A Grinchmas Whobilation!

Today we had our biennial family Christmas party. Every other year, our married kids spend Christmas with their in-laws so I host a fun Christmas-themed party to enjoy a yummy dinner, fun games, and to have an opportunity to exchange gifts for those of us who won't be together on Christmas Day. Two years ago, I did a Charlie Brown Christmas theme; this year I chose the Grinch. For dinner, we had roast beast, who hash, Cindy Lou Who salad, Max's dog biscuits, who pudding, and Grinch-ade. Once we finished eating, each person got to pick a pair of socks with either the Grinch or Max on them. That was how we determined teams. I then sat down to read the Grinch Who Stole Christmas book.  At certain spots in the book, we would stop and play a game. For example, when the Grinch got an idea to dress like Santa, the kids (& Jeff) had to make a Santa suit out of wrapping paper and ribbon. We then "stole presents" where someone had to be blindfolded and scoop up bows with a spatula. Next, we played "Who-hash" tic-tac-toe with bean bags followed by reeling in a small bowl of Rice Krispies to get the "crumbs" from the "Who mice". Our last two games were to name that Christmas tune with just a phrase from the song and finally to "return the stash" where I placed several toy items on a tray. Everyone had only seconds to memorize their locations before I dumped the trays and they had to put the toys back. It was pretty fun! Everyone engaged with the games and Carter & Everly loved the story. To end the evening, we did a sibling/family gift exchange. It was a fun evening! I'm grateful that our kids like being together. It's honestly the reason that I put so much effort into these family parties. I just like gathering everyone as often as I can...and it's the perfect season to do so!

PS - There is something so cute about a baby under a Christmas tree! Beau loved hanging out under the tree and grabbing all the lights and ornaments.

CAKe: Act 11 & Carter's 4th birthday

Today we started our day with a simple act of service - cleaning our church building. We get several opportunities to serve in this capacity throughout the year, but I particularly love doing it at this time of year. This is my place of worship. This is where I come to gather with other imperfect people to serve and learn. This is where I come to renew covenantal promises. This is where I come to seek peace. I am grateful for an opportunity to make sure it is a clean environment for others to come and enjoy the same.

When we finished cleaning, we headed back to our house where Laurin planned and executed a Toy Story themed party. The kids had to put together Mr. Potato Head, go on an army quest to free the toys from the claw machine, and launch rockets into the air. They had tons of fun! And Carter loved every minute of it...especially the cake! He is the cutest little 4 year old. I can't believe he's actually 4! It's happening all so fast. I'm grateful that I get a front row seat to his little life. I never knew I could love so much and so deeply, but as our family grows, so does my heart.

She said yes!

It's finally official! Dallin is engaged! Dallin has been dating Audrey Cummings since February. She has been such a fun addition to our family. More than that though, she has made Dallin so happy. It is so rewarding to see your kids find their person...and even more rewarding when you genuinely love that person. I love watching them interact. I love seeing them inspire and support each other. I love seeing him treat her so tenderly. And I have loved witnessing their love story unfold. They pretty much decided that they were getting married back in October, but it took some time to get a ring designed and made. Once the ring was in the works, Dallin set to work to plan the perfect proposal. Audrey wanted it to be a surprise, but she also wanted to look cute. Dallin was confused as to how to make those two things happen...until my sister, Krystle, asked if she could use them as a model to expand her photography portfolio. That's what set the wheels in motion. There was a lot of detail tweaking and even some subterfuge (like giving his phone to his friend while he went to ask her dad's permission so she wouldn't see his location and clue into what's happening) to keep this a secret and make it a memorable, romantic, intimate experience. I loved that Dallin chose to seek out my opinion on certain things. It was fun to help him plan the perfect proposal for Audrey...and he pulled it off! They met up with Krystle at Tibble Fork Reservoir for their photo shoot. Prior to them arriving there, I met up with Krystle's friend who sets up for events (big and small). Together we set up a little seating area complete with a fire pit, snacks, a heated blanket, some apple juice & champagne glasses, and more. Krystle and Dallin had a key word that he would say when he was ready to pop the question. Krystle then caught it on video. Audrey was totally surprised! I loved seeing his excitement and her tears as she said yes. Krystle hung out with them for a little bit more to take a few more pictures then they were left alone to soak it all in. Congratulations Dallin & Audrey! We can't wait to celebrate with you in March!

Here are some of the edited pictures that Krystle took. I am so beyond excited for Dallin & Audrey!