HAPPY 21st BIRTHDAY, EMMA!

 Just can't believe that Emma turned 21 this past Thursday.  We celebrated with dinner and birthday cake on Friday.  I think I say it everytime someone has a birthday, but it is just a little sad to see how quickly these kids are growing up.  But I love them all so much and they are all doing great things ~

Emma has the kindest heart and is always willing to lend a helping hand.  We love you Emma, and can't wait to see all of the good things and adventures that are coming your way ~

 While we are in Fountain I have a cute "Ben" story that Angella shared with me this week.  She said that one evening Hollie came into her bedroom, sad and weepy because someone had been unkind to her, and while she was talking to Angella, Ben was also in the room listening intently.  Ben spoke up and said, "Hollie, take a big breath in like this and then let it out like this (giving a demonstration)", and then he told her to not worry about mean people and it was ok if you don't like them.  I love that these kids are always looking out for each other

Eilis was busy again this weekend with another Robotics competition (I think the last one of the season).  

PAUL has the cutest friend, Maren.  They have been good friends for a long time though they don't attend the same school any longer.  Maren invited Paul Lewis-Palmer's Snowball dance by doing this 👇

 I haven't received photos from the dance yet but hopefully will soon.  We all love Maren (and Paul too) 😁

                

SPENCER got lessons this week on the fine art of baking muffins (banana, I think) from his Mom.  Kim does have the best banana bread recipe ever.  If anyone needs the recipe, here it is -

1/2 cup butter

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 cup sour cream

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1 cup mashed bananas

1 1/2 cups of flour

The recipe calls for baking it at 350° for 1 hour but I make the mini loaves and bake it at 350° for 20 minutes and at 275° for 15 minutes.   Enjoy!!!

Spencer, when are you going to come bake for me????? 😁

SAMANTHA came over after school on Friday, and nonchalantly said she thought Sendai needed a friend, and then began looking up Akita puppies for sale in Colorado. AND then she was showing the puppy photos to Dad. (I am going to check her phone at the door next time she comes over 😃)

 So Kevin spent a lot of time the rest of the afternoon and early evening looking at puppy pictures.  It would be nice to have a friend for Sendai, but I don't think we're ready to take care of another pet.  

 

This is Ben, and this is the one Dad really loved. 

GONE FISHIN'

 It is that time of year and Dad is already gearing up to go fly fishing.  He has new waders, shoes, a fly fishing bag that holds the flies, fishing line, etc.,  fly rod,  and I think just about the only thing left he needs is some warmer weather (which means no snow).

This made me think of Jake"s infamous video teaching us how to fish -

Dad and I did get out this week for some errands and a quick lunch at Cafe Rio -

 YUM!

 Thanks Kevin!

KATE and Jonathan are having fun fixing up Sayre's room and giving him a space to read, and a space to do his artwork.  We are looking forward to celebrating his birthday with him on February 7th. 

SUNDAY SELFIES

I love your Sunday photos - thanks so much for sending them to me -

Last Thoughts ~

This term I am taking a class called Family and Community Relationships.  The focus of this class is on diversity in our communities (which could mean our families, our Ward members, and/or our co-workers, etc).  This week we are discussing gender and racial inequality as well as diversity and tolerance.  It reminds me of a talk by Elder Holland in 2014, "Are We Not All Beggars".

In one part of his address, he states, "Perhaps some have created their own difficulties, but don't the rest of us do exactly the same thing? Isn't that why this compassionate ruler asks, "are we not all beggars?" Don't we all cry out for help and hope and answers to prayers? Don't we all beg for forgiveness for mistakes we have made and troubles we have caused? Don't we all implore that grace will compensate for our weaknesses, that mercy will triumph over justice at least in our case?"

I hope this week as you look at others you will try not to judge, but instead be patient as we don't always understand the circumstances, or trials they may be faced with. I pray that we can all remember that we are all beggars, in need of the Atonement in our lives, and that God loves us all, equally, perfectly.

Have a wonderful week! 💕