Wise Men Still Seek Him

Here is my sweet Bentley dressed as a wiseman for our annual nativity scene with the Smith family. He was very tender and calm for the event which is surprising since he was battling a horrible cold and high fever all of Christmas weekend. When he saw his cousin Will dressed in a similar way he wanted to follow along.

When Santa visited our little party Caroline cozied right up to him and loved his soft beard!

Christmas morning was very quiet and relaxed--words I never thought I'd use to describe it. We watched our little ones open stockings from Santa and then headed to my in-laws to speak with our missionary (Elder Bob LeBaron) in Toronto, Canada. We opened gifts here and there and the kids both napped off and on throughout the morning. Only Tom and Jess (Joe's little brother and his wife) came over in the morning and we enjoyed their company and conversation as well as Ruth Ann's crepes and homemade Cafe Rio leftovers. It was a delightful and pleasant Christmas with my happiness stemming from the gifts of Joseph, Caroline and Bentley in my life and the redeeming sacrifice of my Savior allowing me to grow and change and hopefully become more like Him.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, the everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

For more photos of all our holiday parties visit our newest photo page online.
Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas!

I know I am a few days early but I just love these pics of my kids and had to spread some cheer (and cheery faces) today. Our Christmas card should go out soon with similar versions of these pictures (doctored by Joseph--the master of all things photoshop of course). The debate at our house is email vs. mail for our card. I am a traditionalist and love stamps and handwritten addresses and pictures that are actually tangible. On the other hand, an emailed card would arrive on time and it is definitely the cheaper, hassle-free option. The query continues at my house but for now, enjoy tiny Caroline and sweet Bentley.

Wheeler Farm

I love the holidays and family members gathering together! Last night the LeBaron clan decided to brave the cold and head to Wheeler Farm for a visit with Santa and a hay wagon ride to see the woods bedecked with lights. I was so proud of Bentley when we approached Santa--he bounded right over, sat up on his knee and told him he wanted the Cars movie for Christmas. After seeing Santa we headed outside to catch the hay wagon ride. We saw its lights in the distance slowly moving closer and then suddenly stopping. About 30 minutes and 8 frozen kids later the crew told us the wagon was stuck in the snow and the our ride would be considerably delayed if it happened at all. The news was unfortunate but I was ready to get my babies out of the cold and home to Nanny's for some yummy soup and homemade scones. I think the funniest part of the night was listening to Joseph test Maddie and Eloise on being "true" LeBarons (if you know the exact depth of your own belly-button and you smell your fingers for no apparent reason then you must be a LeBaron!) It's so fun having Flori and Rob in town--my kids are eating up all their attention and love.

Dinner With Friends

Last night we partied in our favorite way--eating yummy food with wonderful friends. Joseph and I are lucky to have many siblings that live close by and are quite funny and very comfortable to be around. Pictured below are John and Krista LeBaron, Joseph and me, and Matt and Lizzie Stevens (Mary and Seth joined us for a small gathering before dinner).It think fate must have guided Matt and Lizzie into our lives. In high school Matt was in Mary's grade (Mary Braun aka Mary LeBaron) and sang with both Mary and John in musical productions. Matt had been home from his mission for about 90 seconds when he auditioned for Vocal Point at BYU (at Mary's insistence) and ended up joining the 9 man acappella group which Joseph was already a member of. Thus the beginning of a new LeBaron friendship.

When Matt got married a few years later we met his sweetheart miss Elizabeth Brinkerhoff. The first time Joe and I met her we were at her wedding dinner (well it was Matt's too) and she came right over and knew who we were without any introduction. I was very impressed and immediately saw how friendly and warm and beautiful she was. When Mary married Seth we learned that Lizzie's parents had been his mission presidents and more connections were forged. We've lived away from SLC and so has everyone else in turn so the holidays mean we can all get together and laugh and talk and laugh some more (mainly at Lizzie's wonderfully embarrassing stories and the easy way in which Matt becomes an ugly LeBaron--and I mean ugly in the non-appearance related way!) Last year each couple in our little LeBaron/Stevens group had a new baby so we are now bonding over similar stories of parenthood and baby phases. Too much fun! I am so grateful to have real friends and wonderful family members who are making good choices, living righteously, and keeping all the right things as priorities in their lives.

At our gathering last year when all 4 women were pregnant (some more pregnant than others :)

Here I Am

I love blogs. I read several every day. I love my computer (only macs for me). I love my family and always love showing them off. I am now starting a blog, finally. Merry Christmas Heidi Lou!!