PhotoStory Friday: Christmas Happiness

Hosted by Cecily

I had originally planned this picture for my PSF, because it was to be the last thing I took a picture of on Christmas Eve.  The nativity story had been told, prayers had been said, and the kids raced off to bed as they thought they heard sleigh bells on the roof.

But it wasn't the last picture I took.

These were the last pictures I took on Christmas Eve.  

It's pure happiness in Cooper's eyes as he plays with a new train his sister picked out for him. 

As I am thinking back to the gifts that were picked out for each of the kids, I am realizing that they don't need lots of things.  I tell myself this every year, and every year I ignore myself.  

Cooper was happy with this one thing from his siblings, and if that was all received this year, he would be content.  

It's the spirit of the season that they need to learn, not how to behave while Santa is watching (although that helps).

I am thankful for this little moment of happiness Cooper shared with me.  It set the mood for a wonderful Christmas day tomorrow.  

Merry Christmas to All!

No School... Let's Find Entertainment

It was the first official week of winter break.  Annie had to go to school Monday and Tuesday, but Noah was home.  Cooper LOVED having Noah home to play with, and Noah did a great job at wearing Cooper out.  Here are a few highlights of the week so far...

Monday:  Sugar Cookies.

Tuesday:  The first Snowman of the year.

Wednesday:  Gingerbread cookies with our good friends.

By the way, I am only posting this one because of Annie...

Coop didn't frost any cookies.  Eating them was more important.

Joey had some frosting on her elbow.

Coop's masterpiece was the mess he made with the sprinkles.

Bailey's masterpiece was a heaping pile of goodies on top of a snowflake.

The aftermath.

(I think there was actually more on the table and floor than ever reached the cookies.)

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas....

A few flakes last week...

...turned into this over the weekend: 

And we couldn't be happier!  We are so glad it's snowing for Christmas!  

For a while, it didn't really feel like Christmastime, but we are loving the snow.

Actually, we feel like we are back in Wisconsin, as the temperatures are rivaling those of the winters we spent there.  

Happy Wedding, Michelle

Since I can't attend any wedding showers for my soon-to-be sister-in-law, I thought I would post her gift from me.  

It's not framed yet; I will do that once I get to Utah.  

Love ya, Michelle!

Star Student

Each month at Noah's school, a Star Assembly is held.  Each child, throughout the month, is given an opportunity to earn "star cards" for good behavior.  At the assembly, all the cards are dumped into a bucket, and the kids win prizes if their names are drawn.  In addition, each teacher chooses two students from the class to be the "Star Student" from the class.  This month, Noah was chosen.  It was something he did not know about, and was totally surprised when his name was called.  Pete was able to be there as well, so I think it was extra special for him to have both parents there.  

Sorry about the wicked red-eye...

His grin went from ear to ear, and he never quit. 

So proud of him!

The cute little girl in the front is Joey, our next door neighbor and a member of our ward.  The boy on the left of the picture is Talmage, another member of the ward.  What does this say about our ward?

Meet The Rouladens

Windows. 

The Most Awesome Windows.  

On the planet.  

Period.

All the windows in the house, including the two back doors, look like these.

Pete and I have decided that when we build a house back in the states, we are going to have these shipped over.  

Here's the window (plus a few window clings).

Here's one way they open.  Just the top opens, and that's as far as they go. 

Then the whole window swings open.

And the best part:  the Rouladens (rolling blinds).

They are on the outside of the house, and the rope or string you see on the left side of the window is the "handle."

They can be dropped and still allow some light in, or...

They can be completely dropped and black out the window.

When we need someone to take a nap, or we want to watch a movie in the middle of the day, we black out the room.  It's amazing!

Love From The Kids....

Yesterday, while Pete was saying something rather dorky, Annie (who was in another room, but still within ear-shot of Pete's dorkiness), shook her head and ever so quietly said "Shut up, dad."

And this morning, Cooper joined me in bed for a little snuggle.  I leaned in and whispered, "I love you, Cooper." He replied, in the same little whisper, "I love chapstick."

We're loved.  That's all I can say.