Follow the Star

It's frustrating for me as a mother when I can't accomplish the goals I have set or the desires I have for my children. With Parker, I was able to do so much with him since he was my only 1 for 6 years. We read for hours each night and he was (and is) such a bright, happy kid. Rayleigh is not interested in reading as much, for whatever reason. I am anxious to begin a new sleep routine once we move the baby into her own room and switch everyone's rooms around. But she struggles with sitting still to read and so Jack doesn't get the opportunity either. Some activities will hold her attention for a very long time: like stacking cups. So the other day, in an effort to get her to sit down for a little bit so I could clean, I gave her a string and some fruit loops and I kid you not, she sat for 2 straight hours and filled up that entire sting. She. Loved. It. Jack helped too. I was so proud of her for completing such a difficult task! We hung her creation in the doorway and I just love it.

Tanner has begun the process of putting the lights on the house. He has some pretty big aspirations. But it all costs money AND it's been so windy! But he's been doing a ton of YouTube research, emailing other Christmas light enthusiasts, and building displays. Here we all are watching OTHER people's Christmas lights on YouTube... for inspiration. 

Boxes are fun! The other day Jack said, "Can we take a rocketship and go see Jesus?" I love their imaginations. And it's been heavenly having Tanner around. He takes them swimming every day. They are in for a rude awakening when he goes back to work.

Our goal is to take each child for a  one on one date once a month, even if it's just for an hour to the park. Tanner took Rayleigh to lunch one day. She is the cutest little thing. She's so sweet and happy. And gosh, she's beautiful. For some reason she uses the term, "Slugk" for many different things. The other day, she and Jack were watching a show and they said, "Watch out for the chickens!" and Ray said, "Chickens is so slugk." or in her prays, "Please bless the slugk" or "Jingle slugk! Jingle Slugk!" I mean, it comes up often and it's hilarious. She has this cute little voice when she says it. So now it's like our family inside joke. SLUUUUUGK!

We had Audrey come over and watch the kids for like 10 hours on Saturday because she needed volunteer hours. Score! We went to Costco and then over to see "The Man Who Invented Christmas" at the AMC theater. Well, we were pleasantly surprised when we walked in and not only were we the only ones in the theater, but they were all reclining seats with trays and lots of cup holders! What?!?!? We. Were. Stoked. We ordered lots of popcorn and I brought treats. I held my perfect little baby Ella and we enjoyed a wonderful holiday film! Later, we picked up Parker and took him to see Coco at our Edwards and it just wasn't the same. Now we can't go to a regular theater anymore! But Coco was great!

Jack is sooooo sweet with Ella. Even though he's only 2, he talks to her a a little high pitched baby voice and says, "Hiii Ella Ella!" He grabs her bottle and tries to feed her if she's fussy and loves to make her smile and laugh. Jack is talking up a storm and it speaking in 7-8 word sentences! He's super obedient although he's definitely in his terrible twos. He can make a mess like nobody's business and is currently in nap rebellion which is unfortunate because he REALLY needs a nap. He's not a very picky eater although he doesn't really like fruit. He's the cutest kid on the block for sure!

We have started to be able to attend all 3 meetings of church (although sacrament meeting is usually spent in the hall with my loud and crazy crew) But my first Sunday in Relief Society in forever, I was asked to teach! ha ha I love doing it so I was happy. I gave my lesson the following Sunday and then we came home, ate a quick chicken and rice dinner, and then we were off to Follow the Star. I had the kids watch the LDS video "Joy to the World" in the car, which is about the nativity story, and they were glued to it! We got there early so we could enjoy walking around, admiring the creche exhibit before the crowds appeared. Rayleigh was enthralled! We even found the characters in the live nativity getting ready and she went around and talked to each person. Someone asked me if Ella was going to play the part of Jesus. That would have been sweet. It was last year at Follow the Star that we told my parents that we were expecting a baby! Rayleigh was SUCH a good girl and loved everything about Follow the Star. She especially loved finding all of the baby Jesus' in all of the hundreds of creches displayed. The live show was beautiful as always and I can't help but feel overcome with the spirit. 

Jack loves to take pictures....

It was fun being there with my family and bumping into so many good friends. We came home and had the missionaries over, as usual. I love that they come over on Sunday nights. It's the perfect way to end a Sunday and a great way to start the week! They bring such a special spirit with them. I love this Christmas season and reflecting on the birth of our Savior. It touches my heart how my children are so sensitive to the sweet story of our Lord's birth. I hope they always stand in awe of His holiness.