CHEMISTRY

Colt came over and did Chemistry with Madison one afternoon. They both had a really good time. I heard a lot of laughing. Afterward, Madison said, "Colt was really confident but I don't think he knew what he was doing." She let him take charge anyway. A couple of their experiments went awry but she never took over. Her chemistry kits comes with enough chemical to do each experiment twice. She redid the ones that went awry the next day. They turned out well, she giggled. She loves Colt. We need to invite him back over. He definitely was a lot more fun to do chemistry with than mom. I follow the instructions. He says, "Madison, let's add a little more of this." She giggles. 

Our big purchase for Christmas was a microscope. Madison and her Dad were looking at his blood and identifying the different parts of his blood. He was showing her white blood cells and red blood cells and other cells contained in blood. It was really fascinating. She loves science. 

CHRISTMAS 2018

LITTLE HELPER

Madison was an angel. She helped me make Sunday dinner. Then she helped me clean the kitchen till every dish was washed and put away. I haven't had my kitchen that clean in a while. 

COOKIES

James said as we made pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, "I feel Jesus when we cook together Mom."

FIRST SNOW

First Snow of 2018. The kids woke up bright and early and played in the snow. Dad brought out he Cadet and pulled them around the property. They have been happy all day.

PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS

I had a few more ministering interviews to do. I left the kids home on Sunday to put up the tree. They insisted it was a Sunday activity because Christmas is all about the Savior. I concurred. When I got back two hours later the tree wasn't up and I had pine needles all over the house. The house was a wreck from being gone all weekend and everyone was hungry. I should have listened to the Spirit as He encouraged me to forgo the ministering interviews and spend the evening with my kids putting together the tree.  When I saw the disaster I lost it, I started vacuuming and yelling about how much I hate Christmas. I hate Christmas. It is the worst holiday. I hate Christmas decor and buying Christmas presents. My poor babies. I think Madison left in tears. I kept having the words from a favorite church video of my youth go through my head, "Are you giving the least to those who matter most or  are you sharing your best with those who really aren't that close? Well, its time to turn around and find out where your greatest joys are found." I often feel abandoned and overwhelmed in my efforts. I don't know how to suppress my frustration and just love. Certainly, I would have had a better evening if I had of listened to the Spirit.

WARD CHRISTMAS PARTY

Friday we left the kids home with Sheila Honda, one of my young women, and went to the Vernal Temple. Stephanie and Virgil were sealed for eternity Saturday morning. Stephanie joined the church shortly after Leslie. Nate and I were so grateful to be invited. Sadly, I didn't get to go into the temple because I had no one to watch Logan. He is still nursing. I did get to wait in the chapel next door and read the Book of Mormon. 

When we got home we headed over to the church to enjoy the company of our friends and have breakfast for dinner. James and Ashton were sheep and Madison was an angel in the nativity. We finished the evening with Christmas carols. I am so grateful for a ward family that I love.