Once there was a snowman...

Once there was a snowman, snowman, snowman,

Once there was a snowman tall, tall, tall...

And in the sun he melted,

melted,

melted,

small, small, small...

Wishing you a Happy, Happy Annika!

The Belle of the Ball, Adrienne...

It is not too often that Adrienne and I get to get dressed up to go out together. My employer, Kitsap Bank, throws an annual Christmas party that is semi-formal. So Adrienne had an excuse to get all dressed up. Isn't she beautiful?

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow...

Some of you may have heard that it has been snowing here in the Puget Sound area. I have been lucky to have been on vacation since the snow began to fall. Above you will see our attempt at what is commonly known as a snow man. I know he doesn't look too great, but he has a very good excuse. You see he is a Mariner fan and it has been a rough year for him.

Needless to say it has been very difficult to keep the kids inside. I am amazed at how long they can stay outside in the cold without proper clothing. All they need is a hot chocolate and they warm right up.

Pioneer Valley

A few weeks ago we were invited back to our "old" church ward by some good friends. We were able to go for a special ordination. As soon as we walked in the doors we saw so many warm and friendly faces. I felt a great sense of feeling I was home. It was pretty great going back to visit with these people who are like family. I just want to say thanks to Jerry and Jennifer for inviting us to be a part of that moment. We did miss seeing some of you while you were away with sick kids and family matters elsewhere. I will always think of Pioneer Valley ward as one of my favorites!

Oh yeah, and thanks to Darwin (Bishop Reed) for holding Annika and putting her to sleep.

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree

The Saturday after Thanksgiving Joe and I had the day off from work. So we decided to put up our Christmas tree and decorations. We put some wassail on the stove, put in some Christmas music and got to work. With the help of Madi and Gavin it pretty much is a whole day activity. We realized that it may be easier to put the lights on as we put the tree together. In theory, this is a good idea until you realize you only have one string of lights. So Joe went to the store and bought 2 boxes of 100 lights. We barely got up to the second set of branches. Hmm, another store trip later and the 4th or 5th time of putting up the lights we finally were satisfied. There are more lights on the bottom but I couldn't get myself to take them all off again to make it even. After that it was dinner time and Joe and I were both tired enough to let Madi put all the ornaments on the tree. So all of our ornaments are her height level and down. It looks so good!!!! But the holidays are about the children anyway. So I will leave it that way for a while. She was so proud.

Ta Da! Our finished product.

Many Thanks...

Papa, Annika, and our niece Ila Ann. We met with them for an appetizer before the festivities began.
Our nephew Joshua and Gavin.

Our niece Tara and Madi.

Papa holding our nephew Zachary and Joe holding Annika.

This year we spent Thanksgiving at the Sirrine's house. The VanderHoevens, Urvinas, and Densleys were there. Overall, I believe there was close to 30 people!! So the tradition is to list a few things that you are thankful for. I do hope that it doesn't get too long and mushy! I have much to be thankful for.

I am thankful for the Sirrines inviting us over to a wonderful dinner. I love a full house and all the chaos of kids running around, football game in the background, and the rush of last minute touches.

I am thankful for a nice warm place to live and food on the table.

I am thankful for my job and my husband's job.

I am thankful for 3 very happy healthy and beautiful children (Well, most of the time anyway). I am also thankful for my extended family on both sides.

I am thankful for a husband who adores me and shows and tells me on a daily basis. I am thankful that he works so hard to support his family at work and home. I am thankful that he believes in Jesus Christ and shows compassion for everyone. I am thankful that he is an amazing daddy.

I am thankful to live in America. I am thankful for my freedoms. Freedom of religion, freedom of speech, etc.

I am thankful for modern day appliances that make day to day life so much easier.

I am also very thankful for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I would definitely not be the person I am today without the wonderful example and knowledge of Jesus Christ. I am also thankful for the atonement and the knowledge that I can live with Him again and with my family.

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoy this wonderful month of December.