Christmas Eve

This month we've tried hard to think about the reason for the season. In an effort to focus on Christ, we set up a manger and encouraged the kids to do nice things for each other to "make Jesus happy". When they did something nice, they could put a "straw" in the manger. It was our hope to make the manger soft for the night when Jesus was born. I was impressed at their efforts. There was a lot of straw in the manger for this night. I also encouraged the kids to think about what they were going to give Christ for Christmas. We wrote our gift and sealed it in this tin. Next year we'll open it up and see how we did on our goal.

On Christmas eve it's our tradition to go out to eat as a family. Since being in Vegas we usually go to the buffet at the Sunset Station. That way everyone gets something they like to eat and I don't have to cook. Then we drive around to look at Christmas lights (and sometimes fight in the car but this year they did good). Then we head home for Christmas pj's, Charlie Brown Christmas, drinking hot chocolate, tracking Santa on Norad (Mike did this with Cord all day with a new ap on his phone). We also watched Luke II and took a moment to think about the birth of Christ. After setting out the cookies and milk for Santa the kids head to bed. Chelsea is my wrapper helper after the kids are in bed (thank goodness). The boys had a sleepover in the playroom upstairs.




This is what the front room looked like when I went to bed. I was super excited to see the kids in the morning and see their reactions. Cord was at a really fun age this Christmas. He got super excited about Santa and tried so hard to be on the "nice list". I really could use this idea to my advantage. "Santa's watching ;)".

Christmas Card 2011

Dec 2011
Here’s a quick update on the things we've been up to in 2011. First - and foremost - we bought a house in Henderson, which of course means we'll be here awhile. It's nice to put down roots and feel grounded. It's also comforting to know those friendships we make will have some permanence.

Michael - He continues to work at Tiffany & Bosco, as a commercial litigator. He was called to be the membership clerk earlier this year. Recently, he gave up his precious bike riding to do some awesome home improvements. The highlight of his year was going to the Tour of California (international pro bike race). He dreams of racing downhill on his bike next to George Henkapi (oh wait -he did that already)

Jalyn - Still on night shift (insert big sigh here) in the ICU. I serve as the Relief Society 1st Councilor and have loved getting to know the people in our ward. I totally enjoyed having a pool this summer, getting in almost everyday at Cord's insistence. The highlight of my year was a family vacation to Oregon and I still dream of having some free time to scrapbook.

Chelsea (17) - She is in her junior year at Coronado HS. She lettered in guitar and is taking private lessons. She enjoys the new freedom and independence of having a car. Chelsea serves as the ward Chorister. She has taught herself how to make cake pops and enjoys baking all kinds of desserts. She dreams of going to Utah State in a couple of years. GO AGGIES!!

Brianna (15) - Started her freshman year at Las Vegas Academy majoring in dance. She also loves her French class there. Brianna has a very artistic eye when it comes to taking pictures and often will steal my camera, only to leave very interesting pictures on it. She earned her pointe shoes this year. She also received her first dance injury, a badly sprained ankle, which has set her back a little. She dreams of being in a real ballet with a real tutu!

Mason (13) - He is in 7th grade at Bob Miller middle school. He's in all honors classes, including an 8th grade pre-algebra class and advanced band. I love it when he fills the house with sweet tunes from his saxophone. He just earned his Life rank in scouts and is just 1 badge away from all his Eagle requirements. He is a Minecraft master (his favorite computer game) and dreams of growing 2 inches and gaining 10 pounds of muscle (wait that's MY dream for him).

Cord (5) - Cord is enjoying his 2nd year of preschool where his speech is greatly improving. He entertains us daily with his interpretations of the world. He loves to be involved in everything that's going on. He enjoyed the pool more than any of us and was a fish by the end of the summer. I think he has the movie Cars 2 memorized. He dreams of being the Dragon Warrior, a Kung Fu Master of awesomeness.

May your holidays be filled with love and peace.

From the North Pole

Cord was at momma 2's house when they all wrote letters to Santa and sent them to the North Pole. How excited were we when he responded. Such a cool letter! Cord must still be on the nice list!

Forgotten Carols

It's usually a tradition for the girls and I to go see Michael McClean in the Forgotten Carols, but this year I thought I was working on the day it was playing in Vegas. Chelsea invited her boyfriend, Josh, to go with her instead. About a week before the show he told Chelsea that he was supposed to go out of town that night. Brianna was going to go with her instead, but then she got sick. Turns out, I didn't have to work at all, so I got to go with her. It always puts me in the Christmas spirit. It was a fun mommy-daughter date. I'm glad her boyfriend bailed out. :)

Forgot something?

Kiss, Kiss, Hug, Hug, thanks for coming and Amber's family was out the door to head back to St. George. I came back in the house and Chelsea announced that they had forgot something........



It didn't take them long to figure out that the car seat was empty and they came back to claim their lost item. Too bad, he was cute enough to keep.

Santa Train

The main event of our Christmas weekend involved a ride on the Santa Train saturday afternoon. It's the train ride out in Boulder city with a special "north pole" twist. The round trip is only just over 30 minutes but Santa and Mrs. Clause are also on the train, taking a minute to visit with the boys and girls on their way through the train cars. It was fun to see how excited the little boys got. Isaac was the most excited, hanging onto his ticket for most of the ride. After the ride we took time to look at all the trains they have there and the model trains they have on display. It was a beautiful day to be together.