PRE-CHRISTMAS UPDATE

Oh do I have updates. I have been so busy in the last week...I thought I better update what's been going on before my brain shuts down. Every year, since I can remember I have helped my friend, Amy K, with the Sub-for-Santa program at DCFS. Last year, she had her cute baby and decided to leave the land of DCFS. Therefore, it put myself and my good friend, Heather, in charge this year. We thought for sure that with the two of us heading this program, it would be so easy, since we knew Amy was so stressed doing it by herself...then two people would definitely make the stress levels go way down. Oh no, I am still trying to wrap my head around how she did this whole program alone. Let's just say, that Heather and I worked late everyday last week. Including pulling a one a.m. at the DCFS office, it was really creepy being there late at night. But all of these late days and long hours were for a great cause. We were able to serve 263 children, who might have not had Christmas otherwise! I am amazed by all those companies and individuals who donated time and money for this great cause!

So during this fun Sub-for-Santa, I am pretty sure my poor family was a bit neglected. Kaycie kept asking when I was coming home and when I finally did make it home one night. Riley decided to make mud pies on my carpet with a gallon of milk and chocolate milk mix. I am still trying to pull that from the carpet. I am sure this was some attention seeking behavior! Well it worked!!

After working Thursday, Mark took me to the Provo Temple for our 15-year Temple Anniversary. It is hard to believe that it has been 15-years since we were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. I still remember it and it was one of the most amazing experiences I have had.

Friday, our friends decided that we could buy each others tickets for Christmas to a double-feature. First we saw 7 pounds. Oh my word, pull out the razor blades, this was "The" most depressing film I have ever seen. If I weren't in a packed movie theatre, I would have cried outloud...I mean sobbed! Next we saw Yes Man. Oh my word, I laughed so hard. I was glad to see such a funny film after the first one!

Saturday, I finally finished all of my Christmas Shopping...what a relief that is!

I am so excited for Christmas. I am taking two weeks off of work and am excited to spend the time with my kids.

Merry Christmas to everyone!

WE CAN OFFICIALLY START CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS...

...THE TREE IS UP!! I don't know what my problem is this year, but I just got my Christmas Tree up TODAY!! Thanks to Mark and Jake for bringing all the decorations and the tree upstairs and thanks to the girls at Bunco for giving me such a hard time for not having decorated yet...I think both these things helped me get motivated!!! I have been so busy this year with Stake Camp meetings, Santa's Helper at work, and other odds and ends...the time just kept flying by.

So now I finally feel the Christmas Spririt in my home! Remember how I take the tree down the day after Christmas! Nice 14 days of celebration! Cross your fingers I will be better next year!

THANKSGIVING

We had a fun and eventful Thanksgiving this year. My mom decided to have an early Thanksgiving on Sunday, because my Grandma was going into surgery to get her second hip replaced.

Monday, we took Jake out for his birthday, can you believe I have a 12-year old!! We saw Madagascar 2, which I loved. Riley clapped when it was over and it was the first movie he watched in the theatre the entire way through. Usually we have to leave half way through the movie!

Tuesday, it was Jake's birthday and we entertained 7 twelve year olds. Jake had a blast!

On Wednesday, our friends Jake and Heather, invited us to pre-Thanksgiving Pie Party. It was yummy! Jake made "several" pies and I couldn't stop eating.

On Thanksgiving, Mark played football in the morning with friends and then he came home and started baking pies for his Mom's Thanksgiving dinner. We ate and then literally fell asleep.

Friday, I went shopping with my mom and my grandma (my Mom's Mom). We shopped from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. We had a blast! This is a tradition we've had since I was really young. I love it!!

Saturday, we layed around recuperating from the long weekend and then Mark and I went with friends to "Four Christmases". I never laughed so hard!

On Sunday, Jake was ordained a Deacon, we were so proud of him. He had a great day being recognized for all of his hard work completing his Faith in God. He also got up in front of all of the adults for the 5th Sunday meeting and recited the 13th Article of Faith. I was more nervous than him! He did a great job!!