CATCH UP POST

A new haircut, but she won't hold still to show it off.
This one loves to pose for the camera. Beautiful.

My Bear den...they are entertaining.

Awards at Pack Meeting ... my job is really cool.

CHRISTMAS DAY PARTY at Grandma and Grandpa's House.

(FYI: The baby on Grandma's lap is a cousin ... not #7.

We're still holding at 6 kids:))

Christmas at our Place

FIRST: Christmas Eve with Friends and Cousins There always has to be wrestling at our house. BOYS!

Little Lou's new best buddy--our friend and neighbor.
She wanted to be Mary--
and kept wrapping and unwrapping the Baby Jesus.

The nativity--like the last-minute costumes?

We've got an angel, a sheep, Mary and Joseph,

and boys that had to play multiple roles: (thank goodness the costumes are so versatile:D) shepherds, wisemen and King Herod.

THEN: Christmas Morning

She never holds still--this was the best photo.

The candy in the stocking--and from her siblings' stockings--

was her favorite part.

Who cares about presents anyway?

A double-bladed lightsaber.

The youngest of four boys--and he's never had his own lightsaber.

Sad, huh?

Nevermind that there are 20 other lightsabers around the house.

He wanted his OWN lightsaber.

Mom said she was NOT going to buy another lightsaber.
Thanks for St. Nick!

A new kitchen and Snow White.

This girl's dream come true.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

Visits

The best part of the holidays are visiting with family.

The kids love Grandpa A's songs.

Grandma made us delicious prime rib.

Goofing off for the camera.

We got to stay with Grandma C for Thanksgiving.

More good food--and CHOCOLATES.

Grandpa's another goofball.

Apparently goofiness is genetic. Hee hee.

Fun with cousins.

Check out the black eye.

Football and metal poles are a dangerous combo.
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

Merry Christmas!

Make a Smilebox greeting

In the Spirit of Thanksgiving

I'm THaNkFuL for (CONT) . . .

14. Healthy and Happy Kids -- who keep me jumping.

15. My Health.

16. Temples -- there's two within 15 minutes of our home.

17. A Warm Home and Bed -- and fluffy warm socks.

18. Board Games with my Kids -- and kids that are old enough to play on their own:).

19. Priesthood Power.

20. Cameras -- and the funny poses we catch.

21. Apple Pie -- I made one with 12 HUGE apples this week; talk about GYNORMOUS!!!

22. A Ward Family -- with friends and support and the chance to serve others.

What I'm Grateful For

I'm keeping a THaNkFuL list...to help celebrate the holiday.

One blessing for each day of the month.

I'm about two weeks behind.

So, I'll be playing catch-up today.

These are not in any particular order--just what comes to mind first.

1. Snow--the wet kind that's yummy to eat.

2. Homemade Chocolates--I'm looking for to Mom's in a couple of weeks.

3. Hot Showers--no explanation needed.

4. Foot Rubs--ditto.

5. Washing Machines--you don't appreciate it until it stops working.

6. Music--Christmas and patriotic are my favorite.

7. Good Friends--those you don't have to wear make-up for.

8. Pizza--hot and cheesy and spicy pepperoni.

9. Bottled Applesauce--that's today's project: canning it.10. Modern Medicine--sudafed, epidurals, advil.

11. Family--of course. Should have been #1.

12. Cars--especially 4WD on winter roads. Think of pioneers.

13. Heater/Air Conditioning--Again, think of the pioneers.