It's Cool to Blog About Christmas in April. Trust Me.

Sweet little Christmas Baby! 

We actually set up our tree early this year! And had it taken down and ready for the garbage the Monday after New Years. Miracles happen people.

Christmas matching P.J. sisters! The baby hates it. :)+

Christmas Day

The Beloved/transient looking man prepping to open his present.

Moo checking out Lou's gift.

Ruckus with his smartwatch. That kind of bit by the way. Avoid this purchase.

Cute boys in their matching P.J.s 

Sweetrotten wading through the presents.

Little C ready for the action.

The Baby sleeping through the festivities. 

I guess he was a good boy because he got his Curry shoes.

Sweetrotten and her XL teddy bear

The Baby received an X-box for Christmas that she shares. :)

Strike a pose.

Opening presents from Grandma and Grandpa Patton

Hurrah!

Super heroes!

This guy looked pretty cool in his beanie.

Sweetrotten doesn't call Minnie by her name instead she says, "oh toodles" like on Mickey Mouse Clubhouse show.

The Baby received these cute shoes from Santa and then our dog, Kathy, ate one. What the world Kathy? 

Christmas Eve at Buckabu and Papa's

She cuddled with her piggy bank that night.

The face says it all.

Paint kit?! In love.

Art kit - can't get enough.

Marshmallow gun - uh... Buckabu and Papa are grounded. :)

My cute parent's opening their DNA Ancestry Kits from my siblings and I.

Annual Nativity with the Andrus'

Cast:

The Baby - Jesus

Henley - Righteous Observer :)

Sweetrotten - Shepherd

Ainsely - Angel

Moo - Donkey

Hadley - Mary

Ruckus - Joseph

Trent - Wise Man

Lou - Wise Man

Little C - Wise Man

Sweetrotten wanted to be every person represented. Here she is a pregnant shepherd. 

The only snapshot I have of the Roundy's visit to Boise.

Here we are loving on Cafe Rio. 

We watched this light show from our street almost every night.

It was the coolest.

School - Winter Celebration

(Because no one is allowed to celebrate Christmas anymore - l.a.m.e.)

There's Ruckus singing his hear out.

And Lou doing his book report presentation on Diary of Wimpy Kid. So grown up, that kid.

We know Christmas was months ago but this smile captures how we feel about the birth of our Savior! 

We Love Him and Adore Him.

I've Got a Teenager!

Little C prepping to blow out the candles with his two friends Andres and Jayden.
For some reason I'm holding Moo's head.

Had to have the Curry socks!!!!!! Yes!!!!

That's right - he got a limo folks!

R-L
Moo, Ruckus, Lou, and Little C

Ruckus giving us the duck face.

Ruckus and Lou living it up!

They stopped for a little ice cream.

R-L
Jayden, Little C, and Andres

Little C,

Yes, you were absolutely, positively spoiled for your birthday because you are the best helper alive. Everyday before we moved you would babysit your siblings, work on house projects, or help pack . Your social life was non-existent because you were always responding to our needs and typically it was readily. You're a really good kid.

After we moved and your new sister was born you still had a lot of responsibility on your shoulders because you're the oldest of six kids with a mom who just had a C-section. The Beloved and I wanted to give you exactly what you desired for your birthday and that was a limo ride. You invited two friends to go with you plus were cool with your three younger brothers tagging along for the fun. To say we were impressed is an understatement. Your brothers had so much fun bonding with you, feeling larger than life while driving around town. 

In addition to a limo, you wanted a pair of Curry socks for your birthday. He's your idol and The Beloved and I like to quiz you on him. For example, his real name is Wardell and his favorite movie is Princess Diaries. You love, love, love basketball and believe the real purpose of college is to play sports. You have become quite the athlete and could play ball all day, any day. The Beloved has had to step up his game lately because you are beginning to be real competition and he can't have that. :) You and I take turns beating each other in horse and it's the first time in my life that I actually feel genuinely pleased when someone surpasses me in basketball - because I'm proud of you. 

You're a funny cat. Ridiculously funny and sometimes you can't stop yourself from making jokes. Which can be untimely but your parents smile behind your back. You're obsessed with Bad Lip Readings, especially the ones that involve current politicians. Oh. My. Word. You sound like a loon spouting out your random nonsensical's and people who have no idea what you're quoting probably wonder what exactly is going on with that kid :) - but we are fully on board and reply to you in the same nonsensical fashion. So please, stop eating a sorority's gold fish!  :) And, you froze a baby!

