Continued

Continued... On Christmas Eve the kids and I went to Target. At first I was hiding presents under my coat and trying to divert the kids attention other places, but they all hung on the cart like it was a life raft, so I finally said "Kids, we're doing things differently this year. Put a few things that you want in the cart and we'll wrap them up. This was a hit and everyone smiled as Madison and Garrett disappeared into the electronics department, and Livi/Becca hit the toys. Santa was able to deliver a few things on the sly. Dad & Susan came to take care of our family and to make things easier for the holiday. Their help and spirits were invaluable!!!
Other fun Christmas memories! All the singing arond the piano, being the most popular kid with the teachers at school because mom made gingerbread houses that were incredible! The year mom made puppets - hundreds of them, and everything she made and did to make Christmas so incredible. I didn't realize how much she accomplished every Christmas until I tried to do some as a mom myself! Another fun Christmas - having a missionary brother Glen, and his companion over for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day - totally cool! And the great time in Ashton when we brought the flu with us on the plane, and all the throwing up in the snow because the bathroom was full, followed by getting better and making a huge snow fort - skiing, snowboarding, etc. Lots of great memories!
This year we picked two names off the angel tree - one boy needed boxers, another needed mittens, scarf, and hat - simple things. I thought - what a totally bummer as a seven year old opening a box of boxers, so I added a few things an eight year old might like. It's great to give a little, even though we're a little tight this year because I forgot to pay two or three tithings during the year - yikes!!!