Snowbunnies at Snowbird Ski Resort

 "Mom, thank you so much!  That was awesome!"
"Mom, I just loved skiing!  When are we going again?"
"Mom, today was the best day of my life!"

Those expressions from my children echoed through the Yukon as I drove away from Snowbird Ski Resort after having watched my children enjoy their ski lessons from professional instructors.  The kids killed it.  They really, really did.  Dave and I love to find things we can do as a family.  And skiing just became another thing that the Lindsay family does together.  So exciting!

Austin Earns his Weeblo in Scouting

 I wish I didn't feel scouting was so important for my sons.  It would save me a lot of work and worry.  
But I do.
And for good reasons.
As my dad said, it is the perfect program to launch young men to gain skills and confidence in church and community service. So our sons are on track to earn their eagle scout award.  We are so proud of Austin earning his Weeblo award.  He is going to do great things!

A Jolly January

 Ya, I know.  People hate winter, especially after Christmas as the countdown to spring begins.  I have always found a lot of joy throughout January and February.  First, I am a skiier.  I love being in the mountains and seeing God's creations.  I love the gemütlichkeit- being at home in a warm home, enjoying time in the warmth with the people I love the most.  I love that we play pool more, we play games more, we watch sports games, we read together, we eat great food, we play music, and we just love each other.  

Alyssa got a hold of my phone and took a few pictures like this:

  
Raclette Dinner with the Hult Family

Watching my German students play basketball for Lone Peak....awsome!

Austin's current sleeping position during sacrament meeting-

In Preparation For A Baptism

 One of the things I have chosen to do for my children is to make certain we document the weeks leading up to their baptisms.  We talk a LOT about what it means to be baptized, we talk about the covenants, we talk about the temperature of the water etc.  We also pick out dresses for the girls and suits/ties for the boys.  And then there are pictures.  I hired the mother of one of Alyssa's best friends to take her pictures.  They turned out just awesome!  We just love our baby girl.  She brings us so much joy and makes us proud.  We love you, Alyssa Jean!

Love My Children!

2017 Theme for Jody

Last year, I started off very strong with scripture study and prayer with my children.  We didn't end as strong as we started, BUT I am grateful for progress!  We had wonderful, active discussions together.  All of my children have passed off their articles of faith now and memorized the scriptures for each month.  Dave is taking a greater leadership role now in the spiritual progression of our family for which I am so grateful.  I am so grateful for the blessing of a devoted father and husband.  He is my greatest gift and blessing.  I feel so deeply blessed!

I have thought and thought about my word/phrase for the year for several months now.  There is a phrase I heard from a missionary a few months ago that keeps going through my mind. I love it.  It encompasses how I want my day-to-day life to look and how I want to live my life.  It is simply,

"LOVE IS THE MOTIVE"

I love this phrase.  In thinking about it, I realize that the things I do (or choose not to do) should be all about love.  And not in serving others:  I need to learn to make certain that love is the motive for everything I do for myself as well.  I am worth my time and I need to take care of my needs because I love who I am.  Whether in my family, at work, in my church service, or looking at me, I want to make certain that love is really the motive.

Wrapping up 2016; Hello 2017!

We brought in the New Year with lots of European food!  On Friday the 30th, we ate our annual fondue dinner at the Oates home in Lindon.  It was delicious!  We ate our hearts out and enjoyed reminiscing over our time as missionaries in our beloved Switzerland.

The next evening, New Year's Eve, we met over at Connie's house for some German food (it as actually quite authentic and delicious).  We hung out there for a few hours before heading home.  So grateful for my family.  They are my everything!