Last week of 2023!! It’s been a difficult year figuring out how to earn money to support my family. I started off the year in January only earning $15 that the janitor at the library gave me because he felt I needed it. I ended the year earning about $550 a month. I’m disappointed I wasn’t able to earn more for as hard as I worked, but I am pleased with how hard I tried. I applied for many jobs, told everyone I knew I was looking for odd jobs, opened up our blueberry patch, baby-sat a lot, ran nature camps, cleaned houses, worked at a bakery, walked a dog, and many more little jobs. I’m even more grateful for all the tender mercies the Lord showed me. Money or jobs showed up right when I needed it and we saw His hand in our life every day. We’re all healthy and happy and that’s what’s most important. I’m excited for 2024 and for all the plans I have to work super hard. It’s going to be a phenomenal year!
Christmas Eve Sunday!
Madalyn helped me do the milking chores while the other kids cleaned up lunch. We came in to find Kaitlyn & Samuel arm wrestling and Alexis & Kylie arm wrestling.
Christmas Eve dinner: Different types of fish, homemade pita bread, cheese, grapes, and raw milk. Food that Jesus ate.
Acting out the Nativity as we do every Christmas Eve.
The four youngest kids konked out in the reading spot.
Christmas Morning
Lined up in age order to go downstairs and see what Santa brought. This was taken at 8:23am. We’ve never gotten up crazy early. The little kids woke up around 7:30 and talked and played until the older kids got up and joined them.
Opening presents!
Thomas playing Kait’s new guitar.- Madalyn trying her new rope. She learned to rope on her mission.
Andy playing with tools he’s wanted for years.- Kaitlyn thrilled with her new guitar.
- Traditional Christmas Tree cinnamon rolls.
- Andy cutting the ham with his new electric knife I got for free.
- My sister made me this sawhorse! It will be great for the huge logs in the woods.
- Lori also gave me a really nice maul. Thomas loves it!
- Mama got the 4 youngest sleepers and Kaitlyn wanted to join the picture.
- Makenna gave Talea an umbrella.
Alexis Goes to the Temple!
Wednesday Alexis went to the temple for the first time as an adult. I loved riding with my 3 oldest daughters the long 2.5 hour drive to the Raleigh Temple and having time with just them. It was super special. Alexis plans to submit her mission application in February and serve a mission starting next summer. Going to the temple is something we do before going on a mission. Kylie and Madalyn have already served missions. I’m so proud of all 3 of them!
Above: About to go in! Below: Coming out of the temple. We had a wonderful evening together.
December 29: Tilly’s Half Birthday
Talea was super excited about her half birthday this year. She’s talked about it for awhile. When I tucked her in the night before, she wanted to be carried up to bed the last time as a 6 year-old.
Last hug as a 6 year-old.- First pic as a 6.5 year old.
- Alexis helped her make pink cupcakes.
- Decorating the cupcakes.
All done!- Andy pulled out his two front teeth!
Have a great week!