You love your family and think your little sisters are to die for. I think you tell me more than five times a day how cute they are - but for real, they're freaking adorable so I get it. You're pretty adorable too. And tall. You started wearing a size 10 shoe this year and stand 4 inches taller than me. You're pretty thin and haven't beat 100 lbs yet and this kills you! Kills. I'm sorry this makes you sad. You're still the cutest 13 year old I know.

Right now The Beloved is in the other room working on math homework with you and I am pretty sure you think we are the most evil parents alive. You and math are not friends but you are soooo capable of comprehending it, sometimes I just think you're determined not to. Most nights are spent doing math homework for hours. It's the best. Okay, it's not the best but one day all of your hard work will pay off and you'll be happy you had pushy parents in the math department. And if not - lie to me, just lie to me. It'll be better for our relationship. :)

You are a super sweet kid and are very respectful to adults.  You and Papa are pals and like to go to different scouting and sporting events together. You sit and eagerly listen to all of his stories and are thrilled when he busts out the sports memorabilia. He thinks you're pretty special.

Little C - I love you. You have a desire to do good. I know the world is trying to distract you but as I glimpse you kneeling by your bed at night offering up a prayer or listening to different church talks when you go to bed at night I know you're on the right track. Keep on trucking buddy. You can do this. You are a very loved child of God and have an incredible spirit. 

Love,

Mom

Baptism and a Baby Blessing

The Beloved and Lou

Lou with Buckabu and Papa

L-R
Great Grandma Andrus, The Beloved, Great  Aunt Shauna, Great Grandpa Andrus
and the Lou -dog

L-R
Grandma Patton, The Beloved, Great Grandpa Patton, Grandpa Patton
Lou

Our cute people!

Lou bearing his testimony to the Patton Fam

The baby loving life at her baby blessing.
L-R
Great Grandpa and Grandma Andrus, Grandpa Patton, Grandma Patton and Great Grandpa Patton

Too many names.... :)
Our family, the whole Wahlquist fam plus Maria (their awesome exchange student), and Trent and Hadley Andrus.

Our sweet baby at two weeks old.

Baby Blessing Photo Shoot  -

two months later. 

(because I'm seriously that on the ball)

P.S. You are the cutest sight to behold.

Lou and The Baby,
What a whirlwind weekend! Look at all those people who love and support you! It is truly such a gift to be born into this family of ours. Look at your great-grandparents in attendance! They would have traveled any distance to be here.  We are so thankful for our ancestry. I know my grandparents were there as well, we just couldn't see them. I know they look over you often and think you're pretty swell. Not only were family members in attendance but also members from our ward who have loved and taught you the gospel. Brother Waters (who you (Lou) think is apostle material) and Sister Waters were there, Bishop and Sister Lister, Sister Petersen the Primary President, and our dear Sister/Miss Coles. My, how they all love you and support you in your journey here on Earth.
Lou, the tears fell down your face as you were confirmed and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. The spirit was tangible and Daddy was crying along with his sweet boy. Baby girl - you howled. I'm not completely convinced it was from the spirit but your baby blessing was beautiful. You are a treasure; a magnificent daughter of God. 
I must share a miracle that happened today. This Saturday was very busy and Little C had a b-ball game in the afternoon, so Little Grandpa (great-grandpa Patton) and Grandpa Patton attended that and then took Little C to the baptism directly afterward. Ruth and Dave departed with their family of 8 taking Ruckus (and offered to take Moo but he was offended by their pink car seat) and Grandma Patton with them. Daddy headed out with Lou and I told everyone I would be fine managing, Moo, Sweetrotten (remember that's her new blog name) and the baby. Well, after they departed everything seemed to go haywire (which I guess is our normal) - Sweetrotten had a messy diaper and I couldn't find her church shoes. She only wanted to wear Moo's church shoes which wasn't an option. The baby had a messy diaper as well and Moo was still pretty emotional about almost having to ride in a pink booster. Needless to say we left for the baptism about 20 minutes later than we should have. The whole car ride there the baby cried because she was hungry and when I arrived at the church I was emotionally and physically exhausted. Remember, I had just had a C-section 2 weeks prior and getting Sweetrotten in and out of the car plus carrying the car seat had done me in. It was super windy outside - everyone was crying and I had after-baptism bags to carry, Little C's church clothes, plus my newborn. In my postpartum state I felt completely overwhelmed. I said a quick prayer asking Heavenly Father to send someone out to help me. Please, bless someone to notice me. The odds of this happening without Divine Intervention were zero, since the beginning of the baptism had begun and everyone was seated in the chapel. But, a few seconds later out walks your Grandpa Patton from those church doors. Oh, my sweet father-in-law. How I love him.  How quick he was to respond to that prompting from the Lord. 
Always remember the power of prayer. Our Father in Heaven pays attention to the large and the very small requests. He loves us. 
I love you both! Thanks for being my precious children. It was a very rewarding, special day.
Love, Mom

Lou Turned 8... Five Months Ago! Awesome Mom Over Here.

