Adjusting to Seven

 We finally were able to attend the Temple again, thanks to Monta Benson and Sandy watching our brood. Monta is such a sweet friend. We introduced JohnPaul to his great grandparents, made gingerbread cookies, and enjoyed time together as a family.

God knows best

One of my favorite hymns is “Be Still My Soul”. There are times we wonder why we have to endure certain trials, but God knows better than we do. That’s been the case with John Paul’s birth. I’ve endured more pain in the past week than ever before, but now he’s here safely and that’s what matters most.

 It’s fun to think of Ryan having two sons to hang out with. Jake loves his baby brother.

Endurance

 I am grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am trying to have faith and remember that God knows what is best. The doctor told me last week that my baby is already 8 lbs. I only have 9 lbs of space in my pelvis, which means I have not much space left. Ryan gave me a priesthood blessing, and I am trying to exercise faith in God’s promises. I am grateful for a wonderful husband. I am grateful for the story of Peter sinking and Christ reaching out immediately. I know Christ knows us personally and loves us.

February

 We started a tradition of making Challah bread on Saturday for the Sabbath. There are a lot of things in Jewish culture that fit with Christianity, and we enjoy this tradition. The kids like to make their own Challahs, and then we eat them for lunch before we go to church at noon.

 Amy made her own birthday cake. It turned out beautifully. She’s such a great big sister to Jacob.

 Mom and Dad worked on her birthday present together (a dress we sewed without a pattern). We look forward to meeting our next boy in a short while.

Wintertime

 I love to take the kids on a walk to feed the neighbors horses.

 Jacob insists on eating while sitting on Ryan’s lap. It’s his throne. Below: we made some dolls for the refugees in the valley because it’s hard to find ethnic dolls here.

Merry Christmas

I am so grateful to have a testimony of Jesus Christ. It is my most valuable gift, and affects how I see the world. He gives me peace and hope and inspires me to want to be charitable. I am grateful we always have a shoulder to cry on.

Grateful in all things

I have been thinking about the importance of gratitude in whatever circumstances we might be in. We can’t control what happens to us, but we can choose to be thankful TO God no matter WHAT is happening in our lives.