Holiday Hub-bub!

I have decided that it doesn't seem worth my effort to blog without pictures to post. The really lame thing about that is that we bought a floor model camera that did not come with a cable and a few convenient accessories. So the process of getting pictures from my camera to the computer is a headache. So much for saving money, next time I will know better!

November and December were very eventful months. Christian's preschool class had a Thanksgiving meal. He dressed up like an Indian and was so proud of his paper bag costume. We went to Salt Lake for Thanksgiving break.

December started with Logan and Dennis both having surgeries on December 4th. Logan got his tonsils and adenoids out, and tubes in his ears. Dennis had his knee replaced. Everything went well for both, Logan sleeps and sounds so much better. Then we had Larry's birthday celebrations. Wow 36 years old! I never really thought ahead that far. He is so close to 40 it scares me. We tried out the one Chinese restaurant in Montpelier, and loved the Orange Chicken! Logan and I bought our $10 permit to go cut down our own Christmas tree. The effort and memories are worth the Charlie Brown tree we brought home. I sent mom pictures of our sad little tree, and she laughed so hard she cried. The story behind the tree is this...

We hiked around as a family for two hours just pointing out trees we liked and playing in the snow. Finally the younger kids got a little too cold in the 9 degree weather, so I took them back to the car. Larry and Cannon then went out to get one of the many trees we had picked. Needless to say they came back with a puny, little, branch, like thing. He swears it was one we picked but we all just laugh at him. Well, it went up and made the day of many who were privileged enough to glance at it. We will do better next year, we know now not to leave Larry in charge.

December also had lots of school activities. The elementary singing performance. Which was awesome. Our school here still gets away with teaching the true meaning of Christmas. I know that won't last forever, and it is sad that I was shocked to hear teachers telling about Joseph, Mary, and Christ in the classrooms. But I love it while it lasts! Gabe also entered the town merchants coloring contests. He was one of the winners for Arctic Circle and Subway. (Yes, we have both in town!) He was very excited and I was so proud. Our ward Young Women also took a trip to Salt Lake for last minute Christmas shopping, lights at Temple Square, and seeing New Moon. It was a blast, I love my calling, our ward, and our youth. I wish we could swing that in the budget every year. The best of the month of course was Christmas. Patience and Lauralee came up, and we had a great time. Our traditions are watching Scrooge and Luke II as a family. Christmas morning the boys woke up at 2 a.m., and every hour after that, begging to get up. Finally and 5 I told them they could get their stockings and come into my room with them. Then at 6 we woke everyone up for gift opening. The favorite gifts this year are; Larry- a picture of Christ helping a little boy pray on his lap. Me- a picture of four little boys on the front porch dressed up as missionaries, and my 22 rifle. Cannon- his Flip camcorder. Gabe- his kitten "Shadow". Logan- night vision binoculars. Christian- Batman Imaginext play set. What a perfect time of year. I love spending so much time with the family. It makes me sad that we only have 2 days left, then back to reality.

Once again sorry about the novel, I would really prefer doing shorter posts, but I just run out of time.