Life is fragile. Families are eternal. Feeling grateful for the reminder of both.

I find myself trying to check things off a list as fast as I can before this baby comes. 

Tonight, interestingly, the two things left undone were writing a thank you card to my friend Becky, and writing a letter to the surviving children of my friend, Emily. Earlier this month, I had little gifts sitting on my counter for both friends, with intentions of writing them cards thanking them for helping me through the deployment. They are both in my ward and went out of their way to check on me, help me, serve me, and ease my frazzled mind. A few weeks ago Emily and her husband Derek were in a rollover accident and they died together. I have reflected on their lives often since then. I feel certain I will never forget their examples of service. I hope I am better for having known them, having been served by them on so many occasions. I hope that I look outside myself more often to see where I might lift a spirit or lend a hand. I have seen very few people live their lives so selflessly, so happily, and so partnered with their spouse, as did Derek & Emily. 

She was Anabelle's first activity days leader and she gave her rides every week so that I didn't have to take all the kids to the church. Anabelle loved going with her and would always come home singing and dancing. When Braden left, they started coming to get the kids to sit with them during sacrament meeting so that it would be more manageable for me. They even started bringing a bag of toys just for Elise to entice her away from me. Even if I walked in late, one of them would show up on my row and grab a few kids to go sit with them. The girls loved sitting with them when it was their turn and begged every week to go up with the Ramos's. They re-arranged their schedule to see the temple dedication at a less convenient time just so they could watch the little girls for me, allowing Anabelle and I to go together. She brought me a gift on my birthday, knowing that Braden was gone and guessing that it wouldn't be a great day. 

I feel very grateful for the people that Heavenly Father puts in my path. I'm thankful that tonight I was able to write to Becky and express my gratitude to her. I regret that I didn't write it sooner to Emily and Derek, and that it has to go to their kids. Our ward had a fast for their kids and we asked Anabelle if she wanted to participate. Although she had never fasted before, she said yes with zero hesitation whatsoever that she wanted to do it. It was on a Monday and we explained to her that it would be 24 hours with no food or water and that she had to go the whole school day. She agreed happily. I sort of worried about her all day and wondered if I should at least take her some gum. When she got home she said that she had been fine, had totally abstained from either, and had gone to the library during lunch to read. I was so proud of her and grateful that she had that experience. I think she felt a special connection to Emily and really wanted to do that for her. 

My life has been very blessed by Christ-like friends who live to serve. I hope to become a better friend to those whose path I am placed in during their time of need. I hope I recognize those needs. I hope I am looking for it. 

(I couldn't sleep all night long because) IT"S CHRISTMAS MORNING!

After a relatively warm and snow free December, we woke up to a very white Christmas. It was beautiful. But now Christmas is over. And I have places to go. And a baby to have. And the snow is still here. And it's annoying. But for that day, I loved it. 

This little minion loves finger monsters. That and a cup of juice is what she got in her stocking. It was perfect.

Maisey has been in a crazy Little Mermaid craze the last little while, with particular obsession over the song, "Part of your World". I found this little music box that plays this song and I couldn't resist it for her. It wasn't even on sale. I've since hidden it because it's so obnoxious but it was totally worth her absolute delight in this moment. 

Loving her new winter gear

At first she thought we got her a bag of potatoes. She was elated to discover that she was the proud owner of her very own stash of kiwis.

We let Elise open her present first so that she would get out of the way and stop stealing everyone else's stuff. It only kind of worked. But she sure does love that stroller.

Maisey, we have discovered, is quite creative with the magnaforms. We got her the deep sea set with bended shapes. She hasn't actually played with them much yet. These are something she does in the absence of her sisters to pass the school hours away. I'm sure next week when they go back to school she will start blowing my mind with them.

Anabelle bought Elise a slinky. It's already broken, but it had a good short life in her care.

I found the same electronic version of  "Polar Bear Polar Bear What do you see" that Lila's speech therapist has. She loves it and loves that he can get Elise to come read it with her.

Braden was quite literally tickled by his new nose hair trimmer.

Anabelle got a doodle book to help her pass the 14 hours that she wakes up way too early every morning. Her drawings and colorings have gotten really fun lately.

