Decorating and Candy Cane Cookies

I just couldn't help myself- I had to do it. Thanksgiving was so late I busted out decorations before Christmas. I know, I broke a cardinal rule. This being our third Christmas, finally our charlie brown tree is not looking too charlie brownish. We decorated with baby elena, who got to do the honors of putting on the star (the first year we have had a star too!). I never thought decorating a tree could be dangerous, but elena almost got her eye poked out, when mom (me) was enjoying decorating poor elena (who was in a wrap on my front) was getting stabbed with branches! Hopefully we have made the next christmas hating grinch. Good thing they cant remember anything this young.












Christmas is a great time to remanice. This Christmas we attempted to make some of my mother's Christmas cookies we grew up with- candy cane cookies! They are so much fun to make because you get to make a huge mess. Of course, it is just not the same with out mom. Sadly, while it was fun, it was an utter failure! Peppermint cookies turned out more like peppermint bread sticks! Hey, at least it was memorable, right?

Funny Thanksgiving

May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
Have never a lump.
May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off your thighs!

Elena's first blog

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love Elena

Elena's boyfriend

Elena had her first play date with Mr. Henry Dunn. She is quite the snuggler, she even held his hand. We had better keep out eye on her, she already has a thing for cute (older) boys! Henry is going to be quite the heart breaker himself!

Gratitude: Never too much

Okay, Okay- so I know its the season to be grateful and everyone expresses gratitude because it is the season to, but after reading Bednar's talk about using our prayers to express gratitude and to pray for others I personally felt like I needed to express gratitude more publicly as well, it helps me love my life! Here is a brief list of things I am grateful for.

Conviction- without it what is the point? I am grateful for my spiritual convictions as well as personal convictions. They help me stay true to my God, myself, my family and friends.

Family- they are what get you through the hard times, and are the ones you spend the good times with. I truly have a heritage of happiness! I am especially grateful for Mike and Elena, who give me so much love and support on a daily basis.

Holidays- lets be honest we all need reminders to be grateful and to think of others, and the holidays can be a great opportunity to do that. I think of the hymn that reminds us "because I have been given much I too must give".

The Body- what simple joys we experience every day, like feeling a crisp fall breeze, seeing beautiful landscapes of snow or flowers, enjoying the taste of a home cooked meal, or the independence of being able to move and work the way we please.

Seasons- just when I get bored with one, we get a new one with its own beauties to appreciate.

Sleep- goodbye old friend, see you in ten years or so. It is amazing how much more you appreciate things when you don't have them.

natalie

Elena's first football game

Yesterday was off the hook. We are brainwashing our child well. She went to her first BYU football game. We even made her spit on the opposing players, and boo at the ref's for no apparent reason. Go BYU Fans!!!! Just kidding we left that up to Natalie. Elena did only make it to half time, but she seemed to enjoy it, or at least not hate it. Luckily we still have one more season to brainwash. The 150 decibels rocked her body to sleep. Again, thank you BYU fans.

mike