Beckam's a Sunbeam & Jaxton is FIVE!

Beckam started Sunbeams today. I'm not quite sure how I feel about that. On one hand I look forward to the day where my children are more independent and can do things on their own, but I also realize that when that day comes, I might feel super lonely. Each of my days is spent filling the demands of my children, but each day my children also smother me with love, kisses, hugs, smiles, and giggles -- a mighty fair trade! I hope as they grow and as they become more independent, they will still take the time to love their mom.

Jaxton turned 5 years old. Again, I'm not sure how I feel about that. Jaxton is such a love bug. He delights in a tickle war, or a snuggle, or a big hug. He's sensitive and kind and his confidence grows more and more every day. Jaxton is so polite and even when he's asked if he needs to go to the bathroom, he'll reply with, "No thanks, mom." He's everything wonderful and even though he's convinced that he doesn't need to grow any older than five, I'm sure that as he continues to grow he will become something super fantastic and that this world will be a better place because he's in it. Love you SO much Jaxton!
FYI: Jaxton weighs in at 48lbs. (90th%) and is 44 1/2 in. tall (75th%).

The other morning I was at the gym early to run when a guy who works on the other side came over to collect the laundry. We small talked for a minute about running and then he said, "So how much weight have you lost, because you really do look good." Slightly embarrassed I said, "Well, up until the summer I had lost a little over 20 pounds." He then continued the slightly awkward conversation with, "You look great. You don't even look like the same person." I replied with a giggle and a "thanks," but what I should've said was, "Have you forgotten that I actually had another human being nestled inside my stomach for 9 months?" Makes me wonder if he doesn't remember me being pregnant, but just remembers me 30 pounds heavier.

SERVICE

Since Nate's become EQ president, he's already had to move quite a few people in and out of their homes. This last week he was at a move helping the guy pack with a few other people when another man, who Nate didn't recognize, showed up. The guy said, "Hey, can I work?" and Nate assuming that it was a friendly neighbor replied, "Sure!" A few minutes into their work the man asks, "So how much are we getting paid?" Nate looked at him to be sure he wasn't joking and when it was clear that the man was serious Nate told him, "We aren't getting paid -- we're doing service." The man's quick response was, "SERVICE? I'm lookin' for work and if we're not getting paid, then I'm outta here."
I guess the man was looking for more than a good feeling as payment for his work . . .

A Very Merry !CHRIST!mas

We had a wonderful Christmas this year and we tried pretty hard to concentrate more on Christ. We provided service, went caroling, donated toys, read a nativity story almost every night, read the birth account from the bible, reenacted the birth story and had FHE's all month long focused on the real reason for the season. In the coming years, and as the kids get a bit older, I'd like to do some kind of Sub for Santa where the kids can really get involved with helping others.
I love this time of year and am so grateful to a loving Heavenly Father who would send his only begotten son to earth, to live, to heal, to teach, to suffer, and to live again. How blessed we are to have the knowledge of his restored gospel in our lives. Merry CHRISTmas!

Complimented or Offended?

I've had two comments given to me the past few weeks at church that have kinda stopped me in my tracks and made me wonder if I should be slightly offended.
The RS president gave me my VT route and said, "I saw your birthday and had know idea you were so young." My reply, "Oh really?" And then I think she tried to soften her previous comment by saying, "Everything about you is just SO mature." I smiled politely and giggled a bit, but had to wonder if I really am looking THAT old or do I act like I'm 60 -- I'm not sure which is worse.
Then the next week a lady walked up to me and said, "I like your sweater." I thanked her politely and then she followed up with, "Don't you love those clothes that look awful on a hanger and then you get it home and it's actually cute?" Hmmmmm . . . not sure how to reply to that.

Questions?

Mac's teacher sent home his mid-term report, which had all wonderful grades and then one comment that read, "Listen to ALL of the instructions BEFORE asking questions." The comment brought a smile to my face, because I think Ms. Kirby hit the nail right on the head. Bless Mac's heart, he's a boy of many questions.

Thankful Thoughts

We stuck around here for Thanksgiving and got together with 4 other families at the Stake Center for lunch. The kids were able to run around in the gym and the adults were actually able to visit for a bit.
We have so much to be thankful for! I spoke in church the Sunday before Thanksgiving and spoke on "How to show gratitude to the Savior." In the beginning the topic seemed so easy, but when I thought it all through, I was able to come up with several ways we can show gratitude to our Savior, something I will try harder at. I am so thankful, especially for my family and the gospel.