This year our Back to School Feast was extra special because Umi was in town
to celebrate this special tradition with our family!
Christian took the Nies out in the morning for the whole day so
I could decorate the table and make our feast. 
Umi sat on the couch while I worked (I made her),
and we talked and laughed, and I was in heaven.
I decorated with a black and white theme and spray painted
cotton stuffing with black glitter spray for our centerpiece.
Under the cotton was my very favorite Bright Lab lights in black and white.
It added such a cool glow under the cotton. 
Then I stuffed our beautiful new glass stars inside the
cotton in front of each table setting.
Piggy & Dirt didn't disappoint this year (they never do!)
and sent us the coolest black and white patterned stars with
each name and grade etched in the center.
I also had a main star made with our theme "Hear Him"
of course, Umi got one too!
As per our tradition, I had our theme printed on the cover of personalized
notepads for each Nie and our theme framed for our theme wall.
I found @the_hyggehouse and ordered the Family Proclamation and the
new Restoration Proclamation. These new framed masterpieces will
proudly hang in our living room as sacred words our family will live by.
After I took a million photos of everyone we went inside and sat down
and before we prayed Christian and I unveiled our new theme.
This year was different though, this year Christian told
the Nies that someone special would be saying our theme.
He had Presiden Nelson cued up on the speaker as he read our new
2020-2021 family theme from his most recent conference talk "Hear Him".
Tears rolled down my face as I listened to a prophet of God
speak powerful words as a guide for our family.
After he finished speaking I looked across the table at Oliver who was literally
on the edge of his seat listening intently to the Prophet.
Then his eye widened and he clapped enthusiastically.
He genuinely seemed pumped up. I will never ever forget that moment.
* * * * * *
Dinner:
Arugula and Wild Rice Salad with Zippy Lemon Dressing
Cherry Couscous & Arugula Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Figs with peaches drizzled with warm olive oil
Watermelon topped with a vanilla salt rub
Salmon
and for dessert, I made my famous better in three days chocolate cake
and a simple vanilla cake.
After dessert, we left the table and the dripping candles and went outside to
shoot off a few giant fireworks into the dark night sky. (Thanks, Spencer!).
This new school year has been challenging and difficult, but I am reminded that
our children will always be safe and free from despair in our home,
and just like our theme says: "Our Father knows that when we are
surrounded by uncertainty and fear, what will help us the very most is to hear His Son."
The Nies are ready to "HEAR HIM"!!
