10 on Tuesday

1. Took the kids on a lunch date. It's a fun tradition I've started. Jaycie loves it, she never knows when I'm going to come steal her away. Makes it more fun that way and she loves it when I come to the school. (She's proud to call me Mom :)

2. Almost ready for Christmas, just have a few things to buy this weekend - black friday shopping- then were set. I've even got Christmas cards done already. No stress Christmas just like last year.

3. Speaking of no stress, it seems like since the baby I've learned how to slow down a bit more. I'm just enjoying life that much more. Not that I didn't before, but really enjoying ALL the little things and moments. I'm really just enjoying Shanelle and loving this baby stage more than ever.  I absolutely love the newborn stage, did with the other two as well, but really really enjoying it this time. It also could be for the fact that there is so much love in our house. The kids just love her to bits, especially Bryce - I absolutely love our mornings together the 3 of us.

4. Jeff has been really busy lately with things after work. It seems for the past couple of weeks there is always something each day that he has to get done for his calling or other service. Jeff is always so willing to serve. He's good that way.

5.  Jaycie has really taken off with piano. She loves to just sit down and play and has a natural talent for it. (and I know since I teach it) I'm glad she is loving it since she isn't doing any other extra circular activities. She has been dying to do skating though and hopefully soon. Its just that the skating times available are few and with a newborn it hasn't worked out yet and Jeff isn't keen on skating.

6. Love reading with my kids. Love It! We do it almost every time Shanelle eats which is every 3-4 hours. Feeding time = story time. Also love our library. It's great to go and find new books and pick up the stack I have on hold (I'm sure they love me there because of that :) The kids know and love the librarian. It always a fun trip. We're so lucky to have access to so many books.

7. We've been actually using our FHE board and its so fun. The kids love taking their turn for the certain things. We did that before to, but not so 'officially' Now that we use the board every week and its says on the board that they are on song or lesson or whatever they are excited about it, take it seriously and its a big deal to them. Good memories.

8. I'm so glad that were doing Joy school this year. I love the values that it teaches. Bryce comes home with stories and experiences and role playing that they do (and we do too when its our week to teach) and it makes an impression on him and I love it because I can build on what he has learned and continue to teach it. It's wonderful to be able to teach about the Joys of everyday things. Been on my mind the past couple of days after stake conference after President Jensen gave a good talk on teaching our Children the gospel to have a strong foundation. Good reminder to me once again how important it is to teach our children in the home. That is where the most important learning and teaching takes place, but it won't if I don't do it!

9. Love having a garage especially with Shanelle. I love not having to go outside in the cold mornings with Shanelle. She goes from the house into the garage where the van is, drop off the kids and then back into the garage. No wind, no cold or anything. Love not having to expose her each morning. And I love that I don't have to bundle Bryce up either.

10. I'm getting really excited for Christmas. Keeping things even more simple this year. Reading little house on the prairie each night with Jaycie has made me realize how simple things were back then and how much more simple our lives can become if we let them and not need or want all these 'things' whether they are material things or activities or whatever. So I'm working trying to keep things simple and do more with less.