MY HUSBAND LOVES NO SHAVE NOVEMBER AND SEEMS THAT MY BOYFRIEND IS PARTICIPATING TOO

November is almost over - yay!

photo via vulture

I'M SO EXCITED FOR A NEW CHRISTMAS TRADITION

that we are starting this year.

Although we teach the boys the true meaning of Christmas, I've noticed through the years that sometimes, unintentionally, throughout the Christmas season, were hurrying through it to get to the "fun stuff."  You know, writing letters to Santa, the Santa countdown.  Don't get me wrong, I love the magic of Santa and all the family fun that comes with it.  The problem is, is that we don't spend equal amounts of time in our family focusing on the reality of the Savior and the true meaning of Christmas.

I was wondering how I could keep it on the forefront without hearing an appeasing brushoff like, "I know, I know, so when can we do (insert Santa activity)?"   I ordered A Christ-Centered Christmas by Emily Freeman along with a small nativity and let me tell you what is so cool about it.

There are seven chapters that you can break up into seven weeks or seven nights.  We are going to do it in seven weeks, so that we can keep talking about it throughout the week.  The awesome thing about this book it that it isn't 'one more thing to do', it's set up to add to what you already do.  I'm in love with this approach to teach the boys and have them ponder the lesson throughout the week in their boy hearts.

Every week only one figurine will be added to this nativity scene and the lesson is about that figurine.  The chapters are set up for all ages, so we will be able to teach year after year and adjust it to the boy's age and attention span.

Let me give you a few examples.  The chapter about Mary talks about her character and what she might have been pondering in her heart.  One suggestion is to make heart shaped sugar cookies, and as we are decorating them, discuss with the boys their thoughts about if they could have been anyone present on the first Christmas, who would they be and why?  The chapter about Joseph is how he must have felt when there was no room in the inn.  It teaches about service and how acts of service make room in our hearts for the Savior.  One suggestion is to perform a secret act of service as a family. The chapter on angels focuses on our favorite carols that testify of Christ.  One suggestion is to sing them as a family and drink yummy hot cocoa.

I'm so excited to start the seven nativity traditions this week.  I know my man clan will love it and look forward to the next lesson and the next, until the nativity is complete.

What are some of your favorite traditions?

THANKSGIVING PEEK

The bow tie cousins with their grandmother.

My mom made Lach and Landon's bow ties from Larry's ties - they are so special.
I love my little Redenbachers.

My brothers crack me up.  They are so fun and I love that we all get along so well.

We had a wonderful family dinner with a lot of delicious food, laughter, a little wrestling and shenanigans.  And of course, little boy cousin bickering.  One of these days they'll shock us by getting along the whole time.  Oh, we'll be so thankful.  They sure are cute though and give the best hug and that makes up for it all.

IN THE SPIRIT OF THANKSGIVING

We're counting our blessings and naming them one by one.

Happiest of Thanksgivings to you, our family and friends.

WE CELEBRATED HIS 17TH BIRTHDAY TONIGHT WITH OUR FAMILY

After birthday wishes, presents and cake, I passed the camera around and requested self portraits.  They crack me up - I think I need to ask for self portraits more often!

ARE YOU THE MOTHER?

We had a sister date today. It was so much fun!  Since Stephanie is in Hawaii, of course she couldn't come, but we wanted to have her included, so we put her on a stick and brought her along.

We had a delicious lunch and got pedicures.

And I got asked, not once but TWICE, if I was Erica and Sarah's mother.  I was so sad.  TWICE!?!
I drowned my sorrows with some delicious sorbet and then cried on my brother's shoulder.
Other than the whole mother incident, I had a wonderful afternoon with my long legged, beautiful daughters, I mean sisters.

IT'S A WONDERFUL DAY TO

celebrate a birthday - Larry J is 17!!

This is one of my favorite photos of him as a baby.

He's growing into such a wonderful man.
He's kind, loving, a great brother and son, an awesome chef and has the best shy smile.
I love being his mother.  Thank you Larry J for being such a joy to our family!

NO GRUMBO, BE HUMBO

This was my favorite bumper sticker I saw in Hawaii!

ROADSIDE RUINS

on the way to Chinaman's Hat.

MAKAPU'U POINT LIGHTHOUSE

The hike to Makapu'u Point Lighthouse is an easy 2 miles.  There is very little shade, so a lot of water and sunscreen are a must.  It is gorgeous!  You can't walk up to the lighthouse, but you can see if from above and the side.  There are also WWII pillbox ruins that you can explore.  We didn't see any whales, but heard it is a must place to go when it is whale season.

THIS WEEKEND I WAS IN PORTLAND WITH

five of my favorite people, at Time Out For Women, for a spiritual ooomph and boy did I get it.  Most of the time I felt like the speakers were talking directly to me.  My heart is full, my spirit is excited and refreshed and I feel loved and motivated.

I was so happy to have this weekend with my Soul Sisters.  They are incredible, beautiful women and wonderful example to me in motherhood, friendship and life experiences.

CHINAMAN'S HAT

Isn't it beautiful?

At low tide, you can walk out to it.  Next time I'm in Hawaii, that excursion is on the top of the list.