Here are some photos of our Christmas celebrations. Who needs a post? the Pictures say it all. I love the Christmas season. Food, Fun, Family, and Festivities... What more could I ask for?
Christmas Eve

Christmas Day

A side note: When Matilee was opening her stocking, she looked at me at said, "Wait a minute, I think you put this stuff in here. Santa didn't. I think you are Santa." I just smiled at her, and said, "what do you think about that?" She said, " I am ok with it." So, I guess the cat is out of the bag. We had to tell Brindy, since Matilee figured it out. Brindy said she had already pretty much figured it out anyway, since she knew there wasn't a tooth fairy. Go figure!

We had ham, my Christmas present from the school district! Thanks!

The days after Christmas

What a Wonderful Celebration of the Savior's Birth.

Family Christmas Party...Snowed IN!!!!!!

We had our annual family Christmas party at my home this year. However, due to snowy conditions, many of our family couldn't come. Those who did, had a great time. We made a city of trees.. (Roy made us a temple). Had a white elephant exchange, ate dinner together, enjoyed Christmas music, played games, and mostly enjoyed one another's company.

Our Completed "work of ART!"

The white Elephant Exchange:

Matilee was laughing so hard about this treasure she found, she nearly wet her pants!!

Tate was not thrilled about the Barney DVD

Bryan got a new set of CURLERS!!!

Colton got the coveted gift this year, the Diet Coke Rocket Launcher!!

We had a great time, and missed the family that couldn't make it, but there is always next year!! It is always fun to have an excuse to get together as family. We are now getting ready for the New Year's Party. If I haven't invited you yet, let me know.......cuz, if I know you, you are invited!!!!

Oh by the way, I have heard some rumors about my health..... Yes, I have been sick for the past month.... NO I do not have a deadly disease ( and Carrie is not diabetic). I have mycoplasma pneumonia, it just took a while to diagnose. Since we figured out what was going on, the antibiotics seem to be helping, and I am fine. It is not a serious disease. WOW!! It is amazing how things can grow out of proportion!!!! I just wanted to clear that up!

Sweet Sixteen.... Two Days of Delight and Tears

As tears fill my eyes, I don't know if they are from the joy I feel for the tremendous man my boy is becoming, or because of the longing I feel for the little boy that is now becoming a man. All I know, is I blinked my eyes, and my little baby boy is sixteen. He used to look up to his dad , and now his dad has to look up to him! When he was born, I thought it fitting to have my first child at Christmas... the same time we celebrated another special birth. We wanted to have him for so long, and finally got him.

Colton told me once he had the perfect childhood.. I know that is because of his optimistic view of life, not because of his imperfect parents, but I will take all the brownie points I can get when it comes to the most important, most rewarding, and hardest job I have ever prayed for.

He is more than I had ever dreamed, confident, secure, loving, and most of all, he has a love for God, and a knowledge of the scriptures, that I can only hope to obtain in this lifetime. He is a shining star in this world, and I know the Lord has picked up the difference where I fell short. He stands for what is true and right at all times and in all things and in all places. In three short years, I will blink again, and with the same mixed emotions, my little boy will be on a path, that he talks to me about daily now. I am happy for him.......... I just never wanted to my little boy to grow up.

Colton, you have been a delight to me. I love your stubbornness, your commitment, your love for others inspires me. I know the world hasn't always been kind to you, but you always forgive, and accept people. Although, you try to convert everyone to your way of thinking, I think in many ways, it has given you greater convictions, but remember others can teach you much too. I love you!! Happy Sweet Sixteen!

Saturday: Our Family Day-Long Date!

We got up early Saturday, for a LONG awaited weekend. it started with Bryan making everyone waffles, and then traveling(yes, through the SNOWSTORM) to go Christmas shopping for siblings, and to find a precious ornament for each child. This year the pickiest award goes to COLTON!!!

After shopping, we went to Sizzler for lunch(we had free coupons for the children.. I still have a hard time going to Sizzler....but they loved it). I spilled a full cup of root beer all over Matilee and Kenny.....someday we will laugh about this.
We always try to go to a cultural event for Christmas with our children. This year, we went to a VoiceMail concert!!! I must say this was SOOOOOO FUN!! I went last year with the Young Women, and had a BLAST!! It was even more delightful with my family.

Next, we came home for dinner, followed by a charming piano recital!! I loved five of the participants quite a bit! They were AMAZING!!!
MY five favorite stars!!
Matilee: Jingle Bells
Brindy:Silent Night
Dallin: Toy Maker's Dance

Colton: What Child Is This?

McKenzie: Hark the Herald Angels Sing, and a piece

she composed herself

It was a wonderful evening. I just love their piano teacher!! She is incredible!!!

Probably our last trip to Hollingsworth Farm (We had to wait for snow. Colton wanted it to snow before his birthday, and it came just in time!)..... This has been a tradition since our children were tiny. We found out, this is going to be the last year... kinda sad. Our children have loved this tradition...... Although, to be honest I have always been grateful "someone else" was doing this, because it is A LOT of work. What a neat service they have given to our community!

Dallin giving our yearly donation to keep the lights on.


Sadly, after Hollingsworth farm, we usually go to Big J's....... We can't wait until it is up and running again!!!

To finish the night off, we went home, and watched Home Alone. Some of our children had never seen it, so it was really fun to watch together. It was a really fun day!

SUNDAY Colton turns SIXTEEN!!!!!!!!

Who gives their kid nuts for his birthday???? He has been complaining we don't have any Christmas nuts, so Kenzie and I saw this big can of cashews at Sam's..... we had to get them!!

So gracious, he was just as happy for his sisters' homemade gifts as he was for his store bought gifts! He is just a great kid. Thanks Colton you made those little girls' day!

Happy Birthday Colton you are AWESOME!!! What a great end to a WONDERFUL WEEKEND!!