Doughnut Night

We were invited over to a friends house to have doughnuts. What more can you ask for. They were all homemade and way yummy. The girls were able to dress up and play some games with the other kids. The best part about the night was being able to spend time with different people. It has been nice moving back to a place you have been before. Things aren't the exact same but we are able to meet some amazing new people and that I am grateful for. We will have to see if doughnut night makes it on the list again next year. 

Exploring

It was a beautiful day today. The girls didn't have school, daddy didn't have work, and we needed to get out of the house. So we decided to go exploring. This time we tried a place that is a little different. Red Rock open space was the place to be. We went exploring, maybe got a little lost...but not to far from where we needed to be. Some of the trails were closed so it was a little harder to figure out where you were going. The best part of it all...we were together as a family, exercising, in the outdoors. This has been a great perk of daddy's new job. We are always happy to have extra time that we are able to spend with him.

Service for a friend

My friend April is the most amazing women I know. This year she was blessed with a beautiful baby boy after years of trying to have a baby. He was a miracle baby...his name is Tiny Tim. Shortly after he was born they realized something wasn't right with him. After a surgery and more test they realized this little boy needed a new liver. As they discussed what the possibilities of how to proceed they suggested a parent try to donate part of their liver (this is the coolest medical breakthrough) After testing both parents ever they decided April was the best match for Tiny Tim. 

She used to live here in the Springs. Her family moved closer to Boulder for her husband to go to school. I couldn't figure out what to do for my friend when she was so far away. I felt helpless. I told her I would love to watch Tiny Tim outside the temple so she could go do a session. To my surprise she said yes. Its not easy to let your baby go to just anyone when he is so sick. Her husband was able to join her at the temple and somehow she managed to have peace of mind for a few hours during her time of so much unknown. 

How I wish I could do more...How grateful I am that I could give her just a few hours in the Lords House...where she needed to be more than any other place.

My time with Tiny Tim was not to exciting. He was fascinated with the water fountain and after walking around the temple ground we went for a drive and he fell asleep. He woke up and was not happy until his diaper exploded. I thought he was all done but as I went to change him there was another surprise for me. So after doing a service for my friend...I ruin the seat of her car because I am not that great at changing a diaper.

Most of all it was great to be able to serve my friend.

Activity Days

I got a new calling in church. I had this one before but it is great to be able to serve with my Savannah. I love to see her in different element than what I see her at home. She has a sweet heart and it a great friend to so many. We had a halloween party where the girls were able to practice their manner they had recently learned to and eat dinner. They all brought different finger food that was a halloween theme. Then they played lots of games, laughed and dance. It's such a great age to be. I am so glad that I am able to serve these girls at this time.

Temple Dedication

With a new temple built in Colorado we were able to watch the broadcast of the temple dedication for church. Brittlynn wasn't able to attend because you have to be eight years old. I've only been to one other temple dedication and that was when I was 16 and they dedicated the bountiful Utah temple. I was so excited to be able to be part of this with Savannah and Eric for the first time. It was a great day and it is great to hear about the wonderful blessing of the temple. We went to the open house as a family and I can't wait to be able to go inside the dedicated building. 

Leaving the meeting, I felt more love for the temple. How important it is in my life. How if we keep our eyes focused on the temple we will always be blessed. 

Witches Night

This was a first for me and my girls, but it was a great evening filled with fun and laughter. It was a mommy daughter night...but not just any night, it was a witches night. We got all dressed up and took pictures together and went out to dinner. It was a simple night filled with friends, fun, laughter, and lots of crazy looks. We went to stake and shake for dinner and my girls had so much fun. There was a special drawing that they named the witch of the year and Brittlynn was the winner. 

I love that we have made friends that love doing things and enjoying life and sharing their traditions with our family. What a fun way to start the holidays.

Fort Collins Temple

What a great blessing it has been to be able to live in a time where so many temples are being built. I was able to go to my first open when I was 16. It truly was Heaven on earth and I couldn't wait to go back. 

Because of this experience I have tried to make temple open houses a priority for my family. We have traveled all over to be able to see them. My girls are 6 & 8 and they have been inside 5 temples. Four open houses and one when our family was sealed.

Fort Collins was the first temple we went to after our family sealing. I loved listening to Brittlynn talk about the temple. How important it is. You can see it in her eyes as she talks about it how much she loves the temple. 

President Monson said, "As we touch the temple the temple touches us."

It was worth the long drive to go inside. I love to see the temple.