December phone pics

This is what I shared on Instagram about this picture:

Just over two hours ago, I received a text that the basement of our bishop's home had
flooded. It was bad. I sent the message out for floor fans and water vacs and then Jacob
and I headed there ourselves with what we had to help. We weren't the first ones there
and most certainly were not the last. What you can't see behind me in this photo is more
than a dozen cars, never mention those neighbors that just walked. The number of those
helping blew me away. Literally dozens of people who just went to work. There is so much
good in the world. So very much. I feel honored and emotional every time I see it in action.

Ben's teacher needed a piñata filled with candy for a Christmas activity the middle of
December. I was glad to get it ready for her and put it in our library closet until it needed
to be sent to school. Grace could not have be more terrified of the "candy guy" and wouldn't
go anywhere near the closet and would barely step into the library. If I were a better mother,
I wouldn't find it absolutely hilarious and probably wouldn't have suggested to Jacob
that maybe I should put it in the hall outside her room at night, just in case she decides,
as she does on occasion, that coming upstairs in the middle of the night is a good idea.

Puzzle obsession. It's a real thing at the Allen house.

The morning I took this picture, I just had finished The Book of Mormon. I'm honestly not
sure how many times I have read it, but it is a lot. Because I love it to the deepest part of
my heart. And know it is true. It blesses my life every single day and to a degree I can't
even put into words. It has changed who I am. I'm so very grateful for this miraculous book.

This picture I took on an afternoon I dropped by my parents' house for a few minutes
and of course my cute mom had to get out her very fancy (and fragile) tea cups and
plates to throw Grace a tea party (complete with apple juice and lemon cake).
Grace was in heaven. And I was reminded how many things my mom does that
are extremely sweet and special and mean so much to our kids. And their mother.

Christmas Vacation ~ Day 5

On Christmas Day, we gave each of the kids three strips of paper with the instructions to

write down one movie they wanted to watch as a family, one restaurant they wanted to eat

at as a family and one activity they wanted to do all together. When all eighteen strips were
filled out, we hung them on the wall and worked hard (or rather played hard) all week
to make them happen. It was one of our favorite weeks of the year, hands down.

 Day five was a little more relaxing and it was nice to finish up that way. We watched
Pirates of the Caribbean late in the morning, went to Costa Vida for dinner and then
visited a place called Dart Zone for some nerf gun shooting. (Well, two of us relaxed
at home, since Grace wasn't old enough to go.) But I heard it was incredibly fun.
The environment isn't super conducive to taking pictures, so we just snapped this group
picture after the dart gun competitors came home (hence the reason Grace is included).

 And apparently the one who didn't attend feels the most passionate about shooting nerf guns.

 And our final photo of the week. Here are our eighteen strips of paper, all with a check mark by
them. That is a big deal people. Eighteen fun activities in five days...not a small thing for this mom.

It couldn't have been more worth it though. We absolutely loved it. 

And can't wait for the tradition to continue next year.

Christmas Vacation ~ Day 4

On Christmas Day, we gave each of the kids three strips of paper with the instructions to

write down one movie they wanted to watch as a family, one restaurant they wanted to eat

at as a family and one activity they wanted to do all together. When all eighteen strips were
filled out, we hung them on the wall and worked hard (or rather played hard) all week
to make them happen. It was one of our favorite weeks of the year, hands down.

 

Day four was a busy one. We had breakfast at a local diner in our town, went to Moana not long
after, headed straight to a bounce house called Kangaroo Zoo and finished with dinner at Olive
Garden. Because we were fitting all eighteen ideas of fun into five days, we had to double up on
several days to fit everything in. It was super exciting. And crazy exhausting. In a good way.

 

 These kids have a fun dad.

 This handsome boy has a great smile.

 So does this one. Which he decided he didn't want to show. Seriously, my children.

 Sweet Annie spent a lot of time with Grace.

 While another of my children gave me just the look I was going for. Honestly.

 Ask our kids sometime why this bounce toy is now referred to as "The Stephen."
I'm shaking my head if you can't see me.

 This darling boy knows how to smile. As does his photobombing sister apparently.

 A good part of this activity was spent playing tag among six kids I know.

 And the best picture I could get of Grace. She just wanted to climb this super tall slide over and over again.

Christmas Vacation ~ Day 3

On Christmas Day, we gave each of the kids three strips of paper with the instructions to

write down one movie they wanted to watch as a family, one restaurant they wanted to eat

at as a family and one activity they wanted to do all together. When all eighteen strips were
filled out, we hung them on the wall and worked hard (or rather played hard) all week
to make them happen. It was one of our favorite weeks of the year, hands down.

