Christmas Eve

Kelly put together a Christmas pageant for us to do on Christmas Eve. It was great! I don't think we've had one since the Woodland Hills house, and I'm glad we're starting it again. First dad read the Christmas story from Luke 2 (I love hearing my dad read the Christmas story) while we acted it out. Kelly was Mary because she's great with child anyway. Emma made a terrific angel, with wrapping paper wings. Brent even tried being an angel, Rachel said he was a "boy angel". Then Ricky read a narration in between songs. Shelly and Katie had a duet, Becky and Drew sang a hymn in Portuguese, and dad, of course, played his harmonica.




It was wonderful, but with a family this size there's bound to be a few glitches. Dad and I had the stomach flu all day, Afton started throwing up half way through, Benson tore off Emma's angel wings and she was inconsolable for the rest of the story, and Brent didn't really like being a "boy angel". Still though, we had fun. A big family may cause chaos, but I wouldn't want it any other way.



That night Ricky and the girls made a gingerbread house. I think Ricky was more into it than they were. They just wanted to eat the candy.

I am so grateful for the priesthood and worthy family members who hold it! All this week we've had the stomach flu going around our family and my dad and brothers have given several blessings. I love that they are always ready to use their priesthood. And it's not only for blessings. I know that the constant presense of the priesthood authority in my home and at the head of each of my siblings families adds daily strength and support to our lives, the magnitude of which I can't even begin to understand. I'm also especially grateful this week that Becky found an amazing man who honors his priesthood and absolutely adores her. I don't know if I've ever seen a happier couple. Life is so wonderful!

Becky's Bridal Shower!

Wow! I can't believe that my big sister is getting married tomorrow! Ok, so she is the 7th person in my family to do so, but this is Becky we're talking about! Well, even if I'm still adjusting, I am very happy for her, and I already love Drew like a brother. I just thought I'd post some pictures of her bridal shower before it's time to post pictures of her wedding!
Becky LOVES popcorn!

The menfolk

Becky was talking all day about this amazing blender she saw at Cosco that morning. Then mom told her she had a very special present for her...

Kelly wanted a picture with the blender.

"And they were a zealous and beloved people, a highly favored people of the Lord."
-Alma 27:30

Snowman Adventures!

These are my friends Dave and Sarah...

This picture makes our snowman look majestic!

He was really just a little guy. And he only had one eye.

Then Dave decided he wanted to be a real live snowman...

Life would be so boring with the white fluffy stuff!