Todd and Kathy

Needless to say, I love my kids. They have always been the light of my life, my reason for being. I consider myself blessed, however, not only because of them, but because of the spouses they have brought into my family. I love Todd M. and Kathy dearly. This past weekend, Todd and Kathy came home from a cruise and spent an extra day here so we could have some time together. It was wonderful to be able to relax, talk, play games, eat dinner, and just enjoy the time together. I love watching them interact with each other and see the sparkle in their eyes. What a great couple. I love you guys.

Santa Came

I love Santa! I have always been a believer. Every time I hear a bell ring, I'm grateful that I can still hear it, unlike most of the adults around me. Somehow, he always knows just what to bring and has never disappointed. This year, however, was a little sad for me because for the first time in 33 years, Santa wouldn't be visiting my house. For the first time, no kids spent the night, to wake up early and excitedly run down the hall to see what he brought. BUT, when I got up Christmas morning, Santa had been here! Thanks Santa, you are awesome. I will ALWAYS believe in you.

O Christmas Tree

I love our Christmas tree. Decorating it has become bitter-sweet for me because I miss Todd and Amy being there to help. But, as I unwrap each ornament, it invokes memories of vacations, fun times, and loved ones. Every ornament hanging has a special story, from the three "snow balls" gotten for my first Christmas, to the missionary name tags turned into ornaments the first Christmas home after missions. I love to sit in the front room at night, with just the tree lights on and watch the tree twinkle and shine. It never seems like we really feel the spirit of Christmas until the tree is up.

Christmas Traditions

I'm not sure how or when it happened, but for years we all have worn Christmas socks to dinner on Christmas Eve. It's always fun to see the socks on young and old alike. Even our neighbor, who came to dinner a few years ago, sported socks as he came into the house. It wouldn't be Christmas Eve without them.

Teaching

This has been a tough year. The days go by pretty fast, but I find myself thinking, "Is it really only Wednesday?!" I find myself wondering if I'm doing any good, making a difference in any ones life. Just when I feel that the answer to that question must be no, I get a picture or note lovingly made by one of my students telling me that they love me, that I'm the best teacher ever! That always put a spring in my step and a smile on my face. That's what makes it all worthwhile. I love being a teacher.

Dead tooth

When I was little, my brother, Milo, and I went to a birthday party and when I came home, I had a dead tooth. No one is sure how it happened, I obviously hit it on something, but my front tooth became dark, and eventually had to be pulled out to make way for my permanent one.

Last summer, while visiting Utah, I noticed Luke's dark tooth. Evidently he hit it on the wood floor while wrestling with Tayson. (I wonder why big brothers always seem to be involved?) When I saw this picture of Luke, it reminded me that I had a similar one of me. Look at those great smiles!

Legoland

Last week Amy and I took the kids to Legoland. We had never been there before so weren't sure what to expect. What fun. It was a beautiful day, so we took advantage of the "wet" rides. The pirate ship was fun, but we all got soaked. I mean hair plastered to you head soaked. The kids especially enjoyed the splash zones, until the giant bucket dropped tons of water. Carson wouldn't take his eyes off of it after that. My favorite ride was the Dragon roller coaster that I rode with Wyatt. It was short, fast, but very smooth.

It was amazing all of the things created out of legos; animals, space ships, even entire buildings. This giant pumpkin was at the entrance and we couldn't resist getting a picture.