A whole lot of Catching Up!

I am not good at blogging. I can't seem to find the time to sit at the computer long enough to write and design the perfect blog - and most people know I am a perfectionist. I don't know how some women can do it - housework, household repairs and other matters, children to tend to and play with, errands to run, church callings, and personal time! I can't seem to fit it all in. But, I have decided to give it another try. We'll see how it goes this time. If it goes well, I'll continue. If I slack again - I might just give up on blogging. But, for now - here's a whole lot of catching up - in a condensed form . . .

Thanksgiving

This year for Thanksgiving, I was able to experience the fullness of the atonement of Jesus Christ, and truly feel of His love and power to redeem our souls. After trails and tribulations, and after experiencing what I hope no other family has to experience (but unfortunately, know many do), and after 10 years of being separated . . . we were united in Love! This picture so perfectly captures what my family stands for - Unconditional Love! My mother, who so humbly and perfectly held the burden of carrying her children through hell and back, can now put her arms around all 4 of us at the same time! It was this day that I had lived my life for, and this day that I will forever cherish and hold dear to my heart. The courage and faith of some family members, the hard work and courage of others, the forgiveness and healing through Jesus Christ, and the determination from all of us truly testifies that Families are Forever!


Christmas

We spent Christmas here in AZ and enjoyed having our little family traditions. Nathan stayed up late getting all the Santa treats set out, and made sure we woke up to a wonderful Christmas morning full of stories, presents, breakfast, and playing! At the end of the day, Nathan said, "Jenn, do you realize we haven't left the downstairs all day!" We stayed in the living room playing with new toys, games, watching a Christmas movie, and hanging out. It was perfect!


New Year's Day

We had some of our best friends from Idaho come down for New Year's. We decided to take them on a hike here in AZ. As you can see, Maejae quickly fell asleep and enjoyed her ride on mommy's back. Nathan and Natalie had fun walking over rocks, climbing bigger rocks, and staying away from the cacti! Natalie hiked the entire hike, and was quite proud of herself! So was Daddy . . . he loves his little girl!


Easter

For Easter, we again took a trip to the Mesa Temple for the Easter Pageant. Both girls stayed awake for the entire thing, and Maejae sang along to every single song! Then we participated in the Midwestern University Easter Egg festivities. I think Natalie enjoyed jumping and playing with friends. She also liked eating candy and playing with her stickers. Maejae was quite loud - again, and let everyone know that she is growing up! Don't you love their shirts? A friend got them for the girls and I think they're adorable :)


Natalie Turns 3 Years Old

This year, Natalie had a Sesame Street Birthday party. We had a small party this year, but I did make the cake again. This time, we did Big Bird! Natalie LOVED it so much, and ate quite a bit.

Natalie got spoiled. Her friends must really love her, cause they brought her all kinds of toys!

For Natalie's Birthday Surprise, we took her to Disney On Ice - 100 Years! It was so much fun watching Natalie get excited when she saw characters she knew. I think her favorite parts were the princess dance, and the part where the whale swallows Pinnocchio. I'm not sure why she thought that was so cool, but for days she would say, "Mom - remember my skating show where the whale ate that boy! And remember when the whale sneezed and the boy flew out? That was so funny!" She sure is a character herself, and we love her for that. She has been a great blessing in our lives. I can hardly believe she is 3 years old . . .