New Years!

I was excited this year because my sister and her family came and my brother and his family were supposed to come. They didn't come at the last minute, which was disappointing, but we had a good time. Lots of games were played and New Years Eve almost all of the kids made it to midnight. I almost didn't make it!



New Years Day is the best part. We held our annual Polar Bear swim. The water was about 38 degrees but the hot tub was 104 degrees. All the kids and Mike and Grandpa Wood got in the water. Rich chickened out (maybe next year?) I was very impressed with the kids and got some good pictures. What a fun, and very cold, tradition!

Christmas

I love Christmas. Preparations for me begin in September and October so I enjoy it for awhile. I can't believe it's already been and gone.

Christmas Eve was spent in the kitchen for me as I prepared a big feast. Later that day my in-laws came and spent the holiday with us. Dinner was wonderful (if I do say so myself) with ham and scalloped potatoes and rolls. I went a little crazy on dessert, cause it's my favorite. I made pie, bread pudding and gingerbread cake. It was a hit, so I succeeded. After dinner we decided to go to Thoroughbred Lane in Alta Loma California. It is this street where everyone decorates their houses to the ninth degree. We parked and walked. It was something different for Christmas Eve, but it was really nice. The kids were in awe the entire time, and we were able to purchase hot chocolate with whipped cream, which only made it better.

When we got home the kids put on their Nativity show, which they had been preparing for a couple days. They even had a set with a stable and a manger. Emma played Mary and Garrett was Joseph. Rebecca was the angel and Abigail was our only shepherd. Mike was the donkey, again, and we enlisted Mike's father to play the innkeeper and the wise men. Mike's mom was

the narrator and I was the official photographer. It turned out really cute, and the children had fun. I don't know how spiritual it was, but hopefully they got something of the true meaning of Christmas out of it. Then we did our traditional gift opening of new jammies and tree ornaments and went to bed. Rebecca was especially thrilled to be in charge of Santa's plate of goodies. She did it just perfect too, don't you think?

Christmas morning dawned bright and sunny here in California, and we even slept in til 7:30!
They got everything they had been hoping for, and I had a blast. I love that feeling of watching the joys on their faces and being together.

The city of La Verne has this cool tradition where the local fire department comes around with their sirens blaring and gives something to all the kids. Santa comes with them in a sleigh. We ahd heard about it, so it was neat to see what it was all about. Garrett thought the sirens were especially awesome!

I hope your Christmases were as wonderful as ours.

Emma's Birthday.

So, my first born turned ten years old on December 21st. My head is spinning with how fast the time has gone. But every minute has been wonderful, and Emma is an amazing young lady now. She is ultra talented at singing, dancing and playing the piano. She loves to be with friends, but she equally loves to just hang out with her family. She is a big help with her younger sisters and brother and most of the time, I don't even have to ask her.

I love you Emma. You are a true delight in my life. You bring sunshine and happiness where ever you go, and I am so proud to tell the world I am your mother.

Emma had 2 parties this year. My kids know that on their even birthdays they can have a friend party. She 4 friends come to the house and then I took them to a movie. We saw the new Chronicles of Narnia movie, which was a big success. When we got home, the girls made themselves a pizza and made a mess with dinner. Emma was anxious for presents at that time, so we had presents, and cake. I made it easy on myself this year and baked plain cupcakes which the girls had to decorate themselves in order to enjoy them. Plus, it took up some time, which was important to me. Then the girls decorated rings for their fingers and played the night away. She wanted a sleepover, her first, and I think I got the girls settled down about 11:30pm. The night was a big success, and it made Emma happy, which was my main goal.

Then we had a family party for her a few days later. I made a big fancy cake, had spaghetti for dinner (Emma's choice) and had more presents. Both sets of Grandparents were there and we had a good time.

Happy Birthday Emma!