A Truce

After a week long territory battle, they decide hanging together is ok afterall.

Maggie's Revenge

Not to be outdone, boys are officially banned from her room now too.

Another Princess Day

They are the best!

Great Hair

"Mom, I think Heavenly Father gave me some pretty great hair. It goes strait, up and down, over and stuff - whatever I want." --Eli

No Girls Allowed in Eli's Room

To make sure it was clear, he underlined it too.

We love books.

And dolls made by Grandma.

Mom as portrayed by Maggie.

Special Present

I realized there wasn't a picture of the special Christmas gift Eli had picked out and bought all by himself just for me. It looks great on my desk. Thanks Eli!

No Explanation

Late at night.
Middle of winter.
15 degrees outside.
I guess he got hot.

Annual Sleigh Ride

E&M have a special day each New Year to sleigh ride with the "M" family. They always have a great time. This is a pic of all the cousins with Grandma & Grandpa M. Thanks for such a fun week!

Future Blessings

I stole these from Monica's blog - they were too great to pass up. She also posted this great quote that went perfect with these pics.

"There are some years in our lives that we would not want to live again. But even these years will pass away, and the lessons learned will be a future blessing." -Marjorie Pay Hinckley

Sara & Monica

Emory & Maggie

Happy New Year!

Eli, Maggie and I have much to be grateful for as we look forward to 2010. I received a great letter from our Bishop about gratitude this season which quoted Elder Oaks saying, "We should thank God for our adversities, and pray for guidance in meeting them. It is all part of the plan...Let us give thanks for what we are and for the circumstances God has given us for our personal journey through mortality." This is demonstrated in one of the "Mormon Message" videos "In The Spirit of Thanksgiving."

I still struggle with patience (and probably always will) as I try to move forward with faith and gratitude. I know the Lord knows me better than I know myself, and that he is able to see the end from the beginning. I have learned to be grateful that He will guide me through whatever trials lay ahead, and for the adversities that bring me blessing of ease and comfort after they have been overcome. This year especially I am grateful for the Hope that also comes from His plan. Yea for a new year...and decade!

Merry Christmas!

We all made it on the nice list & yes, we know how to party!

The best part of Christmas morning was receiving the gift Eli picked out especially for me. He was given the opportunity to "shop" at school and pick out a gift for Maggie, Grandma and Grandpa as well. Mine was a figurine of a cat in a mug with "mom" written on the side - perfect for my desk.

Chrismas Eve

We had a great Christmas Eve this year celebrating at Grandma & Grandpa Miller's house. I love that Maggie & Eli get to enjoy spending time with their great grandparents and experience the traditions I grew up with. After a more mild version of our annual Bingo game, our Christmas program included stories by Grandpa & Grandma and songs by Eli, Hannah & Maggie (Eli sporting his Elf jacket), with a special guitar number by Garrett and his friend Kat.

We spent the night at Grandma & Grandpa H's house, and ended Christmas Eve opening our PJ's, then getting treats ready for Santa. Eli & Maggie both added to the note then hopped into bed to enjoy one of Grandpa's "Freddy" stories before going to sleep.