We had made plans to go to a Christmas parade but it got rained out. So we decided to make Salt dough ornaments instead. We told the kids that they could put a special tree up in their room to put their new ornaments on. I thought they did a great job!!
These last four are Garran and mine.
You can tell his.
He is so stinking talented. I just love it.
He makes great ornaments when we do this each year!!
This time of year is one of my favorites for lots of reasons. I think mainly because it gives me a good reason to try and teach the kids about the idea of "giving is better than receiving".
We have a few traditions that the kids love, but I wanted to do one that really focused on doing something nice for others.
So this year, on the night before Thanksgiving.. we are starting a RAK Night.
(Random Act of Kindness)
This year we made goodie bags. A bag of popcorn, some chocolate candy bars, a few candy canes and some hot chocolate.. I think I may be forgetting some stuff. Anyways, we made them and I let the kids decide where they should go. The kids went back and forth on where they should go, but ultimately they decided to share them with the fireman in our area.
So that is what we did!
We visited 3 different fire houses and gave them out. The fireman were really great. They were very friendly and were great to the kids. They even gave the kids fire hats! The kids had a great time and we really felt the spirit of doing something nice for others. I am excited to keep this tradition going!
Well the day after Christmas we headed to Garran's parents house to spend some time with them and have some fun. Garran had got a gift card from my mom to a place he really likes, so we stopped on the way out of town to let him spend a little of it.
Here he is about to enjoy some lunch!
When we got there we had our Christmas with them and just had some fun.
Here is Briea in one of her pretty princess head bands that she got.
They kids enjoyed sitting with "peepaw" as Ayla has named him, and watching movies.
While we were there, some friends of Garran's parents needed help moving and so we went to help them move. When Garran's mom and I got there we saw this cute little pup. The people said they were going to have to put her down when they moved the next day. Neither one of us could let that happen, so we jumped on Facebook and found her a new home. She is a sweet little dog, named Lucky who loves children and is very sweet.
We also learned how to make survival bracelets from Garran's dad while we were there. I really like to learn stuff like this. It took me a minute or more to figure it out, but I finally got it. I have mine hooked on my key chain.
Some of these are just random pictures, but this was Ayla on Sunday, just making her self comfortable while having a little snack!
We always decorate sugar cookies when we come to Garran's parents at Christmas time. Here are Kael and Grandma doing some decorating.
Cullan doing more tasting than decorating.
Some of our finished work.
All of the finished cookies.
On Friday, Garran's younger brother and wife came to visit. Ayla just loved their dog Clancie.
The still newly weds. They are almost to 6 months.
Garran's parents thought it would be fun to have a christmas party with the family and some friends. They said that we all needed to come up with a talent for the talent show. Our family put on a magic show. But Garrans parents by far had the best talent. It was pretty funny!
Here is Sam at their clinic!
Kael and Mom watching the talent show!
My SIL Ashley and my MIL Joan finishing up preparing for the party!
Cullan partaking of one of the treats before the party started.
This was me after I took my turn at the "Gillespie Clinic" Garran's parents did. I had vision problems.
Both the girls LOVED my glasses and wanted pictures with them on.
Then Ayla decided she was just going to be a ham.
See what I mean.
OH and one more. This one just made me laugh!!
Even though it was not exactly New Years Eve, we decided to have a balloon drop. The kids always love it. So here is the Balloon Drop!!
We had a really fun time visiting and partying. Here is the card we sent out through texts and emails wishing everyone a Happy New Year!
And last but not least, this was the part of the family that we spent our time with. We were missing a lot of Garran's siblings but it was nice to get to visit and have a fun time.
Oh and I can not forget...Garran's parents have some cool little friends that we got to feed every morning. This blew the kids away. They thought it was pretty cool. Especially Cullan. I have a feeling he will be trying to find some new little friends at home.
We went out again this year to pick out the house we thought was the best. This year the kids picked the winner. The people were so nice. They came out and took a picture with the kids and even said that giving them the award made it all worth it! This has to be one of my favorite traditions.
I love the saying "the best thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother". My husband does an amazing job of that. I am truly married to my best friend. We laugh often and try to see the best in every situation, or at least find the humor in it. We have four beautiful children. Cullan (7) Kael (6) Briea (3) and Ayla (2). We are currently living in Illinois while Garran attends Grad School. He is a talented print maker and is enjoying his time here. He has a website if you are interested. www.garrangillespie.com
Right now we are living every day to the fullest and trying to have as much fun as possible along the way!!
“Your journal is your autobiography, so it should be kept carefully. You are unique, and there may be incidents in your experience that are more noble and praiseworthy in their way than those recorded in any other life. … “What could you do better for your children and your children’s children than to record the story of your life, your triumphs over adversity, your recovery after a fall, your progress when all seemed black, your rejoicing when you had finally achieved?” Elder Spencer W Kimball!
I need to read this every morning!
"It isn't as bad as you sometimes think it is. It all works out. Don't worry. I say that to myself every morning. It all works out in the end. Put your trust in God, and move forward with faith and confidence in the future. The Lord will not forsake us. He will not forsake us. If we will put our trust in Him, if we will pray to Him, if we will live worthy of His blessings, He will hear our prayers."
