Looking for the good

Oh Eleanor. She's getting quite sneaky at grabbing my phone to take pictures.

On Sunday afternoon, I insisted that everyone dress as warm as possible. We went and hiked to some waterfalls that we enjoy exploring in the summer. We were in awe at the beauty of the winter weather.

Free ice skating!

The girls and I saw two deer run through the trees! "DEER!" the girls giggled in delight!

On Monday after school, we completed our last Pogo Pass adventure. We were sad to see the passes expire, but we enjoyed them so much this past year. We woke up on Tuesday morning and were shocked to receive news that school was cancelled again. The kids talked me in to getting frozen custard. The last couple of weeks have been a different type of school schedule than we expected, but I'm not complaining! I've expressed in my prayers multiple times how grateful I am to be a stay at home mom so when our schedule changes last minute, we can all adjust and we get more time together! 

When I came out of the bathroom, Eleanor left me this little note on the floor. It made me smile!! She then decided to make Valentines for each family member and she placed the notes in our rooms. My heart exploded with so much love for her thoughtfulness! 

 

During our morning scripture study, Aaron had the kids hold to the rod while trying to get the chocolate chips they so desperately wanted that were on the kitchen counter. The pulled with all their might to try and drag Aaron and the iron to the chocolate chips. They even tried creating a chain where one of them could hold onto the rod while the other two branched out to reach the chocolate chips, but that went against Aaron's rules of keeping both hands on the iron rod. The kids realized that there will be strong temptations that will try and pull us away from the iron rod, but as we stayed focused on what our purpose in this life is, we'll be able to avoid distractions and temptations. We are enjoying our study of the Book of Mormon together. I love seeing Adelaide's testimony grow as she has started asking sweet questions - she'll ask, "Mom, where does Jesus live?" We were at a car dealership this week and a guy walked by dressed nicely in a suit. Adelaide turned to me and asked, "Mom, is that President Nelson?"

This has become our family motto this year. A friend shared this quote with me as her daughter was going to middle school last year. I hear so many people talk about how horrible middle school is, and while I know there really is horrible stuff happening in the world all the time, I also know that a lot of good is happening and there are so many great things to notice in others, including people around me. I'm working on focusing on the good my kids do each day instead of the dwelling on the negative so much. 

I laughed when I saw this picture of Austin in his classroom newsletter today. His bus driver game him this pencil and he was using it on his school work. 

My girls continue to pray for my Uncle Harman that passed away. It's the sweetest thing because I've realized in my life, I haven't ever prayed for someone even after they pass away, but I know prayers are still needed when someone has been promoted to serving on the other side of the vail.