Happiness

Presents under the Tree!    Acting out the Nativity Scene. I forgot our little sheep!  Elizabeth studying baby Jesus.  Opening 1 Christmas Present on Christmas Eve.  Santa got Martinelli's this year! Yum! (won't mention how Santa later left his glass on the side table and made a ring! Next year Santa gets coasters too!) New Jammies! On Christmas Morning (Asher is a little excited- ok, they all are!) Ethan opens a grow-your-own dinosaur egg out of his stocking.  Elizabeth loves her new, fuzzy socks! (It does get to 40 degrees here!)  Jonah with his stocking toy.  Josh opens a new book! Great choice!  Ethan looking cute!  What is up with Asher making faces at the camera? This year the kids all chose a sibling to be Secret Santa to. It was cute to see them each choose the present they bought (when it was their turn to give out a gift) and give it to that person. Since they...

  Merry Christmas, Everyone! This is one of my favorite paintings from the Visitor's Center at the Mesa, AZ Temple. I love how Jesus looks so peaceful sleeping and a little boy is watching over Him.   This is the title of the piece.   Merry Christmas, from us (out to eat on my birthday!)  and our kiddos! (Elizabeth, Ethan, Jonah and Asher ). May you find peace and happiness this season!

My Birthday was great! It was full of more ups and downs than I've ever had on a birthday. I jotted down the tender mercies I had seen that day on (2) post-it notes while Josh got the kids ready for bed. So, here they are: Ups: -A yummy breakfast. -New running shoes. -Presents from Church: the Relief Society and the Primary -Texts from friends. -Great calls with my Mom, my Dad, and sisters. -A small jar filled with mini oreos from Ethan. -A huge hug from Asher (after he saw the breakfast spread). -A first Happy Birthday! from Elizabeth -A walk with Josh and Sadie (the dog). -Going to the Temple and not very many people there (very peaceful). -A delicious lunch out with Josh (mine was free). -The school called- there had been a miscommunication about me subbing that afternoon. I didn't get the message until after our nice lunch. (no stress) -A small nap. -The toilet clogged and I didn't even attempt to unclog it. -A new book to read. -Josh picking up the p...

We only have 3 whole more days until Christmas (ah! I am not done with all that I wanted to do!) so I wanted to share a few pictures of our Christmas Festivities. Here's our Nativity, all set up.  We had Cocoa Puff, Ethan's class pet, over last weekend and Elizabeth put her in a Santa Hat. The kids love having her over. I don't love cleaning out her cage, but I do love that it's only for a weekend!  Here's the Gingerbread House we made- don't mind the rusty pan, it's the only thing I could grab!  This year, we picked up a cute little Gingerbread House kit instead of each doing our own. The kids were sad they didn't each get one, but it made for a lot simpler activity. And Trader Joes has a super cute one too! It even came with the sugar people on the box!  Jonah helping do the roof.  Ethan did the other side of the roof.  The kids at the Mesa Temple seeing the Lights. Notice Jonah's cold expression- I guess he was a ...

The shooting in Connecticut happened almost a  week ago. I was subbing that day and being isolated in my little classroom I had heard nothing until Josh told me about it over the phone when I got home at 3 pm. I was devastated and cried in my room while my kiddos had their after school snack in the kitchen. It was too close to home for me- having spent the whole day at the school/having a 1st grader/knowing loss before and knowing how precious life really is. A few people shared some things online that really helped me, as did prayer and an understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that He lives. He loves me. He loves us. He knows what is going on and He is here for us no matter what. And that comforts me. It truly does. I tried to write something about this on Sunday, but I had nothing. Nothing left to give. I was in mourning. I still am a little. But writing makes it just a teensiest better. In fact, a good measure better. Nothing Left to Give I have nothing ...