 Day three was the only time where we spent most of the day in two groups. Matt 

wanted to go skiing, but the youngest three haven't learned to ski yet, so we decided

 Jacob could take the oldest three to spend the day on the slopes and the three youngest

 were going to hang out with their mom and be extremely exciting. And for those of you

 laughing, I actually was this time. Go me. We ate lunch at a local Mexican restaurant, 

went bowling and then went out for frozen yogurt. When the whole family got back 

together later in the evening, we had Wendy's as per Grace's request and watched 

Zootopia, another request by Gracie girl. All of us had a really wonderful day.

 Ben is a natural bowler and so fun to watch.

 Nate was so good and I loved how he kind of willed the ball, with his body, to go certain ways.

This girl. I couldn't quit laughing. Let's just say she spent plenty of time watching the ball
head down the lane. Long enough to put her hands in her pockets and hang around.

 And all three of my bowling buddies at the end of our game.

 Okay, I couldn't help but share this picture before we switched activities. Sometimes waiting is exhausting.

 And now for the super skiers. On the lift and ready to go.

 It wasn't the saddest day to ski for sure. Oh, and having some of their cousins join made it all the better.

 And at the end of a fabulous, exhausting day.

And pretty much my favorite picture of the entire week. Have I mentioned I love this guy?

Christmas Vacation ~ Day 2

On Christmas Day, we gave each of the kids three strips of paper with the instructions to

write down one movie they wanted to watch as a family, one restaurant they wanted to eat

at as a family and one activity they wanted to do all together. When all eighteen strips were
filled out, we hung them on the wall and worked hard (or rather played hard) all week
to make them happen. It was one of our favorite weeks of the year, hands down.

Day two brought breakfast at Kneaders (yum on the French toast), Jacob and the older
kids going to the movie Doctor Strange and all of us spending a couple of hours playing
racquetball. I was shocked at how much I loved playing and told Jacob I thought he and I
should go and play more often. It was fun stuff. And the kids didn't mind it at all either.

The boys started off with a game of four.

The court next to us was empty for quite a while and made a fabulous space for the youngest to run and run.

When I went back for more pictures of the boys, Matt graced me with this lovely one.

Meanwhile, tag had begun next door.

And finally, a switch of those using the racquets. Apparently the power went to Grace's head.

Nate took getting the ball seriously. Look at that vertical.

All of the kids were really good at it. It made me happy to watch them.

Sweet Nate loved it so much he would stand outside the door, just waiting for his turn.

Fun and competition all in one afternoon. We loved it.

Christmas Vacation ~ Day 1

On Christmas Day, we gave each of the kids three strips of paper with the instructions to

write down one movie they wanted to watch as a family, one restaurant they wanted to eat

at as a family and one activity they wanted to do all together. When all eighteen strips were
filled out, we hung them on the wall and worked hard (or rather played hard) all week
to make them happen. It was one of our favorite weeks of the year, hands down.

Day one included horseback riding, dinner at Texas Roadhouse and two movies (Wild Hearts
Can't Be Broken and The Maze Runner). The littles didn't stay up for the second movie, but sure
enjoyed the first one. It was a truly fun day. And I have pictures to prove it. Shocking yes?

Annie picked a great activity. And worked hard to get the horses ready.

This little boy fell in love with one of the barn cats.

While this man-child decided using one of the cats to play Lion King was a good idea.

Campbell's first time on a horse. He did great.

And Matt's first time on a horse. He also did really well.

Nate and Grace with their fabulous dad.

 I didn't get anything good of Annie since she was riding so fast and all I had was my phone camera .

I really love this guy. And he is super handsome.

These cute ones loved getting their own ride together with Annie leading.

And this horse expert did awesome as usual. We all loved watching him ride.

Jacob and Annie putting the horses back.

And indulging me with a final picture. Because look at that sunset.

And yes, I was there and yes, I rode and yes, I loved it. A lot. Really a lot.

Glory to the newborn King!

Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings,  ris'n with healing in his wings.
Mild He lays his glory by, born that man no more may die;
born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth.
Hark! the herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King!

Christmas Eve

A very Merry Christmas from these darlings!

Eighteen years

Being married three days before Christmas, I've sometimes received sympathy
from others about trying to celebrate an anniversary during such a busy time of the
year. I get it, but truly wouldn't trade it for anything. Because the Christmas season
reminds me of the two greatest gifts my Heavenly Father has ever given me.
His Son, my Savior, Jesus Christ. And the absolute love of my life, Jacob Allen.