Christmas Day

Travis got a Tonka Bounce Back Racer (G&G Carey), dinosaurs, Guess Who?, some Super Hero action toys, and books! It was kind of funny, because I had used a big box of famous Amos cookies to wrap one of his gifts so when he ripped the paper off he said "I GOT COOKIES!"











Travis got Moon Sand from Santa Claus. I think if Santa had known that Moon Sand makes a big mess and had thought about all the sweeping Mom would have to do---he might not have brought it! hehe











Caleb is very excited about his ipod. I know, I know he is only 7....but he loves music and is always singing and so I figured what the heck...an ipod is really just the same as the walkman I begged my Mom for growing up. Haha





Caleb got an RC truck from Santa. He also got walkie talkies (from G& G Carey), Mega-rig Space Shuttle, ipod, light saber (A. Kathy), and some other things I can't remember. Too much stuff!!




Can't waste anytime-- Martie set up a tea party for her new babies on her new table. She's so sweet! Although at first she wasn't too fond of the boy baby doll. She kept saying "Mom I don't want the boy one, yours is the boy one."
Martie Jo with her Christmas gift. When she came out into the living room she was so excited--she squealed, pointed at the tree and said "ooooh Santa brought me babies!" She also got a baby playset to go with her dollies, barbie clothes & case, teaset, table & chairs (from Grandma & Grandpa), and a Little Petshop Playhouse, clothes (A. Kathy), & Hat/gloves (Grandma & Grandpa Pete). She loved it all!

Blessed!

One night, a few days before Christmas, I was sitting in my living room (all snuggled up and warm) with the kids tucked into their beds. As I watched the clear bright lights of the Christmas tree twinkle, I had a feeling of such thankfulness overcome me. My life is blessed---I am deeply indebt to my Heavenly Father who has given me so much. These are just a few of the things that ran through my head that night...
1. My children (crazy, happy, feisty, and oh so sweet!)
2. My husband (loving, kind, funny, and faithful in the gospel)
3. My extended family (parents, in-laws, sisters, brothers, cousins, aunts & uncles)
4. My Grandmothers (no one could have been given better role models)
5. My Savior (with Christmas fast approaching, my thoughts were more in tune with the great debt I owe to him, with the wonder of His life and His love for me.)
6. For a home warm and safe from the snow.
7. For food to feed my family.
8. For presents under the tree.
9. For the little things everyday (clean water, a van that runs, ...)
10. For health (I am so grateful to have a healthy body and healthy children)

So, as I watched those little lights sparkle and shine, I determined that maybe this Christmas I could make a determination to shine a little brighter. Too work a little harder at showing how grateful I am for my blessed life.

Sledding Fun!

Getting so excited for Christmas!

Well, it's hard to believe Christmas is almost here already. It seems like I was just planning out all the fun things to do this month and now its almost over. The kids have done suprisingly well at leaving the presents alone (after a few warnings)! Martie has been having lots of fun lately and it seems like in the span of two weeks she's gone from being my baby to my little girl. She always gets into the closet and puts my shoes on and then goes and plays with her baby doll. Today I caught her putting her baby in time-out and telling her "No you sit in time-out and be nice." Sounded kind of familiar! Haha. It's funny when you see your parenting techniques acted out by your own children. Jeff is done with this semester of school and it is really nice to have one more out of the way. He has had some extra time to spend with us and that is always fun--no one is funner than Daddy. We took the kids sledding the other day and it cracked me up because little Miss Martie just hopped right on and went on down the hill. Travis is a little more cautious and of course, Caleb has been doing this for years--so he is a pro. Well, that's about all we've been up to lately. Caleb's Christmas break starts tomorrow and so this will be great to have some family time.

My sister Jenny took some family pictures of us the other day, and they turned out really good so I thought I would post a preview. For the others you will have to wait until you get your Christmas cards!! Hope everyone is doing well. I love the holiday season!