Maisey giving Anabelle a hug for the new coloring pencil she got her. Anabelle used her birthday money to get her sisters gifts, even though they weren't able to do the same for her. Happily she didn't even notice. 

They each got a Razor scooter. Anabelle got pink and Lila got red (both of their supposed favorite colors). Anabelle decided that she wanted the red one and asked Lila if they could trade. Without a second thought, in true Lila form, she said , "Sure, Anabelle!". I happen to know that Pink is not her favorite color, she was just making her sister happy.

This is Braden unwrapping his new miter saw. I was trying really extra super hard to make it happen and keep it a secret. I think it was a secret. He already made a lovely frame with it. 

Anabelle with all her new goods.

Anabelle and Dad having their first anatomy lesson, compliments of "Harry" the skeleton they assembled together. We expect great conversations to come from him, especially as he now hangs in our kitchen for all his parts to be discussed. 

Proof of our choice to only buy our kids things that we like to play with. I stand by our decision.

And a sick (but tough) little Lila who was largely absent from the above pictures and festivities, spent the day looking at her favorite book of Christmas scriptures, while watching "Joy to the World" (ALLLLLLLL day), and listening to her music box that plays "Jesus says love everyone". When I grow up I want to be like her.

Hanging out with Dad while he shoveled all our Christmas snow.

This is what it looks like after you hit her in the face with a snowball, just in case you never get that chance.

Twas the night before Christmas (the new jammies version)!

We decided instead of giving the girls matching PJ's, we would give them each something personalized. 

Anabelle has been begging for footie jammies for years and despises the fact that I tell her she is too big for them. She was so thrilled she tried to wear them day and night for three days. She succeeded  for two and a half days and then I drew the line.

These could not be any more perfect for sweet Lila. Her favorite book of late is the "Very Hungry Caterpillar". And it says "love", which is the very essence of what Lila is. She was trying her best to smile but she was sick and really just wanted to take those jammies and go right to bed.  

We thought this was a perfect fit for Maisey. Girly yet awesome. I made the comment that she would need to take the cape part off before she went to sleep and she shot back at me with zero hesitation, "No, I don't". It was as if I was asking her to remove her right arm before bed.

Naked Elise pretending to be a puppy

Braden feels like Elise is actually a minion and wonders if she speaks legitimate philipino.  Because of this, we decided to give her minion jammies that she can grow into. Or share with Maisey since they are her size. 

This year we did Picasso Tiles for our Christmas Eve family gift/activity. We are building our magnetic toy collection and hope to have enough to eventually make forts to put our grand kids in. And to think we never considered ourselves goal setters. 

And by 1 am........we were all wrapped and stuffed and ready to rock n roll. 

Aint no party like a Jeanne party (the Christmas version)!

I usually avoid places that promise a visit from Santa. But this Santa read a book about Jesus and instead of giving the kids candy or presents, gave them a picture of the Savior. And this Santa was at Jeanne's house, which is always full of good food and good people. It was a good way to spend December 23rd. We will really miss the Bates/Easley gatherings when we move.  

This is the Place (the Christmas version)!

Brigham's donuts, in matching hats. What could be better?

Lila learning to sashay with her knight in shining armor. He's actually my knight in shining armor but sometimes I loan him to the girls for training purposes.

Helga the cow

Elise loves a chance to bellow out "MOOOOOOO"! 

We loved reading the scriptures with the kids. They had a live nativity in the barn with a real baby. The other girls watched for a few minutes and then went out to go on to the next thing. Not Lila. Braden stayed with her while she stood and watched the representation of the holy family for quite a long time. 

We paid a quick visit to Father Christmas on our way out. Not one of our kids could think of anything they wanted. That made us happy. Either that or they couldn't focus because they just wanted to get their little paws on that candy cane.

Elise was not a fan. She did enjoy his candy though.

Braden insisted I sit on his lap. I think he wanted to see our bellies jiggle together. I wished for a healthy baby.

We had a fantastic night together as a family. I loved the simplicity of everything and the focus on Christ. Another highlight was asking Maisey what the wise men brought Jesus, to which she replied, "Gold....Frankenstein....."