December

 This Christmas season was a bit different than it has been in year's past. Many of the usual celebrations and traditions had to be cancelled or changed because of Covid. But I really didn't mind. I enjoyed the slower, more thoughtful pace of the holidays this year. We really missed the kids choir concert. We were able to watch it on-line, but it just wasn't the same. We were so happy that one of our favorite traditions wasn't cancelled, the town Nativity. It was so wonderful to watch the re-enactment of the events surrounding our Saviors birth. 

 

Christmas was extra fun for us this year, because the Hulses and grandma and Grandpa Quist came and celebrated with us this year. We had a wonderful Christmas eve dinner together and had fun opening presents together on Christmas morning. We spent Christmas day enjoying new gifts, playing games, watching movies and working on jigsaw puzzles. 

The day after Christmas We played in what little snow we could find in The mountains, and then came home and played  more games, watched more movies, and just enjoyed being together.

We're so glad the Hulses came, so We could get to know EmmaLee's fiance Sam! 

We are happy to welcome him to the family. He and EmmaLee are a great match.

2020 sure had it's fair share of ups and downs. There were some struggles, but SO many blessings as well. We had more time to spend together as a family and slow down and focus on what's really important in our lives. I'm grateful for all the lessons of 2020 and look forward to another year of learning and growing. 

November

November started out as kind of a bummer month. The girls lost their first playoff game, the presidential election seemed to have been stolen and Covid cases were on the rise. Things just felt gloomy.  Then, on November 20th, President Nelson had a special broadcast message for the world. He talked about gratitude and the effects it has on our mind, spirit and body.  He challenged all of us to share what were grateful for with our friends and families each day, for one week leading up to Thanksgiving. I took the challenge, and let me tell you, I'm so glad I did! Gratitude really does change everything! When I focused on my blessings, my feelings of gloom vanished!

I love our prophet and I love this time of year when we take time to reflect on our blessings and give thanks.

Speaking of Thanksgiving, we celebrated it this year in the Valley with the Quists. We had a fun afternoon at my parents house. I was having such a wonderful visit with everyone that I forgot to take pictures.

I managed to take this picture of Eliza holding Grandma's new dog Morty.

The day after Thanksgiving,  Adam and the kids went on a buggy ride in Florence with some Gurr cousins. I had a fun day shopping and going out for lunch with Becky and Calli.

On Saturday we hiked to the windcave with the Hulses and othe Quist cousins. It was a beautiful day for hiking. 

Oh, and I almost forgot, this month we bought some land up the road to someday, build a new home for ourselves on!! More news on that to follow.