A Day in the Life...

 I'm reading this book out loud to the girls. They are hooked and so am I. It's the sweetest story, sad and endearing and kind of wonderful. I really love reading out loud to Dakota. This girl is chock full of personality.  Every time the story gets a little too deep, a little intense, a little scary, or a little sad, she'll stomp her feet and pound her fists and say things like, "I hate this story! I don't know why we're reading this! I don't want to read this ever again, stop reading right now!" So I will tell her we can take a break and go to close the book, and she will raise her voice and yell, "Don't stop reading this book! What do you think you're doing, come back here and read this to me!" She feels the emotions of stories and life like a roller coaster. I really love that about her. What a fun kid. 😍 And, what an incredible book! 

 "Peace on earth! But how can such come except through the maintenance of good will toward men? And through what means could glory to God in the highest be more effectively rendered?" (Jesus the Christ, chapter eight) This year has been a blessed year for us. We haven't been affected all of its changes near as much, or near as negatively, as other people. It has left me, sometimes, with the feeling of guilt about all of the ways I've been taken care of while other people have suffered. We've given to the poor, the needy, the hungry, the sad, the lonely. It never feels like enough. I really have struggled with knowing what else to do to show my gratitude, but it will never be enough for what I've been given through my Savior. I'll keep loving and serving, knowing I've also been on the other side, when someone showed love to me.

Every year... Micah eats all of her Advent calendar chocolate in about a week....  We made gingerbread houses tonight. We tried something new- hot gluing the house together before decorating.  It was a perfect way to keep it from collapsing. The icing ran out because, well, Micah... Cabela's to see Santa.  It was weird this year- separated by a glass barrier.  No high-fives or hugs and about 30 seconds to get a picture... We dropped off our sub for Santa gifts last week.  On the way there, Kota said, "Oh I hope their firehouse dog is there." I said, "Sorry, there's no firedog."  She corrected me and said, "Sure there is, his name is Blaze."  We rang the doorbell and who comes running down the hall but this great big Goldendoodle named Blaze.  Apparently Kota has the knowledge from a magnet. We were happy to get a picture with the pup, whose only trick is to "stop, drop, and roll."  We loved it and hope to keep working with fire department...

Some people have beautiful Christmas trees! Not us!!  Hahaha. Our tree has had some trouble. We're hoping today is the day we fix it. Although, I have seriously considered leaving it propped up in the corner. It would just make a good laugh. I guess we'll see!!  

 Copper is working on a gratitude challenge that her school library put together.  She decided to drop off a thank you card to our local fire department.  I had exactly 45 minutes today without anything scheduled for work, so we took off to deliver it.   I'm so glad we did!  We met some pretty cool folks who welcomed us in, thanked us for our support, and gave the kids a bunch of garbage like stickers, hats, pencils, and more. But even better!  We got to talking and they mentioned doing Sub for Santa for a few local families.  We always take a family each year through DCFS but they aren't doing their program this year.  I've been brainstorming how we can give to a family this year and haven't come up with anything.  I quickly offered to buy for two of the kids on their list and couldn't be more excited. There is something really special and filling about service, and especially service this time of year.  I'm so thankful for my Savi...