35+ weeks pregnant (11/13/16)

Thought I better document the growing bump.  It's been awhile and I only have a month left.  Life is going to drastically change again.  3 kids 3 and under... at least for two months.

#lighttheworld

The church has started a #lighttheworld challenge for December.  We have enjoyed doing something each day.  We've learned about an ancestor, Grandpa Tommy, read a story about Christ healing the blind in the New Testament and we've lightened the burden of someone else by inviting friend's over to play.  One friend has a new baby brother and a dad in residency, so we knew his mom could use a break.

I am grateful for this Christmas season.  It really does bring out the best in people.  When I watched the #lighttheworld video, I was incredibly touched at the point where it quoted two scriptures.  First, "I am the light of the world" and then it says, "Ye are the light of the world".  When I reflected on that second phrase, it reminded me that as I share my light and as I help others see the light and bear testimony of Christ through my acts of service, I can be part of Christ's mission to be a light to the world.

Christmas Season in full swing 912/4/16)

Today we really got into the Christmas spirit.  We started out the day with a 5k Jingle Bell run for arthritis.  Our great friends, the Murdock's, have a daughter with juvenile arthritis.  We went to support her.  David ran and Porter joined him for about 2 miles of the run with intermittent breaks in the stroller.  Jonas and I hung back and visited Santa and Rudolph.  Jonas was really sad when Unicorn Santa, Dan, took off running in the race and Jonas wasn't going with him.  He was fascinated by "the unicorn".

For the race, Porter was adamant that he wanted to dress up as the abominable snowman. So while the rest of us were getting dressed this morning, Porter got out the paints, put blue and white paint on a plate and went to work painting his face.  He was pretty proud of the final product.

Tonight we headed to Thanksgiving Point with Gayle to see Luminaria and The Light of the World exhibit.  We got all bundled up and really enjoyed it.  The lights were fun with Christmas music playing in the background.  And the Light of the World exhibit was incredible.  You felt the spirit as we walked through and viewed the sculptures depicting events from the Savior's life.  It was so kind of Gayle to bring us.

The boys enjoyed the whole thing and we finished with some games and s'mores.

The dentist (11/16/16)

Porter had his first dentist appt.  he was a rock star.  First he watched during my appt, asked 1 million and 1 questions and then hopped up in the chair for his turn.  I was so proud of him.  He was just supposed to have an initial get comfortable with the dentist appt,  but they had time and he was so good that he got the whole works.  Bubble gum toothpaste and raspberry fluoride to boot.
Then after wards he got to pick a prize.  He came back with

a new nerf gun.  What?!  He was thrilled.

Bike rider (11/21/16)

It's official. Today Porter took off riding his bike with no training wheels.  He only practiced in our driveway, but he could start, turn and ride fast. I'm actually super impressed because we have not practiced much.  He was so excited and so happy.  When I watch him do new things like this, it makes me excited for all his firsts and how liberated his little body and brain will be.