12/7/15 Sleeping Bag, Christmas Tree and Cans

     What do those things have in common? They all kept us busy today. 

    Heidi is using her sewing skills to make a sleeping bag liner for Matt (at his request, so no surprises spoiled here I hope). 

      The highlight for the kids today, and maybe us grown ups too, was getting our Christmas tree. Heavenly Father really watched out for us here. Heidi got notice from Lowes about a good deal on trees a day after she unsubscribed to their ads. Heavenly Father knew that was one add we wanted. The kids helped us pick out a tree that we love at a very good price. That is a tender mercy. 

     Above you see Hedi adjusting the undecorated tree. 

      

     While most of the kids decorated the tree with glee I went to get something out of the garage. I turned around in time to capture this moment with Peter. The boy is going to be an engineer someday. (No one was hurt when the cans did come

tumbling down). Gotta love a boy who knows how to self entertain. 

    Here is a view of our now decorated tree. 

     The kids are loving it. I love the smell but I especially enjoy seeing the joy this time brings to them. This is a fun Christmas tradition. We taught the kids that the tree represents eternal life and the lights represent the light of Christ. He is the reason for the season. He is the reason so much joy is warranted. I am so grateful for his loving life and example. May we all strive to be more like Him. Merry Christmas!

11/30/15 Sarah and Rebecca Make Zucchini Bread

     Heidi captured these shots from our Family Home Evening. Rebecca and Sarah both love to help their mother in the kitchen. Tonight the three of them worked together to make some gifts to share with our neighbors. You see Sarah preparing to chop the zucchini and Rebecca mixing the ingredients. 

      Unfortunately I fell asleep before I could sample the fruits of their labors. Such hard workers. 

     Heidi and the kids also made cards to invite our neighbors to the Ward Christmas Breakfast and Nativity. 

     In other events of the day, work continues to be busy. I met with a client this morning to go over future plans. Our new task/ to-do system keeps revealing areas to improve including with the new system. It's not perfect but it's helpful. 

UPDATE: I must have been asleep when we were talking about the zucchini bread. It was actually for breakfast and not the neighbors. My mistake. We'll have to make treats for the neighbors later on for Christmas.