Thankful

"How can we cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude? President Joseph F. Smith, sixth President of the Church, provided an answer. Said he: 'The grateful man sees so much in the world to be thankful for, and with him the good outweighs the evil. Love overpowers jealousy, and light drives darkness out of his life.' He continued: 'Pride destroys our gratitude and sets up selfishness in its place. How much happier we are in the presence of a grateful and loving soul, and how careful we should be to cultivate, through the medium of a prayerful life, a thankful attitude toward God and man!'" 

The Divine Gift of Gratitude

THOMAS S. MONSON

Our lives are filled with blessings.

From a big move to a baby addition how grateful we are that we are together and happy and only mildly crazy! 

We spent thanksgiving with my family having a few family favorites that I had very nearly forgotten. It was sweet, loving, a little pouty (Bella!), and very perfect. 

Primary

When entering our new home, and new area, and new ward, we also entered new callings almost immediately. I was called as Second Counselor in the Primary Presidency. Shea was called as Secretary in the Young Mens. To say it all has been a little overwhelming is an understatement, but we are managing. And if anything I have learned that our prayers are truly heard. Sometimes I wonder why I prayed for so much so quickly but it truly is a blessing. I mean busy has been good for us and even though we are busy we are also happy. 

Recently I have been taking pictures of all the primary children for this years Christmas ornaments. It has been fun getting to know them all a little better and putting faces to names. 

I went to take Bella's picture in Nursery and of course what did I get?

I guess those are her true feelings about all this.

Mommy and Me

Don't you think I look like Mommy ...

Mommy

Sept 2014

I think Mommy and me make a pretty good pair. 

For you, you, and you

Miracle

Celine Dion

You're my life's one miracle

Everything I've done that's good

And you break my heart with tenderness

And I confess it's true

I never knew a love like this 'til you

You're the reason I was born

Now I finally know for sure

And I'm overwhelmed with happiness

So blessed to hold you close

The one that I love most

Though the future has so much for you in store

Who could ever love you more

The nearest thing to heaven

You're my angel from above

Only God creates such perfect love

When you smile at me I cry

And to save you life I'd die

With a romance that is pure in heart

You are my dearest part

Whatever it requires

I live for your desires

Forget my own, your needs will come before

Who could ever love you more

There is nothing you could ever do

To make me stop loving you

And every breath I take

Is always for your sake

You sleep inside my dreams

And I know you sure

Who could ever love you more

Stanger Visit

Even though we are miles far far away, Grandpa and Grandma Stanger have come to visit the east a couple times already.

In August we all spent some time together at Uncle Jared and Aunt Lindsay's new home.

In November we enjoyed visiting with Grandpa and Grandma in our own home.

After a short visit we all drove to DC/Arlington and met up with Jared and Lindsay and their kids. Nothing is better then cousins.

We enjoyed a walk around DC  and a trip to the National Museum of Natural History.

Rainbow!

We also visited the DC Temple.

It has been quite fun having them visit and we are looking forward to more.

💕 Rexburg was our home but the Stanger's are our family. The Stanger family has loved us in only a way they could.

We miss you.

You have all supported us, celebrated with us, fed us, cared for us, babysat for us, and loved us; we are so grateful for that continual love and support as we embark on our next big adventure.

As much as we were ready to leave Rexburg we knew the hole our little family would leave in the Stanger family. I am sure things are quieter and calmer on Sundays and McDonald's seems a little lonelier without Connor screaming for french fries; but we are so very grateful for all the times we had.

It breaks my heart to see our little ones miss "Gwampa and Gwamma". They love you all completely and I know they are loved in return, always.

I look forward to the new times we all will have, when we visit the West or you visit the East. And hopefully we can get better about doing FaceTime, so we can visit even miles away.

Thank you for all you do and before long we will be seeing you, face to face.

Away on a Mountaintop

At the finish of fall and as winter started to creep in we ventured on a hike in Catoctin.

Mirror Mirror

Sydney enjoys looking into her reflection, smiling and cooing at herself.
She has been loving the mirror for awhile now but lately it seems like she is discovering it all over again.
Staring in the mirror is intriguing and calms her down, most of the time.
But TODAY ...
it was HILARIOUS! She giggled and smiled, and just played and played until her laughs became too dang cute not to capture!

At this point she was finding herself smacking the mirror pretty amusing, so Daddy tried to take video of her fully belly laughs, but of course then she was done.

I love this stage. And I remember Connor doing it too right here in this post, Magic Mirror .

First Bite

Right before 6 months Sydney had her first bites of baby food. Rice Cereal.

She is not much of a fan but real baby food, especially sweet potatoes, she LOVES!

ABC's

We've been singing a lot of ABC's lately;

while we eat, before we sleep, during diaper changes, in the bath, on the potty, when Daddy comes home, while Mommy makes dinner, and most popularly as a lullaby to sing Sydney to sleep.

Of course when we try to record them it is easier said then done ...