Cody’s Man Bag…

That’s right—this one could make millions… The Baby Bag!   All the baby portability of a Bjorn, plus extra space to carry books, diapers, snacks, whatever. And, so chic, it can go with any outfit. No stealing our idea now…I know it’s tempting! But, in all seriousness now, don’t we have the cutest product models ever?

What Happens…

This is what happens when you try to wear every piece of dress up that you own all at once. Haha! Not, really. Rya is our little fashionista, this could be the new budding trend. Take notes, people, Rya has a knack for this stuff. (Can you just imagine me in this outfit?!—Yikes!)

Ummm…?

 We were visiting a friend’s house and Rya had found a treasure trove of toys. She went to play instantly. It wasn’t until we were leaving and went to pick up the toys that we noticed a bit of a crowd gathered around the trolls. Intrigued, Cody asked Rya what the animals were doing. He said, “Are the animals having a party with the trolls?” Rya put her hands on her hips, tilted her head slightly and replied, “No Daddy, they are EATING them!”


I don’t even know what to say to that! 

Proud Mom Moment

Rya enjoys drawing. She makes little pictures for people and folds them up to give it to them. While I was on the computer, she brought me one of her completed projects. I was a little distracted and told her she should write her name on it. She went in the other room, and without any other direction, a few minutes later came back in and handed me this. Wow! She had my full attention at this point and my admiration. Maybe I just have mommy goggles on, but I can see each distinct letter in perfection (although some may be upside down). Look at my little girl, all grown up and writing her name for the first time.

 

 

This “Proud Mom Moment” is brought to you by Rya.

Faith of a Child….

Matthew 14: 24-31

“But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary…And ^ain the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. …And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water…And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.”

A few weeks ago, we read this passage to Rya. That night in her prayers, and in nearly every prayer since then, she has asked to be able to walk on water. Nervous that she might give this one a try on her own, my initial reaction following her prayer was to help her to understand that she couldn’t or shouldn’t try to walk on water.

I stopped short of telling her this realizing that I was reacting similar to Peter: “But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was ^aafraid; and beginning to sink… And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little ^afaith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

Not long after, in this past General Conference, Jean A. Stevens spoke, saying:  “These precious children of God come to us with believing hearts. They are full of faith and receptive to feelings of the Spirit. Have some of life’s experiences taken from you the believing heart and childlike faith you once had? “

Oh me of little faith, wherefore do I doubt? And, oh that I might have faith like my sweet little girl. What an example she is to me. Thank you Rya!

Obviously!

So this evening, I turned around from washing the dishes to find Rya laying spread eagle on the floor eyes closed with a half eaten apple in her outstretched hand and a mischievous little smile. Obviously, I ask what she is doing to which she very obviously replied, " I am pretending to be Snow White." Obviously!!

A Very Merry Christmas!

It was truly magical to see the joy and excitement of the Christmas season come alive for Rya. She met Santa as she does every year, but I daresay this year he was the real deal. Most of the time when Rya takes pictures with Santa we explain to her how they aren’t the real Santa but rather just his helpers because there are too many kids for Santa to visit. But, this guy had it all from the twinkle in his eye to the rosy red cheeks. And, I am pretty sure I saw a “bowl full of jelly” belly shake as he laughed. It’s good to know he lives up to his reputation. He certainly didn’t let Rya down.

 

 

We spent this Christmas in Texas with my family (just in case you couldn’t tell, this is Melissa) . The most special part of Christmas, for me, is to be around those I love. I’m sure that the kids would agree with me, but I’m sure the gifts didn’t hurt either. Rya got everything from video games and dress up dolls to make-up (oh, my little girl is growing up so fast). And Tieg got a few choice gifts, including a riveting book (I assume it was riveting because he really sunk his teeth into it, or rather gums since he is still toothless), and a Little People farmhouse. Mostly he loved playing with, chewing on, and tearing into the paper.  

 

 

I have found a new joy in Christmas in watching my children learn the true meaning for the season. My heart swells as they tell what they know of the story of the baby Jesus and sing songs of his praise. On Christmas day, I am bubbling with excitement and anticipation of my kid’s faces when they see all the decorations, lights and gifts. And, I feel humbled to watch their enthusiasm as they give gifts to others. I have decided I love Christmas even more from this perspective than I did as a child.

 

But, after it is all said and done, when all the shopping and wrapping and decorating and cleaning and cooking and singing and laughing is done, I find that we are just done tuckered out…(and no, look closely, that is not Rya laying on Cody’s stomach…hehehe).

 

 

Here’s to the best Christmas yet, and to them just getting better each year… Merry Christmas!