More December Happenings

Trying to get everyone still for a photo . . . They still have great smiles :)

Even though they're goofy!

Our Littlest Angel

Alaina in her school food group presentation. She was loud and clear

and did a great job saying her part!

Alaina giggles through her interview with Santa.

Rebecca wouldn't go see him - but watched closely!

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree

I love finding our tree! It was cold, dry, perfect weather for it - just a few snowflake flurries, beautiful trees and everyone old enough to walk and have an opinion about which tree, and help with cutting and getting it on the car - so fun!!!

I begged and got them all to stand together for a minute - so cute, wish we could see Becca's eyes . . . oh well, at least Garrett is in focus.

It didn't take very long this time - in spite of everyone having an opinion - eventually we all agreed on a beautiful tree and Gregg cut it down.

Have I ever mentioned that I love him? One year awhile back, he was out of town and Gary was gone too so Doris and I went to get our Christmas tree together. It wasn't hard to cut it down, or even bring it home - but it just wasn't the same without him.

I'm so grateful for all the things he does, big and little to keep our family safe, happy, filled, warm, loved, and strong.

Gregg and Garrett carried it to the car -
I should just name Garrett 'the blur.'

I think this year we also set a speed record at getting it inside and set up! We'll decorate tomorrow - but at least it's all lit up :)

Merry Christmas!

At the Manger

Angels Sing!! for the second year in a row now, our ward put on a live natitvity on the lawn in front of the church -

I think it's beautiful! With all it's imperfections, stress for the people planning it, shepherds fighting with their crooks and rolling down hills, angels running back and forth behind the stable to get warm, crossing of fingers for people to show up and be wise men and sheperds and Mary and Joseph,

it's still a boost to my spirit, full of warmth and a great way to ring in Christmas! This is the staging room. Alaina loved being an angel! There were three nights and we didn't have all the acting slots filled, so my kids got lucky and were in it all three nights -

they were thrilled, Gregg and I were dreading the exhaustion that was sure to follow . . . Gregg was signed up for one night, but ended up talking to visitors instead. I got to be an angel for a short time, but spent most of my time trying to help with other things.

The angel talks to the shepherds -Becca and Garrett are in there somewhere.

Kneeling at the manger. Becca is the little one in front, on her right in brown.


This was the first night, they all knelt right around the manger - very sweet, but very crowded. They were coached later on to stand back so people from the road could see better -
Rebecca is an angel, Alaina is a shepherd with a head band but no head covering :)
And Grandpa is the wiseman behind her.

Kathryn got to be Mary for a little while - she was beautiful! Garrett and Becca are shepherds again - Alaina got cold and didn't last very long outside as a shepherd or an angel . . .

Kat, Garrett, and Becca again - Joseph is our fun friend Brandon, they moved into the ward recently - we love having their family here! They have kids that are so fun, great ages to match with ours, and the family as a whole has been so helpful to the ward - thanks guys!

Humble? shepherds - they actually thought they were pretty cool :)

Cozy, indoor shepherd :)

Kathryn's turn as a shepherd, back up at the manger - this was Rebecca's favorite spot to be. Such a great way to start the season and remind them what's really important.

It was a lot of work, but it really blessed my family. Thanks everyone!!!