Karate

 Carson is involved in karate and has been going for about 6 months now.

It is so adorable to watch him grow and progress.  He is so strong and so sweet to others.  He has a depth to him that amazes me.  His prayers are so thoughtful and that is just how Carson is...he is an amazing little man.

Yes, many 2012 post catch-ups

Thanksgiving

 I lose track trying to document 3 MONTHS....down the road, but I believe this was a family home evening night of putting together our "Thankful Tree".  I love doing this together as a family and it is only getting funner with the kids as they get older !

 Morgan and Tatum were having there own little spoon party on the floor.

 Cole is sporting his new 4-H camera.   He is our 4-H groups club photographer...and he has got that thing figured out.

My studious little Carson hard at work.  He is such a thoughtful little guy!  

I am trying my hardest to remember Thanksgiving.....Mike took the kids to the movies, I failed on the turkey, all the sides were great though...ummm, nothing really bad sticks out so it must have gone well!

Power of Moms

I have had the privilege to be involved with a group now going on almost two years.  Its called Circles.              It is from this site which is so full of awesome information!  It is described as part book group/part support group and the latter is sure true.  I have been able to get such a boost from hearing other mothers like myself describe what its like being in the "trenches" of motherhood.  These women are all from my church group and they are amazing women!

We meet last night and I had such a great time listening and talking with them.  The power of a support group is really incalculable.  I really need to be around other women and gain strength from their lives and stories.  I am so thankful for them and so thankful for motherhood...what an awesome responsibility!

If anyone is looking to start one of there own it is really super easy...go to that site, it has everything you need to know and so much more.   And I think us mothers could really use all the advice, encouragement, and tips available to us.

Priesthood Boost

Okay,  I am now ready for 2013.  I have reflected on 2012 and have imagined what I want my 2013 to look like.  I have even written down my goals for this year, which I am doing something a little different than usual, so I feel ready and committed.  My last step was asking Michael for a blessing.  I love that I am able to tap into that power source and hear words that strengthen and encourage me to keep trying.

So ready to start afresh and keep trying to improve.  Happy New Year!

Family picture for 2012

 We finally did a family picture.  I am not great at keeping up with these things but I am glad I got it done!

 I have no idea why Cole's head is doing what it is, or why Carson is plugging his mouth and blowing....still is a mystery!

 This is just to funny not to add!

 Handsome!

 Handsome!

 Adorableness!

 Beautiful!

 Eatable

                                                                   I love FAMILY.....

Temple at fall time

 A few weeks back we went up and wandered around the temple.  It was beautiful!  The colors this time of year are my favorite.

 I love this place and how I feel when I am on the grounds.

 The kids were really cute there.  They were all over the place of course.

 We went to the top of the conference center and our nice guide took our picture there.  Wow, Mike and I need to go back and do the full tour sometime its pretty incredible.

Halloween 2012

 Some FHE pumpkin carving going on.  This is the first time in a long time we have attempted to carve pumpkins. 

 The kids really were getting into it.

 It defintely helped having Jake and Jared there to help inspire us all to keep with it.  Pumpkin carving is hard work!

 These guys don't mess around...they are pros!

 Here is my little knight in arms and my ninja protector!  We are on our way to trunk or treat .

 It wasn't as cold as last year but still chilly.  Here is a picture of the road we traversed.

 Mo and her best bud Brinley. 

 Thanks to Jake and Jared we actually had a decorated trunk!  They did a great job. 

The highlight of this years Halloween was going to Uncle Jake and Jared's.  That scary clown is Jared and did he ever scare the kids in his neighborhood!  It was really fun.

I am loving having Jacob here and making these awesome memories with him.  They let my boys answer their door and the kids told me later that was the best Halloween so far.