And Then Things Got Crazy

After Jeremy and I had such a nice relaxing anniversary celebration, our family then had a crazy busy week.

August 13 was Alfred Hitchcock's Birthday. It was also my nephew's birthday, my brother's anniversary, and a good friend's anniversary. Hence the bow earrings.

There were back to school nights and first days of schools.

When taking Jr. Jr. to back to school night, it was fun to see Nichole's ceiling tile was still up right outside the library.

Lucky's teacher has a Harry Potter themed room this year so he got to run through the "wall" at Platform 9 3/4 to get into his classroom to meet his teacher.

I asked what the boys wanted for first day of school breakfast. "Apple Pancakes" from The Fablehaven Cookbook. Are we surprised? No.

Jr. Jr. had two first days of school pictures because he had two first days. 7th grade day and everyone's first day.

We also went to a Utah County Birders potluck that week. The kids had fun running around and one of the birder's little boy joined in the fun.

We celebrated National Fajita Day on August 18.

We had a neighborhood end of Summer party for our ward that week as well. It rained pretty hard and was windy while we were there.

Crazy busy. I tell you.

Festive Wear

We've had some opportunities for dressing up festively lately.

One child even asked if Jeremy was Santa (not our child). Jeremy explained that Santa has a white beard.

December 16 was National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day. Jr. made sure to wear his sloth shirt to our ward Christmas party. Can you believe it? I actually ventured out into public with the kids for the ward Christmas party. Wow. 

We ate, had fun, the three youngest got treats from Santa, and had a spiritual message.

And brought home some leftovers and a poinsettia.

This Week's Service to Light the World

Having a cold throws everything off. Having a baby does the same. And having a baby with a cold...
So let's catch up a little, shall we? #LightTheWorld. Some ideas based on the calendar for this week:

December 10-  "Cheer someone on! Make plans to attend an event (holiday, athletic, cultural, etc.) to support someone you know."
I was not able to do this for obvious reasons. However, I gave someone the opportunity to serve in this manner. That night, Nichole and Jr. had orchestra concerts. Jeremy was working so he was not able to go. Some nice people in our ward were willing to take Nichole and Jr. and my camera and video their performances since neither Jeremy nor I were able. Very nice. Thank you again for serving our family that way.

December 11-  "Call your parents right now and tell them how much you love them."
I have been so good at this in years past. This year? I knew it was on the calendar. I was expecting it. I was going to do it. The day came and I didn't even look at the calendar. Sigh. Like I said- sick and baby throws everything off. My parents know I love them and I call at other times to let them know.

December 14- "Plan a one-on-one activity with a friend, a child, or a loved one."
While Jeremy and the rest of the kids were at the ward Christmas party, 
Jet and I had some tummy time together. Sweet baby.

A couple things of note about the ward party:
Nichole was invited to participate in a little group of stringed instruments playing Christmas music. 
While Jeremy was taking a video of her group, Jr. followed the younger two boys around while they made crafts and sat on Santa's lap. Thank you, Nichole and Jr. for your service.

After the ward party, nice people brought me food from it since I wasn't able to go. And that took care of dinner tonight. Hooray!

A lot of people have been doing service for us lately and I feel very blessed. Thank you, all. I feel loved. Remember, your service matters and it is appreciated.
Mosiah 2:17 "And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God."

Time Traveling Brownie at a Christmas Party

December 8 is National Brownie Day.  It is also Pretend to Be a Time Traveler Day.
Our ward Christmas party was also this evening.  I debated whether to go or not because Lucky hasn't been feeling the best.  We went.  The kids had fun.  I did, too.
Nichole got to sing with the youth and Jr. Jr. was in a video they showed about Christmas traditions.

When we got home, Nichole and Jr. made brownies.  They drew a picture of a clock on the brownies for the holiday.

Then we sent the younger two to bed and we dressed up with Doctor Who references on our persons and watched some Doctor Who.

Yeah.  We know how to celebrate a lot in one day.