Our Love Fern

I don't know when I first started referring to the outdoor Bonsai tree The Beloved gave me for Mother's Day as our "Love Fern" but I obnoxiously did, and it made me laugh in my head a bit every time, taking me back to the movie - How To Lose a Guy in Ten Days.

I am perfectly aware it is not a fern.

Mostly-

unless for some crazy reason back in its pedigree it stems (ha - like my pun) from an ancient fern. Unfortunately, I'm obviously not a botanist  or into horticulture. 

Anyway, one day after we'd been away on vacation for about a week we arrived home and our Love Fern looked completely dead - brittle, brown, and lifeless.

I was sad.

This little plant was a weird, cheesy representation of our love and I would not let it die.

I continued to water and soak it in sunlight with hope beyond this world.

The Beloved would shake his head at me, laughing -

It's dead. It's okay.

It's not our love.

One day I finally decided to give in and throw away the remnants of our silly Love Fern. I had been dedicated to reviving it for about 3 months but to no avail.

As I grabbed the base of the plant to toss it something green caught my eye - new growth;

Fresh, beautiful, green leaves sprouting from the bottom!

HA! 

Our Love Fern Survived!

Let's shout for joy and barf over the cheesiness all at the same time!

So many analogies came to mind after this experience.

Never Give UP.

Sometimes we feel like the very hard work we are doing on the outside doesn't affect anything  - it may seem hopeless, but we have no idea what is being accomplished on the inside! The beauty about to sprout in our lives is closer than we think and is so very worth our hard work.

Now don't you just want to go out and buy a Love Fern?

Every body's going to be doing it soon. I'm sure of it. :)

New growth at the bottom

Looked pretty dead on top

#Americamarcheswithyou

I felt physically ill when I learned that ZERO America government officials showed up to support Paris' Anti-Terror March.

After the recent backlash I believe if the U.S. could turn back time they would and then they'd hopefully send someone "important" to represent this great nation.

Because this march was a big deal and

 WE do care.

We, the American People, care a lot.

And although we weren't there physically, we were there in our hearts.

So, sorry for the lameness of our grand government but know that, that's not what makes America.

WE make America.

And America Marches With You.

p.s. first hashtag ever used

It's a miracle.

Christmas Celebration at the Craner's

Gifts were exchanged.

Smiles abounded.

Hugs were bestowed.

Love was shown.

Naps were had.

Spankings were given.

Booty's were frozen.

Now that's Christmas.

The Baby opening some cute clothes from Buckabu and Papa

Ruckus with his gigantic Star Wars characters

CTR ring from the Roundy Fam

Papa opening his gifts from Us. 

Lou and Legos were meant to be

The Beloved happy with his golf balls

and Life Saver Book

Moo embracing Papa with thanks

Moo opening his race car track

Moo, adorned with a pink mustache, posing with his cousin G.J. and the awesome pig he received from the Roundy Family

The Beloved napping on the floor with his new BSU blanket and pillow

Little C flipped Buckabu in the behind with a dish towel and didn't realize she is the Queen of the dish towel spanking. Little C's cousin didn't mind holding him captive so she could return the favor. 

Hilarious.

And Impressive.

Moo sound asleep with his favorite present ever!

You're not a real man unless you run through the snow in your undies.

So they say....

We won't list any names- but they ran out as boys and sprinted back in as men.

Burrrrrr

And No Thank you. :)

Merry Christmas 2015!

There are Really Seven Stockings in the Family

We had a wonderful Christmas with the seven people we love the most- each other. 

It's hard sometimes to believe there are that many stockings hanging from the mantle and that one day there will probably be more but my, how I love all those lovely humans they represent!

I sewed! It's a miracle. Now we have matching stockings for hopefully many Christmases to come. Unless they fall apart.

The three eldest boys opening their favorite (and my least favorite) present from their Mom and Dad.

Moo squeezing his treasures tight.

The Baby was just happy being in the midst of everyone else being happy.

How thankful I am for our Savior and the opportunity to celebrate His birth! My hope is for all to know Him. To know and feel the love He has for us and that the ingredient for true happiness can be found by following his example.

This I know. 

You Can Never Have Too Many Nativities

Our offspring along with some Jarvis cousins reenacted our second Nativity of the season.

This time Ruckus played Joseph, Cousin GJ was Mary, and Hyrum was an excellent donkey

Mary admiring Baby Jesus.

Moo taking on his Shepherd role again.

The three Wise Men:  Lou in the red robe, Cousin MJ in the middle and Little C rocking it in the teddy bear night dress. :)

Oh yes, and don't forget this much needed close up.

End of the Year School Celebrations

Ruckus singing and sitting next to his favorite pal Londyn.

Sharing his gingerbread man with the group.

Lou cuddling with his baby sister.

Moo thinks it's so cool being in his older brother's classroom.

Lou preforming his bit in his class's production.

Little C's grade did nothing. Boo.

I did love Lou and Ruckus' celebrations a glorious amount but am always a little sad that there isn't a big Christmas concert of some sort. I want to hear my kids sing jolly songs of the season - throw a little Hanukkah joy in there as well, represent many cultures - but I need Christ's birth to be mentioned.  

He's important.

P.S. Maybe the students sang Christmas songs at there special school breakfast the Saturday before Christmas?

If so, forgive me.

We had basketball games galore so we were unable to attend the event. :(

Our Annual Nativity with the Andrus Family

Little Ainsely is playing Mary atop Lou the donkey.
I love how Mary's Mama is helping her. I wonder if the real Mary missed her mother on this special night or if angels were there to fill her role.
Or maybe all she needed was her loving Joseph by her side.

Little C, The Wise Man, prepping for his role.

Ruckus, another Wise Man Rep, anxiously awaiting his part in the story.

The Beloved fixing Little C's make-up job.

A kind of distracted cast - the donkey, Trent representing Joseph, and Mary holding The baby Jesus of her choosing - A blue bunny.

Mary loving on her son.

Hadley, the angel, instructing Moo the shepherd.

The Wise Men Arrive

Moo is torn between being a shepherd and a pirate. :)

What a wonderful crew!

Our First Christmas Celebration of the Season -

Began with Grandma and Grandpa Patton. 

The main purpose for their visit was to be present for Carson receiving the priesthood - which was super special! But they also managed to bring Christmas presents along with them.

Lucky Us! Party Time!

Unfortunately for them, but so very fortunate for us, my poor in-laws usually get stuck in some sort of greatly needed service project for my family when they come to visit.  - this happened to be the case again.

They helped me cut and prepare seven pans of potatoes for our ward Christmas Party! Seriously Wow.

And my Father-in-law cleaned out the bathroom sink drains.

Dan - I think of you every time I brush my teeth and I am so very thankful for your existence. For MANY REASONS - but I am so thankful for the unplugged sink and I love seeing all of that toothpaste spit spiraling quickly and beautifully down the drain. 

You guys are both so very awesome!

Opening Xmas presents from Great Grandma and Grandpa Andrus. $2 bills!

Big stuffed teddy bear for the babe from Great Grandma and Grandpa Andrus. Good pickins!

Grandpa helping Ruckus unwrap his present.

The Baby loving on her soft, soft ducky and yellow blanket from Grandma and Grandpa.

Lou and The Beloved also loving on the Baby's new blanket.

Little C received a cool science kit and Grandpa is trying to help him with his first project.

Ruckus received a remote control car that can be used on and and water! What!? Every boy's dream!

Moo playing with his toy light up train that he loves - but is super loud and makes engine noises non-stop.
His grandparents like that they can depart for UT and leave the loudness for the parents. Naughty. :)