These two. They give me so many messes and slobbery kisses and earfuls of requests. They give me energy, exhaustion, and a new kind of fun. They give me hugs. And when they wrap their little arms around my neck, they give me love in bushels. They give me motherhood, something that I have hoped for since I was big enough to carry a doll. Between their tears and their giggles, they are refining me to be more patient, kind, and selfless. They are showing me how to be more playful and creative. They are reminding me to simplify, to give, and to be humble. They are teaching me how to be their mother, and in the process I am learning how to follow the Savior a little better. I think God meant it to be that way. So, these two… they bring me a whole lot of joy. What brings you joy? Share with the hashtag #thatwemighthavejoy ☀️
Category Archives: Holidays
Good King Wenceslas
If you are wanting some good Christmas tunes, check out David Tolk‘s holiday albums. They are all instrumental, and I listen to them all winter long because it’s more a warm and cozy sound than a cheery holiday one. One of my favorites is “Good King Wenceslas.” Jake had it on his iPod when we were first married and going to school, and sometimes we would listen to it on repeat when life and school got stressful because it always made us feel good. I really appreciate music that brings peace like that. Also, my parents gave us a book about King Wenceslas a few years ago for Christmas and I don’t think that we ever read it until this year. It was a beautiful story. And now we love the song even more.
Christmas Morning
Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve we had a few friends over (who also didn’t have family in town.) I was a little nervous about hosting a Christmas Eve dinner at 38 weeks pregnant, but I’m glad we did. Our dear friends from India had never experienced a real “Christmas Eve” tradition in someone’s home before, so it was fun to host it for them. Our neighbors across the street were packing up to move to Dallas in a few days, so it was great to have them over one last time (we’ll miss them!!)