Merry Christmas!

Everyone was so excited! Yet, they were kind enough to let me stay in bed until 7. They asked last night when they could wake me up, and that is what I said. I consider that one of MY Christmas presents!

I'm so glad that Mom came over so that she could feel the magic of Christmas morning again.
After all the presents were opened, which didn't take long, we played and played, and played.

and played some more!
Mom and me

Aislinn in one of her new outfits.

Greyson working on his new castle.

Kerstyn and Chris trying out Kerstyn's new game, Scrabble.

About noon, we headed to Tallahassee and on the way there I realized something! Dad was going to be going right through Tallahassee that night. So, I called and begged him to stop. About 8:15 p.m. we met him one exit away from Ryck and Kenney's at Flying J. Just like old times...
Now, I can say, I had a MerryChristmas!

Papa loves his grandkids!

I love my Daddy!

Christmas Eve preparations!

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nick might soon be there...

Not here, but hey, I got ready, my way...

Girls plus Yoo-Ma out!

Brennan (faking)
Little boys, not faking.

Pre-Santa

Post-Santa

I did all right! Whew!

Christmas Work Party

We closed the office today at noon and everyone headed over here for a Christmas Party. We had a blast, as you can see. It is really nice that we have a great group of people working for us and that we all get along so well. The office is a very stressful place, but this group does pretty well. I am thankful for that!

What a great team!

Disney at Christmas

I headed down to the Magic Kingdom with the kids today. We were only there for a few hours, but we got to ride the tram, watch the Christmas parade and ride the train. We had fun and hope to go back next week.

The boys and me

The girls
The kids

Christmas Sacrament Meeting

I am the ward choir director and I was asked to prepare about 20 minutes of music for the sacrament meeting before Christmas.

Well, today was the day and I really enjoyed it. We had between 25 to 30 people in the choir and they sang beautifully!

All of you know how I feel about music and being a part of today is exactly what I love.

I'm glad it's over too...

Last day

It was the kids last day of school today.

Help!

Aislinn's Christmas Program

I went to Aislinn's Christmas program today. She had been practicing the songs for weeks and singing them beautifully. Above you see her being quite shy.

Aislinn and me

Aislinn and Christina, her friend.

However, today, she didn't sing a single word. When I asked her why she wasn't singing, she responded, "I was singing, in my head". Of course she was!

Shelby

Shelby is 6 months old on the 19th. She is a really great puppy and a fun addition to our family.

Round Lake Elementary Christmas Concert

Kerstyn is definitely my child! She loves music and it comes quite easily to her. I really enjoyed watching her tonight. She did a really good job in the chorus and in the bell group.

She is having a good time...

The picture below is her sitting on the floor playing the contra bass bells. It was really neat because you could really hear her since it was the only one and it was really low pitched. I am a proud mommy!

Below is a video of one of the chorus songs.

Let there be...

I know, I know... shocking.

Yet, true!

Music, music, music!

I felt impressed during April's General Conference that it was time for me to use my music talent more. Well, here we are and it has come true!

I am the Primary pianist! I pray, literally, every time I sit down at the piano now. I pray that I can be lifted up to the level that I need to be to be successful in my calling. So far, it has been true. I stand all amazed!

I am the ward Choir Director. Really? Yes, really. I don't sing, but I know music, and they said that was enough. Well, today, we had our last rehearsal before the Sacrament meeting next Sunday where it will be at least half the choir singing. I left uplifted and feeling blessed. Blessed that I have this calling, to share what I love and to sing and feel the spirit through song.

Wow! Isn't it interesting how Heavenly Father works?

Party and shop!

Last night Chris and I were able to go to the Carter's home to a Christmas Party. They did not have the party last year, the the two years prior, I was there as a server. Tonight, I got to go as a guest.

Let me just say that Chris and I had an amazing time! The food was superb and the company a blessing to be around! It was a great way to get us in the Christmas spirit.