Blowing out the b-day candles

You read this book in one day!

Chillin' after the party, playing with his treasures. Look at his cute cousins, Trent and Hadley, playing together.

Pinata time! Here is Moo trying to crush the pinata. 

We went out to dinner for Lou's b-day and our waiter give him tickets to attend the BSU football game.
The staff at IHOP  are singing Happy Birthday to him. 

Lou, 

What the world kid? You turned 8! And your mom is only five months late blogging about it. Sweet. We held your b-day party early this year because we were in the middle of moving and your little sister was due to be born in a couple of weeks. You're such an honest kid that when people asked you when your birthday was you didn't know if you should tell them your actual birthday or the day we held your birthday party. You didn't want to lead them astray. This year you wanted a Pokemon theme so we played a bunch of Pokemon games and broke open a Pokemon pinata. The day of your actual birthday we went to IHOP to celebrate and then you went to a friends house to play. Kind of lame - sorry pal. When your friend's mom called to ask if you could have a play-date I said, "Yes, that would be great. You see, it's his birthday and he will think this is really neat." She bought you a birthday cake and made you feel like a million bucks while you were there. I love other moms! She knew we were in a stressful, busy place in life and she stepped in to relieve my guilt and make you feel special. Because you are. 
Your best friends at school are Beck and Paisli and I'm pretty sure you like a girl named Kendall but you aren't as open about things like that. It embarrasses you. She chases you at recess and you talk about her a ton but you impress upon us how much the two of you dislike each other. During Spring Break though you thought it may be lovely for her to come over and play.... hmmmm.... :) I wasn't forthcoming about those types of things when I was little either so I get it. 
You're still doing awesome in school and have a math brain for sure but you get good grades all across the board. You've always enjoyed learning. Lately, I've been indoctrinating you in politics and we'll listen to talk radio in the car and you are passionate about it my friend. Yes! Someone I can talk politics with... finally. Actually, you were becoming so overwhelmed with current events that I had to balance out our talk radio time with other radio programs because you were developing heart break for the state of our nation and an intolerance of some present politicians and those running for office. It was a little too intense for your eight year old psyche. Sorry bud.
Dad recently gave you his old I phone and you love it - A LOT. It makes me go Grrrrrr but once in awhile it is cute when you, Little C, and your dad are all playing Clash of Clans together. Sometimes you get lost in the world of gaming but usually if I tell you, you've been on long enough, you agree and get off. 
You still love to draw and create and most recently your new art is writing and illustrating stories.  You have the craft buddy. Your stories usually involve a group of friends who are in some type of a dilemma and there's always a comedic relief. You're cool. 
You love to play with the baby, especially since she started smiling and being more interactive. The other evening you held her on her lap and had her laughing over and over again for a good half hour. You were laughing too and it made my mom heart soar. It is a gift for a mother to see her children loving and enjoying one another. You are a good brother, and an excellent role model. There's still a little control freak in there but you're tempering the urge. I love the closeness you share with Little C. Take care of that boy. He needs your light and your goodness. Not that he's not incredible himself but I see the lift you provide to his soul and I am so very thankful for that. 
You have been our saving grace in getting you and Ruckus on time to school this year. You dependably wake up to your alarm clock every morning and get the ball rolling. While I'm feeding the baby, you wake up Ruckus and the both of you are all ready by the time I'm finished. What impressive young men I have in this household.
Lou, you are so very loved. Heavenly Father has blessed you with many gifts - the most important being your deep rooted testimony in our Savior Jesus Christ. Hold fast to that. Your testimony and faith will be attacked time and time again by the adversary. Satan wants you to lose. But, I know you'll remain valiant in living your beliefs. You're just that amazing. 
I enjoy your little, but growing taller everyday (stop that) self! You light up my life.
Love, 
Mom

Choice

"Use boldness, but not overbearance; and also see that ye bridle all your passions...". 

These words found in Alma 38 entered my mind as I was reading the book of Ether this week. Or maybe these words have just been on my mind in general as I work to bridle my passion of wanting to eat every tasty thing in sight. Bridle yourself Cammy! Calm down girl.

 All bridle means is, to control. I'm not going to stop having one soda a day, but I will be the boss and tell my body "no" when it begs for five more or when my brain sneaks in a little thought like, "you deserve one". No, I don't. I don't deserve to be unhealthy. Not physically or spiritually. 

