December 2018: Christmas Eve

Okay, so the first 2 pictures are from the Sunday before Christmas. 

We are a good looking crew! 

We sang in the choir and I played the piano for a duet by two sisters and for Jon and 

Emmerson Webster to sing to and of course the girls sang with the primary. We had a lovely musical sacrament meeting. 

 I have realized that we do not have set traditions for Christmas Eve due to me working it off and on over the years. We have kept up with the tradition of new pajamas  and they were well loved this year. 

At an adult white elephant party, Peter picked a gingerbread house pan. So, this year I used that pan and baked this lovely house which Peter and the kids assembled. The kids did a great job on the details. I particularly like the addition of Santa's legs sticking out of the chimney. 

December 2018: Other happenings before Christmas

Samantha and I enjoyed the beautiful weather one day! 

 Arabella participated in the school spelling bee and she did fantastic! 

 The most amazing part was when one girl was eliminated and began to cry and went back to sit in her seat which was right by Arabella. Arabella immediately threw her arms around the girl and comforted her. Mrs. Dawes, one of her teachers, came to me after and said, " Of all of the amazing academic achievements that girl will have in her life it is her heart that will take her to great places." She described Arabella perfectly! 

 And Samantha and I colored this tree while we had to be incredibly quiet during the spelling bee. 

 We did a practice run for our holiday Korean dinner. 

It was delicious! We also learned a lot. 

 All 3 girls had a Christmas concert on the same night and Peter was out of town. So, the boys took Arabella and Lily to their concert and then walked them home. 

 I took Samantha to her concert.

Those little kiddos sounded like angels! 

 And some class party action! 

December is a busy month with many good things going on and it seems to get a bit busier when you have 5 kids to take care of but I would not trade it for anything! I feel like I am in the thick of parenting- critical moments and conversations, priceless moments and conversations and the trick is keeping those as the priority. 

December 2018: All about Jon

Jon turned 13! Officially a teenager! 

Jon brings such a light into our home. He has loves music and reading. He is learning to play the bagpipe and loves to play video games. Jon is smart and has an inquisitive mind. 

He is growing too fast and it makes my heart sad and happy at the same time- I love seeing him experience the new things that came with each age and stage of life. 

Jon, may you always find the things to laugh at in this life and may you always know the incredible impact you will make in this life on all of those around you! 

 He got a new bike, 

 famous pancakes, 

 some stylin' new clothes, 

 a taco feast for dinner, 

 and dutch oven cobbler for his cake! 

 This picture was actually taken on his last night as a 12 year old. 

 Jon sounded great with his choir for their Christmas concert. Choir has been a challenge for him this year because not everyone in the class shows the respect and attention they should. This has caused him to be annoyed at times but he has tried hard to make sure he is working hard and setting a good example for others. 

And finally, I helped Jon make his first batch of homemade bread. It was very tasty!