Baptism and Trains

Mr. P has been counting the days to his baptism this afternoon. He was so excited and it was exciting to watch him! :)

The Family

The Flynn Family

After Mr. P's baptism, Sara invited us, our cousin Meredith and her family to dinner. We went to our home to change. While we were there, Brad and Meredith gave us this amazing graham cracker train with a house. It was amazing seeing to detail they put into making it. Last year Brad made a version of the Salt Lake Temple which was great! :)

Christmas and Snow

We had a wonderful Christmas with everyone. It was fun watching the kids playing Santa as they gave each person a gift! :) They loved being responsible for making sure each person received a gift.

My family's tradition growing up was seeing what Santa brought, eating cinnamon rolls then opening the remaining gifts. We decided to continue with the family tradition. The kids had a hard time waiting, but they did a great job. :)

After the presents were unwrapped, Sara took the kids outside to play in the snow. They built an awesome fort! Freezing rain started to fall and the kids came inside, but Sara stayed outside to finish. I think she loved playing in the snow more than the kids.

Playing in the Snow

Jen and Garry invited us over to go sledding. Ms A was so excited to play with Mr A in the snow. It was wonderful to get out of the house and visit friends. Thank heavens they live within walking distance! :)

Snow Measurements

Here are a few pictures from our deck.

We have 12 inches on the bench and 11 inches on the deck.
We have been enjoying the snow, especially Ms. A and Aunt Sara. First thing every morning
Ms. A asks if she can get dressed so she can go outside.
Waiting for everyone to eat and dress is torture for her. :)

Chocolates and Snow

As a child we used to make chocolates at Christmas time. When I found out about my mom and Sara coming for Christmas, I decided to introduce Ms. A to the tradition. :) Sara and her kids came up the day after my mom arrived and we started to make candies. We had a great time, the kids had a hard time with the concept of sharing. They finally picked a friend and made a plate for them.

The next day we received eight inches of snow with a half inch of ice on top. We had a great time playing in the snow and taking pictures. We are hoping to play some more tomorrow with friends. :)

The beaded ice picture was taken by Sara.

Sledding Fun

It finally warmed up to 25 degrees, so Ms. A and I went out to play in the snow. I took her on her saucer around the neighborhood. While we were out, we saw a neighbor with his sweet dog, Kyai, pulling a sled. The owner offered to take Ms. A for a ride. It was Kyai's first time with the sled, so Ms. A and the dog tried something new together. I was tickled, but Ms. A was done when she was too far from me. :) She finished her ride and wished Kyai and our neighbor "Merry Christmas" before we finished her sled ride with mommy.

I wish I had taken the camera with us, but the sidewalks were a bit icy and I wasn't too sure of my footing.

Kristina's 35th Color Challenge

Kristina added a new color challenge yesterday. I figured I'd make one last Christmas card.

Supplies Used:
Snow Flurries and Cold Play SU Sets
Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Baja Breeze
and Very Vanilla Cardstock
Baja Breeze ink
Word Flurries Rub-ons, Coluzzle,
Little Felt Flurries, Scallop Punch

Winter Wonderland

We woke up this morning to a beautiful White Winter Wonderland!

After church, Ms. A and I couldn't resist playing in the snow. We had a great time with our snowball fight. Ms. A made several snow angels. We discovered evidence of an unseen visitor, Big Bird. Ms. A and I followed his footprints around our deck until they stopped at her snow angels. She was so excited to see his footprints and wondered where he went. Big Bird also left her a smiley face in the snow to let her know he liked her snow angels. We had a fabulous time! :)

Warming Toes

Fun Family Activity

These were very popular last year, so I decided to try it out. Here's another one.

Ms. A had a fun time watching Grandma and Grandpa Nelson dance. :)

I didn't know Ms. A could disco on my lap, but she sure was groovin' as we watched the movie.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Gingerbread House

We had a fun evening decorating our Gingerbread House. Ms. A was so excited when she saw all that CANDY!! After the pictures were taken, she ate the snowman. We'll see how long the house stays intact, especially with my two sugar addicts. :)

Reed's Family Pictures

While we were visiting Reed's parents, his sisters pulled out the family photo albums. Here are a few of my favorites.

Family Pics

Here are a few family pictures from our trip to see Reed's parents.

Curly

Last week I braided Ms. A's hair the night before church. When she woke up she was pleased to see her curly hair. At church, she was even more excited to see her Nursery leader's hair - curly!

Today we were watching Sesame Street's Word on the Street. When they said CURLY, Ms. A asked if she could have curly hair. So up we went to the bathroom to curl her hair.

Our little angel.

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin

I received three emails this afternoon regarding the Elder Wirthlin's passing. I loved listening to his talks and feeling of his spirit at conference time. I will miss his cheerfulness and joy for life. I am saddened by his passing, but find joy in the fact that he is with his beloved wife, Elisa. He can also see President Hinckley. I am sure he is so happy to see family and friends.

Sunday in Relief Society, we discussed his talk from last conference, Come What May, and Love it. I remember him giving the talk and the laughter and tears I shed as I listened. Hearing and discussing his thoughts during church brought similar emotions. I wanted to share some of my thoughts and feelings. In the talk he gives us four points to focus on during trials and adversity. They are:

1. Learn to Laugh
2. Seek for the Eternal
3. The Principle of Compensation
4. Trust in the Father and the Son

I laughed when I read about their family adventures and getting lost on road trip - something Reed and I struggled with until we purchased our GPS. :) I also loved the story of his daughter and her blind date.

One of the things I remember from college was something a friend of mine said. I was having a difficult time and her reply was, "Will this effect your Eternal Progression?" That is a question that constantly come to mind when I have a choice before me or if I am struggling with something. Typically my problems will not halt my progression, it is the attitude I have toward those problems and how I react to them that can hinder my eternal progression.

I have noticed that how the Lord blesses me so much even when I am about to give up. His love sweetly enters my heart and the pain and hurt are removed. How grateful I am for His love.

I loved the end of his talk:

"Although my mother has long since passed to her eternal reward, her words are always with me. I still remember her advice to me given on that day long ago when my team lost a football game: “Come what may, and love it.”

I know why there must be opposition in all things. Adversity, if handled correctly, can be a blessing in our lives. We can learn to love it.

As we look for humor, seek for the eternal perspective, understand the principle of compensation, and draw near to our Heavenly Father, we can endure hardship and trial. We can say, as did my mother, “Come what may, and love it.” Of this I testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

Magic Daddy

Reed has been entertaining Ms. A with his magic thumb for awhile. She loves it and tries to separate her thumb all the time. :)

We don't know how long the 'magic' will last so Reed and I wanted to share her surprise and delight with you.

Bilingual Baby

Ms. A came up to me earlier and started to count in Spanish. I was so pleased with her bilingual abilities I had to share.





We've practiced counting in Spanish, but I think Dora the Explorer sealed the deal.
I'm not a big fan of Dora, but I was excited at Ms. A's ability. :)

Help!!!

Ms. A has developed a couple of things she likes to do which she knows pushes my button.

First - When she has a little gas, she comes up, turns around and then asks us if we smell anything. She giggles and runs away so we can enjoy her little gift.

Second - She has developed a sixth sense regarding my computer. She may be downstairs busy with a fun toy or activity, but the minute I sit down to use my laptop, she magically appears. She sticks her head under my arm and starts to play with the mouse or keyboard. We so need a computer for her. ;)

Life has become more interesting with her!