I can’t believe it’s almost Christmas.  It can be a stressful time of year, but I’m glad to have this time to reflect on the birth of the Savior.  He truly brought peace, hope and joy.  I’m also thankful for the Leo, Fischer and Rocky–they bring those things, too (minus the peace).  And Marissa brings excitement and big hair.  Here are some Christmas pics:

We’re also sending out our annual Christmas eCard this year.  If you don’t get it, we don’t have an up-to-date email address for you. In that case, please send us your address and view the card here.

We wish you peace, hope and joy this Christmas and throughout the coming year!

Leo passed off the 13th Article of Faith on Sunday.  She’s been working hard all year–actually, more like since July, and really, it’s not very hard for her. She just has a knack for memorizing.  She and I usually work on them at night when she’s going to bed, and it only takes a few nights for each.  The best part is that she gets up in primary on her own and recites them loud and clear (and sometimes fast).

She got $13 to celebrate her accomplishment–she gets to pick anywhere she wants to go to celebrate (and I’m rooting for Chipotle).  Tonight she told me she wished we could go to Antarctica, but she’s afraid of polar bears.

Our family took the day off from normal life today.  We all ditched our responsibilities and spent the day together, we really needed it.  Especially today. Everyone slept in a little bit then we got up and had breakfast at Cracker Barrel.  After that Leo and I spent three hours doing Christmas shopping.  If I had done it w/the two boys in tow, it would have taken me three days.  Both Fischer and Leo earned money to get each other and Rocky Christmas presents, so Leo picked out one for Fischer today and will get Rocky’s later.  Fischer bought his presents the other day and even paid for them himself to the cashier, it was really cute.  They can’t wait to wrap them.

Later on I spent time at home w/the kids while Denton did some Christmas shopping.  It was a nice, calm day, exactly what we needed.  I think it’s worth getting away from it all for one day just to be together.  It’s my all-time favorite thing to do. 

A couple weeks ago, Leo and I had a girl’s night and saw Disney on Ice!  Due to Thanksgiving and my camera being on the fritz, I’m just now getting these pics up.  Anyways, I bought the tickets back in July and I think I’ve been WAY more excited for this then Leo. 

My favorite part of the night was just watching Leo, she’s hilarious.  We went to dinner before hand, and when her platter of Grande Nachos came out, her eyes were as big as the platter.  I laughed while she downed the whole plate and talked about Kindergarten drama.  Then at the show when the characters came out, leo’s eyes about popped out of her head!  That look was worth it all!  I actually got a little emotional watching her excitement (I’m old and turning into my mom) cuz I’ve been waiting 5 1/2 years to be able to do something like this with my daughter.  So while I give Disney on Ice about a B+ having that experience w/Leo was awesome.  Now if I can just convince Denton to let us see Disney WORLD! 

Thanksgiving morning I fly out to Portland BY MYSELF for a couple days for my brother’s wedding.  I’ll miss Denton and the kids, but really I’m SO excited to be w/my extended family, I rarely get to see them!  Also, it’ll be great being in the temple with them all, and to have Thanksgiving dinner at Hometown Buffet. :)

Here’s what I’m thankful for:
1.  The gospel
2.  My family
3.  My friends 

And now for the not-so important stuff, but still important:
-tampons
-refrigeration
-email
-Spanks/Assets
-hair dye
-acne face wash
-Costco
-coupons
-books
-cheeseburgers
-dishwasher
-presents
-mascara
-Tylenol
-herbs
-toothpaste
-deodorant
-disposable diapers
-kleenex
-bleach
-the four seasons
-chocolate
-pictures
-TV
-shampoo, conditioner, hair gel
-laughing
-donuts
-snail mail
-blankets
-hot tubs
-calculators
-the garbage man
-vitamins
-music and dancing
and a million more things.  happy thanksgiving.  

Ok, so I went to the premier of Twilight last night… let me just say that I didn’t breathe through the whole movie!!  I didn’t even eat the chocolate bar I had stashed in my purse - that just shows how enthralled I was.  I wasn’t sure about Edward when I saw the trailers but seriously…. I’m hyperventilating right now just thinking about it.  I would say more, but my mom reads my blog.  And just know that I think Denton is the hottest thing, but Edward….  oh   my    gosh.    My friends had to help me walk out of the theater, I’m not joking.  Go see it, you’ll hyperventilate too.

So Leo woke up last Saturday morning puking! Arrgh!!! I banished her to her room so no one else would get sick. Sadly, since then both Rocky and I have said our prayers to the porcelain Gods, and Denton is on the verge. Nonetheless, we hooked Leo up w/the portable DVD player to watch in her room. So what does she do???? Gets my Pilates DVD (haven’t used it in years!), puts on her leotard, and does pilates in her room. Here are some before and after shots: (Pilates really works!)

So Obama is president… fine.  I’m only sad that Palin didn’t get a chance to make changes in Washington, I really think she would have done her best to represent families and christian values.  I’m crossing my fingers for her to run again in 2012 - and Denton is crossing his heart. :)   

It’s  historical though, that Obama won.  It says something about our nation electing an African-American president.  I only hope that he helps our country rather then make things worse.  Part of me wants to build a bunker under my house and hide out there with a 4-year supply of food, chocolate, Diet Coke, and some good DVD’s.  Imagine how LARGE my hair would be after 4 years of no mousse!!!

I’m glad the election is over.  My new motto:  JESUS FOR PRESIDENT! 

A quote from my 6-year-old nephew Quinn, remember the boy is only SIX (but right on):

"I'm NOT going to follow that President. Why do we HAVE to have a bigger and bigger government. I quit."

So we all know I would rather sleep then do anything else… except for vote.  Rocky woke up this morning at 6am, after I got him back down,  I went with my nappy “just woke up” hair and at 6:30 waited in the rain for a half hour at the polls to vote!!!  

So go VOTE!  It’s a great rush.

Now I’m gonna watch the polls all day and get an ulcer. 

Here’s a few pics from Halloween.  We’ve already gotten quite a bit of mileage out of these costumes for just playing around the house.  Leo and Fischer bow towards each other and then kick and punch and tackle each other.  And Rocky just likes to say “Hi-Ya!”  Sadly this might be the last year they wear matching costumes.  Karate Chop!