We love skiing!

One of Zac's favorite things to do is to go skiing. He introduced me to the idea when we were dating and we have had so much fun sharing this hobby with our kids. The boys have really loved this pastime. So grateful for the fun things we have been able to share with these cuties!

Girl's Weekend

I've been lucky enough to be a part of some really great experiences. One of which, my sisters were good enough to invite me to. It was a night of reflection and change presented by Emily Freeman (one of my favorite authors) and Hilary Weeks. The music was beautiful and the messages were the kind that really helped me think through some of the things going on in my life and helped me to keep an eternal perspective. I love things like this that help you see outside your own thinking and really change you. I was so grateful to go with two of my sisters that always make things fun and we had a great time!!!

Owen

Here's the thing about my Owen, he is just my baby. He doesn't like to be held or hugged. He isn't very social, but man alive, I love this kid. He is so smart and has the most fun personality. He is a little harder to play with than William in certain ways, but once you have his attention, he is so lovey and so sweet. I can't believe how much he has grown in the last few years, and I am so flippin' proud of how far he's come, how he handles life and the amazing kid that he is! I love this crazy kid and that laugh just melts me every time.

Spiritual Experience

   This last weekend was our Stake Conference. I was so grateful to go and that the boys did well, because I was able to be touched by the spirit in a way I was definitely not expecting. We were a ways through the Sunday morning session of Stake Conference when a young man was asked to share his testimony. You could easily tell by the look on the young man's face that he was not expecting to share anything that day, however he went to the podium and shared the most beautiful and genuine testimony that I had heard in a long time.

   He spoke openly and honestly about how he had talked to friends of his that didn't understand why he was a member and why he believed. He said that they brought up a few of their concerns about the church and those questions really made him think. He also talked about knowing that the church was good. That they taught you to be a good person and that he truly thought that the church was good. He talked about knowing what was expected of him and what he was needing to do within the church. But, he wondered if it was just a "nice church" or what he really believed.

   He went on to talk about knowing just within the last couple of weeks that he had a testimony. That he really believed it. He was so sincere that I couldn't help but cry. When he finished that incredible testimony, he turned and gave an equally sincere embrace to the visiting authority who had called on him to bear his testimony. I was so touched. I think it's normal, (for me anyway) to think about the church I give so much time, energy and work toward. I was grateful to recognize, just as this wonderful young man had, that this isn't just a "nice church", this is God's work and I am lucky enough to be a part of it.

William

       This kid is just pure personality! He is 7 and doesn't talk yet, but he communicates pretty dang well. After having Owen and watching every little portion of his personality, I thought I would know what to expect with William. Sometimes I love that God must have a sense of humor. They are alike in some ways, but in a LOT of ways they are complete opposites. William loves to run, jump and climb. He is a pure ball of energy. I always think that he will be exhausted by the end of each day, but he just keeps going. :)

      He is such a special part of our family. He brings so much laughter and fun. He loves to be held, snuggled and always just jumps on your back as your going down stairs to get the piggy back rides he loves so much. Some days are hard with him, I won't lie, but I love how smart he is, how loving he is...he is my heart. We are grateful for our little monkey!

Christmas 2017

Christmas for us is a whole big mix of emotions. I love Christmas! I love having so many people openly recognize Christ and all the good He does. I also love the traditions and new experiences that come with this time of year. Some of the things we were able to enjoy were making snowflakes, visiting temple square to see the lights and visiting Santa.

We also went to a live nativity, had carolers coming, walked in the snow, made gingerbread cookies and spent time with our incredible family. So grateful for this time of year.

Us

I tend to post lots of pictures on Facebook as well as my blog. I sometimes like the idea that people get to see the good we sometimes capture in pictures. We are simple people. That being said, our lives are pretty different from what we see as the "norm". For example, every meal we eat with our kids require both Zac and I if we want our boys to actually sit in their chairs and eat. Trying new foods sometimes (more often than not) is like pulling teeth. Dinner is sometimes a full body workout.
One of my goals for this year is to blog more and to be open about the good the bad and the ugly of living a life full of trials and yet overflowing with blessings and tender mercies.

This is us. Grateful to be sharing with you!