Sights of Christmas

I love to pull out the Christmas decorations. Before they're all packed away for another year I thought I would share some of my favorites at our house.

Christmas of change

In the 22 years that Ken and I have been married we have only spent one Christmas on our own. Until this year. With Jordan on his mission and my parents on their mission we decided to stay in Houston. It was nice to not have the stress of travel and packing and we were able to do a few activities that we miss because we're gone, but overall I prefer the big family celebration. Yes I know it's crazy, loud, and hectic but I really missed being together with all my family. Ken's mom and her husband live just a mile from my parents so they are always part of the festivities. I miss the traditions, the sitting around visiting, catching up on each other's lives, the cousins playing/fighting, the goofy family, the lack of sleep and coming home to a big pile of Christmas cards. Thanks to great friends the Adelmans for a fun cookie decorating/caroling FHE and the Ortons for the great Christmas eve celebration. My sister Amy and her husband and kids came down Christmas Day and it was great to spend time together. I realize that as life changes and especially as the kids get older it's up to me to make those special memories no matter where Christmas is.

Nativities

I love Nativities, I have over a dozen. They have been aquired over the years and each year when I put them out many wonderful memories come with them. This year two special friends added some special pieces to two of my favorites. I just want to say thank you so much and let them know how much I appreciate them adding to my memories.

Santa and Two of His Elves

This is a picture that Elder Torbit sent from a Ward Christmas Party. He is pictured here with his companion, Elder Rose (on the left), and Santa Claus (in the center) ;-).

Spelling Bee

Lexi qualified as one of the twenty 4th and 5th grade students to participate in the school spelling bee. We practiced for a few weeks before from a booklet the school gave her. There were some words I couldn't even pronounce. She did great, made it through 3 rounds.

Give Thanks

We are so thankful for good friends and family. We are grateful to be able to celebrate Thanksgiving with Boyers, Jirons and the Curnutt girls. We are so grateful to have plenty to eat, to have a safe, comfortable house. We are grateful for the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and all the blessings that it brings into our lives. We are grateful to live in the United States of America. As most importantly we are grateful for the Savior Jesus Christ.

Cousin Time

While the kids were out of school for the Thanksgiving break we were able to spend some time with our Texas cousins. Amy, my sister had surgery on Mon 11/24 so the girls came down to Houston from Nacogdoches to give their mom time to recover. We went to the park, hung out and even went to the Houston Zoo. Being 3 hrs away makes it hard to do quick trips but we enjoy spending what time we can together. We missed John, Amy and Harrison.