Hylie's FHE Lessons

 For Family Home Evening, the kids love rotating the responsibilities.  For the past few years Hylie has taken the initiative to prepare her own lessons, and I must say she impresses us every single time.  This past month when she taught she decided to cover the first Article of Faith.  She asked each of us to share "What we know" about Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost.  It was a beautiful lesson.

It's been a joy to have our children participate in learning the gospel.  I pray that they will nurture their testimonies throughout their lives and recognize the joy that comes from living it.

Kitchen Backsplash

 I've been looking into different options to brighten up my backsplash, finally found a solution I liked and went for it in the month of January.

I not only wanted to change the beige tile, I also wanted to figure out a way to change the quartz backsplash.

I found a vinyl 'peel and stick' backsplash and wrapped it around the quartz and was pleased with how secure and clean it went on.

Then I painted the tile a light grey:

For a more dramatic before and after, here's the kitchen when we first bought the home:

And the after:

I love how the changes lighten up the space!

Pie Face!

 

When it comes to playing games, Janna is always "all in"--especially when they are silly games that involve whipped cream!

When I told all the kids Janna wanted to play "Pie Face", the table filled up fast with willing participants.

Kyron was pretty hopeful he'd get the whipped cream...

but was disappointed it didn't make his hopeful target!

And yes, I even got the fate of "Pie Face"!

We also got to stay to celebrate Janna's birthday with her.  She had a wonderful day and we sure were grateful to have all this time with her.

New Year's 2021

 All throughout the year the kids reminisce about the New Year's party at Grandma and Grandpa's because they LOVE the fact that they get to stay up until midnight!

This year definitely didn't disappoint with all the family time!

Mom and Dad are amazing in handling such a crowd!  They are both constantly preparing food in the kitchen, spending time with grandkids, and pulling off such memorable gatherings.

So grateful to have Geoff by my side to get me through all the unexpected turns of 2020.

Plenty of games were played, laughs shared, and even some trash talk exchanged.

Bridger was very kind to let Kyron play with his games in Kyron's fashion.  I'm sure Grandma and Grandpa are still finding sticks and monkeys hidden throughout the house!

My faith in the future was definitely tested during this year.  I am incredibly grateful for the guidance we receive from the scriptures, our church leaders, and personal revelation.  Spending more time with family has definitely strengthened our relationships, I have been putting forth better efforts in cultivating a loving spirit in our home, and we have been so blessed as we've strived to study the "Come, Follow Me" curriculum.  Not knowing when things will clear with this pandemic and what is to come with all the political turmoil is nerve-racking, but how thankful I am for a God who is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  May our family always desire to walk the path that leads to Him...no matter how bumpy it becomes from what the world throws our way.

Here's to strength, joy, and confidence in 2021!

Christmas in PA

 On Christmas Eve, we jumped in the car and headed to Grandma and Grandpa Nelson's to celebrate with family.  That evening we got together with Dean and Andrea's family to tell the story of Christ's birth.  Each child drew a picture of the different events that happened that night and took turns sharing the story.

Santa was kind enough to drop of gifts for the kids at Grandma and Grandpa's.

Jared and Genevieve were also able to come and we all enjoyed playing the days away!

Hylie tried her hand at a Virtual Reality game and loved the experience.

Kyron warmed up pretty quick to all the love and attention!

As always, the kids were SPOILED by Grandma and Grandpa!

What a treat to have a porch visit with Grandma and Pap Pap!  It was definitely a highlight for me.  We love them and are so grateful for technology which also enables us to visit with them throughout this pandemic.