Best Christmas Present Ever

Whether it was by trickery, coercion or divine intervention, all of my duckies were with me at sacrament meeting today. It didn't really sink in that it was going to happen until I saw it happen. Sometime between the opening prayer and the opening song, my face started leaking. I was so overwhelmed with joy. I felt like this is what it must be like when we are reunited as a forever family. I also felt like this is what it is all about. I have suffered more than my share of adversity this year. If I knew it was going to culminate with such joy and hope and peace, I would faced the adveristy more cheerfully.

After church, it was Christmas at my mother's house. She made stockings for everyone this year. They are super cute.

I know this looks like my skirt but it is a blanket. I know I am fat, but not that fat.

After a short nap, or quiet time for some of us, we went to the Ingalls' for dessert. Not that we needed more dessert, but we just wanted to enjoy their company before the holidays really set in.

Mike taught us how to make Christmas mice and then Roxanne taught us how to play "nertz." (sp?)

We ate some of the mice, watched the Christmas devotional, played nertz (Roxanne won) and overstayed our welcome.

Christmas just can't get better than this.

Madison's Home

Danette showed me this cool website where we could track Madison's flight. http://flightaware.com/live/flight/SWA2655 After watching it all day, when she had an hour left of her flight, Lew, Jensen, Melena and I hopped in Franklin and shot down to the airport. I was a nervous wreck until she texted and said they had landed. (I love cell phones!) It was so good to have her home. It seems like she was never gone.

Guess Where I'm Going Today?

Give up?

TO PICK UP MADISON AT THE AIRPORT!

WooHoo!

I'm nervous for her because she has never flown by herself. Please pray for her and me.

I wonder if I will recognize her? hmmm!

21!

This is my late birthday blog dedicated to my eldest. That's right Madison turned 21 on December 2nd. I don't know why I took so long to write this. Maybe because when your oldest turns 21 you are now officially old. Maybe because she is 2,000 miles away and we didn't really get to celebrate Madisonpalooza. Maybe it's just I took crazy pills and I'm just now gettin' rountuit. Regardless, I had to get it done because she comes home in 5 DAYS! I can't wait!

I wanted to share a few reasons why I celebrate Madison's birth. I'll do it in the style initiated by Mary Gronlund.

makes Me laugh, always

moved Away and followed her dreams

oldest Daughter and a great example

She & I have our own language

Mad Skillz as "stylist to the stars"

she ain't no Ordinary girl

Has the Niftiest decorating skillz

I miss your funny self, LaFonda.

Hurry home, Love Mom

Carry On or Carrion?

Our Alpacas Will Capture Your Heart…

…and that is exactly what happened. One of my co-teachers bought an alpaca. She has been talking about it and showing us the wool that she is spinning that she will eventually knit into a sweater. I had to go see what all of the fuss was about. I have to say I am in love.

 

This is a baby that was born yesterday. That is not her mother.

That is the Kisser. The one that kisses everyone.

This is the mother, Surprise

 

Brittni, Santa, OP (Optimus Prime) and Jensen

My favorite. She was my buddy.

 

How can you not love that face?

Black Friday

I started out celebrating my holiday, Don’t Change out of your Jammies, Sit on your Fat Tookus etc. Day.

Jensen came up to me and said, “I need clothes.”

Me, “Now?”

Jensen, “Yes.”

Me, “Ok".”

I don’t usually just jump up when she says she wants something. I knew she really did need new clothes. She has gone through a growth spurt believe it or not.

I was leery because I had just read the story on AOL about the security guard who was trampled to death by Black Friday shoppers! I was outraged! I hope you guys are feeling grumpy about the holidays now, too.

We headed to Target. I have to admit that I partook in some of the sales. Jensen played with the hats.

Afterwards, we went to “Light Up Eustis,” with Alana.