Thankful

I've been reminded lately that I have a precious and wonderful family. In church on Sunday we had a lesson on finding joy in the journey of life and it was brought up several times of how life often gets in the way of our families and our time with them. It brought to mind the little things I used to do when the kids were little and we practically had no money but were still happy together. Like singing them to sleep, doing crafts together, cooking together, sitting and snuggling.

We also finally got a Wii for Christmas and it has been fun to play the games together as a family. It's especially great to see Ken playing with the kids. He hates playing regular board games so it's been exciting to see him play these and have a good time with the kids.

And last night for family night we had a lesson on the family and how important the family unit is. We had to think of the things we like best about our family and the things we like to do together. It was good to hear some of the things the kids came up with.

It's kinda sad that I needed to be reminded of how precious my family is but I'm glad that I have a loving Heavenly Father to help me remember and keep me on the track to eternity.

A Leap of Faith

We've been looking forward to this for a long time -- and Hannah was so thrilled for her big day! On December 6, Hannah was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! My last child to take the "plunge" (sorry for the pun there) and it was a memorable day.

Of course, being Hannah, she didn't want the traditional white dress...we thought we would celebrate the Christmas season as well with a gorgeous red dress with white furry trim. She couldn't have looked cuter! And this time was extra special for me because, being my only girl, I was able to help her get out of her wet clothes and get dressed and relish the first moments after baptism.

We had many friends and family there so it was a very special occasion.

Miracle Cream

I just had to do this "plug" for the most awesome foot cream ever! When I had my foot surgery, my friend Christine gave me a gift bag of "foot care" from Bath and Body Works. In it was the Shea It Isn't So foot cream. I had to wear a sock every night on my foot to keep the toe spacer in place so I started using this cream every night on that foot.

Sorry, this next part might be gross but I'm just amazed!! I had two warts on the bottom of my foot (the doc said that when the surgery was healed he would see about removing them), and the usual callouses as well...but now they're all gone...without the doctor intervention!! Both warts have disappeared and my foot is the softest it's been since I was a baby!

So, if you have rough, dry feet, I highly recommend this foot cream!

Piano Recitals and Birthday Cake

November is always the most busy and exciting of months in our household. Three birthdays, Thanksgiving, taking down the Halloween stuff and decorating for Thanksgiving and Christmas. And this year, we've added a piano recital too.

Hannah is now 8 years old and is looking forward eagerly to her baptism in December. We had a family party on her birthday and then a friends party a few days later. They went swimming (had a great time there!) then came home for pizza and presents. We did the cupcake "cake" this time and I loved it!! Makes it so much easier! Hannah was spoiled by her friends!

Sam and Hannah are both taking piano and this was their first recital. It was so exciting to hear them play their pieces so well -- they've been practicing up a storm so they were very prepared. We just love their teacher, Mrs. Johnson!

Better Halloween Pics

So I mentioned in my last post that I had two costumes this year. My close friend took these and was kind enough to pass them along.