Temple Anniversary

Yesterday December 18th marked the one year anniversary of Lukey being sealed to our family in the Provo Temple. We ran over to the temple to walk around to remember our special day.

Claire and Luke trying to get in.

I made temple blocks for each of the children at a Relief Society activity. It has a picture of the Provo Temple on it with the words, "I'm going there someday...."
Each of our children have been to the temple and we get to focus on someday going back.

I am so grateful that this anniversary lands one week before Christmas every year. This provides us an opportunity to talk about the plan of salvation and the significance of our family's sealing. Our family can be together forever through the love and sacrifice of our Savior. I can't think of a better way to feel the Spirit of Christmas than to celebrate this momentous occasion in our family every year on December 18th.

Luke Robert is a pretty special little guy. He is happy and social and likes to grab anyone's attention. It took me several attempts to get his picture taken because he was just running around the temple grounds. A year ago he was a sweet little babe in arms. Now he is a fast, loud crazy big baby. We love and adore him and are so glad he found his way into our family.

Sean and Claire adore their temple blocks. They have carried them around all day today.

Temple Square

Mark took this whole day off. We played at the Kids on The Move Christmas party in the morning and headed to Salt Lake City in the late afternoon. We ate at Mcdonalds while we waited for the sun to go down and then made our way to the city center. This was our first time taking any of our children up to see the lights. We had forgotten how magnificent the Salt Lake Temple is. The kids tipped their heads up high to see the huge temple.
Lukey spent the whole time strapped down in his stroller. We couldn't chance him running away from us.



Sean was the most enamoured by the majesty of the temple. He kept repeating the word temple with his sweet, soft voice. There was magic in his eyes as he took the experience in. It was humbling to witness how sensitive his spirit was to spiritual things.

Sometimes we make it into a picture together!
I like this guy!
I woke up Saturday morning to a note on the bathroom mirror that read,
"gone shoppin' I'll be home soon"
I really like this guy!

Kids on The Move Christmas Party

We love the Kids on The Move Program! Sean was recently re-evaluated after 6 months of services. He improved in every category and is no longer delayed in most areas with the exception of communication. His greatest improvement was in the social/emotional area. We are so proud of Sean's accomplishments. This kid has to work so hard for the smallest progression. The exciting news is that he is indeed progressing. Hopefully that means we are doing something right at our house.

Sean rocked his Christmas Party. He participated in craft time, ate his snack, loved Santa and handled all the chaos like a champ. Our provider mentioned that some other children she works with had to leave because the party proved to be too stressful for them. She was proud of Sean's stress management and calm persona.

I decided that this year I would try to teach Sean about baby Jesus and worry about Santa next year. He has figured it out on his own! He walked up to Santa and jumped up in his lap. I helped him sign to Santa that he wants a car for Christmas.

Claire has now told two Santas that she really wants a new bike for Christmas.
She has been trying to figure the Santa thing out this year.
She wants to know why Santa hangs out at the mall instead of the north pole and the other day walked around looking for a chimney. When I told her we didn't have one she decided that Santa can come through the front door.
She is going to have a great Christmas morning!

Lukey is just cute and crazy and BUSY!

Claire holding the dolly she got from Santa which she named "Claire".

I guess autism comes with a few "perks"!!

Dinosaurs with the Cooks

Our Bff's joined us for a visit to the dinosaur museum.
Sean posed with the dinosaur he built.

Lukey ran around roaring like a dinosaur the whole time.

Jaxon's Dad and Claire's Dad have been friends since elementary school.
We love being able to get together and play.

Posing in front of "Bruce"(Finding Nemo).

Claire and Mommy enjoying the lights and rocks.

Thanksgiving

Claire and Sean enjoying Grandpa Hamblin's green slush

Claire and Aunt Korinne's Thanksgiving day crafts
We loved having Lee and Korinne in town from Nashville and are thrilled to have them back for Christmas in 2 weeks!

This year we are grateful for our Savior who helps carry our hardships and pain. The atonement allows us to feel peace and joy after great loss. I am grateful for Mark's job, our beautiful, comfortable home and three sweet angels.

We're Ready!

We have been all ready for Christmas for several weeks now. Mark risked his life to put up his Christmas lights! We were the first ones on the block to turn on our lights proudly. We had great helpers with decorating the tree. Uncle Lee even stopped by from Nashville to help put up our outside lights. The music is on, the candles are warming and the toys are purchased. We are having a beautiful, warm, peaceful Christmas season.