The Book of December

Well, since December was so busy I did not really have time to post so here is December by chapter instead of by posts. AND Happy New Year.

Chapter 1 - The Wrapping Elves
This year we started a new tradition. I usually wrap all the gifts myself. However, this year Kelsie showed a great interest in wrapping gifts so we had a wrapping party. We put the paper on the kitchen table, the ribbons on a table in the family room and the tags on the coffee table. We had a great assembly line going and everyone participated. I must admit that it took a huge load off my shoulders and it was lots of fun doing it together. So, thanks to my little elves and be prepared to show up again next year.

Chapter 2 - Finishing Semester 1!
School was over on December 20th and it was not a fluff week. Kelsie had 2 major tests that week but we finished strong and her average grades for the semester were all A's. What makes that such a huge accomplishment is that there are no 6-week grading periods. All the grades in each class are weighted and averaged by the semester so in order to make an A average you really have to maintain it all semester. We are so proud of Kelsie, she worked hard for the grades but finished well. One semester down and one to go.

Chapter 3 - Holiday in the Park
We were ALL ready for the break and went to Six Flags on Friday. The weather was cooperative, it was chilly but not freezing and the wind was light. We enjoyed the time with friends, we went with the McLellands and Shirleys and all the girls had a great time (photos to come later). We got to ride quite a few rides despite the fact that lots of people were there and Mrs. Claus read Keslie and Morgan a story. We had a great time and it was just what we all needed to get away and have some fun.

Chapter 4 - A Trip to the Moon
The Saturday before Christmas, we went to Waco for the day to spend time with Wayne's mom and aunt Joy. She fixed a yummy pork loin for dinner and we had a good time visiting and exchanging gifts. Kelsie received a doll she wanted and "Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader" game which we played later and all learned that we are definitely NOT smarter than most 3rd graders. Part of our visit included a trip to the nursing home to see Wayne's 81 year old grandfather. He is in an Alzheimers unit and will sometimes know you and sometimes not know you. That day, he did know us and he opened his gift (a blanket for his bed) and had a little bit of a conversation with us although short and he reminded us that we needed to get on the road before it got dark although it was 10 minutes from Wayne's house and it was in the afternoon. There was a lady there named Margaret that kept going outside in their little yard and walking despite the fact that it was REALLY windy and cold. When we asked her why she was going in and out she said she had to make sure she could get to her car. So, I asked her where she was going and she responded by telling me she was going to the moon and if she gets to go, she will come and pick me up. So, if you read in the paper about my trip to the moon, you will know it was me and Margaret.

Chapter 5 - Christmas Eve
The night of Christmas Eve we had a beautiful service at church, it's one of my favorite's all year. This year was really different with the reading of the prophecies and the fulfillment of those prophecies surrounding the birth of Christ. The music was great, the LIT's (5th and 6th graders) did a dowel routine that was fabulous and the reading of scripture was meaningful and a great reminder of what God is - a fulfiller of promises. Our family's tradition is to come home for dinner and open gifts. We usually travel on Christmas Day so we open everything and leave Santa's treasures for Christmas morning so we can pack and go. Everyone had a nice Christmas and for the first year ever we surprised Wayne with his gift - he usually guesses. We got him tickets to the first Cowboy playoff game. We go on Jan. 13th and are super excited about it. Kelsie was so sweet and giving that she bought her daddy a gift with her own money (some golf stuff) and got me houseshoes. She also made us a coupon book to redeem for cleaning her bathroom, doing dishes and some other household things. Her most exciting gift was Heelies. She is learning how to use them and doing quite well. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas with family.

Chapter 6 - Christmas Day and beyond
Santa Claus came indeed, after Kelsie finally went to sleep around 1 a.m. He brought the much anticipated Kit American Girl Doll. We were all excited! Christmas Day we traveled to San Angelo to be with my family for a few days. We had a great time, opened gifts, ate too much and watched football and Christmas movies. One thing we did was all go and get pedicures one day. It was Wayne's first and it was pretty funny to see him in a pedicure chair surrounded by women - my mom, grandmother, sister, neice, Kelsie and myself. It was fun all being together. We tried to pick out a suitable polish for him but he wouldn't hear of it. Raider did very well traveling, slept most of the time and was a good boy at Grammy's house. I was a little concerned with his chewing but he did well. Hailey just loved Raider and cried when we pulled away - she loves her sissy (that is what she calls Kelsie).

Chapter 7 - The End (or maybe The Beginning Again)
We drove back home on Saturday to be at church on Sunday, the 30th. Wayne had a difficult time finding a fill in for the 30th so he just decided to come home and it worked out since we are seeing the Cowboys on the 13th so he will be off that day instead. Of course we watched the disappointing Cowboy game and enjoyed just being at home. New Year's Eve we went to the Griffs and the Watsons were in town so they also joined us. We had a great time together catching up since they had moved to Midland. Kelsie had Morgan with her and their highlight was watching Miley Cyrus and throwing homemade confetti at midnight. We took Raider and had 3 cute little yorkies with Raider, Doc (Griffins) and Perky (Wynette's parents yorkie). They all got along pretty well and by 10 were all resting from all the chasing and running. Today is just a relax day before going back to life. Kelsie doesn't go back to school until the 15th. New Year's resolutions? 1. Get my computer fixed 2. Exercise more regularly 3. Make more time for long dinners with friends, playing with Kelsie and enjoying the blessed life God has given us. So, Happy New Year to you and I pray you have a 2008 full of a relationship with God and an opportunity to invest in His kingdom. I am thankful for the few of you that read this, our friends and family - we love you!