{simply childhood}

Daddy took us for a ride on the four-wheeler.

It was a gorgeous day.

I love Arizona winters just for this reason.

There is something so relaxing about being out in the hills.

As a child that is what we did almost every weekend.

We always called it "going to the hills".

I think that is why when we take our own children out in the "hills" it

always brings such happy feelings back.  I love to watch them explore every rock, hole, or plant.

Isn't he cute?  I sure love this man and the life he has provided for me!

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

Happy New Year, friends!! 

around our house

Christmas Day

This Christmas was a simple Christmas.  The focus was on our Savior Jesus Christ.  We are blessed with so much.  The season has been wonderful.  Sweet treats, family, friends, magical lights and gifts.  We are focusing on the simple things in our lives that bring joy.  Especially our family relationships.  Those are eternal and deserve our precious time & energy.  I love this time of year when a chapter of our lives come to an end and there is the excitement of a new beginning.  New goals, traditions, events, vacations, projects, gardens, all the things that make life sweet.

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

decorating

We all went over to grandpa's house and helped him decorate his house.

I love his decorations.

I have such warm memories of Linda as I see each one.

She has been missed this Christmas by each of our hearts greatly.

As we were making our Christmas treats each child expressed what they used to love that she cooked and baked each year.  She passed on her Christmas sugar cookie recipe.  It is one I hold dear to my heart.  She would always make them into the shape of small Christmas and we would help her put green frosting on each one.  Her caramel popcorn was divine.  But what I miss the most is each time we would walk in the door she would great us by saying, "There's those kids!" with a warm smile.  She always made you feel special and loved.  I could not have been blessed with a sweeter mother in law.  She was a second mother to me.  I love her and am so grateful for the knowledge that we will be with her again.  

Lynn is a real trooper!  He is always putting up with our craziness.  He has done such a wonderful job of acting as Grandpa & Grandma.  He gets the kids little things and always makes them feel special.  They go on four-wheeler rides and walks.  We are so grateful to live so close and for our kids to spend so much time with him. We are looking forward to our family Christmas party at his house.  We love you Grandpa!

Christmas Surprise

We have some pretty neat kids around our house.  One night they all slipped down to the basement for a while together.  Carlee came up with a huge smile on her face and said she had a surprise for us.  I knew I needed my camera.  We were delighted to see all the kids working together in a reenactment of the Christmas Story.  They did a fantastic job!  I love the imaginations of kids.  They did not need fancy costumes or props.  They were quoting from the scriptures which made my day.  I love these sweet children that have blessed my life.