I know that many of you have followed my blog for years, and if that is the case, you know that Debbie is a DEAR friend of mine. I have been her visiting teacher for ever it seems, and I am so glad about that. I taught second grade with her for 2 wonderful years and when I say taught with her, I mean "WITH" her. We shared a classroom. I taught mornings and Debbie taught afternoons. It was amazing. We never had a glitch and I was sad to go, but baby 5 made it so...

I feel like I am a member of their family for some reason and I know that my life and the life of our family has been blessed by all of their family. I didn't start this post with the intention of sharing all that, but I felt moved to do so. I kinda don't open to many, but with the Carter's, it seems natural. They have all blessed my life!

Okay, enough of that... on to Saturday and shopping!

Debbie Clayton (I only use her last name because I was just talking about Debbie Carter) and I headed to shop this afternoon. We walked around Banana Republic some and then headed to Nordstrom Rack. I am so glad that Debbie was there with me because she really helped me find some cute dresses and a shirt. Now I know, from now on that I must have my shopping assistant with me.

After shopping, we purchased 4 dozen Krispy Kreme doughnuts. Yes, you read it right, 4 dozen. We ate every last one before we got home. Just kidding, we only ate 3 a piece and had the rest for our families on Sunday. Aren't we nice?

They still love me

The tree will go up tomorrow.

Hopefully.

However, they still love me.

Right?

Oh Christmas tree

Well, I can sing it, but I sure don't have it up!

Poor kids...

Lauklan's Pack Meeting

Kerstyn, Greyson, Lauklan, Aislinn and I watched Lauklan get some beltloops and pins tonight. He is almost to earning his Wolf Badge and we are so proud of him and his accomplishments in Scouting.

Way to go LJ!

I'm a hurtin!

I had my appointment with my personal trainer tonight.

We did arm work the whole 30 minutes.

I'm hurting and knowing that. Tomorrow will be worse and I will be really feeling it on Wednesday.

What a good feeling!

Let there be color!

The house has been getting painted inside since the beginning of November, but since I just got a new computer, I can finally put some pictures up. Here is the living room. I really went for some color, didn't I?

This is of course in the kitchen with Mark and Vicki on Thanksgiving day.

Eat in kitchen area. The centerpiece on the kitchen table was sent to me by my Mom's best friend that has known me since birth. It was beautiful and a wonderful addition to our Thanksgiving feast.
Standing in the living room facing the dining room. As you can tell, I don't really use it as a dining room, more like an extended pantry... :)
In the family room. Aislinn is chilling out with Dora.

Trans Siberian Orchestra

We had a great time! We went with another couple, The Giler's that are in the Belleview Ward. I think each of us truly enjoyed ourselves.

Happenings from the Stake Adult Dance

Chris and I at the dance.
Stephanie and Carl Shaw

Mike and Tricia Desourdy

Dinner with Derek and Gail Berge before the dance.

We MUST do this again!

My oldest brother and what it is all about

I love this picture taken on Thanksgiving Day. I love it because to me, it says exactly what Thanksgiving is about. Family.

This was taken when Mark was leaving. He is 14 years older than me, but as each year passes, we grow closer. I'm so glad that he and his family could come to visit us this year.

Student of the Month!

Greyson was chosen as Student of the Month from Mrs. Platt's Kindergarten class. Each teacher only gets to pick one Student of the Month each year so Greyson being chosen was really an honor.

The note that Mrs. Platt sent home to tell me about Greyson was precious. She told me about him receiving the honor and in the note, she said "he is amazing"!

I think so too...

Way to go Greyson!

Good Friends, Good Times

We had the Relief Society Christmas Progressive Dinner tonight and it was a great turnout. We went from Sister Ingalls home, to Sister Wagner, to Sister Rasband. The food was good, but the company was great!

However, after we were done, some of us needed to eat. Well, wanted, to eat more...

So, we headed to Chili's for some more food, but more importantly, laughs.

Lurlene, KC, Danette, Mary, Frances, Gail, Debbie Clayton and I all had a blast!

I feel blessed to have friends like them, that we can all go and enjoy each other's company.