as for me and my house

There has been a lot of recent "activity" in political news lately. I used to consider myself the least political person alive. Seriously....I couldn't care less about anything that had to do it. But this recent election I found myself getting more interested in the issues and watching the political debates. I blame my mother in law mostly. :) While she was here for two weeks helping with the new baby, Fox News was on most of the time. She is as involved in politics as you can get and she helped me understand better what was going on. I'm not going to write anything about my new found political opinions, but I will say, I became a huge fan of Mitt Romney. I was really hoping for him to win the election. When the news came in the he did not win, I was scared, sad, and a little worried about the future of our country. Over the next few days I had overwhelming thoughts that no matter what is going on with the country, my home needs to be a save haven for my family. I saw a quote from James E. Faust "Your success as a family, our success as a society, depends not on what happens in the White House, but what happens in your house." I think that is so true. I've always been taught that our homes should be a heaven on earth. A sanctuary from the evils of the world. With those thoughts in my head it has really helped me prioritize what goes on my home. I want my kids to feel safe here, like they are protected. There are so many temptations and evils out there and my kids are getting to the age to recognize what those are. It makes me sick that we have to have conversations about what to do if a stranger ever tries to get them to get in their car. Our homes need to be places where Gods spirit can reside and help us feel peace. Whatever happens with our country and our leaders, I feel peace knowing that I can CONTROL what happens in my home. I feel blessed to live in a country where we have the right to voice our opinions and have control over what we believe. My home will be a place of love, peace, and safety when the world is not. No matter our political views, our homes need to be a place where God can dwell and help our children be strong enough to walk out the door and make the right choices.

family pictures 2012

The Lion King pose

Halloween 2012

 Halloween is my favorite holiday. However, this Halloween was kinda pitiful, due to the whole just having a baby thing. I usually like to go all out with crafts and treat making with the kids. This year was just too crazy and stressful. You can't win em all. Next year will be great again. Jett had to try on two costumes...we chose the pea costume for the warmth and the fact that he looked totally hilarious in it. We went to a neighborhood trunk or treat and then trick or treated all the houses on the way back, and that was plenty of candy. The kids didn't notice my lack of preparation and of course had a total ball. I had a ball "inspecting" the candy and picking out my favs. :)

monkey hat.

 I'm slightly obsessed with this hat.