Oh, I do!

I had no idea I would love a boy this much! I'm so glad I was given a chance to find out just how sweet a little boy could be. The way this guy lights up a room is just incredible. Whenever James sees a familiar face he breaks into this grin (see above) and holds out his arms (again, see above). He does this for Mom, sisters, Dad, grandmas, grandpas, neighbors, kitties: you get the idea. He has a special gift for love and good cheer. Thank you, Heavenly Father, for Baby James!

It's Christmas Time in the City

How do I know? The tree is twinkling, the carols are playing, there is waaay to much chocolate in my kitchen, and the girls are frantically making gifts into the wee sma's. When they get up in the morning their eyes are drooping from lack of sleep, but I think they are having a great time. They are so delightfully clever and sweet.

Baptism

Lauren is now an official member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: baptized and confirmed. We are so proud of her decision to follow Jesus Christ's example. The baptism did not go off without a hitch (in fact it had a couple), but she was a real trooper, even when she had to put her wet dress back on for a second round of dunking from her immersion-happy dad. In the car on the way home she said, "I feel different." When I turned to look at her I was shocked to see that she actually LOOKED different. The glow of the Spirit lit her entire face. She is so beautiful. Here are some pictures that capture the spirit of the day.

Lauren and Steve before the baptism

Lauren after her baptism: can you see a difference? Well, I sure do!

JAMESIE CRAWLS!!!

He did it!

To Mormon Mommies Everywhere--HOW TO GET YOUR KIDS TO ENJOY GENERAL CONFERENCE

Rent a cabin in Lake Arrowhead over conference weekend. Leave kids at home with Grandma and Grandpa who will take them to Mimi's, Carl's Jr., Islands and bring Costco cookies and Sun Chips. It's that simple.

Okay, so maybe they don't actually watch any conference, but if your cabin has dish network, then you get to watch it all you want. I love conference. I wish my Ensign would come sooner, so I could get to marking it up. So many lovely things were said.

And, of course, no post about conference weekend would be complete without:

A TEMPLE IN ROME!!!!!

I thought this would take many more years. O thou of little faith! I think the Disney Cruise is out, and the Italy trip is in!

High Hopes