moments I want to remember (from november)

I realize that the holidays were nearly 6 months ago, but I'd be amiss if I didn't stay the course and do my best to document the many good things that have happened over the past year! I don't have adequate words to describe our life in Farmington right now -- just a lump in my throat and a heart full of gratitude for Heavenly Father's watch care through it all.

I've spent time over the past week organizing pictures and thinking about the many different ways to scrapbook each precious child of ours! I'm not entirely sure what the best solution is, but I can honestly say that I don't regret a single blog post or journal entry over the years...so onward we go! We went to Kuna, Idaho again for Thanksgiving 2017. My Mom and Brad have a beautiful home there that comfortably accommodates all their children. This was the first Thanksgiving with all 7 of their children combined (and their spouses) together, so we had a great time!

One of the best parts about having step-sisters and step-brothers is the numerous amounts of nieces, nephews, and cousins that have been added to our family circle. I was able to meet new baby Jack for the very first time, which made me realize how big my own kids are getting!

And this is probably one of the greatest photos I have ever seen! All those babies, and then the light beams in the background. My Mom and Brad continue to be an inspiration to me in so many ways! They support me through the hard days, too, and remind me of Heavenly Father's never-ending, growing family circle of love.

Disneyland Adventure (part 1) and Happy New Year!

A few weeks before Thanksgiving, we ventured off to Anaheim, California for a weeklong family vacation! We had been wanting to make this happen for a while now...so when the opportunity to go really presented itself (due to a work conference Jared had that week in Anaheim) -- we took full advantage!

We went to Disneyland when AnnMarie was only 3-yrs. old (and Carlie was 1), but this go around was SO PERFECT since all four of the kiddos were at FUN FUN ages to embrace the magic.

Luke was so cute with all the different characters we ran into!! Here's the play by play of him embracing one of his favorites:

Our first day there was one of the last days of Halloween Time at Disneyland, and our last day there was the first day of Disneyland at Christmas. I've always wanted to experience Disneyland at Halloween AND Christmastime, so we were so very fortunate to be able to experience BOTH!! Oh, how I wish I had a picture of the Haunted Mansion at Halloween Time!! It was unbelievable. We are grateful for every photo we took, but truly, ALL of our energy was spent keeping track of our kids in the midst of endless crowds and mayhem.

The Christmas Fantasy Parade, however, was well documented - haha!! I've never seen such color and excitement, my goodness!!

In other news, I'm so excited for 2018!! We had several unexpected surprises in 2017 -- some great...others, not so great -- but I know that regardless of what happens this year, changes are in store!! I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful husband and four happy, healthy children by my side through it all. Jared and I are looking forward to teaching the 15-yr. olds in Sunday School every week, and this year will begin my 3rd year of a 5-yr. endeavor to achieve a Master's Degree which I have grown SO MUCH from. I never would've thought that life would take me to so many different communities away from my beloved roots in Idaho, but I greatly appreciate every opportunity I've had to get to know God's children in various parts of the world.

Wishing you and yours all the best in the coming year!!

Our Christmas in Utah

Our little space here in Farmington has created plenty of cozy evenings...all of us being right here on top of each other. ;) In all seriousness though, I haven't minded the "squishiness" -- which is how I would describe us right now. Life in Utah has so many great things to offer, and we really had a GREAT Christmas this year.

The kids had a snowman building contest a few days ago. Gabe built this snowman, but of course it wouldn't be complete without Luke's hat on top...that we're all ready to burn, haha! He will NOT leave the house without his "tracks hat," and it is seriously SO ragged!

I did NOT cry the day we took the tree down (a little earlier than usual this year), but space is exciting to me these days...and besides, all children need to see their mama doing something dangerous from time to time.

Christmas Eve was a late one, but we had such a nice time at Jared's sister's house in Mountain Green (which is only about 20-minutes from our place). We let the kids do a few sled runs down a hill close to their house, and then we helped my sister-in-law's family light up their neighborhood as part of a tradition that they do on Christmas Eve every year. Luminary candles (or tea lights) are placed and lit in white sacks roughly 15-ft. apart along the streets to honor a family who lost a child many years ago. We all nearly froze to death (haha!), but it was touching to participate in a service that remembered those who are grieving at Christmastime.

We enjoyed our traditional Humble Feast of homemade soups and rolls, played Minute to Win It, and had a special program that included Carlie singing, "O Holy Night." She sounded lovely, and it made my heart so happy. :) Grandma Wolfley told the story of the Wise Men's gifts -- and even had samples of Frankincense and Myrrh oils to smell. We watched Mr. Krueger's Christmas...and then drove home during a light snowfall.

6:30 am came way too fast the next morning, but the kids were so delighted with their treasures, and we were spoiled with a heap of gifts under our tree. Year after year, Jared and I find ourselves just smiling at each other from across the room -- the quiet "knowing" of just how much time and energy goes into witnessing those moments of pure joy in our babies' faces when they see or open a gift they've been wanting for awhile. I can't even imagine Christmas without our little ones around us (although I know it won't always be this way)! I'm so grateful for LIFE and the opportunity it is to be a parent.