January fun

2020 has started off well.

We enjoyed a snowfall of about four to five inches. Benjy really enjoyed being out in the snow but had a hard time staying upright.

Sledding on the front slope.

"I've fallen and I can't get up!"

Clara came outside, which is always great.

Speaking of Clara, she performed in two community performances of her Christmas dance recital, both at retirement centers in the area.

She did a terrific job and was proud of herself.

 On MLK Jr. Day (and Clara's birthday!), our friends the McAllisters came and the boys took lessons at Massanutten. Robbie and Henry continue to improve and feel good about their efforts.

 This was one of those moments when I was trying really hard to not say anything I would regret and kept muttering to myself, "This is a test. This life is a test." (The milk had fallen out of the car and split open when I was trying to extricate Benjy from the car at the same time. So grateful this didn't happen inside the car!)

Benjy got glasses. He is not a fan of wearing them but is gradually getting used to the idea. Two peas in a pod.

Benjy was just so excited about eating this granola and yogurt all by himself--his face is the evidence. He eventually just put the spoon down and finished eating the yogurt with his hands.

Fifteen!

Clara turned fifteen years old on Monday. Where is the time flying, honestly?!


 Fifteen candles.

 She gets more beautiful every year.

Oreo crust, vanilla, strawberry, hot fudge, whipped cream, and ice cream sandwiches as the outer crust. Yum!

 A highlight of the weekend was having the McAllister family (minus John, sadly) come and visit.

 They gave Clara this hilarious gift--the box that the actual gift (a book) came in was advertising an "earwax candle."

 A great book--such a fun and thoughtful gift.

Breakfast in bed--pancakes!

 While the boys were up taking ski lessons at Massanutten . . .

. . . we went to the children's museum for the little kids and then to Chick-fil-A, per Clara's request.

 Then we did the usual "hot and cold" and "heavy heavy hangover" for gifts. She received clothes, a new backpack purse with some accessories inside, and a water bottle. Her main gift was the ballet barre that Michael installed in the basement for her to use.

 And then we got to have cake again--score.

We are so happy that Clara was born to us fifteen years ago. We love you, Sweetpea!

These are the moments

Favorite moments of mine
Are two soft little arms from Benjy
Wrapped tightly around my neck
His head on my shoulder.

Benjy's mischievous grin is contagious
Even while he is throwing food off his tray
Or when he rubs his chubby hand on his chest
To say "please."

A genuine smile from Clara
When someone has made her laugh
Or when she is playing with Benjy
Shows the deep beauty within.

Robbie's comment at dinner
That someday he wanted to play soccer
In front of a thousand people
Made us feel like he was growing up so fast.

Everyday long hugs at the bus stop from Robbie
Fill my heart with tenderness
As he tells me several times while waving goodbye,
"I love you! Bye Mama!"

Henry's happiness fills me during lunch
As he sits on my lap to share bites and tells me,
"I love you a million million million
Googolplex googolplex."

Sharing a private moment with Michael
Our eyes meeting as we look at our children
Seated cheerfully around the dinner table
Reminds us that this season is truly precious.

Fourth annual family awards dinner

Hard to believe, but another year has rolled around and here we are enjoying our fourth annual family awards dinner. We celebrated with chicken fettuccine alfredo, broccoli, and homemade (of course) rolls.

This year for dessert I made a "fallen cake," which is a flourless cake and tasted, IMHO, amazing.

Henry received the award for good humor this year.

Robbie received the award for resourcefulness.

And Clara received the award for grace. Maybe Benjy will receive his first award next year :-).

Then we watched a wonderful video that Michael had put together of pics from 2019. Every year that we watch these, we are again touched by the incredible blessings we enjoy, even in the midst of challenges.

During stake conference, President Schill told of a tradition their family has of a yearly "family conference," like ward or stake or general conference. They have a "state of the family address," discuss financial affairs, and each of the kids prepare a talk on a different topic. Michael and I think that is such a fun idea and hope to be able to adopt that in the future.