Back to school in January

Ahh my angel helper. This lady brought her calm and steadiness to our home. We didn't get but a wink with her when she returned from her mission but this fall more than made up for that. She came home just prior to Jake and Joey's arrival and kept the boat of our family from capsizing through the adjustment to the addition of both. 

After weeks of getting to know each other these two announced they would get married Jan 17th. That was exactly two weeks from the announcement. Addie put together a formal invitation and we got the ball rolling quickly forward. Thankfully they had gotten engagement pictures before the big day. 

Meanwhile the kids went back to school and were given recognition for their scholastic work in the last quarter they completed. After some unusually snarky comments about my mental state for choosing to have so many kids this was great validation that though I may be insane or crazy my kids are not and are doing just fine. Maybe they are just highly resilient though. My kids were all clean and groomed so there's that too. Sometimes people are just rude. 

I found this picture of Andrea Jake and I. She has been so in love with being a big sister. I'm thankful for them in our home. If we had just kids exiting our home this season of life would be very hard to manage. 

This work of art showed up in the mail from Iowa. This couple is in a ward of dedicated crafters. Handmade hand cut cards and quilts each more spectacular than the last is the name of the activity. I was so impressed and then to learn the couple had made 200 to distribute was just amazing. 

Jake learned to smile and loves to be held. 

Aliza sought to manage the mounds of stuff... It is good to be more in control of the amount in my home. We have definitely transitioned from large sons to smaller daughters thus the excess of xl clothing is probably not necessary in such abundance. Not to mention the items that were worn our or outgrown. We are a constantly changing dynamic. 

Another picture of Jake cuz we love him so. His innocence is particularly highlighted in all the hustle and bustle of the older kids. 

The break from school was appreciated and fun but it was also so good to go back to school and be back in the routine of learning and independence. Life is good and we are blessed.