Early morning temple trip

We made our goal by the skin of our teeth!  Gray challenged us a few months ago to start going to the temple as a family.  He really is the Childs moral compass!  We decided to try to go every other month. We went for the first time in July, then September, and now on the last day of November we are squeezing in our temple trip.  Since we had to reschedule due to other activities, we had to take the 6:30 am spot.  The kids were not too excited about it on the way to the temple but so grateful after it was done.  Love serving together at the temple and this time we were able to do some family names that Darolyne printed off for us.  We kept our tradition of going to Einstein's after for a little more family time.  We made our next appointment at the Redhills temple in St George at the end of December. And guess what?  We added one more special family member to our reservation.  Luke will be home and I cannot wait!

No email but only 2 more pdays...

 

Luke decided to take the next couple weeks off from emails and promised to write one on his last pday.  He had another great week.  They found tons of new people and are hoping for a few baptisms on Sunday.  Here are a few pics from his week!

Artist showcase

This year, Nash and Har have been able to take art together.  So fun!  I love the memories that they are making.  Their latest projects turned out perfectly!  Nash's is of a guitar and Harlee's is based on lyrics by her favorite artist Peter McPoland.  I am so impressed!  Great job kiddos!

Jeff's Christmas Party

After a one year hiatus, my work Christmas party was back.  Jeff and his wife Laura came to Utah and we all celebrated at Rodizio Grill.  It was pretty short notice on the party so not everyone was able to make it.  We still had a group of 10: Jeff and Laura, DJ and Kami, Michelle and her husband Kurt, Krisanne and her husband, and Joey and I.  I have to admit that this was the best party in the eight years.  Joey and I sat by Jeff, Laura, Kami, and DJ.  It was actually fun.  I wish Cheryl could have made it but hopefully next year.  As much stress as that job sometimes provides, I am grateful for the opportunity that I have to work from home.  I have the flexibility to be a mom and work the hours that work for me.

Only 3 more pdays...

Elder Childs had another great week!  His week was full of district council, all leaders meeting, lots of service and lots of finding.  He had an exchange with Elder Eschler who is a missionary learning Portuguese.  They had a great time spending most of their time out doing street contacting.  He finished the week by having so many of their friends show up to church and a fabulous member meal.  Time is winding down for our missionary.  I seriously cannot wait!

Last transfer for Elder Childs

This week starts Elder C's last transfer of his mission.  He feels so lucky to have Elder Egan as his last companion.  He is from Alpine and Luke said that he is on everyone's wish list for a companion.  I'm so glad that he gets to end on a good note.  Luke was also asked to be District Leader again.  President Durrant wants to keep him working to the very end.   I love that he is getting to learn so many lessons about leading meetings and being in charge.  These are life skills that I know he will be so grateful he has worked on as he moves into the next phase of life.  I am getting so excited for Lukie to come home.  Only 31 more days.  I cannot believe it.

Weekend at the cabin

I have been lucky to manage Erika and Jeremy's cabin for the last couple of years.  One of the perks that they give me is access to the cabin once a year.  We decided to take the kids up on Friday night and then Joey and I went up on Saturday night.  On Friday, we grabbed Two Jacks pizza, some firewood and treats, and then head up the canyon to the cabin.  The kids were so surprised with how nice it was.  Tag had even asked me before going if the cabin had electricity!  We spent the night making smores outside at the firepit, playing games, and laughing a ton.  It was a perfect night!  Joey and I returned to the cabin on Saturday night after we enjoyed a no rush dinner at Edna's.  What a fun weekend full of memories made.  Love time with my favorite people!

She could be a T-Bird

Harlee is so proactive which is one of the many qualities that I both admire and envy in her.  She took the initiative to apply to several UT schools in order to have options.  She applied to SUU and got her acceptance letter today!  She also was awarded a $1500 per year scholarship due to amazing GPA.  So proud of this girl and I just know that wherever she goes she will be successful.  Congrats Har!

Raptor Remark for Tig

Today in the mail, Tag was sent a Raptor Remark card which is a card that teachers can send to acknowledge remarkable students.  The card was from his PE coach and it said "Tag, I just wanted thank you for working hard in class and trying your hardest.  You come to class with a good attitude and I'm so happy to have you as a student. Coach Carson".  So nice and so well deserved.  I am so proud of Tag.  He has acclimated so well to junior high.  Such a blessing!

The Big *48*

Today is my 48th birthday!  It is so crazy that I am that old but I am so grateful for all the blessings I have been given over the last 48 years.  Joey and the kids spoiled me and made me feel so loved.  I was given way too many gifts including airpod pros!  I was so surprised and so excited.  Joey made dinner that was so good- rice and honey chicken.  We had ice cream and cupcakes for dessert.  Luke sent me a super nice email.  So grateful for all of my blessings!

Missionary Monday's are winding down...

Counting today we only have 6 more Pdays before our missionary comes home.  It is hard to believe!  I imagine it is bittersweet for Lukie.  He is probably excited/nervous to come home and start the new phase of life while he also must feel sad to leave his mission behind.  This was a great week for him.  They met some new "friends" and worked hard.  The highlight of the week was being able to go to the Philadelphia Temple to do an endowment session.  His mission president changed the rules and is encouraging temple attendance once a month which I think is an inspired change.  This was also his last week in this companionship.  On Thursday he will start his last transfer that is five weeks long.  Time is flying.  So proud of this missionary of ours. We are blessed by his service and his example.

Never to early to set up Christmas!

It took a little bit of begging the man of the house but he caved and we were able to set up Christmas today!  It just brings all of us to much joy to have the Christmas decorations set up.  So even though it is only November 3rd, we spent the afternoon decorating as we listened to Christmas music.  This year is truly going to be perfect as we will have all of our family home celebrating together since Luke comes home on December 12th.  This is going to be an amazing holiday season.  So excited to start it as soon as possible. 

Our puppy is 8

Happy Birthday Ikie Poops! Cannot believe that it has been almost 8 years since our favorite puppy joined the Childs family. We just love him so much!  We celebrated by getting him his favorite dog cookie and of course putting it in a gift bag which he loves!  Ike has been the greatest addition to our family and we pray we have many more years to celebrate him.

Annual birthday breakfast

Jenna needs to have surgery to remove a mass on her thyroid on November 7th so we moved our breakfast to the Saturday before our birthday.  We met Dad at our usual place, One Man Band.  It was so fun to catch up and spend some time together.   The food was really good and it was a great way to kick off our birthday.  Love this tradition!