Christmas Time is Here!!

On Friday, Adam and Tessa both woke up sick and missed their first day of school. They were not happy campers! We had a very lazy day and by the evening, we were all going a little crazy. We had been planning on attending the Lighting at the Riverwoods that evening, but when everyone woke up sick, I figured we wouldn't make it this year. 

However, we decided to go and get out of the house for a bit. We had so much fun seeing Santa arrive and seeing all the millions of Christmas lights turn on all at once. Gwen loved it! It was nice to get out as a family and enjoy the beginning of the holiday season!

Bath Time and Dress Up

Caleb hates baths! Hates, hates, hates them and screams bloody murder during the whole thing.

 Every time.

 He cheers up quickly once he is dry and warm again. 

And he looks darling in a bathrobe.

 He is his big sisters favorite toy. When he gets strapped into his bouncer, I guess he is fair game. They love to fancy him up. Lucky for them, he is a good sport about it. 

For now.

Mommy's Day Away

2 weeks ago, I got to escape for the day and attend the Pinner's Conference. It was SO fun! I spent the entire day in classes and had my creative juices rejuvenated. I took Caleb with me, but he was perfect the entire day. 

 Seriously, this baby is perfect! 

 I had so much fun taking classes from people who I have admired from afar for years. I met Becky Higgins and took her Project Life class which left me in tears. I am so thankful for her product and the ability it gives me to actually document our memories. It was fun to chat with her and thank her. She was glad to hear that Project Life is being used and loved constantly in our home. 

 Another awesome lady I had the privilege of meeting was, Alicia Richmond. I have been watching her on TV for years and it was fun to get some free fashion advice from her. Now I need some free time (and money) to go shopping. She even told me I had a tiny waste. She's my new favorite person. 

It was so fun to attend the Conference and I am already planning my weekend for next year. It was uplifting and inspiring for me and I left feeling excited about new projects and satisfied with myself, knowing that the woman, wife and mother I am, is enough. 

3 Months Old

Thanksgiving Countdown

 It's that time again! We love our holiday countdowns. They are getting harder to do as the older kids are growing up because they are so busy with school and other things, but I am determined to keep the tradition alive as long as I can!

Our Thanksgiving Countdown started last Thursday. So far, the  kids have made turkey masks, paper bag tepee's turkey handprints, they wrote notes to their teachers and gave their teachers some cookies, we had a special FHE on The Turkey with the Terrible Temper, and they colored turkey's by number. Their little projects have all turned out really cute and we are having fun getting ready for Thanksgiving. Adam and Tessa have been so good about writing in our family Thankful Journal. I love opening it to see what they have written. And our Tom the Turkey is getting more and more feathers each week. We'll do his big reveal for the year next week. 

 Showing off their tepee's and handprints

Adam made a little Native American man at school

The notes they wrote to their teachers

Caleb's Blessing Day

On Sunday we were able to bless Caleb. We were so thankful to have shared this special day with our wonderful family. Eric gave Caleb a beautiful blessing and other than being really tired after being passed around all afternoon and peeing on mommy 5 minutes before we had to leave for church, Caleb was perfect. 

It was a wonderful day and we are so thankful we were able to celebrate our sweet Caleb. I know he is destined for some amazing things. I feel such a responsibility to teach my kids the gospel and instill in them a desire to do what is right and develop a special bond with their Heavenly Father. I feel such power in each of my kids. I know the Lord has special things for them to do and Caleb is no exception. As I hold him and rock him, I can't help but feel that he was sent to earth at this time for something very important. I hope that as his parents, we are able to prepare him for whatever that may be. I am so grateful to have been blessed with these amazing kids. Our family would not be the same without them and Caleb, although he is only 14 weeks old, has had such an impact our lives. We love him so much and are so thankful to have him!

Caleb and his Great Grandma Nielson

 Caleb with Mamma and Bampa

 Caleb with Ma and Pa