Gingerbread Cookies

Daddy is the gingerbread cookie making man.

He makes the yummiest cookies, so chewy; just the way I like them.

James and Jacob decorating gingerbread cookies.

Then he let the kids and their friends decorate them.

Braxton, Kaige, Noah, Kaden, Hiram, Kaden and Grant.

Grandpa and Grandma Surprise!

Grandpa and Grandma came over about a week ago and after paying for dinner for us, surprised us with presents.

They gave each of our kids fishing poles and tackle boxes.

They were thrilled with their gifts and can't wait until Spring to go fishing.

Christmas Concerts

Noah and Joyanne have both had their Christmas Concerts.

Noah plays the trumpet in band, and Joyanne plays the violin in the school  Orchestra and in the Northern Utah Youth Symphony.

We enjoy the music programs at school and in the community, and feel they really help our kids in many ways.

Christmas is such a fun time of the year.

Today Daddy played outside with the kids a lot.

He built ⛄ snowman, had snowball fights, and gave sled rides from the back of the 4-wheeler.

We spent the afternoon shopping for each other.

Each child drew a name and was able to spend $5 on who they drew.

After dinner we drove around town looking at all the Christmas lights.

A Christmas story was read, and then we watched "The Santa Claus 3".

Every 23rd of December the kids and I sleep under the Christmas tree with the lights on ALL night.

Fun memories, good times!

Christmas Ward Party

We had our ward Christmas party and the primary kids did the program.

Grant was a shepherd in the nativity.

James rang the chimes.

Jaden sang.

Of course, the highlight of the night was Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus.

The Christmas season is such a wonderful time of giving and showing love abundantly.

Elections, Discipline, Piano Recital

Jaden ran for the Mayor of Biztown.

He was so excited to run and had high hopes.

He wrote an amazing, persuasive speech.

We started some new discipline.

At school the elementary kids do a clip up, clip down chart; so we decided to try it at home.

So far it's been pretty effective.

I've realized parenting takes lots of time and consistency.

Joyanne has been teaching Jaden and 8 other students piano.

She had a recital that turned out really well.

Jaden is really progressing at the piano, and we enjoy hearing him play.

Scorch Riding

Joyanne and I are loving riding Scorch.

We are learning to rein, walk, trot, canter and gallop with him.

He loves to roam the fields and eat the remaining green grass.

We are also learning to get better control of him and not let him just take off running with us, like he often likes to do.

Horses are amazing animals and teach us so much.

Daddy the Man!

Daddy won a couple of awards at his work dinner party tonight.

He has now worked with this group for 5 years, and what an amazing 5 years it has been.

He is enjoying his job, and especially likes the people he works with.

He works hard and loves to serve and protect!