12/13/15 Seeing Things Through a Kid's Eyes

     This morning as we prepared for church one of the kids pointed out that Peter had found a new "chair". It was an end styrofoam peice from one of the boxes of stuff that came for my calling. Some of the other kids decided this was a good idea. 

     Here is TJ is his. In the corner those are Joseph's feet. What a lot of fun they had with something that no longer had value to me. 

     This evening Sarah played some Christmas songs for us on the piano. It was a fun treat. Her piano teacher Mary kindly loaned us her book of Christmas tunes at the girls level. 

     A funny Sarah story from this weekend. The kids watched the original movie version of Annie. Sarah commented "it's a good thing that the girl from the old movie had red curly hair and the girl from the new movie had black curly hair. Otherwise you couldn't tell them apart." Dear sweet Sarah. I'm sure that they do look otherwise the same to her. 

     Heidi did some more Scoutbook training for some leaders in our ward. 

     The kids went with me to trouble shoot the Stake computers. My friend Trevin is moving next month to Virginia. Good job for him but bummer for us. He has been a great help to me with computer stuff in the stake. We'll miss him. 

      This little video is a time lapse that I just finished from our trip to Arches. It's not at all professional looking but we learned a lot doing it. It is amazing to be able to see the stars move. This is something that is hard to notice while you are there because it happens so slowly.

12/12/15 Piano Recital and Christmas Lights

     Rebecca and Sarah performed in their Fall recital today. We were pleased that Gram, Papa and Becca B were able to make it. 

     

     Here is Rebecca introducing herself and her songs. This is a good opportunity for the girls to practice speaking in front of a group. They both did well for their young ages. 

     Here is Sarah at the keys for her number. 

     Here is Rebecca. I hadn't known that she was playing two handed songs with chords. That was a nice surprise. 

     There were a number of kids who performed today. The girl's piano teacher is Mary Phelps. She's on the left in this photo. Her mother Anna is the other teacher over on the right. 

     After the recital we decided it was high time we got the outside Christmas lights up. David was a big help. Heidi was present to ensure that all was done safely. David decided that it was a little cold for shorts. Still, notice the palm tree in the background, we are grateful to live in Arizona. It was probably only in the 50s not the 20s or colder. It is good to count our blessings. 

12/11/15 Keys of Happiness

    There is something about childhood that allows kids to be happy about the simplest things. You can't see it very well in this picture but Peter has my keys. He took them and wandered all around the yard with them. I followed him so that he wouldn't lose my keys under a rock, or something. It made me happy watching him find such enjoyment from something so simple. 

12/10/15 A Little Dish Help

    I've heard Gram and Papa say that little ones want to be helpers. Here is Peter and Joseph attempting to be a help with the dishes. Gratefully no dishes were harmed in the production of this picture. Peter was entertained for quite a while. It freed Heidi to work on lunch, right nearby, without having to carry Peter. 

     Heidi and I spent a bunch of time working. 

12/9/15 Matt's B-day

     Today was Heidi's brother Matt's birthday. She finished his sleeping bag just in time. In fact, he came over so Heidi could measure placement on the final buttons. 

      Heidi was a real hero today helping with work and the kids but I don't have a good photo of that. I went back in time to 11/14/15 and found these photos from Riverview park, including a nice one of Heidi. 

TJ on the zip line. 

Peter taking a break in he stroller

Rebecca and friend Chrissy

Sarah and friend Libby. 

    Anyhow, some cute memories. 

12/8/15 It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

     Today Heidi found a quiet moment to get out some of our Christmas decorations. Those include a Nativity set that came with our house in Provo and some decorative houses given to us by Gram's sister Cathy. These things, along with the tree, have made a noticeable difference in how Christmasy our home feels. 

      Aside from decorating we received a lovely visit from Gram and Papa. They brought the sliced cheese and we provided the bread and pickles and had grilled cheese sandwiches. That's a popular dish at our house. Gram is slowly helping Joseph get used to the idea of preschool. The boy is no stranger to strong opinions. 

     In the afternoon I made progress on my CPE and some client work. Heidi was a big help with the latter. We also enjoyed a visit from cousins Bradley and Lauren. 

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!