered across the house are a pretty strong indication that there are kids here! and that's probably why I try to decorate the way I do)

One of my favorites this year was the advent we hung up. Just white bags with adorable teeny Christmas tree clothespins. And inside each bag was a piece of the nativity scene that I sewed together last year. (got the idea from one of my favorite blogs)

And my favorite way to enjoy our home at Christmas time is all cuddled together on the couch with the Christmas lights on and a Christmas movie playing. Just can't beat it.

life kept on happening

Even though this area of the web has been completely neglected the past few months, life has been busy and happy and full of these littles. We have adjusted to having five children. There are good days and their are bad ones. On those bad days I wonder what we were thinking, I can barely take care of myself and a home. But those good days, they sure make life worth living.

The boysies (what Rudger calls his brothers) are home for their Christmas break and we are so very happy about that. While they are off playing their adventurous games, I am going to attempt getting this place caught up. But not before I get Christmas taken care of!

11.6.2015 - for prophets and apostles

I am so grateful for these wise men. The world is changing so fast. I feel like the values I hold dear are being mocked and devalued. Lately these men, whom I believe are working under the direction of our Savior, are becoming less popular with the world and even with members of my own faith. But I know how I feel and I will stand with these men and hold on to my faith.

Last Conference Elder Bednar gave a beautiful talk on his love and respect for these older men. I loved the tenderness in his voice as he spoke of them.

"Serving with these representatives of the Lord, I have come to know their greatest desire is to discern and do the will of our Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son. As we counsel together, inspiration has been received and decisions have been made that reflect a degree of light and truth far beyond human intelligence, reasoning, and experience. As we work together in unity on perplexing problems, our collective understanding of an issue has been enlarged in marvelous ways by the power of the Holy Ghost." 

I truly believe this. 

11.5.2015 - for snow

We woke up this morning and looked out the window, we were disappointed to not see the snow that we thought might come during the night. Before the boys headed to school, Corbin looked out again and saw a few light flurries. After the boys left, I looked out again and saw huge snowflakes coming down. Rudger and I were all sorts of giddy. I only wished the boys were home with us. 

11.4.2015 - for sleep

Nothing like having a newborn to make someone appreciate sleep. The first night in our home, Sweet Adeline decided she needed to be held the entire night in order to sleep. A couple of nights later I was dealing with a massive headache, at 3:30, after being up three times already, I started to whimper because I just wanted some sleep. Justin woke right up and took her for the rest of the night. I woke up four hours later feeling like a new woman. I was so happy. 

Since then, she has gotten this sleep thing down a little better. She has even slept for a seven hour stretch...twice. I woke up crying tears of joy. 

11.3.2015 - for their fun daddy

I have said it before and I will probably say it a million more times. I am so grateful that Justin is so involved in his role as father. He loves our children so much! He lets them climb on his back or hang onto his feet so they can be dragged around, they rush to him every night when he gets home from work to see who can give the first hug, they have their silly little jokes. He is totally the fun parent!

He pushes our children to be better in all they do. I love watching him work with each individual child on their homework when I just don't have the energy to nag anymore. If our children are top of the class for math, it will be because of him and his diligence in having them really understand the concepts and not just get by to pass the class. 

I have a feeling these future fathers and providers will go far in life because of their father.

11.2.2015 - for good friends

I have been full of so much gratitude this past month for good friends. Some amazing people threw me a couple of showers for our baby girl. I was so grateful to those who took the time out of their busy schedule to come see me and to visit, even people I hadn't seen in over four years. It was so lovely. 

We also have some awesome friends that we get together with at least once a month for a treat night. (the kids really make certain this is always happening) I dearly love this people and the tradition we have started.