Lessons We Learn From Being a Family

It has taken me two weeks to get myself organized enough to record how our holidays together were.  We had three whole weeks with everyone together before we had to go our own ways again and resume our normal schedules. 

Family time is always a good time to reflect on why God put us here on earth in family units.  I believe there are many things we can learn (and consequently many ways we can improve and refine ourselves) from being together as a family.  If you want to learn to love as God loves then what better way to do that than living with people that you care about?  I would likely not learn patience from someone I work with or interact with outside of my home, because if they annoy me or challenge me in some way, I can usually get away from them.  But, family?  Not so much.  We need to learn to get along and figure things out as we go.  That's just one example of how being on earth in family units blesses our lives.  Here are some of the specific things we learned together over Christmas break:

Sometimes the best part of being a family are the times when you get left out.

My Dad decided to take a family picture while I was in the bathroom so my cousin took a picture of me afterward and cropped me in.  I think it turned out better than it would have if I'd been there, don't you?

Sometimes it is fun to try new things.

Shopping at NPS is always fun, as long as we don't invite any boys to join us - -they complain too much

Sam trying to decide if she REALLY needs the welding helmet...

Sometimes it is tasty to try new things.

Ian made his first ice cream cake for Sam's  birthday

Grandpa tried (and enjoyed) Indian food for his first time

 Creativity takes work but has it's rewards.

Sam designed and built this gingerbread church then drove it all the way home to share with us

We built Star Wars ships out of toothpicks and marshmallows for New Years Eve, and then we burned them in lieu of fireworks.

Hard work blesses people's lives.  Also our own.

Making chicken tikka masala

Dillon loved his temp job at the MTC cafeteria, especially the "uniform"

It brought me joy to be at the temple together after Ian was ordained...even if it was hard work to get us all there!

The best gifts are given in love.

Ian loved his gift from Mckay

Dillon was very gracious with our efforts to get him something he'd love for Christmas

Sometimes life is hard but that doesn't mean we have failed.

Lizzie declaring herself the champion after our impromptu family wrestling match on Christmas Eve

Sam, apparently worn out from all the gift opening on Christmas morning

Some moments are so lovely that they will take your breath away.

Having our Bethlehem dinner on Christmas Eve has become one of my favorite traditions.

It was so neat to have so many people there when Ian was ordained a Deacon

Sometimes people don't respond the way you expect them to, but that doesn't mean they hate you.

Dillon showing gratitude to Ian for his pizza gift card

Mckay showed enthusiasm for his new rug by hitting everyone with it

Some people are super lucky to have the family that they do.

All of us at Temple Square enjoying the lights together (some happier than others to be there).

Lucky to have the man I've got.