Christmas Tree LOVE. December. Christmas has arrived

It's done, the tree is UP! and it feels like home.

home~home~home!

It's cozy, warm and happy in the Stott household!

I bought a new tree last year for our new house and

(lucky for us!) it fits great in this house too!

In fact, we have a perfect spot for it.

the kids could NOT wait to put the tree up, decorate the house,

put lights up, wreaths, Christmas dec's...everywhere.

It creates such a cozy atmosphere.

Nostalgia. traditions. Kids love it.

Over the Thanksgiving break, we did just that.

We had a fabulous Thanksgiving week!

Our first away!

I was worried it wouldn't "feel the same" w/o family.

But it was great.

Ashlyn and I did our Turkey Trot race in the morning

and (post to come!)

then we cooked a storm up in the kitchen and

headed over to the ward for our Thanksgiving.

Not one house could hold all us! 12 adults, 30 kids

The Rennakers, Coons, Bagleys, Shcramms, Stout's and Stott's

met up for a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner.

We all ate and sat and talked the afternoon away.

The kids loved hanging out and playing.

They are from ages 18 months up to 12.

They all know eachother well and are buds.

Then the rest of the weekend... Black Friday shopping!

I am about done. Ry and I hit some amazing deals

on Amazon the night before. THen on Friday (Black Friday)

I went to Target, Macey's, Costco and the mall. I loved it.

7 hours of crazy deals!

WE then went to movies, watched football, hung with friends,

and decorated the house top to bottom!

I loved the kids out of school and the time we got to hang together as a family.
Now off to our first of many Christmas FHE..

Pick secret names for service and fill Baby Jesus's manger for Christmas!

yay!



Merry Christmas MONTH!

Seasons of change. FHE: A grateful heart.

"Every day brings new choices, choose well." Martha Beck

It's October. The season's are changing.

So much going on... so much to do, so much to teach...

(the twins waiting for carpool..early morning..love the light!)

As a mother, I worry every day that I am not doing enough. Enough guidance, lessons, teachings...etc.

RY and I try to keep up on family prayer, dinner, scripture study, FHE...

And what's funny... the kids love it. They eat it up.

They are still thirsty for knowledge and learning. They have so many questions and thoughts...I know they love feeling secure about who they are and where they are going. This world is moving at a fast pace and home is a safe haven. I love that.

WE only have a few more years and the twins will be on their own.

I pray every day that we give them strong roots and knowlege so that they can set sail and succeed in this world.

Family Home Evening today: Attitude of Gratitude.

My theme is back.

I am kicking off the season of Gratitude... Our favorite quote around here:

"As we express our Gratitude, we must never forget, that the highest appreciation is not to utter the words, but to live by them." John F. Kennedy

remember these??

Our Gratitude Journals.

2 tasks each day:

1. My 3's: 3 things you are grateful for that day.

2. Service: One act of service you did for someone.

(and it was sooo perfect President Monson's talk was on Gratitude this morning!)

We also discussed:

(Ashlyn was in charge of finding her favorite quotes for FHE..quotes above.)

Her favorite: "Be the change you want to see in the world." Ghandi

also:

1.living your best every day (karma):

2.making good choices in every situation,

being the 3. kind of person you want to be...

living life to it's fullest!

I think my kids are catching on. But you never quite know, we just do our best...Ry and I hope that the kids will listen and that their hearts will understand the bigger picture in life. I will end this post with

My gratitude today:

1. Our new CO friends... moving to Colorado was hard..but it has been such a blessing to us. We have met so many great families and friends. (neighbors, our church, my kids sports teams..!) WE have met some great families out here who have taught us so much! We have also grown closer together and bonded and done things we never would have in Utah! WE feel so blessed. (and grateful :)

2. General Conference-such fabulous talks from our Leaders!

3. My kids.

(Being a mama. and trying to do my best every day. I love it so much.

Our jobs as mom's are exhausting but I would never change it. It is all worth it.

and one more thing I am so grateful for
and I couldn't live without...

the Stott Wall. my whiteboard.

My schedule, week to week.

I wouldn't survive without it.

we have up to 7 drop-offs

3:45, 4:15, 5, 5:30, 6, 6:15, 7

and

pick-ups a nite!

we fill it up!

Off to Monday..grateful for a fresh start and a new week...! And with the seasons changing, here comes fall, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas! Lots of fun, family time and good things! xo