Shillig 4 Family

 Cause a Shillig party don't stop!" We actually just rented movies and watched a couple fireworks go off from my bedroom window. Last year I rang in the new year in Germany. The year before in Chile. 2014 turned into 2015 and we are hoping for one amazing year.

Life can make you shake your head in sheer confusion as well as awe. I feel blessed, but like I said before I feel stressed, but over the last little while I've found myself feeling content  Content-  in a state of peaceful happiness (this feeling of contentment hit me as we drove in CA over Christmas break in a "beater" car and I felt love for my husband and children and knew that even if we lost everything physical we had worked these last 11 years to obtain I still had our education, temple marriage, and eternal happiness) and thinking of the quote by Joseph B. Wirthlin, "come what may and love it" As we wrap up 2014 I feel some of the balls we have been juggling are coming down and things aren't feeling resolved, but they feel like they will be in time. This year has thrown us more curves than I ever thought I'd see in my lifetime. A Rascal Flatts song comes to mind,  " Yeah, life throws you curves But you've...

 We were so fortunate to have so many friends and family dear to us attend Aimi Lark's special day.  Look at all these cousins!  We had quite the turnout thanks to 7/10 of Jake's siblings coming home to California for Christmas/the baptism.  We know it was a sacrifice for them and we felt blessed they could make it!  Aunt Kailie was a doll and helped with Solomon during the service so I could focus on Aimi Lark and Uncle Isaac was Malachi's buddy.  Kurt, Jake, Luke, Larkie, Kailie, Isaac, & Elliana  and the parents  Malachi is our "Asian" photo bomber here.  I love the family I married into.  They are all so close and have a bond that allows them to be there for one another, move past any issues, and never skip a beat.  I love that about them.  The little girl who brought all this together with her request of baptism in California.  Now on to the individual families. ...

 Aimi Lark had been asking for the last year or so to be baptized in California.  We were not sure that was something that could work out but back in October I told Jake I thought we could swing it.  We asked the kids if they would like plane tickets to California or presents for Christmas and they enthusiastically chose flying to California and I was so pleased.  I have long dreamed of trips instead of presents for Christmas and I am so glad my children are at an age we can start to implement that as well as incorporate such a huge milestone for Aimi Lark, her baptism! I am so proud of her and her decision to choose what is right. I know she is working hard to be a good example to others. I love watching her sweet little heart grow. I love being her mother. Here is some general information about baptism from our church's website. “We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordi...

The kids played "sheep board down" in the backyard with Jake and Kurt passing on the tradition of this made up game.  I hear it's similar to kick the can?  Jake's Dad planned an amazing live nativity and bonfire where we sang as we stood around the fire.  Christmas morning Jake woke and began making a fire.  He called it "country art" I believe.   Waking up the teenagers in the house was no easy feat.  We bought these cute outfits on our last trip to China, they are nice and thick for Winter.  An instrument from Grammie and bunnies for Aunt Elliana.  Dad and Jake pulled out the chinese yo-yos for some extra fun.  It was a great time celebrating Christmas at Jake's home.