Where Did December Go?

December was a crazy month but also a lot of fun. John had to go in for his fun colonoscopy. They found some more polyps so he will have to do the fun adventure again in 3 years. I am grateful he is so diligent in doing this procedure. I need him around for a long time. He hates the whole thing but when he his done and the drugs are wearing off he is hilarious. I at least get a good laugh from him!!! On December 12th we had our ward Christmas Party that I am in charge of. For some reason there were many problems leading up to this party. But the day came and it turned out great. We had amazing food, a great turn out and a visit from Santa Clause. We have a really young ward with lots of kids. So the line for Santa Clause last year was really long and very chaotic. So we did things differently this year. We broke the kids into 3 groups. One visted Santa Clause, one group went to a room and had the christmas story read to them and the last group decorated an ornament. Then they all switched so everyone got to enjoy all 3 activities. It was a winner. The next Sunday I was released!!! Amanda asked if I was sad. My answer was NOOOOO!!! The next week was Luke's Christmas Choir Performance. He really enjoys choir and does a great job. He is the most animated kid when he sings. Good job Luke!!! That Friday was my nieces birthday. For her birthday she wanted to go to dinner and a movie with our family. So off to Cafe Rio and Avatar we went. It was a lot of fun. Avatar was a great movie. We saw it in 3-D. I would highly recommend it (did I tell you John has already seen it 4 times). Before I knew it, it was Christmas Eve. We did our traditional taking the kids to breakfast and a movie. We saw Princess and the Frog. It was a really cute movie. Even Jake loved it. Then we went to my parent's house for a yummy dinner and to open a few presents. The kids still love getting their Christmas PJ's. After we left my parents house (kids in their PJ's) we drove through Layton Park to look at the lights. We got home and John read the Christmas story to the kids. All the kids were in bed by 1000 and John and I in bed by 1045 (so long days of putting together bikes, kitchen sets and barbie houses). The kids got us up at 0700. They wanted to sleep in but I told them we needed to stick to tradition and get up at 0700 (I remember waking them up when they were little, I can't stand the waiting!!!). We had a great morning filled with fun, laughter, food and lots of presents. We are very blessed and thankful for all of our blessings. I even surprised John with a present. He had no clue that I bought him an H2 (voice recorder). I think in the 22 years we've been together this is the first time I actually surprised him. We then went to my moms for more food and presents. That evening we hosted the Salmond family Christmas Dinner. Once again lots of good food and company. It was a great Christmas. So Saturday we began working on my Christmas present from John, redoing the main floor bathroon. We painted, put up new fixtures, a new mirror, lights, towels, the works. It looks awesome. It's one of my favorite presents ever!!! I had the entire next week off and I just hung out with the kids. It was a lot of fun. We had a huge New Year's Eve Party at our house. Lots of good friends and family. Once again we are so blessed with the family and friends we have. New Years day we went and hung out at my parents house. It was a nice mellow day. Then Saturday John installed all new base boards on the main floor. It looks awesome. Other than the air compressor and air gun putting Sophie (our cute puppy) into a shaking, not eating, looking horrible, might need therapy state, the whole project went well. Finally on Sunday we got to go see our cute great-niece Ambree be blessed. It was a great day. She looked so beautiful in her white dress. Good work Dan and Sheila! So here it is Monday, the sugar buzz has worn off, the house is semi-clean, I'm back to work and I'm looking forward to 2010. Happy New Years Everyone!

Shay...