Christmas 2010

All December I have been denying that Christmas time was here. November was crazy with my Dad's wedding, Thanksgiving, and wonderful snow days. This set us back in anticipation of the Christmas spirit. We put up our Christmas tree and Katelyn decorated the house with the Christmas decorations while she was home sick from church. The kids enjoyed the tree and the lights. The 17th started our school break this year because of budget cuts. Shawn and I's anniversary was also the 17th. We have been married 16 years. We decided to go away for the night to Utah. I thought for sure I would get my shopping done. The roads were nasty on the way down. We enjoyed being together. We went shopping Saturday, but I did not have the shopping mojo. We came away with a calendar and book. I felt awful about not getting any shopping done but my wise husband said," We are not here to go shopping, we are here to enjoy each other." We enjoyed driving around looking for things until it was time to come home to the kids Saturday night. Monday morning I went to the dentist and went shopping most of the day. We went up to Rock Creek to see the lights and feed the camel. Tuesday was cooking day. We made apple pies, sugar cookies, chex mix, and dipped pretzels. The rest of the week we hung out with each other and with friends. Thursday night, Shawn and I went back out looking but came away empty handed again for my birthday present. Christmas Eve we went to my brother's Blake for a wonderful night of soup and sparkling cider. We read the Navity Scene and knew we need to get on the road for Santa would soon be there, but just enjoyed visiting it was hard to leave.
With the kids off to bed, Mom and Dad finished setting out our presents and were about to go to bed when my three sisters called at midnight to wish me Happy Birthday. That was so sweet and made me feel very special. We talked to long, but needed to hurry because who know who was coming soon. We had moved the kid's present opening time to 6:30 this year and they were ready on the nose. Has always the present opening time goes to quick for the time put in to prepare. The kids enjoyed playing and looking at their new toys. The girls had gotten new Wii games from Santa so they went right to town playing them all morning. Brady loved coloring in his new coloring book and Garret watched some new Pokemon movies Santa brought him. Later that afternoon we headed to Grandma Peterson's to enjoy a wonderful Christmas dinner. I love spending time with our families. It was nice to realize that we got a whole another week off of school. We relaxed and played with our Christmas toys. I got Brady his quilt top made.
New Year's Eve we hung out with the Bronsons. We ate Chinese food and pizza. The kids played Wii games and the adults played Wackee Six(which I brought for our New Year's Eve game) Fun Game- once I remembered how to play. We went home way too late and slept in a little. Shawn was going to go riding motorcycles all day, but the weather prevented him from doing so. We enjoyed our traditional breakfast at the Stokers.
I can't believe another year has come and gone. I know I wish sometimes time would speed up and other times I want it to slow down, but it seems to be moving quickier than ever. Hopefully in 2011, we can try harder to be kinder and more loving to everyone around us(brothers and sisters included. We love you all and hope your Christmas season was spent together.

Seven years old

Garret turned seven on December 7th. I took him to the store the Friday night before his birthday so he could show me what he wanted for his birthday. Needless to say he wanted everything would be an understatement. Last year he was into Pokemon for about 6 months and then that phase was gone. I was happy that it only lasted 6 months. Well, it's back! He wanted Pokemon games and cards. He wanted to take mini cupcakes to class. He wanted hamburgers sliders and french fries for birthday dinner. I always give my kids breakfast in bed, but I had forgotten to ask Garret what he wanted for breakfast. After we sang to him, he stayed in bed and stayed in bed. I finally asked him what he was doing and he said,"I am waiting for breakfast." Oops! So I quickly grabbed cereal and gave him breakfast in bed. He had a wonderful day at school. We came home and got dinner ready. Grandpa Manwaring and Grandma Ginnie came for dinner. We had hamburgers and french fries. He opened his presents on Pokemon Soul Silver and more Pokemon cards. Next year Garret turns 8 years old. Time flys when you are having fun. I enjoy Garret very much. He is an enjoyable child to have around. He is very active and quite athletic. He loves his brother and sisters.(most of the time) He can be dramatic(thanks to older sister). We will continue to work hard to teach you what is right and to let you know everyday we love you. We hope that you will listen and know what we teach you to be true. Happy Birthday Garret!