God Be With You 'til We Meet Again....

The broadcasted funeral service for President Hinkley just finished. It was a lovely service, that brought to mind great memories of his life and achievements. Thank Heaven's for such a wonderful man full of energy and love. He is such a wonderful example of service and charity. I am so greatful to have been alive during his service.

Christmas, here we come...

Let the festivities begin! We had the honor of having Mom and Katie visiting to help us put up our Christmas tree (yes, we have an artificial one). Brinly was proud to be apart of it!

Katie, helping with a smile:)

One tradition we are trying to begin, is to collect Nativity's for the kids to put up each year. Here is Brinly carefully unwrapping and placing the few sets we currently have. She really enjoyed them this year. What is that funny thing hangin' on the door? Cade was very curious about the Santa hanging on our door knob. He loved the feeling of the crazy beard--all season long.

I LOVE this picture! I was having the kids pose, but it just wasn't working. Cade just couldn't keep that funny thing on his head:) But we finally got this shot. Adorable!

Curious Cade...

Cade has learned to enjoy toilet paper! Ha, it makes for some fun clean up when we forget to close the bathroom doors:) If you notice the burp cloth tied around his neck...well, he was drooling SO much because he couldn't breath through his cute little nose while he had RSV, that we had to do something to keep him from soaking through multiple outfits each day (bibs just weren't doing the job).

He wanted to help Daddy put up our last curtain rod. What a good helper:)

Though this makes me nervous, Cade loves to this mirror. (It isn't very securely hung)

What is this contraption? Entertained by his car seat...who needs toys?

Disclaimer

Alright, I know I am super slow at this posting, but this is where it all began. Right after Thanksgiving, the illnesses began. Cade was diagnosed with RSV and his 5th ear infection. We started the Christmas season with sleepless nights and exhausting days. Soon, thereafter, Brinly became ill, followed by me...and we are just now FINALLY feeling healthy (though we still are coughing a bit). Terrible stuff! Anyway, I am trying to catch up, so things will seem a bit out of date. Enjoy!

I didn't do anything...

So, Brinly has been testing different aspects of my discipline skills lately--mainly, bullying her brother. This isn't typical, but I thought this picture definitely appropriately shows how she has been thinking. We love her!! She does love her brother, but sometimes forgets she is not the only child anymore (though it has been almost 11 months).

I know, I know...

Ok, so I have the cutest kids ever:) They have so much fun at tub-time, I just had to document it. Brinly can be a bit of a bully these days, but despite that fact, Cade still loves playing with his sister in the tub...as you can see. I love these kids. They bring such joy into my life--I am so blessed. What an honor to be a mother (I just need to remember that at those moments of severe exhaustion and frustration!!).

Household Chores

Brinly has been learning how to help more around the house. She was doing a marvelous job of vacuuming and, I just had to document it.

Also, she is learning to help with the laundry as well...not quite as cooperative:) Cade was sure enjoying the ride!

Our Autumn

Apparently, we went through a little bit of withdrawls this Fall season. We did not see any beautiful fall foliage! So, one day Brin and I took a walk in the 80 degree weather and found a few leaves we could call Our Autumn. It helped, a little.

Oh, and please note the homemade turkey decoration Brinly made in her art class...yes, we are saving it:)