Happy Birthday Eric

So we have some of the most crazy, but amazing friends. Heather decided she wanted to throw Eric a surprise birthday party. I was all about it because I am not the best at birthday celebrations. It was an amazing night surrounded by some amazing people and Eric was very surprised and felt very loved, especially during a time when things aren't going the way you had planned. Dinner and some games afterwards made the night special.

For his actual birthday we spent the morning together doing sealings in the Fort Collins temple (ours is closed for cleaning). We were planning on doing a session but we got there late. The best part is when you forget your sunglasses and have to borrow your wife's.  With that change of plans we were able to help an older couple complete their family names that they brought and couldn't have done with out us. It was a tender mercy for them and a great experience for us.

We also found out that Alex had decided to get married on his dad's birthday so we now have another member in our family. Welcome Anastasia, we can't wait to be able to meet you and we are excited for life's adventures that await you.

Of course the best part of the day is watching the girls spoil their daddy. They love to celebrate and remind me how important it is to make special days count. They decided they wanted to make Eric cake pops, so we made the best out of making it into a cake. I would guess he also enjoyed being able to play pickleball with his friends, and have someone besides me to play with.

A lot has happened over this last year...the temple, retirement, new career as a Realtor, becoming a temple worker, and many other amazing and wonderful things. The year has been great but there is so much more of life to live in the future. We will see what 45 has to offer and are excited for the new adventures.

Sewing Day

So every once and awhile I get out my sewing machine because I need to sew something. Every time I get it out then my girls ask me if they can learn. I am always trying to do just one project and be done, and I don't really have a crafting space to leave it out. So my reply is yes I will teach you just not today. In Idaho I promised Brittlynn that I would give her sewing lessons. I thought I would have time this summer before we moved, but I got to preoccupied with packing and other things. Today I needed to make something to send to Alex for his birthday. She was relentless...she wouldn't stop asking until I said yes. I know I should be better at taking time to teach them. I just get busy doing whatever it is I need to do.

The end result was the happiest girls in the world. They made little pillows for their dolls and they couldn't be happier. Now they can't stop thinking about the next time they have sewing lessons. I am grateful or days like these and I am grateful I have this basic skill that I can teach them. Today I got the best mom ever award from them.

Extended Break

So we had a really long Christmas break in Colorado this year. We got out the week before Christmas and didn't go back until January 4th. We were hoping to go skiing before the girls went back to school but logistics with rentals and timing didn't work out for us to go. With this new career we are never sure when we get our next pay check so I am more cautious on spending.

We got a gift card to a movie theatre for Christmas from Eric sister so we decided to take the girls to see the new Disney movie Moana. They girls had so much fun and it was great to go out together as a family.

After a great New Years Eve party playing Just Dance I decided we should get it for the girls so they can play on the TV. The girls have been playing every chance they can get and it is fun to watch them play. 

We made it back to school for one day and then they called a snow day. After a morning of Just Dance the girls asked if they could go sledding and I said yes. For them the word "Yes" was like a miracle. I guess I don't always say yes to that, its usually daddy who takes them and they were so excited. So after lunch we headed over the the sledding hill. It was so much fun, the sun was shining and it was a lot warmer than you would think. Their laughter is what made the trip well worth it. I even managed to make it down the hill with them without crashing. (Another mommy miracle). Eric spent the morning working in the Temple. He wished he could have been there with us. Brittlynn ran into a friend from class and they spent the rest of the time together.

After sledding it was a little time for mommy. We went over to the Pecks house to do nails and the girls were able to play with their friends. Eric came over for a little while to use the treadmill and then he surprised me when he said he had to show a house in a few hours. This new career has been challenging because you can't see the direct result of your efforts. We had two deals fall through at Christmas and our financial future started to terrify me. I don't know if this new deal is going to work...but I can see that we are very watched over and amazing things can happen that we can't always foresee. By being obedient to the commandments you are watched over and blessed in ways you could never imagine.

New Years Eve

We left the day after Christmas to go to Utah so the girls hardly had time to play with their new toys. So the first thing they wanted to do was put their lego set together. It was great to watch them work together and see them finish a product mostly on their own and only with a little bit of frustrations. After they finished they spent hours playing with the little girl and the horse. It was great to see them play. Before Christmas they said they didn't want anymore of their toys in the basement. I was worried because I am not ready to see them grow up so fast. So I am glad they still have moments were they love to play.

Game day is usually always a party for us. We decided to have it simple with just our family, because you never know how your team is going to do and if its a bad game it's not that fun with a house full of people. We are glad we made this choice...the game was terrible. 

We finished watching over at the Pecks house and then we stayed there to celebrate the New Year.

It was the best New Years party ever. First I stayed up...even though I was exhausted.  It was really simple, but so much fun. The girls had a blast being able to celebrate and be with their friends. Eric did Just Dance with the girls. I laid on the couch trying not to fall asleep. I think this might be the girls first New Years party. I am sure they were confused as to what was going on with it all. By the end of the night they had a blast.

Most of all I am so grateful for our new friends...The Peck's...that we have made. December was a hard month and without them it would have been a struggle being here in Colorado. I knew it was going to be different, but I didn't realize I wouldn't really see the close friends I left behind. Its always great to have amazing people in your life, that make the world feel like home.

Utah Family

If your in Utah you need to make sure you spend a little time with family.  So we decided to meet John and his kids for breakfast before we drove home. It was nice because we don't always have the chance to see Kohyn now that he lives in Texas with his mom. We went to Grannie Annie's in Kaysville and we got there just in time. Right after we got our table then the place was packed and we would have been there forever. The breakfast was good and fast, and most of all I got the scone that I really wanted.

I love this brother of mine and I am happy for him and his new adventures in life. He has found someone that makes him happy and lets him be him. I am grateful for family even though mine is kinda crazy and we don't always see each other. I am grateful for small moments when we can get together. 

Christmas Program

Excited is all I can say. This girl couldn't for us to come watch us at her music program. She loves to be on stage. We asked her if she could remember her parts to the program and she looked at us like we were a little crazy...of course she knew what she had to say. The night was great and the 1st graders did amazing. With the exception of the little girl that got sick on stage. We had a great time watching them. I love that my girls are short because they are always on the front row of the program. We love you britt. You can do amazing things.

Work & Balloons & Date night

This month has been filled with a lot of parties. This is not normal for our family, but the girls are sure enjoying every last minute of it all. Daddy had a work party he was able to invite his clients to, that also meant his family had to be there. The girls were so excited for the yummy treats, the face paint, but most of all they were so happy for these amazing balloon animals. I have never seen someone so talented before and its always a great day when you kids are happy...even if you call the day work.

That night were went to the Peck's house for a little Halloween fun, date night style. The girls came over and spent the even with in their pajamas with their friends in the basement and we spent the even playing games with some of our good friends. 

It was a fun evening and to my surprise Eric even enjoyed getting dressed up and started talking about what we could do next year together. It was a great day, but a very busy and exhausting weekend.