Journey through January

While January is generally a gloomy month, we passed the time playing games, reading stories, baking, entertaining, and slowly molding our lives into a new routine here.

"The color of springtime is in the flowers, the color of winter is in the imagination."  ~ Terri Guillemets

Maylie's Christmas pajamas

Playing with Daddy

A visit from Colbie, Molly, and Chris...Maylie wasn't too thrilled to have her picture taken.

Then there are those quiet moments when I try to memorize every detail of her sleeping face.  Everything else fades away and I am filled with an ecstasy I've never known.  It's as if heaven is cradled in my very arms.

Nana and Grandpa & Grandma Lystrup came to visit...

We ate lunch together and Grandpa took lots of pictures which he turned into a little slideshow for the boys.

Of course, there were the days of dancing and wild, rambunctiously sweet boys...

And when Grandpa, Grandma, and Sadie came to visit...

The wrestling match commenced.

But I'm not really sure who won...I think it was a tie.

We also enjoyed a visit from Nicole and Jason.

And looking back on this blessed month, I truly hope that of our little home it can be said: "Family and Friends Gather Here."

With the Model A.

I have fond memories of riding in the rumble seat of this old, beautiful car with my Grandpa Lystrup.

And we decided it was time for pictures...

You have to love Easton's face in this one.

And we couldn't forget Grandpa's green Harley of course...

The End.

Remembering October

I told you I'd be back...and it was actually much sooner than I hoped.  It feels good to be catching up tonight.

So many memories were made this past month.  Patrick had school late late Fridays and every Saturday too (all except for Conference weekend which was such a beautiful tender mercy).  I'm still not quite sure how I survived...well, I take that back.  Of course I know.  I didn't do it.  We did.  It's so comforting to have an omnipotent and personal Heavenly Father and Savior to help us through each day.  I guess we notice it more during the stormy days.  But it strikes me that they care just as much to hear and be a part of our sunny times too.  Do we not rejoice when our sparkly-eyed children share with us their recently accomplished success and joys?  If our little ones only needed us when they were hurt, sad, scared, or angry, wouldn't we yearn more than anything to have them trust us enough to share with us the pleasant, the good, and the exultant moments?

Well, these are snapshots of some of those moments.

And I attribute the wonder of them all to a merciful Father.

This was the unforgettable day when the temple was announced for Portugal.

Priesthood session began like this.

at the temple with sweet Nana and adorable Aunts Coco & Natalie

The dazzling lights from the reflection pond caught my eye.  I knew I needed a memory in the form of a photo.

And this is one of my life's goals..."Holiness to the Lord" in myself, my family, and my home.

The night ended like this.  I love this picture.  It symbolizes so much of my life right now.  Tired, non-cooperative boys...and me...trying to keep smiling and keep on keeping on.

I love this picture.  It is bursting with love, laughter, and life.  Thank you for giving these things so freely to your nephews dear Aunts Megan and Sadie.

And this one could be titled, "A Blissful Summer's End."

Goodbye for now.  We can't wait to see you again.

Cuddles with Nana

Horse Encounter

Fascination.

Interest.

Friendship.

When Daddy is gone every weekend, playtime is put on hold for a while...However...we found bubble wrap to be a quick and easy memory maker to last until he's back for good.

When Easton went to the Pumpkin Walk {with Nana}

Toy Story

Winnie the Pooh

The Polar Express

Monster's Inc.

Finding Nemo

Doesn't he bear a striking resemblance to Max?

Up

My 6 sweet students (that have recently turned to 7) at our Fall Piano Recital.  Everyone played so beautifully!  I can't wait for the Christmas Recital!!!

Halloween goodies from Nana

Grandpa Lystrup's amazing Halloween cookies.  They used to be tradition but he has since stopped making them.  But when my cousin requested them as the only thing she wanted for her birthday, Grandpa made up a batch...we were lucky enough to get some!!!

Goodbye Lovely October.  See you in 2011!!