I turn 35 years old today. Pretty crazy, huh? I think it will be a good year for me! 35 is such a solid number! It's funny, I don't really feel 35. I always 35 was getting up there. In fact, I almost bought a Turning 50 birthday card for my twin sister as a joke (Happy Birthday, Molly!). But, really 35 is not that old. Even if I do take naps sometimes and quit dancing after the third dance. If I knew that 35 felt like this, I would look forward to it! Here's something I found online that I liked. Now my kids can know a little more about me, Megan, Mom, as a 35 year old. THE LIST: 1. List 20 random facts about yourself.- I'll do this one later. 2. Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears- Heights, I've always been afraid of heights, Heights and Water- ugh!, Growing Old and all my kids moving away from me. 3. Describe your relationship with your spouse. Amazing. 4. List 5 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could: ...

Here are some of my Favorite Things: Garnier Nutrisse Leave-In Conditioner. I love this stuff! You leave it in after a shower and I love the way my hair feels after I use it! 80's toys on Etsy. (search 80's toys on etsy). I grew up in the 80's (yes, this does age me!- I turn 35 this week!) and I love flashing back to my childhood and reliving those happy memories! www.thesassypepper.blogspot.com . This is a fun blog that has creative crafts and ideas! Hope all of your Christmas Prep is coming along and you are enjoying the Christmas lights, music, crafts, activities and more!

Here are the TOP TEN reasons why KoolSpoon * is amazing! (*a spoon you keep in the freezer and cools down your hot food.): 1. It cools down your oatmeal/hot cereal in the morning for your kids. 2. It cools down your coffee/tea when it is way super HOT. 3. You can buy them on etsy! 4. You can buy them on Amazon. 5. You can like them on facebook! 6. You can use them to cool your Hot Chocolate and it doesn't get watery! 7. You can use it to sooth a wound (like a bitten tongue or a burn). 8. You can use it for Ramen/Spaghettios/Soup/etc. 9. It can go in the dishwasher and be re-used. 10. The price is only $1.99 until December 31st (with the code 'Kool'). 11. They make great stocking stuffers! Ok. That's more than ten. I never really advertise anything, so when I do, you know it's good! *Koolspoon uses a patented gel that cools down food/drinks when used. This post has not been paid for by Koolspoon. It's just my personal opinion. Thank you!

We loved how our family pictures turned out this year! We met Josh at the location (he was coming from work) and I realized that he still had his beard on! He likes to grow one about this time every year but I had completely forgotten about it! I was worried how the pictures would turn out, but it worked out well! Merry Christmas, Everyone!

Looking at Fine Art is one way I de-stress for the Holidays. This painting of the Nativity is one of my favorites and Jonah is standing by the original at the BYU Art Museum. Love! I read a newspaper article today on how to avoid stress during the Holidays- something I often get. It said to not only do the things that you love, but to do them MORE. I completely agree. I hadn't played the piano for a couple of days and when I sat down to play yesterday, it was like a different world. I was lost amongst the notes, the melody, the harmony, and I came away a happier me. Books do that to me too. I'm reading Mrs. Mike by Benedict and Nancy Freeman for our Book Club. I only had about a week to read it, so I've been reading as much as I can. It takes place in Northern Canada and it's about a woman, her husband and their adventures in the wild. Again, when I read I get whisked away into another place, with new people, new thoughts and ideas and when I stop, I am a happi...

  Elizabeth  Ethan   Jonah   Asher (love that grin!)   All 4 (Elizabeth and the "triplets") A friend of ours was able to take our pictures a few weeks ago. We waited until the weather was cooler (in November) and headed to a wonderful wildlife preserve near our house- the Riparian Preserve. She did an amazing job and these are a few of the pics she took. I love the lighting on these!

Who Has Yet to Join Our Family,              I know that it's taking you a long time to get to our family. I know that it's so I will learn patience. I know that it's because the timing is not right. But,my heart yearns for you. As I see my sweet friends, with huge bellies, waiting and expecting, I can't help but think of you. I yearn to meet you, to finally get to know you, to be with you.             I am missing out on all of your sweet little kicks, your tiny hiccups and slow movements. But, that's okay. It's you I want to hold and to know. And so, for these next 3 months, until I can hold you in my arms, I will wait and learn and try to be prepared for whatever lies ahead and for you, my sweet foster baby. Love, Momma