Merry Christmas to all! The Girls were so excited they could barely contain themselves. Christmas was filled with a day of being surrounded by family and friends. We were full of company this year. Jonathan's Mom arrived first from Logan Utah and spent 10 days here in Delaware between our house and his sisters. My girls look forward every year to their annual shopping spree with Grandma and this year was no exception. My parents arrived a few days later and Mom and Dad had the pleasure of spending the afternoon in Ashley's kindergarten class. What a treat that was for Ashley. Then on Christmas Eve our very dear and wonderful friends Clay, LeAnn, and little Nora Tess Broadhead came to visit us from Wyoming. Their daughter is 17 months and an absolute angel. It was fun having a little one around for a few days. This picture is of the girls in front of our tree in their new pajamas that Mom always gives them on Christmas Eve. I most of was thrilled to not have to work. I feel truely blessed this year. This is the first time in 18 years I have not had to work at least one of the major winter holidays. Wow is all I can say! I really enjoyed my time off!

I hope at this time of year we can all remember the truely greatest gift and blessing we have been given. The gift of eternal life....the gift of joy along the way. As so eloquently spoken below by President Monson....may you have the best Christmas Ever!

"If we are to have the very best Christmas ever, we must listen for the sound of sandaled feet. We must reach out for the Carpenter’s hand. With every step we take in His footsteps, we abandon a doubt and gain a truth.
It was said of Jesus of Nazareth that He “increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” Do we have the determination to do likewise? One line of holy writ contains a tribute to our Lord and Savior, of whom it was said, He “went about doing good … ; for God was with him.”
My prayer is that at this Christmas season and all the Christmastimes to come, we may follow in His footsteps. Then each Christmas will be the best Christmas ever."

Christmas is almost here and I am longing for some snow. Chances are it will not happen in Delaware....oh well I can dream and when I do I will see some of my favorite places of the west.

I must say I have never been so excited about a set of books. The Winter Rose is the sequel to The Tea Rose....both of which I have thoroughly enjoyed as well as everyone I have shared them with. I have also had the pleasure of reading another book by this author called a Northern Light. All very good. The main reason I am telling you this is upon researching her web site today I discovered she is writing a third book in this series. I may have to wait a year or so for it to come out but I will be patient. I may have to call Oprah and tell her to put them on her book club list! Check out her web site.
http://www.jenniferdonnelly.com/jd_books.htm

Jonathan showed me this picture of his first grade class the other day. See if you can pick him out. I was able to find him right away but even though I did not know him then I do know him now. Its funny how much we do and don't change over the years. I had the opportunity to watch videos of my girls births the other day....something I have not watched in a long time. My how they have grown but are still my babies.

Well we had a great visit with Mom and Dad over Thanksgiving. The trip was anything but uneventful. We had a minor accident on the way down and needless to say my brand new car was left in North carolina for repairs and still remains there waiting for a few parts to come. Thankfully though, we were all ok and no one was hurt. When we got to Mom and Dad's the next day we had a suprise visit from Santa. Apparently he was vacationing in Florida and came by to see Morgan and Ashley! He even brought is book of good boys and girls. Afterwards he took the girls for a ride on his summer sleigh The SS Claus (his golf cart) complete with twinle lights and antlers! It was the highlight of the week for my girls.
We made it home all in one piece and I am anxiously awaiting for my car to be fixed. We got word yesterday that it may be 3 more weeks. Oh well! All is well. I am really enjoying the holiday season this year. For the first time in 18 years I do not have to work one holiday. I feel truly blessed. We are having a few visitors this Christmas...My parents, Jonathan's Mother, and our dear friends The Broadheads. I cannot wait to see their little girl Nora Tess.

Dutch Wonderland

We had a fantastic time camping in the snow the weekend before Thanksgiving up in Lancaster, Pa. We went up on Thursday and on Friday morning when I got up to let the dog out there was a dusting of snow everywhere. It did not help that I was wearing my pajamas outside! We have a lot of fun with our camping club. We went shopping at lots of great shops and even went to an Amish flea market. In the evenings an Amish family came around the campground selling pies and cookies! Yum! It was a little cold in the camper but we do have a heater in it. On Saturday night we went into the Dutch Wonderland park. They have a great light display and even a few rides were open. The kids did not mind that it was cold and were happy to run around and have fun. Here is a few picture of the great time we had! I will put a few more up later.