at Christmas time...

At Christmas Time we...

fill our bellies with Christmas treats...

we gather all the visiting Alumni for a local game of sport...

and we play with cousins...

Gift Cards Rock

My parents divorced when I was 15 years old. We moved out of state so that meant anytime my dad wanted to see us he would have to travel. During the holidays I am sure it was more than he could handle to try and buy gifts for his 6 kids. Having the stress of a separation, traveling, making plans with your kids in a state that is not your home and gift giving on top is a lot for any man to handle alone. I remember clearly our first Christmas without Dad being at home. We were already very disappointed with the circumstances and my dad showed up on Christmas Eve to see us for a few short minutes. Our expectations were not very high. He had each one of us come out to the car, one at a time, to give us our Christmas presents. I was given a series of small boxes to open and each one held a gift card to one of my favorite stores! It couldn't have been a more perfect gift. You can't go wrong with a gift card. Having a gift card for the holidays eliminates the stress of having to exchange or live with something that you don't love. Gift cards are perfect for every person on your gift list and will cut down shopping time. You can even order them from the comfort of your own home. I think gift cards are the way to go and I have, since, been a giver, and very much appreciated, receiver of gift cards!

They have so many options these days. You can personalize the restaurant, movie theater, spa, salon, or store to the loved one's likes or location. You can also buy a general VISA gift card that can be used anywhere. Why not take care of business in one stop? Most super-stores have a variety of gift cards at the check out stands. While you are waiting in line you can check everyone off your list for the holidays. What a great way to get it all done. Enjoy your holidays and give the gift that you know will be appreciated by all. You can also count on not having to pay for oversized shipping or bulky traveling. Just slip you stack of gift cards in your purse and away you go. You could also be creative by wrapping it in a fun box, within a box, within a box to keep the anticipation up on Christmas morning. Come one, come all...get your gift cards today...don't delay. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

“I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Gift Cards Rock blogging program, for 6,000 My SocialMoms Rewards Points. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”

 

Remodeling Preview

 BEFORE

re-plastered walls...

crown molding...

paint...

new mantel...

and new windows!

    

AFTER

We are still under construction so pardon the random tools and dust everywhere but here is the preview.

The rest of the house is getting new windows and the exterior is getting a little face-lift too.

This house is over 100 years old so this make-over was well deserved!

Christmas Time

Every year for Christmas I make fudge for all our neighbors and friends. This year was no different.

The grade school had their annual Christmas program at the JSA. Tori sang and danced to Feliz Navidad and Alex sang The Little Drummer Boy. They both did great.

Benton and I got to help with the practices and costumes. We had a lot of fun dancing with the kids.

Alex and her good friend Silvana with their missing front teeth. I wish they would have sang a little duet of "All I Want for Christmas...".

With lights up...Christmas programs performed...goodies pouring in...family coming to town...and school OUT...we are ready to begin the celebration!

Merry Christmas!

All I want for Christmas is...

MY TWO FRONT TEETH!

Stake Christmas Program

This year Garrett and I were asked to play in the orchestra for our stake Christmas Program. I got to dust off my flute and Garrett his Baritone in preparation for the program.

We had a great time playing with everyone. Once the orchestra was put with the choir, costumes and narration it was magical. It was great to be apart of this presentation.

Hundreds of nativities were set up and on display and over 300 people came to the Program. It was a wonderful way to get into the Christmas spirit.

Tori helped me document one of our rehearsals. I wish I got pictures of the performance.

Merry Christmas!

One of life's curve balls

The other day I was on my way to Casas for a doctor's appointment.

I dropped off my kids at my good friend's house and decided to stay for a minute and visit.

As I was about to stand up and leave we heard a door slam and instant crying.

Seconds later Johnny, who was home sick from Kindergarten, came out the door holding up a bloody finger.

I didn't think much of it until Jen came back to the door to LOOK FOR THE FINGER!

He had the tip of his finger cut off in the door!

After a few seconds of searching she found it...finger nail and all.

Jen calmly put it in a baggie of ice and proceeded to call the local doctor to see if he was in town.

Meanwhile her injured son was holding a cloth around his severed finger and crying. 

I told her to take him to the hospital and I would stay with the kids.

She picked up Johnny and ran to the van to rush him to the hospital down town.

I stayed with the other kids and answered phone calls and informed family members of the mornings' events.

Jen called me from the hospital and told me that Johnny was in surgery and they were reattaching his finger.  She was also blessed enough to have her father-in-law and sister-in-law there with her to lend their support.

I took her kids to my house and then picked up all our kids from the grade school and fed them lunch....put all the babies down for naps...and cleaned up while Jen was resting with little John out of a successful surgery.

I know we were in the right place at the right time to help in a time of need.

The boys were so cute and all of them climbed onto my bed to watch Tom and Jerry and take naps.

Once they awoke I took them back home to stay with the maid and then headed to the grade school to do Art with the first graders. 

When school let out one of Jen's kids came out with a HUGE homemade get-well card with candy on it for Johnny. 

His siblings were very concerned about their little brother and wanted to head straight home to meet him.