2015

Walking around Lake Austin

This was the first official week of January.  I feel so good that I planned ahead of time and was prepared to begin my new goals.  This is the first time I actually feel the excitement of a new year, goal wise.

Mariah and her bestie Chloe.  Her best friend in Iowa was also a red headed Chloe.

It was a great week.  The kids are still home from school.  I have always been a go go go type of mom feeling like I need to constantly entertain the kids.   Of course, part of why I'm that way is because I enjoy it.  I love being with my kids and taking them places.  But I've been trying harder to just learn to relax more and let my kids play more independently.  We have had no plans all week.  We watched tons of movies- Mariah and Logan have been introduced to the world of Hallmark romances, and love them.  One night Tyler slept on Mariah's bed and she and I watched a movie on my bed and stayed up late.  It was so fun.

My Fitness Trainer

The other morning I announced that I would be heading out for a workout and Mariah offered to be my trainer.  She really worked me hard!  It was not only a great workout, but a nice time to spend with her.  I was one of those mom moments that make you smile and remind you how amazing your kids are.  Apparently Logan has a workout ready for me tomorrow.  Yikes

Happy New Year!

New Years was fun.  The kids spent all day and most of the evening running between homes with friends.  Linda, our MomMom also stopped over for a couple of hours.  She sent me a text later that evening thanking us for having her and sharing how much she loves to be in our home and see all of our children.  It was sweet.  At one point we had several neighbor kids over to play Apples to Apples, which is currently our kids' favorite.  Tyler joined us and we had a blast.

In typical Mons fashion, we rang in the New Year, and then headed straight to bed at about 12:03.  Have I mentioned we are not night owls?

Does anything warm a mother's heart more than seeing her kids loving each other?

Tyler and Jake Sanders

Fred came by a few times with the kiddos.  It has been nice living near them.

My oldest and youngest.  Logan's biggest fan.


Tonight we had the sister missionaries for dinner.  We introduced them to the Mons' original recipe of  maple bacon waffles.   It has become a Sunday tradition to make these.  We take maple bacon and make they cook inside the waffle.   And that is the complicated recipe for you.  They had a little activity after that gave us each an opportunity to share something.  Tyler drew the card that asked him to express love for someone.  He took that opportunity to share his love and appreciation for Logan.  We are so proud of this kid.  He is about to turn 14.  He is the Deacon Quorum president and an all around great guy.  He is starting to take on his role of biggest brother with more pride and purpose.  I think he sees how much his younger siblings look up to him and strives to set a good example.  He is still the honest guy we've always admired.  He loves the Lord and talks and plans for the day when he will serve a mission.  I know he was sent as our first child because the Lord knew he would help us lead our kids to righteousness.  I could go on and on about him!

I have continued to feel the peace, joy and consolation from seeking repentance and a change of heart.  I am so grateful for the spiritual experiences I have had these past 2 weeks.  I can feel that these changes will be lasting because they come from motivation of the spirit and it's backed by an indescribable love from Heavenly Father.  Repentance is a gift.