40th Birthday

I gave the best gift to myself. This year I took off work and slept in. It was heavenly. I didn't wake up until nearly 7am.

The plan for the morning was to have a typical morning and then take Peter to do baptisms at the temple as soon as school started. I didn't want to go any earlier because I knew it would be crowded. We left the house just after 9am and there was only one other person in the baptistery doing names. It was heavenly and so peaceful/quiet. I really think that helped Peter not to be so nervous. He was still quite nervous and told me that he was shaking from the time we walked in until we walked out. But, he said it was amazing and fun and he can't wait to do more names next time. We took 3 temple names and then he did 7 more temple names. It was such a treasure to be able to be the witness for his baptisms.

On the way home we stopped at the Payson Walmart. Brandon had attempted to take the boys to Walmart for birthday shopping last night, but a kerfuffle happened and there was drama. Instead of being patient and dealing with it Brandon just brought the boys back home. Peter was very disappointed that he wasn't able to buy me some jewelry. These are the earrings he picked out for me this year. I love them! A bit more shiny than I'm used to, but I will wear them with all the love he gave me. His favorite thing is to buy me jewelry.

First thing in the morning he also gave me this little note and he has been faithfully giving me hugs every morning. I will take all the hugs he will dish out. At 11 years old I know they are limited.

Luke was disappointed that we didn't go anywhere to eat breakfast or lunch. But, once we had all eaten lunch we drove over to Nickelmania and played there for about an hour. We had the entire place to ourselves. It was  amazing! My favorite game is the Space Invaders and Spin the wheel. The only problem is the boys want to go there all the time now.

Brandon needed get his license renewed so we chilled at home in the afternoon. For dinner went to Red Robin. I really, really wanted to go up to SLC to a very nice (aka expensive) Italian restaurant, but then I thought about how much complaining the kids would do if we did that. Red Robin satisfied us all and it's a bonus that it's so close to home. Brandon took me to the At Home decor store nearby and told me I could have anything I wanted. The only thing I found was a .20 Christmas gift box. LOL Peter was thankful we didn't take too long there because he wanted to get home so he could go to YM at 7pm. They were playing video games and he really didn't want to miss that.

It was a beautiful birthday in which I was completely relaxed and happy. I also had many birthday texts and a couple of friends dropped by to wish me the best. I really have an amazing life.

Snow day!

We got so much snow here on Thursday! It snowed all day long and I had to dig us out twice. The boys were helping me for a little bit while they were waiting on a ride to school.  Peter especially has been in a very helpful phase of life. I'm loving it!

Huge goal

I was reading this tonight and came across this verse. All I could think was #lifegoal.

Tax time

Tis the season. Brandon always starts by doing our taxes first. This year we actually had to pay $30 for a program to help him figure out my business taxes. In the end though, it was a good year. Brandon recalculated his withholding so we only pay a tiny amount. It is a bit tedious, but Brandon really enjoys this yearly challenge.

Happy

The same lady that does the annual gift exchange has a photo a day challenge. Yesterdays challenge was to take and post a picture of something that makes you happy. This is my stack of groceries fresh from the car of a grocery delivery person. It makes me happy because I am not the one walking through walmart picking all of this stuff out. I just have to put it away.

The forecast is COLD

Every morning, during the winter, I can easily predict the outside temperature. I just look at the roof of our shed. 

Today I looked out and there was significant frost on the roof. Some winter mornings there is no frost. I love this simple non-electronic way to see the tempature. Looks like we will be bundling up with coats and boots.

Gnome friends

Over Christmas I kept seeing adorable gnomes everywhere. I was.so excited to make my own. I got most of the supplies at the Dollar Store and DI. I really loved how they turned out.

Their fluffy beards make me laugh so much. I had one more that I made. We gave that one to Luke's friend Quin. This is what it looks like at their house. Super adorable, huh!!!! I have a feeling I will make more. 

1st YM activity for Peter

This past Tuesday night Peter attended his first YM activity. When I picked him up from school he and Talmadge were saying how glad they were that they didn't have to wear a uniform anymore.

At this activity they went over the route for passing the Sacrament. Peter has been so, so nervous about this part of his new duties. I am glad they went over it multiple times. He told me they even got out the sacrament trays out to practice.

Then, when he got home he drew me a map and explained to me how it works. I think he is all ready to pass on Sunday. We have 15 deacons though so he might not get a turn. I really enjoy seeing him so excited about it.

A temple gift

Last week I was sitting in the chapel of the Payson temple. There was another sister who was also sitting next to me. All of a sudden she reaches over and hands me this little packet.

I could see that there was a little braclet and some cough drops. The most touching part was this little poem that was folded neatly inside.

I love it so much. It especially resonates with me because I always chit chat with the lady whose name I have for each session. I ask her what she is thinking/feeling and tell her to get ready when the exciting parts come.  Doing this helps me create a very tangible way to connect with her. I love it. I will never forget this simple gesture of kindness I received from a fellow temple sister. I feel so loved. Heavenly Father is so aware of me and I am so thankful for his tender mercies.

Peter is growing up

This adorable kid is growing up so fast now. I can't believe that he is 11 years old. He has been wanting to wear a tie for a few months now. He picked out the one he wanted from Seagull Book. Just this week he decided that he wanted to learn how to tie it on his own. Thank goodness for YouTube because I have no idea how to teach that. He is so proud of himself.

Since he turned 11 he has made the decision to be ordained a deacon. This was not a decision he made lightly. We've talked about the added responsibility and he made the decision to do it. We were so thankful for Grandpa Thomas. He left a PG city council meeting early so he could come and preform this special ordnance for Peter.  Luke also came along so we got a picture of both boys and Grandpa too.

Not only is Peter now a deacon, he has been asked to serve as the secretary in the deacon presidency. He said he isn't sure what he'll need to do, but he is willing to make phone calls and write notes down if that's what they need. I love his giving heart and willingness to serve.