Christmas Singing

Ethan had his Christmas program at school. They sang a really fun song that faintly reminded me of a Christmas tune that I know, but it was very different. So for all the grandmas and grandpas- here it goes!!

And if that wasn't enough for ya- Here he is singing his rendition of Jingle Bells.

Erin also had a Kindergarten Christmas singing program. It was too dark to get any video, but I did get a few pictures of her before the performance. Her favorite song that she sang was "Santa Claus is Coming to Town." The kids all wore santa hats, reindeer antlers, and elf hats.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!

More Snow Fun

It has been snowing almost every day over the past week and a half. There is now more than 12 inches on the ground, with another BIG storm coming in tomorrow. That one is projected to dump another 6-12 inches! There is a 100% chance of a white Christmas tomorrow!! Here are a few more pictures of our adventures in the snow. It seems like that is about all there is to do around here lately.

Winter Wonderland

It's FINALLY beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here! Yay for a good snowfall! We haven't had any measurable snow here yet this year, and it just hasn't felt quite like the holidays. But now that has changed. We are in a world of wintery white! And the high for week won't get above 30 degrees, so it should stick around for a while. Ethan prepared himself to walk to school in snowpants, boots, hat, coat and gloves. He was absolutely in heaven! (I didn't get a picture~ maybe next time, but he was so cute!) I don't have to drive anywhere today so the girls and I took the chance to go have a snowball fight, enjoy the powder, and go down some slippery slides coated in snow. Then we came in (after Jeff came home from work to unlock the door, because I had left my keys inside and forgotten to unlock the door) and enjoyed some hot chocolate to warm ourselves up a bit. When it was time to walk Erin to school we bundled up again; and this time I grabbed my keys. At recess we counted no less than two dozen snowmen being built at the elementary school. It is really a winter wonderland!

Christmas Cards

I debated for weeks. Cards, no cards? Simplify, right? In starting a blog earlier this year, I hoped to connect my family back to my life, in little ways. I think that is why I was having such a hard time doing cards. You already know what we did this year, saw the pictures, and maybe even left me a comment. But when my mailbox started filling with cards, I started to feel a little guilty. Scrooge-like. It is the one time of year that I can let all my friends and family know that I really do think about them all through the year. Even if I am not so good at letting them know that more than once at Christmas.

So this year there was a compromise. A way to simplify, yet let all my beloveds know that I really do care. I did make a newsletter. And I did send out some cards. But I also emailed my newsletter to most of my christmas card listees. So if you got one, I hope you feel loved. Know that I think of you and care how you are doing. If I inadvertently left you out, I am so sorry. I am posting my newsletter here as well to catch those whom I don't have email addresses for. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a most wonderful and relaxing holiday with those you love!

Holiday Festivities

We've been having so much fun with all of our activities, that I haven't had much time for blogging lately. The last two weeks have been filled with all things Christmas. The work parties, ward parties, Relief Society dinners, decorating, shopping, and concerts.

One that I'd like to share was the opportunity that Jeff and I had to go to the Forgotten Carols. I have been wanting to go for the last ten years or more, but had never gotten around to getting tickets. This year hubs got us some tickets and we were able to go and kick off the holiday season. It was a very nice production. And although I had heard most of the songs before, I never knew the story that tied them all together. It was a nice way to bring in the holiday spirit, and to remember the real reason for the season~ a celebration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

I love that Christmastime brings with it a magic. Everyone is a little kinder, more thoughtful, and more giving. I hope that in this busy season I can still take the moments to serve, love, and enjoy the spirit that Christmas brings.

Jingling

A conversation~

Ethan: Mom can we go jingling this year?
Mom: What?
Ethan: Jingling, this year?
Mom: I'm not sure I know what you mean.
Ethan: You know, when you go sing to people's doors. Sing Jingle Bells and Deck the Halls?
Mom: Oh... Caroling. Yes, Ethan. We are actually going to go caroling for an activity with the cub scouts this month.
Ethan: Cool. Can we sing Jingle Bells?
Mom: Sure.

If it's flashing...

Then you should pull over. If you are on your way to a yummy Thanksgiving dinner, and it turns on, just keep driving. So yeah, it came on and five days later I finally get to the mechanic to get things checked out. Turns out it could be a few things, none of which I really want to pay for right now. So he cleared the codes, which reset the light. So for the next little while until it comes on again, and it surely will, I will drive around pretending that everything is just fine. Because I want to. Because it is almost Christmas and it is my gift to myself. Because I would rather spend money on gifts than a total beast of a car. At least that is what I am telling myself. Because if I don't it just might make me sad and sap away all my holiday cheer. And I don't need that. It's way too early in December for that. Plus, the mechanic told me that if it was flashing it's real bad. Like pull over to the side of the road immediately, bad. Like engine damage, bad. So for now, it is off and I am going to enjoy my drive to the library tomorrow. Ignorance is bliss, right?


This is the thing- check engine light. Not my friend right now.