Chloe had a very important birthday. She turned 8 years old, which means she can get baptized. She was totally excited about her baptism. She got Littlest Pet Shops, a baptism dress, a gold dress, some dress shoes, a set of scriptures, a scripture bag, and accessories. It was a great day.
Thanksgiving was incredible. The family had a reunion where ALL members of the Pope Family were present. We skied, ate, attended a football game, sledded, ran, and enjoyed everyone's company.
A big part for me was watching as Caleb baptized Chloe. She was so excited. Cassi made a beautiful cake and I made a dinner to bring to the church. The whole thing went off without a hitch.
It's amazing to see the innocence and faith of your little one. It brings great comfort in knowing that my oldest three have chosen baptism and that we are all headed in the right direction. Words can't describe the feeling of joy that comes over a mom when she watches her children make righteous choices. I have a lot to learn from them.
Christmas was the best one yet. It was humble and perfect. The kids received gifts that they will probably never recall in the future. The weather was wintery and the company was loving and rich. I wonder what they will remember. Probably just the feelings that they experienced. Because, truly, it was the best Christmas ever. They woke me up at 4:30 in the morning. We sang "Joy to The World" at the top of the stairs. The feeling of excitement was pouring out of their bodies. They ran down stairs and checked out their stockings. Giggles and gasps could be heard. My favorite part was just listening.
Then they moved on to their gifts. Every got two and they were very polite in making sure everyone had a turn.
After the festivities it was time for Momma to catch up on her sleep ( or at least I thought). But I was pleasantly (and tiredly) surprised to be awakened by Kobe who had made me a bubble bath with his new bath salts and bubbles. The extra surprise was found in one of the corners of the tub where he delicately placed some of his stocking candies for me to enjoy. If it couldn't get any more precious, he walked out of the bathroom where Chance was whining. I overheard him telling Chance that mommy was taking a bath and needed the house to be quiet and he then took Chance downstairs to entertain him.
The New Year was also pleasant. A friend invited us over, along with a few other couples and their kids. We ate (that seems like a reoccuring theme in our activities;o), played games, laughed, and rang in the New Year with much love.
Next was my birthday! What a fun day. My mom and I had gone to the temple on Wednesday, where she treated me to a shopping spree, which consisted of a sweater jacket and a pair of jeans. She picked the kids up from school the next day and they wrapped gifts and signed cards (my mom is great)! The tradition in our house is the birthday person goes to bed before everyone else and they decorate the downstairs so that it will be a "surprise" when the birthday boy or girl walk down the stairs. So mom came over and assisted in that task. In the morning I woke to a beautifully decorated kitchen and presents. The best part was how excited the kids were. But, there was one surprise. Chloe pulled a smaller bag out and handed it to me. Inside was an amazing Willow Tree figurine. Her name was "Je t'aime" which means "I Love You" in French. It is beautiful. That night a group of friends invited my family to a hockey game to celebrate. It was such a great birthday.
Now here is February. I can't believe it. So what happens in February? The kids and I have been invited on a ski trip to Copper Mountain Colorado President's Day weekend, basketball games, dance performances, soccer sign-ups, Valentine's Day, kindergarten registration (can you believe that? My youngest will be a kindergartener!!), and, most importantly, Colin turns 12 and receives the Aaronic Priesthood. I'm looking forward to future temple trips with my son.
Here are a few pictures to document:




