Bein' Crafty

Logan modeling his beanie
Ethan (on his new bike from Santa aka The Lystrups) and Daddy
Hats I made for Joe's brother Aaron's kids
.... and some for his brother Dan's kids.....
Superhero capes for my Super Heros

I decided to go "homemade" on some of the gifts I gave this year. I've found that a little less money and a LOT more time can go a long way. I really got on this hat-making binge, making 12 hats in a few days time. I think they are so cute and fun to make and SO inexpensive! I made the boys some superhero capes, too. I figure they already fly around the house like crazies, so why not look the part??

Santa Baby

Logan didn't love the Santa at our ward Christmas party. To say the least. Good thing his big brother was sitting next to him to help him out. Can't you see the look of deep and sincere concern on his face, as he greedily digs for candy?

It was the Best of Times....

This is my family. We took these pictures the day after Thanksgiving. We had a lot to be thankful for. We still do.

A few days later, my parents' home-- the home I grew up in-- caught on fire, starting in Tommy's trailer. A fireman told me it's a miracle Tommy made it out alive, let alone with only some smoke inhalation.

It's been pretty devastating, to say the least, and I'm not even LIVING there anymore. I can't imagine what my family's been going through. They're finally moving into a rental home, out of a motel, until they figure out where to go from here.

But, this is not what I really wanted to write about. What I really wanted to write about was how thankful I feel. I'm so thankful for the generosity and concern others have shown to me and my family. The day this happened, a young mother from my parents' ward drove up, picked up all four kids (Amory, Haylee, Ethan, and Logan), took them to her home, fed them lunch, and watched them the rest of the day. This young mother has 3 kids of her own, and yet she thought nothing of adding four more.

Many others have written to me on facebook or my blog or called me on the phone, just to see how everyone is doing and if they can help, no matter how far away they are. My sweet aunt in Utah has sent care packages and purchased new towel sets, all sent to my family to help them. Everything helps to lift their spirits. Others have sent money and gift cards. Many others have brought dinners.

So, what I'm trying to say, is that even through this frustrating and sad time, I have found happiness. I feel more at peace as I view the ever-present showing of humanity around me. It's not always something we have a chance to really see until we need to. Our Heavenly Father does watch over us. It's a comforting fact, and one I am ever grateful for.