All the December Things

Welp. Another year bites the dust. 

High level recap:

Anders went to Hawaii for 2 weeks, including Christmas. We missed him, but he had a lot of fun and we're big fans of that. 

Addie's been subbing, and has been teaching a lifeguard certification class for the last week or so. Below is one of the many letters/drawings the kids she subs have given her. Super cute.

Big month for Aani: She got her wisdom teeth removed, submitted her mission papers, broke up with her boyfriend, and got her mission call! The mission call will be announced in 2 days, so I can't publish anything yet, sorry! She picked up 2 new nanny families as well, and has been keeping busy with all the things. 

Ava has been the queen of sleep, hanging with friends, turned 16 on the 1st, grinding through school. Enrolled in online drivers ed but not making much progress yet. 

Nils is busier than ever with all the work things... and bishop things all. of. the. time. It's crazy. Next project is getting the garage shop built out, and figuring out a new YT channel that fills his cup. We love and adore him. Loves soda and brownies. Loves a brisket sandwich from Zupas. Tennis elbow has been resolved thanks to a cortisone shot. 

I'm scattered all over and sometimes don't know which way is up. Fun facts: I've discovered that Sprite Zero is incredible. My knees are rebelling. I need to go on long walks for sanity. Sleeping is hard for me and requires a lot of assistance, but man I love it when it happens. Was given a miracle drug in September that has made my skin normal and I can't tell you how amazing it is. 

Aani was very entertaining after getting her wisdom teeth removed. 

Christmas Eve shenanigans.

Frozen burritos were a key player in Aani's wisdom teeth recovery.

Addie made this blanket for her friend for Christmas. It was a true labor of love. It's the Lehi Outdoor Pool. 

Some of the shoes of those attending the Lehi Outdoor Pool Christmas Party, hosted by Addie. 

Addie won Christmas, indeed. 

 Bobo McFoe, some vintage Addie literature. 

Aani and cute li'l nanny kid and Santa.

THE CALL IS HERE

She's a good egg. 

Aani and BryBear

Anders opening his Christmas presents before leaving for Hawaii.

Frozen burritos for the win! 

Poor Aan Aan.

What a life. 

 Band Concert!

So many youth activities. Bishops Storehouse. 

Aani leading the primary kids at the Christmas party. 

Ava's bday breakfast with Daddio.

All the youth things. 

Lehi ODP party.

Bishop's Bash

 
IT'S CHRISTMAS! 

Nils' favorites: Springerle and gingersnaps.

More youth

Christmas lunch with Nana.

More youth

Nils got a new custom guitar today. It's been being built for a really long time. 

It's been a good year. Lots of hard work, lots of long walks, long talks, learning, growing, messing things up, trying to do better, and realizing you never really know what you're doing. Lots of travel that nearly did us in by the middle of the year!

We're blessed with good family and good friends, but mostly...the CyberTruck. 

Love to all, but mostly...the CyberTruck. 

Thanks, 2025, for the memories, but mostly for...the CyberTruck. 

I love you, Nils. 😙 But not as much as....the CyberTruck. JKBILY.

I Dedicate this Post to Aani and a November Recap

Dear Aani,

Thank you for reading this blog every month. Thank you for giving me pictures to post every month. When I have been late to posting on this blog (2 times in my entire life), you are kind enough to remind me that I need to post. When I started writing here 20 years ago, it was my rambling thoughts as a new mom, an outlet for me, and a way to connect with other moms, too. Remember when we made you each start a blog, and you all hated it with the biggest passion? That was fun. 

As you kids have grown up and your lives have become more your business than mine, the blog has shifted from me and what I'm feeling and experiencing with you to more of a simple record of what's happening... sprinkled with some thoughts and feelings. I try to be judicious in what I write, because really, your stories are not mine to share anymore. I think I'm the only person who still blogs, and I get it- it definitely isn't what it used to be, but this is our family story, so thanks for reading it and caring. I'm grateful to have had a place to document, and I'm glad it entertains you and your sibs. I hope my love for my family shows through, because you guys are all the best things ever, and the most valuable focus of my life. I love you, Queen. I'll keep blogging if you keep reading. 

Love, 

Mumsy

Okay, here's what been going on:

We finished the basement at some point in November. Let's call it November 18th. Since then, work on editing and building the basement finishing course has been the focus. We had confirmed to us that we are going to have to be very creative and open to all sorts of marketing strategies in order to get the word out about said course, but that's okay. We will figure it out. As Nils said today, "This thing's got legs." We're excited for the second half of December, when we plan on doing nothing! :) 

We are going to use a property management company to rent out the house, which is 2 units, now. Hopefully that takes a big load off us.

Church: Church is churching. There has been a lot of heartache this month over some tough situations. Sometimes there are no easy answers or actual solutions and it's hard on everyone. I love my Nils. I said to him yesterday, "I love you and your kind heart", a minute after I nearly bit his head off for being so nice about something that I don't think necessitates any more niceness. Yes I'm being vague. Nils is a good human with a good heart. I'm an okay human with an okay heart. Balance?
There are also good things happening with church, hehe. 

Kids:

Anders is live laugh loving life. He's leaving us and going to Hawaii for Christmas. He cooks dinner for a crowd most every Sunday night. Has shoulder surgery scheduled for late January. Car is almost paid off! 

Addie is subbing and has decided she likes 5th grade the most. She gets a lot of notes and hand drawn pictures from the kids. She did a handstand at the end of one day as a reward for the kids not being annoying and that worked well. She is "winning at Christmas" by making her friends and family all a handmade gift, and a hand decorated gift bag. 

Aani passed her state boards for cosmetology! Now she just has to complete all of her hours, which will probably take until the end of February. She is currently working on mission papers (thanks age change!) and hopes to leave in April. She gets her wisdom teeth out on Friday, has to meet with the Stake President, and then can submit them. On November 7, she received her temple endowment, which was very special. She had decided to do that even before the mission age change was announced. 

Ava is grinding away at school, doing her best to not have senioritis as a sophomore, talks with Harper on the phone for hours every day and night. Received her patriarchal blessing a couple of weeks ago and that was also a very special experience. 

Thanksgiving:

Picture to Addie

Made corsages for a YW activity

Primary Program featuring Aani and Addie. My how the turntables have turned. 

"Northern Lights" 

Anders on an adventure

We parked next to each other at church because we're so cute. 

DONE.

Aani sent me this picture, so I'm sure this Crumbl cookie was very special for some reason. 

A very special day: 

Anders and his winning Halloween costume, and all the people who were involved in its creation. 

An expensive camera, ft. Anders. 

Alright, peace out. I gotta make dinner.