To Beautiful Mama

(12/1/18) My sweet muffins cleaning up the leaves on our back porch

This is way more fun than any toy inside!

Love this exuberant little lady

I was babysitting for a couple friends and put everyone to work!

Fall is the best!

Wahoo!

Love those big smiles!

(12/7/18) We spend a lot of time each week at our big art table

This kids love drawing, dot markers, beads, play dough, board games, you name it!

I love this pretty girl!

My funny little guy!

(12/8/17) A busy morning making Christmas presents!

The photo we took for Beau's Christmas mugs given to Daddy and both Grandpas

(12/12/17) My mom and I took the kids to see "A Very Electric Christmas" at Popejoy

It was fun riding the shuttle to the university

And Hudson enjoyed ditching school for the day!

After the show, we attended Beau's preschool class Christmas party - these two were being very buddy-buddy

(12/13/17) Hannah dressed up in Beau's clothing

What wild goons!

(12/16/2017) Hannah and I took a girl's trip up to Idaho to attend my Aunt Julie's funeral

I had a couple friends watch the boys for me after school until Sebastian could get off of work each day

Hannah was so excited about all of the snow at Great Grandma Joy's house

Love this spunky angel of mine!

Hannah and Grandma

(12/21/2017) We LOVE Christmas break!!!

Christmas goodies, Christmas movies, family games, and playing with a new Lego set from Grandma and Grandpa Hobbs!

It's so fun to all be together at home, wearing PJs, with nothing to do!!

One of the saddest events last year was the passing of my Dad's little sister, Julie Hatch. She fought a decade long fight against pancreatic cancer and finally passed away in early December. My aunt is a wonderful example to me - she was a remarkable mother and her children are a testament to the Christ-centered, loving, musical, warm home that she created for her family. I left Idaho feeling grateful for my opportunity to be a mother and also more aware of how precious our time is here on earth - we don't know when we will go, so each day needs to be lived purposefully and with great love and care. I was impressed by a tradition my aunt started in her home when her oldest started kindergarten. She'd hold a daily devotional with her children that included a primary hymn, a reading from the children's scripture reader, a story from the Friend, and a prayer. I've been trying to do this with my children each day upon returning from Idaho, and it has already enriched and blessed our lives. I hope to continue this tradition for the rest of my days as a stay-at-home mom. I was so sad for my sweet cousins and uncle who had to say goodbye to their "Beautiful Mama," but I know they will see her again someday. I was also impressed by my uncle - he reminded me of the captain of a great ship - keeping everyone united and strong and being there for everyone - a pillar of strength. They will all be okay. But it is still so sad.