So how does this play into the book of Ether? Well, we watch a whole civilization fall because they were unwilling to bridle their various passions. Soon after the brother of Jared died, the Jaredite society, which had been built upon the foundation of Jesus Christ, began to fall away. The warning of this possibility is revealed as the people fail to follow the brother of Jared's  prophetic counsel in regards to their desire for a king. In Ether 6:23 he shares, " Surely this thing leadeth into captivity." 

Then, Jared (the actual Jared, not the brother of ) replies, "Suffer them (permit them) that they may have a king. And therefore he said unto them: choose ye out from among our sons a king, even whom ye will." And so they did. They ignored the warnings of the prophet. Their passion was to have a king. They needed one! This was the most important thing! This passion was the focus, it was not controlled. So, they were awarded their king and eventually it led to their captivity; their captivity to Satan and destruction.

But, it's their turn on earth right? (A friend of mine, named Liz, told me recently that her mother states this to her whenever she disagrees with a decision she's made. "It's your turn on Earth Liz." Too Funny. )

We are all agents unto ourselves and have the, "inalienable right to submit our will to whatever power we choose". These are great words of wisdom I heard in a talk this week by Brother Nate Williams. Essentially he shares we are given the choice to obey or reject prophetic counsel. What a gift it is to have the ability to bridle our passions and opt instead for a believing heart. To choose to follow the counsel of Jesus Christ.

In the book of Ether I love seeing the bouts of goodness the people choose to exhibit once in awhile amidst all the evil polluting their lives. Like when Corihor repented and was not only forgiven by Shule but was awarded power once again in the kingdom. Or when Nimrah recognizes that his Father is evil and gathers a small group together to join the more righteous group under Omer.

We are challenged to do the same. Even if the prophetic counsel we are rebelling against seems so minuscule at the time it will definitely have eternal ramifications.When our passion is fashion it may seem hard to dress modestly. When our passion is entertainment it may be hard to keep the Sabbath day Holy. When your passion is food (who me?) it may be hard to follow the Word of Wisdom. But, when our passion is following our Savior Jesus Christ all other passions can be bridled. This I know.

p.s. remember how the word passion is The Beloved's least favorite word? Ha! I need to make sure he reads this. :) He'll love it for sure.

Endure

Enduring to the end. That's the step we, as latter-day saints, are at for the majority of our lives. Jesus' gospel revolves around five things: 1. Have faith in Christ 2. Repent of your sins 3. Be baptized 4. Receive the Holy ghost, and 5. Endure to the end. 

Approximately eight decades of our lives will be dedicated to this fifth gospel principle. The trick is that in order to accomplish #5 successfully we need to be living numbers 1, 2, and 4 on a daily basis. 

So what does this entail? 

1. We must have faith in Him and His plan - everyday. 

I've been feeling a little overwhelmed as of late. I wake up every morning wishing there were 10 more hours in a day. It's like one big welcome to the conscious world anxiety attack until I get on my knees and pray for help. I've been trying to pray for specific guidance in helping me prioritize my day. The direction I receive afterward requires faith at times. Once in awhile it doesn't make sense to my brain but when I have the faith to do His will, this very day, there is a great peace that enters my life. Enduring to the end is a day to day activity. 

2. Be aware that sometimes you suck as a person (myself included) and be comforted in knowing our Father in Heaven can make weak things become strong. Again, hit your knees and offer up a prayer. Repent. If you're out in public, say a prayer in your heart. I'm totally the lady who can be seen "talking to herself in the car" or zoned out in the aisle at the grocery store - I'm always chatting with Him, trying to keep myself in check. 

3. Openly receive the gift of the Holy ghost E.V.E.R.Y.D.A.Y. Are we searching for His comfort and guidance? Did we take the time to invite Him in before the busy bustle of life began today? And if so, later on, did we listen to what He had to say? The last few months I have been working on developing the attribute of sincere listening. At first my goal was simply to improve my relationships with my family and friends but it is amazing what happens when you take the time to close your mouth, clear your mind, and listen. The Holy Ghost's promptings are real and happen often. I bear testimony of this.

4. In 3 Nephi 27:32 Jesus says, "... for they will sell me for silver and for gold, and for that which moth doth corrupt and which thieves can break and steal." Oh how my heart breaks when I read this verse. What am I selling Him for?  Is it my selfishness, laziness, materialism, an unkind word or thought? Am I selling Him to accomplish my will over His or maybe to suit my convenience?  I hope never. I hope everyday day I will choose to embrace Him, not sell Him for things of naught.

5. Any questions we have regarding enduring to the end can be found by looking to Christ. He gives us the key in 3 Nephi 27:27, "... Therefore, what manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am. 

Everything in Christ's life was about us. Us! It was about you and me and how we can receive ultimate joy. All we need to do is look to Him and endure. One. Day. At. A. Time.