The most wonderful time...

Christmas Day...  I love the anticipation (must be the kid in me).  I get absolutely exhausted from the preperation (I really do need to start earlier and get more organized!).  I sometimes stress about the giving (making sure I have it right, didn't forget anyone, did enough, etc.) and always am in awesome wonder at the receiving (we are so blessed!).  I'm always excited at the first sight of the Christmas decorations and how they look perfectly pretty when you first put them up, but always wonder how they can look so sad, tired, and cluttered the day after Christmas and can't wait to get things cleaned up and back in order.  Yet, I still cry every year I take the tree down.  Go figure!  It's still my absolute most favorite time of year (cold weather and all!)
We had a great Christmas this year.  Santa was very good to us... no doubt more than we deserved.  A highlight of our day was the phone call from Lance.  We were able to talk for almost an hour and a half.  He's doing great and tells everyone hello.  He said he really is having the best two years of his life.  It was awesome to be able to hear his voice and talk to him, even though Mom probably got a little too emotional at the end (oh my stars it was hard to hang up that phone!)  But what a blessing it is to have a missionary out in the field and there's no place we'd rather have him be.
A big thanks to all of you who helped to make our Christmas so special this year.  We are truly blessed and are thankful for all your love and friendship.
Here's some pictures from our Christmas 2009!!!

 

Tanner made the kids beanies this year and was WAY proud of his accomplishments!

 

 

 

 

SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN!!!!

Wishing you the Merriest Christmas ever!!!

 

(And happy birthday honey!  I love you!!!!)

Christmas Is Coming!!!!

Can you just feel it?  It's beginning to feel a lot more like Christmas.  Yesterday kicked off our Christmas week with a wonderful Sacrament Meeting.  I always love "Christmas Sunday" and what could be better than starting this week thinking of the birth of our Savior and all of our many blessings.  Today is the first day of Winter Break for the kids  And, yes, Mom has a busy day planned cleaning and baking.  I figure why should Mom have all the fun!  They usually make presents for their friends and we usually try to make something fun and different every year.  It's getting harder and harder to be more creative!  It's also email Monday for our missionary....YEAH!  We can't wait until we get to talk to him on Friday!  Mom wants her Christmas present to be an unlimited amount of minutes on the phone!  (Just in case someone is reading!  hahaha)  And to top off our Christmas week it's supposed to snow tomorrow!!!  Will definitely make it feel like Christmas!

Nicki's First Christmas Dance!

Dress...................................$On Sale!
Shoes..................................$What a deal!
Hair.....................................$By Jamie!
Boutineer.............................$Must have!
Staying up till 3 a.m. to tell mom about her date.....$$$
Missing the family Christmas party to help Nicki get ready......$$$$

The look on Nicki's face the night of her first Christmas Dance.... PRICELESS!!!!!!

She was absolutley beautiful!  She had the time of her life!  They started with a "day activity" - bowling.  Dinner was at her friend Sarah's house.  (Thanks Sarah's mom and dad!) And the dance was up at the University of Utah.  Then they went to her friend Rachel's house for midnight snacks and a movie.  I think she'll tell you it was the best first date ever!

 

 

This Year for Christmas

We skipped the sales after Thanksgiving.
The thrill just wasn't there.
No pictures taken with Santa,
My decorating has no flair.
His presents are shoe covers, treats, and ties,
Two hats and scarves...not much fun.
It's off to the post office to stand in line because...
This year we're giving Christ our son.

We've spent more time in the temple,
Felt strength come from His words.
We've reread November's Ensign,
and our testimonies are stirred.
Our family prays more frequently,
My tears are quick to run.
Abraham seems closer because,
This year we're giving Christ our son.

I wonder how those Lamanite mothers,
gave their sons to war?
Or how the pioneers chose Zion,
Their sacrifice was so much more.
Our loss will be his presence,
We'll miss his smile a ton!
We'll wait impatiently for his call on Christmas Day,
We're giving Christ our son.

We stare at his face in pictures.
We've memorized his eyes and how they shine.
He's out there sharing the gospel,
That makes his soul divine.
He's touching so many people,
And changing lives one by one.
We'll put our faith in God's hands,
This year, we're giving Christ our son.

Past gifts have lost their glitter,
I think we finally understand...
Christ's birth should be celebrated
By giving Him a hand.
It's because we know Christ lives and reigns
That makes the months fly by one by one.
Our gift has taken years to make,
This year with loving hearts....
We're happily giving Christ our son.
~ Author Unknown with adaptations by Kim Schofield

May the Lord bless you and all our missionary children as they serve Him with all their hearts!