Christmas Lights

It finally happened!  After many years of begging to get Christmas lights on our house because everyone else has them, dreams came true.  I knew that with Joey's calling and work he would not have time so I was convinced I could do it myself.  As I evaluated the height of our home I decided to call in a favor.  I asked Jeremy to help me.  So grateful for an amazing brother that is not afraid of heights.  Since there was no where to clip in we were only able to get the lights on the side of the house by the garage.  I thought that the kids would be bummed but their reactions were quite the opposite.  They were each so excited to see the Christmas lights- Tag actually squealed.  So worth the money and freezing out in the cold.  So glad we could make their Christmas wishes come true. 
*I kind of over bought on the lights so I strung them on the stair rail also!   It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the Childs home-inside and out!

Pure Joy

Today when we were out running errands it began to snow.  Tag immedietly stuck out his tongue to catch the snowflakes.  This picture speaks pure joy to me and that is what Tag brings to me.  Tag is such a genuine, loving, sweet, kind spirit.  I love him more than any words can describe.  He teaches me everyday and makes me want to be just a little bit better.  So grateful for him in my life!

Christmas comes to the Childs

As is tradition, the day after Thanksgiving is our day to bring out the Christmas!  This year, Justyna from Joey's work gave us a new Christmas tree!  I love it!  I bought some new Christmas pillows and we are ready for the holidays.  I LOVE the excitement that comes with these decorations and look forward to a wonderful Christmas with the ones I love most!

New Pantry

 

Thanks to our friend and handyman Kent we have a new pantry!  We closed the nook in the dining room and expanded the pantry.  I am in LOVE!  So much space and so organized.  We also had Kent add a barn door.  Such a welcomed transformation!  So grateful for this new change and for the fact that our food can all be in one place!

Thanksgiving 2016

It was a Childs year so we were blessed to host Thanksgiving at our house.  Everyone arrived at 3:30pm and the eating began!  We had so much wonderful food and even better company!  Ryan brought his friend Ben and they entertained us with a little concert.  It was so fun to be together.  I am so grateful to be a Childs!  I am also so grateful for all of the blessings that I have been given.  I am amazed by my life: Married to my best friend and together we are raising five of the most amazing kids.  We live in a beautiful home with another dream house in St. George.  We both have great jobs and truly love our life.  I know that all of these blessings would not be possible if not for a loving Heavenly Father.  So blessed to know Him and to have the Gospel in my life.  So blessed!

The third kid loses his tonsils...

 

 

 

After years of strep throat, snoring, and choking it was Luke's turn to get his tonsils out.  Since he is in junior high and cannot miss a ton of school, we scheduled the surgery for the Friday before Thanksgiving.  That way he would only miss three school days and have three off!  He went in at 6:40am and the surgery started at 8am.  We were home by 10:30am.  It was so quick and Luke looks forward to feeling much better in a few weeks!  I think then he will feel like it was worth it!

More staples...

Last night I was getting Tag and Gray in the bath.  Tag got in first and before the water was started, I turned to lift Gray in and heard a loud thud.  I quickly turned to find that Tag had hit his head and blood was everywhere.  From what I gathered, he was sliding down the back of the tub and hit his head just at the right spot.  He was tramatized!  Erika came and verified what I hoped was not true- he needed to go to the hospital.  Thankfully, Joey and Gray were willing to go with us.  We went to Timpanogos hospital and Tag was not happy about the situation.  The doctor and staff were AMAZING!  They were so sweet to him.  Three staples later the wound was on it's way to healing.  I really hope this is the last time we have to get staples in a long time...
*He refused to let me get his picture.  I had to take this with the flash while he was sleeping.  Poor Tag!

Primary Program

Today was the ward Primary Program.  It was so weird to not be in charge of it this year since I was released from my Primary presidency calling!  Tag was struggling a bit so Luke stayed home with him.  I got to watch the three others do an amazing job saying their parts and singing the songs.   Gray talked about how he could be a good example, Nash spoke about a time when he felt the Holy Ghost comfort him, and Harlee talked about a time when the Holy Ghost helped her in a time of need.  I was so proud of them.  They are all such good examples to me.  Mimi was able to come and enjoy the program with me.  Such a special sacrament meeting!

Tag's Prayer

Lately we have been blessed to listen to the prayers of our sweet Tag.  At dinner time we have been asking who wants to pray and he is the first to volunteer.  His prayers are so cute!  He starts by saying "Heavenly Father" and then goes on to detail his day.  He asks that "Mom will please snuggle me".  After the snuggle plea he stands up and does tricks detailing them as he goes.  He always does the 360!  Then he talks about his day and how he was cold and got his blanket.  The prayer usually lasts at least a minute or two and we seriously love it.  What a special spirit this little guy brings into our family!  Love him so much!

The Big 40

Goodbye 30's!  Cannot believe I am 40!  It is so crazy because I still feel like I did when I was in college.  Honestly 40 stings a little bit but as I contemplate all of my blessings it does not seem so bad.  I have an amazing husband and five beautiful kids that shape those years!  They made my birthday so special!  Joey bought a cake and made grilled pizzas for dinner.  They bought me tons of presents: perfume, candy, clothes (all my favs).  Then we watched a movie together as a family.  Such a perfect day with my favorite people. 

Gray's Perfect Testimony

Last week as we were walking into church, Gray asked Joey when it would be his turn to share his testimony.  Joey told him that next week was fast Sunday and if he wanted to he could share it then.  He talked about it quite a bit during the week and we practiced some ideas of what he could say.  He was super nervous but when the time came, he walked up and sat on the stand.  He shared a perfect testimony of : "My name is Gray Childs and I want to bear my testimony.  I know this church is true.  I know that my family loves me and I love them.  I know Jesus loves me too.  And I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen"  My heart swelled with pride as I watched him confidently say those sweet words.  So proud of him and the example that he is setting for all of us!

School Picture Wall

We finally received Tag's school pictures and I was able to update the school picture wall in the basement.  It is so fun to see how much they have changed over the last year.  Such cute kids!  So grateful for the blessings the line the wall in our favorite hang out room!