Black Friday

I've always been told preparation is how you win!!!

Monday's Memory--Santa's Workshop

Last week Amy and I met up for dinner and to go to a Christmas boutique she had been wanting to visit.  As we rounded one corner I came upon this!!

Oh my goodness!!  The memories came flooding back...all the Christmas projects that I had made in mass to give to family and friends.  I even tried selling some at a boutique, but that was too much work.  Over the years I had made bell ringers, sock snowman, Santa's boots, and of course, batting snowmen.

And of course, mine were much cuter!!  I just love this picture.  I love Todd in his playpen.
I love the icicles on the tree.  I love the Santa boots on the TV.  Did I mention Todd in the playpen?!
I loved it when my front room turned into Santa's workshop.

Oh Sophie!!

How can you not love this face?!

From her earliest years, Sophie had always had the happiest of smiles.  Her love of life is so evident in her face, enjoying every moment, taking it all in. And she doesn't seem to mind getting dirty in the process!
It's also evident in her numerous trips to the ER.  She is the one in the family with multiple stitches and broken bones, usually because of her adventurousness and her ability to charge ahead without a care.  She really enjoys living life to the fullest.  I'm sure it's because of this personality trait that she got the #ohsophie. Her latest adventure to the ER was because of jumping over a hedge on Halloween night!  Result...a broken foot!  But still with that smile!

I have loved being in Sophie's life, whether it's been on vacation like one of our many trips to Disneyland, our adventure to Mt. Rushmore, or our trip to Hawaii.

Attending her first day of kindergarten was special...

...and the dance weekends are always amazing.  She has really bloomed into a great dancer and her personality is shining through with every move on stage.

I was also blessed when Sophie's 8 year old trip was to Southern California.  I was included when they spent the day at Disneyland.  What a fun time.

Sophie has grown up way too fast.  She was just a baby, and now she's a young lady.  She loves to get dressed up and wear makeup.  She loves to sing.  She loves to hang out with her friends.  She loves to be the center of attention.  #ohsophie, how I love all that about you.  I love your smile.  I love your strong spirit.  I love your zest for life.  I love your tender heart.  I love you Sophie Bug.

Young Women's Medallion

I am so proud of this young lady.  When she heard that the church was phasing out the YW award program as of December, she decided to earn her medallion in one year instead of the four it usually takes.  She had tons of small activities to accomplish and eight major projects of at least to hours each.  She worked so hard and did a great job.
*Wrote a song about faith and performed it
*Performed secret acts of kindness for her secret grandma
*Joined and performed with the ward choir
*Started a cook club
*Made a dress
*Took over care giving for great grandma
*Joined EYL--a service club at school
*Read the entire Book of Mormon at President Nelson's urging.