Dozens of Cousins for Sledding and Pizza

For a little holiday festivity, we invited all of Steve's siblings and their children up for a day of pizza and sledding! It added so much joy to our day.

Here's Ethan on his snowboard. He improved so much on it today. He was even traversing jumps by the middle of the day. He sure loves to be outside!


I had to get a picture with my other little snow bunny.
Aunt Lee and Aunt Kathy chatting as they watch the kids having fun. Just waiting for their turn.
All aboard! This is of my kid's favorite things about sledding with their cousins.
Poor Tyler was sick and had to stay home and miss out on the fun. I am amazed at his maturity and how well he handled missing such a fun day. Maybe next year Ty bear.

What Was She Like?

Especially as the Christmas season rolls around, I really want to know: What was she like?

The mother of our Savior.

Mary.

I love the Donny Osmond version of, "Mary, Did You Know?"

I think most of us think about our Heavenly Father when we think of the atonement, because of Jesus' statement: Forgive them Father for they know not what they do."

But seriously, as a mother, how do you handle the atonement?

How do you prepare a child(and yourself) for this? Is it even possible? How do you prepare your child for the harassment, the unbelief, the skepticism, the complete and utter disrespect that is going to come his way?

Has anyone read any good books about Mary, and what she was like?

I have so many weaknesses in my personality. And they all seem to burst when I am with my children. I love my children so much and would give my life for them, but you wouldn't be able to tell that by my gruff manner that I have with them when I am frustrated or angered by their behavior.

So, does anyone know what she was like? And, maybe more importantly, how do I become like her?

Please tell me.