Happy Birthday to Kimberly

Today is a very special day. I will never forget 11 years ago when my special girl came into my life and made it so wonderful with her presence.

Christmas Morning

Christmas Eve

This year we went to my Grandma's for Christmas Eve. The kids had a lot of fun with their second cousins. There were new babies to adore and plenty of goodies to eat. The boys liked their remote control cars from GG Darlene. When we got home that night Doug moved the couch against the wall in the family room so they could play with them before bed. When Santa got to our house that night he saw all the kids dead asleep ready for more fun the next morning.

International Food Fair Christmas Feast

Our Prekindergarten has been studying our Families and our Family Heritage. Each student shared their ethnicity and made a food dish from their native land. Jayden was lucky, Grandma Margaret made a Danish pudding that was a big hit. I think the whip cream might of had a little to do with its popularity though. The kids also got to wear clothing from their native country as well. Poor Jayden no longer fits in his Swedish shorts so he wore his Christmas best. One of my little ones' Father's family is from Thailand. She had just received an outfit in the mail complete with an authentic umbrella to block the sun. It was SO neat. I think that it is an experience the kids will never forget.


(I didn't include pictures because I would want to get parent's permission. So I journaled because it is something I don't want to forget.)

Caroling at The Orchard House

After all the morning and afternoon excitement last Sunday what would be a better way to end the night then a school bus ride with the church children's choir caroling in the snow! The highlight for Jayden was meeting Santa! My highlight was having Doug there. I have the best husband to put up with all the wild adventures I put him through. Needless to say we all came home and crashed. GOOD TIMES!

Happy Early Birthday, Baby!!

After the program last Sunday we had the 5th Grade Girls over for their class Christmas Party. What Kimberly didn't know was that we also made it her "Surprise Birthday Party." Grandma Margaret made one of her famous cakes (Kimberly's first one she LOVED it!). It was a Pink and Green Butterfly complete with Kimberly's favorite little mints. The girls were so wild and had a lot of fun with Doug's well taped prize in their game of trying to roll doubles or seven to undo the tape and claim the prize. The funny part was that at the end Doug put the prize (ten dollars) in one of Jayden's socks so they almost tossed it away. Luckily Karyssa noticed and got the money! Then everyone chowed down on pizza and watched a movie. I think even Ethan and Jayden had fun. The best part was that Kimberly couldn't stop smiling. I consider that a success.

It's the Most Busy Time of the YEAR

Last weekend when I went to download the pictures on to the computer I realized I had over sixty pictures!!! That seemed TOTALLY crazy since Christmas is not even here yet. It all started last Friday with my Mom's birthday breakfast. Jayden really enjoyed his hot chocolate! Later that day Kimberly and the Wilson School Honor Choir shared Christmas carols with Autumnwind Retirement community home. Saturday I forgot my camera for Doug's Grandma's 88th birthday breakfast. It was so nice to see some of the family on Doug's side and of course, eat yummy food. Then the real craziness began on Sunday. That morning the kids preformed their fabulous Christmas program "The Best Christmas Present EVER." Jayden got to hold a balloon and talk about a party for Jesus' birthday. Kimberly got to be a main character and sing in the "big" kid's part of the program. Ethan got to be on the big screen as Mose. They all loved it and the message of God's Love was so amazingly shared. This was only the beginning of the excitement the day was to continue to bring great memories.

Happy Birthday to the Greatest Mom in the WORLD!!

4th and 5th Grade Music Program

Last Tuesday was the kids' concert. Kimberly was very excited about Honor Choir Songs and Ethan liked playing the bells. I was so impressed with their music teacher. The concert was excellent.

Why???

Why do I feel guilty if the laundry is not all done? Why do I beat myself up if my Christmas letter isn't written and it is the 7th of December? Why when I find out I have a whole hour to myself (that I could get the above done) do I choose to blog?? BECAUSE THAT IS WHO I AM!! I am a Mom that never has 5 minutes peace and who secretly dreams of sitting in a bubble bath reading my book and eating m&ms that contain zero calories. So I will for go the bath and real calories and share the recent snapshots for my continued quest to keep my photos all journaled. The first is of the "Jayman" helping me decorate for 3 HOURS Saturday (11 crates of Christmas knickknacks is totally ridiculous even for me!) I have to admit though I saw yet another Nativity I really want this year (CAN I RESIST?). Then in the "I have had it no more decorations box" Jayden found the stocking we put him in on his first Christmas. He was SO proud that he could still fit in it. Then there are two from Church last night. The kids shared one of their upcoming play songs. Kimberly had a solo and Ethan was proud to get to be on the back row of the risers. I can hardly wait for next Sunday's BIG performance. Finally the last one is our backyard IT SNOWED!!! Christmas time really is the BEST TIME of the YEAR! (READY OR NOT!)

Downtown Lights

Kimberly's Christmas Dance Recital

Decorating the Christmas Tree

Last Tuesday we began decorating for the upcoming festivities.

Saturday Morning PET SHOW

Black Friday 4:15 am at Shopko

Jayden went to Grandpa's bed while the rest of us began our quest. Doug was the Driver with Grandma Margaret, Grandma Lauretta, Kimberly and I as the passengers. Kimberly and Doug (and me of course) stood in line in front of Shopko waiting for them to open at 5am. TOO FUN!!

The Real Turkey Day

We went to Doug's Aunt Beth's and Uncle Wes' in Boise. They had recently remodeled so it was fun to see. Doug's cousins Paul and his family, Michele and her family, and Elizabeth and her friends were all home visiting. Unfortunately Doug's other cousin's family had H1N1 so they were unable to join us. We all had more food then we needed and plenty of fun. Jayden loved playing hide and seek with his second cousins. Jayden and GG Nielson really enjoyed all the yummy desserts. Also Doug's littlest second cousin Wyston sure loved Doug's phone. It was a very Happy Thanksgiving.