With help from Facebook and my December file of photos, here were some highlights from our Christmas season:
--I splurged and bought a fresh Christmas wreath for our front door from our friend Carin Miles (of Valentine's flowers fame). She did a great job!
--December 4th: "Sitting with Wade on a Friday night, watching him multi-task. He's playing a video game while he listens to the new Coldplay album (on steady repeat ever since he came home and bought their new album this afternoon on iTunes). All of a sudden he pauses and says reverently, 'I love their new album, Mom.' Boys are fun."
--Not so fun on Dec 7th--Wade had 4 teeth pulled, an expander cemented on, and braces put back on his top teeth. He's been a champ--we had fun taking "woe is me" pics.
--Finished up institute for the semester with a Christmas party and service activity. I sure love this class and calling!
Take 30-hour driver education course online
Pass written test at DMV
Get learners permit
Get 56 hours of driving time behind the wheel (6 of that with a legit instructor)
Take driving test
So....it's gonna take a while. But she's begun!
--In mid-December Wade came home with a note from school that made us SOOOO happy. He'd been voted by his peers and teachers as one of his middle school's Kindest Students. He and about 20 or 30 other kids got to take an extra lunch period, bring pillows to school, and watch a movie with treats. Way to go, Wade!
--I donated blood willingly for the first time EVER and got a t-shirt! Looking forward to doing it again. I took online tips seriously and boosted my iron levels afterwards with spinach, dried apricots, and a b-u-n-c-h of dark chocolate, haha! Steak just didn't sound good just then.
--Neighbor friends got an upgrade from our Christmas gift last year. Last year I got these little multi-purpose tools that are as small as a credit card. I thought they were cool, but Jason said I could do better. THIS year I bought fresh whole wheat bread loaves from our friend Anastasia--they were a hit. (In the next life I hope to bake like she does!)
--Jason and I had a great time at his work's Christmas party. It had been several years since his group did one, and it was a blast! We brought a "Buddy the Elf" themed white elephant gift with candy, candy corn, candy canes, syrup, spaghetti, and a cozy blanket. The couple who got it were pretty happy with it--they'd just watched the movie with their kids! We came away with a really pretty LED candle light set. I was very happy that we didn't walk out with the bag of tennis balls and the legendary light-up Christmas bra!
--The kids and I enjoyed meeting Jason at work for the once-a-year Open House and taking a tour around different places. I never pass up an opportunity to do that!
--Rhiannon and Wade survived finals week! We were ALL pretty excited about that! They did a great job!
--WE WENT TO SEE STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS IN IMAX 3D the second day it came out. We loved it, we loved it, we loved it, we loved it! We drove down to Lancaster on a rainy Saturday, had dinner at In n Out, and then waited in line for 90 minutes inside the theater (no reserved seating). Was it worth it? YES!!! Thanks, Daddy, for treating us to such a fun memory! (Rhiannon painted her nails with storm troopers to celebrate!)
--We did something we'd never done before and saw the LA Zoo Lights with Brant, Chris, and Greyson. It was unique and beautiful! We also ate at two new places--Island Burger (for dinner before the zoo!) and Corky's for a killer breakfast. Thanks for having us, guys!!!
--Rhiannon played the cymbals in the band for the local Christmas parade! (She also played in a fantastic high school band concert, but I don't think I took any videos of that one. Sad face.)
--Wade played in his first Christmas band concert (he did a GREAT job on the mallets!) This beginning band was made up of two different classes, and they'd only practiced one time all together. Pretty cool for kids who started only a few months ago! Wade is standing to the left of the stage with the Santa hat.
--Rhiannon and Wade performed in their annual Christmas piano recital. We loved hearing them play!
--Rhiannon and I represented at the ward Christmas party! (Wade was at a birthday party, and Jason was sick) Rhiannon was a shepherd in the Nativity presentation. (She was glad she just had to stand there and not sing, haha!)
--For Christmas Eve we went to the Zobells' home for their annual "soup kitchen" spread for lunch. It was delicious and we enjoyed the company! The rest of the evening included:
Chinese take-out. YUM! Leftovers for tomorrow!
Kids open sibling gifts that they bought for each other (more meaningful this year since they used their own $$ for the first time! Rhiannon bought candy and a Nerf gun for Wade; he got her special Star Wars mascara and a Flash necklace)
Roaring fire in the fireplace.
ELF movie. Soooo many favorite lines.
Special ornaments put on the tree to remind of moments from Christ's life.
One kid (WADE) begs us to say family prayer so he can get to bed!
--Christmas Day was great, even with a few setbacks. JASON was the first one up and was anxious for us to open presents. He spoiled us with a new Playstation 4 system and got his wife her very own laptop!!! I was shocked!!! The rest of the morning went like this: From Facebook--"Jason was like a little kid this morning, so excited for us to open the presents he got for us! We had tons of fun and then had to make adjustments and be patient after opening gifts--the Play Station Network crashed, our dog Samson tried to steal Christmas candy, cinnamon rolls failed, and I'm sick in bed, praying it's not because of bad Chinese food, haha! What a morning! Despite it all, we are happy and feeling the love. Merry Christmas!!!"
I started to feel a little better in the evening and so we drove around and looked at Christmas lights. I love this little town--people go ALL out when it comes to Christmas displays!
Playing Battlefront
--One night we walked across the street to the Hawkins' home and had a fun evening playing games with friends and eating lots of yummy foot. Scott and Kristin brought out this card game called the Werewolves of Millers Hollow (kinda like Mafia?), and, boy, it was a hit. There were 17 or 18 of us playing that!
--On New Year's Eve we went to the little bowling alley on base. It's awesome! They had obviously done some remodeling and the place looked great. Bonus--it wasn't crowded until we left! That night we watched two movies--Ant Man and Rogue Nation--and then Jason bowed out at 11:30. The rest of us made it to midnight and quietly wished each other a Happy New Year!
And THAT is how you do an epic blog post! We had so much fun together and felt rested and relaxed, ready for what lies ahead! Welcome, 2016!!!
