Sunday, December 7, 2008

First Friday in December

Ben enjoyed climbing this tree by the snow!
Jar loved the snow and stayed at the top of the heap!
Was it really cold enough for this coat when it's 67 degrees outside? What a fun time Ben had in the snow pile for big kids! He wouldn't stay in the little kids mound. Ice in hand - watch out!Brennen is ready and that better not be aimed at me! Josh, like the others had freezing hands and had a ball!
Brookly kept up and enjoyed her Girl Scout friends there.

Dallin pegged the mean boys who were throwing chunks at little kids. 3 of my 6 kids came crying they were hit in the face and yet they went back for more!
I love the holiday season but it gets a little crazy around here! Wes had to work late and so I attempted the 3 events on my own. First we ventured to the snow play at the gazebo outside city hall, then to Brinton Elementary for pictures with Santa, then hurried to the Main Street Light Parade. The parade was only 20 minutes and we watched it go down the other side to last longer. Wow, a whirlwind of fun! The kids held up great, but I'm not so sure I did.
Brennen has faith in Santa's toys.Brookly Believes.




Ben Believes!

Such innocence and sweetness! He told Santa he wants cars.

Have the Gardner kids been naughty or nice? Depends on the day and who you ask! :)

Jarom is a true believer!

Here we are at the Light Parade.

All I can say is HERE WE GO! This week brings 3 concerts (which we've invited an elderly lady in our ward to attend, since I thought we'd be open for FHE and forgot about the concert), a baby shower, Ward Christnas party, Nutcracker fieldtrip for school, Jarom's Birthday fun and family time together for him! We did squeeze in Tithing Settlement today. Crazy busy time of year! Love the family things together!

Added just today from church: Since Wes, Brennen, Brookly and I sing in the Ward Choir when possible we were asked to sing next Sunday with our ward choir for the Stake Musical Celebration. This is a beautiful tradition that we first went to last year when Brennen, Brookly and Josh, were asked to play Joseph, Mary and the Shepherd. Can one more thing be squeezed in? We did love our time together tonight with our story "Teach the Children" about the true meaning of the symbols of Christmas after the 1st Presidency Devotional. Ben held the different ornaments and loved being the show and tell. Precious moments! Even a moment of peace between siblings for the duration of our family council.

Being as this was Fast Sunday, Brennen and Brookly wanted me to go up with them to bear my testimony so they could. I didn't want to but they insisted and once up there I felt I was supposed to. Anyway, we were fasting to know what direction to take with Wes's job and career goals. With some emotional things that happened this week we realize that the Lord is watching over us and He knows what's best for us right now. We feel it is time for Wes to pursue his Master's Degree from Embry/Riddle an Aerospace University. This would help him in promotions and in knowledge for someday owning his own business which is still his dream. For 2 years we will be committed to this program. It has been a long time coming and last time he tried he was called as Bishop. We feel it is the right time now. At the end to celebrate we have promised our children the ever elusive for us, trip to Disneyland. Only Dallin and Josh have ever been and they are excited about this thought. We'll see how this goes! I love Wes and know this is in his heart to finish and will support him with all my heart and strength!

3 comments:

Camie and JD said...

I love all the fun pictures. i cant wait to see you all.

Lynnette said...

Good luck with the new school stuff! I hope that goes well for you.

Teanne said...

Love your new red carpet! I'm sure it really changes the look of the room. The kids look like they like it. Looks like you guys had a fun Christmas too.
I hope everything goes well for Wes in this new path he is taking- going back to school. Billy has also made a similar big decision and will be finishing his bachelors soon and then onto Medical school. He just sold all his photography stuff- after much prayer he feels Medical school is the place to be.
See you soon.