Santa

We went to our Ward Christmas Party this morning and guess who showed up? Santa! He looked an awful lot like our friend Randy...especially around the eyes. Trevor, Cody and Kellen took the opportunity to sit on Santa's lap and ask for a special Christmas present. Maybe some extra awesomeness? I am grateful for a great Ward Christmas Party where we got to enjoy the Christmas spirit, eat yummy food, visit with good friends and see Santa!

I love that this picture captured Kellen's usually invisible halo!

Work!

I am grateful for Don's job. It keeps our tummy's full, our bodies clothed and and nice roof over our heads. It also teaches our kids about work. It's been fun to see Cody grow up learning how to work with his Dad. Tonight they worked PRO BONO for the Boys and Girls Club Battle of the Bands.

Cinnamon...again!

I also came across this picture in my looking around for another specific picture. I promised Cim that I wouldn't post it on Facebook...so this is where it had to go. It just can't be left in a box and forgotten! I am grateful for Cim, her friendship and the fact that she can rock a mullet!

Mom

In the process of planning for Mom's 60th birthday, I came across this picture of us. I still love being held by my mom. I love the way she smells. I love the feel of her skin. I love the sound of her voice. Obviously, she has been holding me for a long time! I'm grateful for my Mom's loving embraces.

Poor Doggy

While driving Cody home from school we saw this poor little doggy. We laughed and laughed...not because the dog was obviously hurt but because it was just an unexpected and unusual sight! I am grateful that I got to share this moment with Cody!

Traditions

When I was growing up, Mom and Dad had a system for which one of the five kids got to put the angel on top of the tree. The system was a rotation that was written on the back of the angel's box. I think by the time I was 18, I got to do it maybe 6 or 7 times. I thought this was a good system so Don and I started it when Jesse was born. I faithfully write who's turn it is on the back of our star tree-topper box every year. Cody - 1995-2000, Jesse - 2001, Cody - 2002, Jesse - 2003, Cody - 2004, Jesse - 2005, Cody - 2006, Jesse - 2007, Cody - 2008, Jesse - 2009! I might forget who's turn it is but the kids never do, so it's just tradition at this point. And I love it! I'm grateful for this and many other Christmas traditions!

Bah Humbug

I'm grateful that Don likes Christmas. He made it very clear that he likes Christmas...right after I gave him his BAH HUMBUG ornament to hang on the tree and told him I wanted to take his picture with it! And this is the look he gave me as he said it...

HAHAHA!!!