Last Thursday night we went to the lighted parade and were grateful that it was above freezing.

Last Friday night we had Joe's Company Christmas Party. Joe's mom watched the kids for us. She kept them for a whole day so on Saturday we braved the storm and went to Billing to the Temple and some Christmas shopping. When we got home Saturday night we quickly got the kids to bed so they would be tired for Church, then around 8:30 we heard the doorbell. People rarely ring the door bell, most of the people we know knock as they are walking in the door most of the time, so we were surprised to hear it that late at night. We looked out side and there was a bag from our secret Santa. The kids have been excited every night to see what has come. The last two night we have been gone so as we dive up to the house we hear the kids screaming "there's a present on the porch". We informed our secret Santa via letter taped to the front door that we were going to be gone the last 5 days of their 12 days of Christmas, so last night when we got home from Crystals Christmas Program there was a box with days 6-12 on our porch. Joe is a sticker and making us wait to open them on the designated day (patients is not my Strong point).

I had my cooking class that I am in charge for Relief Society on Tuesday night and was excited when I had 10 ladies come. Everyone brought goodies with the recipe and we got to try each treat.

Wednesday we went to Lovell to Diana (Joe's moms) ward Christmas party so the kids could see Santa. They got to see him at the college earlier that afternoon but they charged a lot for a picture with Santa. So they just sat on his lap and talked to him. They had their pictures taken taken in Lovell with Santa that night. We had a great time with mom.

Thursday night we had Crystals "Holiday" Program. She was our little girl. She did the concert up in true kindergarten style. She is not afraid in the least bit being in front of people so she did her utmost to give us all a good show. She added extra dance steps and actions to every song. She entertained the entire audience.

Crystal also made a Gingerbread house in school last week .

Today is our preparation day for out trek to Douglas to visit my parents for Christmas. MERRY CHRISTMAS every one.

A day Late But here is a little shout out to my mom for her birthday... She is the best mom and such a good example. She raised all seven of crazy people and still manages to maintain her sanity. Here is a little picture montage to her..

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving week and weekend. Joe's sister Carene hosted this year Great big thank you to her. She is a great hostess. The kids loved going and seeing their cousins and all the animals. The kids loved the Mule, and going egg hunting with Abby. It was fun having so many people around to help out with the big meal. On Friday we went shopping and I found some cute clothes on a pretty good black Friday sale (we didn't go until afternoon). It was nice to get together with Joe's Family. There is always lots of fun to be had when we all get together. We were only missing Joe's brother. They were busy with their brand new baby girl Caitlyn. we sure missed them but were grateful they have their precious little girl. The last several months has made me extra aware of how grateful I am for family. Not just for family though but the Plan of Salvation and the opportunity to live with our families for Eternity.

After our wonderful time in Gillette, we headed home. On our way our plan was to stop in the mountain and get a Christmas tree. Well as life in the Emmett house hold goes things didn't go as planned. First we left late, then it took a while to find a place that sold the Tree permits. Well we finally started to the mountain (in the dark) and the farther up the mountain we got the worse the weather and road got. So we found a groomed road and went spotlighting for a tree. We found a great one and Joe and I went and cut in down in the snow storm. About halfway down the mountain the snow stopped and the roads cleared. I love our tree because it is covered with pine cones. Crystal only wanted a tree if it was a "Charlie Brown Tree". Well she got her wish. Almost all trees on the mountain are "Charlie Brown" Trees, but it looks better then one we bought at a lot last year. I love having a mountain fresh cut tree that we all get to put our decorations on together. Each year the kids get to pick out a new ornament for the tree. We still have to go and get this years ornaments. My tree reminds me of Christmas when I was growing up. So our Monday night home evening activity was decorating the tree. I love watching the kids. Clayton with plug the lights in first thing in the morning and sit there and look at the tree. I think they get that From me. I love to sit and look at Christmas trees and lights. at Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving and have a great Christmas season.