Christmas Eve 2009

We always have a Christmas Pageant on Christmas Eve. The wise man brought the frankincense: Mary, Joseph, the Baby and the Shepherd were all excellent in the pageant:

We then got to open one present. It is always new jammies:

Daddy set up the train around the tree. He said it was one of his favorite traditions growing up:

Anna and Tani put out cookies for Santa. They always include carrots for the reindeer. There is some debate over whether Santa likes chocolate or pink milk the best.

Christmas Eve is so fun and exciting! The work is done. So much anticipation for morning. After the children were in bed we hung a sheet across the hallway to work on some final surprises without being seen. After a time Owen started crying in his room. He just couldn't go to sleep and was worried Santa wouldn't come because he wasn't asleep yet! We reassured him that Santa was still on the East coast and he had plenty of time. This year was really wonderful with the ages of the children: 8, 6, 4, and 2. I loved every minute!

Sweet 16

Can you believe it has been 16 years already? I can't. I am thankful every day that Rod chose me. He is an incredibly loving, generous, kind, hard-working man. He is also an amazing father. I don't know anyone better. I think most importantly, he is still my best friend! I sure love him! (besides...he is pretty sexy too)

(banner by Anna and her two friends Kaylee and Kelsie Mena)

Kindergarten Christmas Program

Tanielu's kindergarten class performed a cute Grinch play for Christmas:Grandma and Grandpa Bergeson came to see the show:I think Tanielu was the cutest Who in the program!

Owen's First Primary Talk

Owen gave his very first talk in Primary! He helped me write it. It was about his "two Dads". He talked about his earthly father and his Father in Heaven. Owen had never spoken a word during Primary sharing time. He never comes up to help with the singing when it is his turn. He always gets too nervous even when it is a fun game. I really wondered if he would be able to do it. He was amazing! He did great! Very cute and obviously loves his Dad. Does it matter that the way we got him to do it was by bribing him with a trip to the "treat store"? I don't think so. I am very proud of him!

Tani's black eye

He didn't remember how he got it...but it looked pretty tough:

Christmas Card 2009

I sent out about 125 cards this year. It is so fun to receive them from all our friends and family. Zoie designed the card and Amy took the picture. I am lucky I have such talented family:

Freeze!

Do not grow up anymore! You are so cute right now! Honestly, it is almost more than I can take: