Day #5: Pistachio

Well, we did it.  We adopted an elf this year.  His name is Pistachio and he is watching our family to see if we are naughty or nice so he can report to Santa.  He must have liked the name we picked out for him because we put him up on the shelf in our living room so he could have a good view and when we woke up in the morning he had moved to another shelf. (You have to name him for the magic to begin, so says the book.) Perhaps that view was more preferable.  We'll have to see how this little guy adapts to living with us during the Holidays.  We're excited to have him and we're all going to be extra nice.

Day #4: Stringing Popcorn

We thought it would be fun this year to string popcorn to decorate the tree. We sat and watched Toy Story 2 while Afton and I started it going and Isaac helped finish it.  Of course the others helped finished off the leftover popcorn - don't want anything to go to waste.  The effect on the tree is very homey.  It feels Christmasy!

Day #3 - Hot Cocoa

What could be better than hot cocoa at home with my family.  The children like to add candy canes to theirs, as well as marshmallows and the canned whipped cream.  It was the perfect reward after taking our turn cleaning the church.  We also played line tag in the gym after we were done.  Wonderful night!

Day #2: Presidency Devoational

Today we listened to the First Presidency Devotional.  It brought such a good feeling into our home. It feels  like Christmas now.  I loved what President Uchdorf said about being a good receiver   It gave me the desire to truly see the whole gift.  Not just what is wrapped or given, but the time, effort and love that it took to give. It also made me want to put more effort into the gifts that I give this season.  I want them to mean something and to come from my heart. To be a true reflection of the love that I feel.

Thanksgiving Day

This year we celebrated Thanksgiving at our house. It was so good to have so many of us together, however it did make us realize who was missing.  One of the things about hosting things like this is that I don't always get all the pictures I want.  This was the case on Thursday.  I would have loved to get pictures of all the food.  Everyone did a fabulous job.  We had smoked turkey with all the trimmings and lots of yummy pies.

Manly kind of hugs.





Just time to chat and have fun together.



She's a little shy, but he'll fix that!

Yummy pie!!

After  dinner some of the guys played a game of Kubb. It's a fun new game that we discovered this summer.  The weather was actually really nice.  As soon as the sun went down though it sure got cold.  Most of the group went to the church to play basketball. Those of us who stayed looked through the ads and planned out our shopping list for the next couple days.  It was a wonderful day!  So much to be greatful for and most of them were with us. 

We sure do miss those of our family who are away though.  We hope and pray they stay safe and that we are all together again soon.

Great-Grandpa's Funeral

 

 

Halloween 2012