Christmas 2009

We were so excited to be in our new home for Christmas. We were doubly (is that a word?) excited to have Randy's family spend Christmas day with us. The day started with opening presents. We make all the kids wait until everyone is ready before we go into the family room. This year took a little more waiting because Braxton had contacts to put in and McKay was lost.

OK- Braxton can see now and I found McKay.

Then it was on to opening presents. I enjoyed watching my kids interact with each other. In a moment of uncharacteristic brotherly love, Braxton was helping McKay with his new gun. Then Daddy got to show off his new present - a monster TV - and the kids got a Wii. I think we are the last people on earth to get a Wii. I held out as long as I could.

Then we had to get ready for the big family feast. My mother taught me well and we had a beautiful table. This photo is for my mom. Our dining area is large enough that we had two big tables set up in there.

This photo is for Randy. He was so proud of his roll arrangement.

I took advantage of some down time in the morning to call my sisters and enjoy some liquid refreshment.

We loved having all the family here and the big boys even got an opportunity to play the Wii.

The entire weekend was full of family and food. It was a wonderful Christmas holiday.

I Need an Amy

When I moved to Elko over 5 years ago, I had a built-in network thanks to my church associations. One of those wonderful associations was my dear friend Amy Lords. Amy had lived in Elko long enough to know where the good stuff was and she had a small family (four little boys) so she was a thrifty shopper.

At this time, there was a great bread debate in my house. Where is the best and cheapest bread? It had to freeze well because I would buy several loaves when it was on sale and freeze them. You can stick any bread in the freezer, but whether or not it thaws out just right (not soggy or hard as a rock) is a determining factor in buying bread. So I was experimenting with various varieties of bread and Amy saved my life one day. She had done the same thing at some point and had determined what the best loaf for the best price was. She did my homework for me and saved me such a hassle.

And now I have moved from Elko and find myself yet again in the midst of another great bread debate. Today, as I purchased three more different loaves of bread, I thought, "If only I had an Amy...."

Little Drummer Boy

We went to Braxton's Christmas band concert on Thursday night and endured the 6th grade band. Then the 7th grade band started their first piece and the gymnasium went pitch black. No lights except the emergency exit lights and everybody's cell phones. Unknown to us was that the power was out for a 60-mile stretch on this side of the state. After sitting in the dark and singing Christmas carols for about 20 minutes, they finally rescheduled the concert for the next Monday. Back we went for Monday's performance where I was able to capture this video of Braxton. You are not required to watch the following video unless you are grandparents; however, if you find some pleasure in the torturing sounds of beginning band, feel free to watch.