Christmas 2013 and Being in the Moment

Stuart and I love Christmas! In fact we love most any chance to party. But I really do care about the scents, the sights, the feel of Christmas. I work really hard to enjoy it, to find that magic dust, to remember and feel the joy that a child feels. It's hard work I admit, but its worth it. Sometimes, that leads me to taking less pictures. I stop getting behind the camera and I observe and absorb.

So these are my only two pictures from the season. I also forget many of the details of the day as will you, but I have this memory in my heart. This memory of being with you and loving you. And I think that is what's important. Merry Christmas my family!

Aunt Brenda and Uncle Bill's Christmas Gift

We love our new beautiful clothes. Thank you!

Happy 7th Birthday Josiah!

Josiah just turned 7. We had a ton of fun with his cake. He decided on a sword. While Bridger took a nap and we went on a hike to Pipestem, Mike stayed home and iced his cake with icing that was way to stiff. Opps! on my part.

We wanted to make it gold and silver, but had none, so Mike and I had a date to Wal-Mart, thanks to Amber, and discovered spray on food color. It was marvelous and we will definitely be using it again. Josiah even had fun painting.

These are all of the people who came to his party, minus me.

And of course he liked his presents. Who wouldn't when Lego men and Batman are involved?
Josiah we love your fun adventurous spirit, your happy go lucky attitude, and your awesome ability to bring smiles to all of us. You are a great guy. We love you.

Doing it All!

Sandwiched in between my birthday part on the evening of the 11th and Josiah's birthday party on the evening of the 12th, was a day on the mountain with Amber. We were so glad for her visiting us and partying with us. She is the best!

After reaching the top we slid down icy hills, found turkey tracks and enjoyed the icy weather.

Visiting a frosty lake brought back memories of Ammon's birth.

And sunlight makes Goldie even more beautiful. I love being outside with my family. Thanks Amber!

Rishi's turning the big 40

...and that's what birthday's are all about. Frozen Lemon Pie, fuzzy pictures and my family surrounding me. Happy Birthday to me!

Listening, Seeing, and just Being Together.

One of my favorite sights and sounds in this world is this:

I love sharing it with those I love.

And then there are those rare and few moments that we get to BE together and when you combine the two that is THE BEST.

Josiah's Crab Orchard Field Trip

I got to go with Josiah to the Crab Orchard Museum. It was so fun! I'd been with Goldie and knew I wanted to dance again. So I put on a skirt and wore my dancin' shoes.

First he had to do a craft, listen to a story, eat a cookie, and then we got to dance. I sure did have a good time dancing with my boy.

Afterwards we sang some Christmas songs and Josiah would have liked to take this Explorer's gun, but instead we got to eat lunch and play outside. Thanks for the memories Josiah.