February 2015

Mary and Anna's temple picture made the Friend Magazine's web site!

The kids are now hoping to be in the Lego magazine.  Here is an ice-cream truck.

We made peanut-butter groundhogs for Groundhog Day.

We've been telling stories about "Baby Owie Ohie," a doll from my generation.

This little guy broke my phone, so I lost some pictures this month.

Hanging out in church:

January 2015

A trip to Temple Square:

 The kids often have birthday parties for their animals and Sarah's dolls.

 This time a live animal wanted to join:

 Herbie joined the fish tank.

 And we finally had to cut off those cute baby curls.

 
 Tyler first watched Austin get a haircut, then sat very still for his own.

 He was pleased with his new look.

 Austin helps Tyler get lots of dunks.

 There is a lot of action and excitement in this place.

December 2014

Christmas continues to be more fun each year.

 Anna (far right) and Mary (next picture) performed French songs in their Christmas program.

 This Santa was amazing.  He told the kids a magic Christmas secret: to always tell your parents you love them.

 Every baby has to have a picture like this:

David took a trip to NYC for work.  He ended up in the middle of a riot but came back home safely.

The Luke family Christmas party was awesome.

 Sarah was Mary in the Nativity play.

 She took her role very seriously....

... for a while.

Sarah saw a giant Santa on the way to joy school one morning.

 The kids made lots of Christmas cards.

 Tyler was excited to join in on making gingerbread houses this year.

A trip to the science museum at the old Alma Mater:

 Christmas morning:

 We had a warm winter but a white Christmas!

 

Anna's Baptism, December 2014

Our beautiful Anna was baptized on December 6.

For Anna's baptism, our family performed a musical number.  Anna picked her favorite song, "My Eternal Family:"  

I am a builder working each day

To build my family.

And I will do the best I can

To serve them lovingly.

I am a builder growing so tall

And learning ev’ry day.

To speak with kindness in my home,

And help at work and play.

My Heav’nly Father sent me here

And He knows I can be

Strong and righteous as I build my eternal family.

 I am a builder building a home;

I seek the Lord in prayer.

And as I try to live God’s word

I feel the spirit there.

I am a builder serving the Lord

And following His plan.

To help my fam’ly come back home

And live with Him again.

My Heav’nly Father sent me here.

 And He knows I can be

Strong and righteous as I build my enternal family.

In our stake, the mothers bring the children to the front of the chapel and tell a little about them before they are baptized.  Here is Anna's baptism introduction that she helped write:

Anna Luke

Anna is the second of five children in our family.  Anna’s favorite Primary song is “My Eternal Family.” Her favorite scripture story is "Balaam and the Talking Donkey."

Anna is very loving and thoughtful.  She finds creative ways to make fun activities for her brothers and sisters.  She takes special care of her baby brother.  She has a talent for making others feel happy and loved.

Anna particularly loves two things about the Savior: He helps us, and He is kind.  We often see her following His example by helping others and being kind in our home.

A long time ago, Anna made the choice to follow her Heavenly Father’s plan and come to earth.  She has decided to follow Heavenly Father’s plan on earth as well.  She is showing her commitment to His plan today by following Jesus Christ and being baptized.  Just like the song that she sang says, “[Anna] is a builder, serving the Lord and following His plan;  to help [her] fam’ly come back home and live with Him again.”

We love having Anna in our family, and we are very proud of her for choosing to be baptized.

It was such a blessing for our family to be with Anna as she chose to follow the Savior's example.  She is a beautiful, strong young woman.