My Deacon

My parents came to town for Christmas!  And just as exciting, they were able to be here for Ethan when he was ordained a deacon.  Conveniently, our Bishop was able to come over for a special FHE and we were able to do everything in our home.  Both of Ethan's grandpas are bishops in fact.  Ethan is extremely blessed when it comes to examples of righteous men in his life.  He has three amazing men to look to for examples of living and serving like Christ.

 What an incredible Spirit filled night.  Plus, my kids are cute.

 He has some good women who love him too!

 After Ethan was ordained, we enjoyed a fabulous musical concert.  Ethan surprised my mom with his ability to play two hymns!

 Followed by a really great duet of Angels We Have Heard on High!  We also sang carols, I sang a solo, Ethan and Madeline sang a song with me, and overall it was the best night!

The Spirit, Priesthood power, and music!  I'm so proud of Ethan for the choices he's making and the person he is becoming.

Fun and Treats

Cooper took me prisoner and tied me to the couch!  Send help!  On second thought, send a pillow.  The couch is quite comfy.

 Designer shoes

 Cutest Santa at the Ward Christmas Party

 Sunday family games

 And yes, I made another batch.  One is never enough!

Ethan's Birthday

This kid knows how to start his birthday off right: blueberry pie for breakfast!

 It turned out to be such a great day.

 He was happy about everything.

 Vanilla cake with strawberry frosting

 cool colorful candles and a cute smile

 And best of all, after cake and ice cream he went off to Young Mens!  This kid is about to become a deacon!  I'm one thrilled mama.

Happy Birthday Ethan

Look at this little Christmas present I received a DOZEN years ago!  What a precious gift!

 And now he's like this HUGE kid!

 Who just happens to be the square root of 144 years old today!  He's my super smarty pants good hearted son.

I love him so much.  Even though he always beats me in Yahtzee.  I love him Every. Single. Day.  For a dozen years.

And dozens to come forever!
Happy Birthday Ethan!!
I cannot believe you're 12.

Let the Christmas Festivities Begin!

The Company Christmas Party was fancy and fantastic.

 And we loved the light parade in Lynden

 Ethan made our FHE treat: Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies with Christmas sprinkles

 My kids know that if the sun peaks out, which isn't very often these days, I'm gonna stop what I'm doing and sit in it!

 My obsession with making French meringues is real.  Peppermint and Chocolate Almond

 Madeline made this beautiful swag at activity days.

 heeheehee

 Peppermint Bark, Turtle Pretzels, and Candy Cane Cookies

It's tempting to say that just looking at all these treats is making the number on the scale get bigger.  But I think it's the eating them that's doing it.  Ha!  It's the most delicious and wonderful time of the year!!!

Two is easier than four!

Had such a fun day with these two cuties on Saturday.  We did some small business shopping and treat eating!  Todd took Ethan and Cooper out.  Divide and conquer!!!

Magic

This happened!  And he's loving it.  Might as well be his first Christmas all over again.