Christmas 2011

This year Christmas was not so much like Christmas things were a little different.  My Dad (who is always cooking) had rotator cuff surgery the Wednesday before and was on strict orders to take it easy, which meant I spent a lot of time in the kitchen, which was fine I don't mind cooking just like to have dad cooking with me.  The house was much quieter for Christmas too many didn't come and too many live in town.  We also had the dreaded flu come through the house, Jace started it and spent one day in the trailer with coke and watching movies, I think he enjoyed it.  Then it hit Calissa and I said if you are all going to get it lets get it over with and sure enough an hour later Jett started and that night I got little sleep.  Luckily it was short lived but Christmas Day it hit Caelin, poor thing just couldn't get excited about anything.  Then a couple of days later it hit Jeff and he spent a whole day on the couch or in bed and was sore from sitting/lying down all day.  Luckily for me it waited until we got home.

Too dampen the holiday spirit we found out two days before Christmas my oldest brother Maverick was in an ATV accident that was quite serious.  We have said many prayers for him and continue to pray that he will heal quickly and be able to return to all his activities.  It hit me hard thinking how easy it could have been me spending Christmas in the hospital.  He has an amazing wife and son who we have prayed for as well.  We are thinking of you all and hope you know we love you!

Christmas Eve is always fun with all the little kids they love to dress up in the Nativity costumes and come in as the Christmas Story is read.

Bentlee, Calissa, Jace, Marshall, Jett, Brigham, Caelin, Brikelle (hiding)

We had some good fun after Christmas with paintball guns.  Caelin and Jace got them from Grandma Jean and Grandpa Dave.  Then I got one from Jeff and Jeff bought his own.  So mom and dad offered to watch the kids and we got Teonna and Luke and went paint balling.  We had a lot of fun and have many bruises and welts as after effects.

Don't I look tough?!?!

Jace got a big bean bag and showing off his new gun (Papa in the background with sling on)

Caelin with her bean bag and pogo stick trying to act excited

Calissa with her new bike and princess chair

Calissa and her doll paraphernalia 

Jett on his new bike

I also did my first prime rib that turned out fabulous (if I do say so myself) but I had one of the best cooks I know giving me tips.  It was a quieter, different type of Christmas for us, but it really is about celebrating the birth of our Savior and spending time with family and that is what we did.  So grateful to my parents for having us there for 2 weeks.  We missed seeing some of our family but know that we thought of you all and hope your holidays were merry!