Life and death.

 Saturday, Dec 10

My brother Matt and I drove with my mom and dad to Tremonton for my Aunt Beverly's funeral. She had passed away on Nov 28th, and was 90 years old. It was a lovely service and tribute (all 5 of her boys talked), and it was good to see some of my cousins I hadn't seen in YEARS.

After the services, we drove by the home where my dad was born:

I loved getting to see this piece of family history.

Then we went to lunch. It was a good day.

Saturday, Dec 17

Lex and Jason's gender reveal.

The guesses:

(I realized that I didn't get a pic of me in here... and I don't have the time to figure out any more of this collage stuff, so let it be written that I guessed BOY. I had been a bit under the weather, so had to wear a mask anyway.)

Ready... set...

...reveal!

It's a BOY!

I can't wait to meet this precious new soul.

Tuesday, Dec 27

My Aunt Carol passed away on Dec 16th. She was also 90 years old, and was a lovely woman who I truly admire. She invited Bill and I to stay at her condo in CA for our honeymoon (35+ years ago), and had stocked her refrigerator for us. It was such a kind and generous gift that I will never forget.

It was also good to see these cousins that I haven't seen in YEARS.

My dad and mom are the only surviving "first generation" of the Goldsberry side of the family. That feels a little crazy, but also confirms that "our lives [pass] away as it [is] unto us a dream..." As I grow older, I see the passage of time more clearly as it swiftly moves on.

It's been a month for contemplating life and death, and the great eternal plan of our God. I have deep gratitude for the lives that have touched mine, and for the new little lives that are born into our family. Life is sweet.

Creative grands + cousin time.

 Saturday, Nov 12

Scarlett, in a burst of creativity, made some pretty awesome art pieces using computer paper, tape, and markers.

We have no idea where this masterpiece ended up - when she went to show her mom, we couldn't locate it ANYWHERE. I seriously have no idea how that happened. Good thing I captured it digitally.

Saturday, Nov 19

The Syddall Cousins are here!

They started strong with a few art projects,

and then Scarlett and Evie had lots dress-up fun (Scarlett was the "stylist").

Monday, Nov 21

The day started with some watercolors.

Then we met up with some of the cousins at Thanksgiving Point.

Our first stop was the Butterfly Biosphere.

Ice cream (and snack) break:

Then we cruised through the Dinosaur Museum.

Britt and Reese came over to chill for a bit after we got home.

Reesey was loving the basket.

Friday, Nov 25

Cousin Sleepover

An early morning Kewpie doll bath by Wonder Woman was first on the list of things to do.

Then a hot chocolate toast along with some pumpkin chocolate chip muffins for breakfast.

Scarlett and Evie had some more dress-up fun.

Great Grandma Syddall had made the cutest Nativity kits for the kids to paint and put together. (Emmett and Brielle couldn't make it, so we scheduled another day for them to make theirs.)

These cute kids LOVE to paint and had such a good time working on their projects.

I was so grateful the mommas were there to assist ;-)

After finishing her Nativity, V decided that Joseph, Mary, and Jesus needed faces and some embellishment. I think it turned out so darling.

Friday, December 2

M and B came to paint their Nativities.

All the kids LOVED this fun project - THANK YOU Great Grandma!

I have loved having the kids all together. It's been so fun to watch them play, create, and enjoy each other. These little souls have my heart ♥