Christmas Eve 2008

Soup & Bread Bowls with My Sisters, Brothers-in-Law

And Nieces & Nephews

This Was a Special First for This Year!

A Visit From Santa!!

What a Special Treat - Thanks Santa!!

Little Nephews & Nieces

Lot's of Smiles

Special Talents

Re-enacting the Nativity

Such Special Memories to Cherish!!

And. . . .Opening One Present Before Bed!!

New PJ's!!

And. . .that's what my Christmas Eve was like this year!!

New Hats

We gave the kids new winter hats and they were thrilled!!! It never ceases to amaze me how such a simple thing can bring such happiness.

They played with them for about 40 minutes - they made up games and silly hat styles. Then they wanted me to take pictures. So, I snuck in a video and had to share it. They are pretty still because they thought I was taking a picture. Just had to share cause it made me laugh (hope it makes you laugh too!)

Honorable Mention!!

If you know Zac you know you can almost always find him drawing or writing stories to go along with his art work. He has become quite the little artist. This year the theme for Reflections was "WOW!!" how easy is that. I told him to turn in one of his pictures because whenever he shows them to anyone (including me) I always hear the same response, "Wow! That is so good Zac!!" So. . .needless to say, he turned in one of his most recent and favorite drawings.

He did a great job, he got an award for honorable mention and I thought it was definately worth mentioning too!!

Great job Zac - keep it up!!

Thanksgiving 2008

This Thanksgiving was different then any I've had in the past. It ended up being a lot of fun and we had some great times, but it was really different. Sometimes, it's hard to know when to change traditions and start new ones. This year seems like it was just the beginning of changing traditions for me.

First off we had Thanksgiving early. My sister-in-law and brother-in-law Mandy & Steve were able to come in to town the Saturday before Thanksgiving (which we really were so excited for!!) so, that's when we had Thanksgiving Day - it was so nice to be all together as a family for the holiday - it was quickly apparent that it didn't matter that it was before the actual holiday. The point was everyone was together to celebrate it (well, except for Kendal that is (we missed him) - it always seems like someone gets sick).

So. . . on Thanksgiving Day we had finger foods and smoked turkey sandwiches and just hung out with each other. This time Kendal was there but Gpa Quick ended up having to work and of course Mandy and Steve had to go back home. It was still great to get together and hang out, just different once again.

It didn't stop there, then on Saturday my sisters and I decided to get together and Rose's house and play games and have left over turkey sandwiches and veggies. It ended up that we were able to stretch the holiday to include everyone. It was fun.

I learned that traditions can change and still be really fun - you just have to get your mind around it. I am definately a creature of habit, but it can be taught!! :)

The other thing that made it extra different was missing my parents around, that is really tricky. In one way I tried hard not to think about it, because it made it feel sad, but in another way it was good just to remember those fun times together, cause that's some of the best memories I have.

Overall - Thanksgiving is such a great start to the holiday season, it helps you to stop and remember all the things you should be thankful for each day!!

Family, Cousin's, Good Food, a Home, Laughter, Children, and the Gospel pulling it all together !!