Merry Christmas

Christmas is finally over. It's been a long time coming. But it was great! The kids didn't wake up too early and they all liked their presents. I cooked all day because the missionaries and Clint's mom came to dinner. My family room is a disaster, but I guess that is to be expected. Friday night we had the Brown family party at our house. It was fun and loud! I cleaned all week, but didn't get it perfect. Oh well. I don't think anyone noticed that my baseboards were dirty. But I did clean my lights! Saturday was the Nielson Family Christmas Eve Dinner. It was wonderful! Liz made an amazing meal! For the program we performed "Away in a Manger". Major played the piano, Carol played the cello, and I played the flute, my annual performance.The children did a cute "Nativity". We had a few laughs from that. Juliette gave me a great gift! She finally is completely potty-trained! I am so happy! She has had a few accidents at night, but I hardly count that!

The Nerds

My children dressed up like nerds for spirit week at school. I thought they looked hilarious! I was surprised that even Major wanted to do it. He said not many boys dressed up, but he didn't seem to mind that he was in the minority. I'm glad they are confident in themselves! Tee hee!

My Best Gifts

My kids have seen Santa a lot this year. He was at Home Depot, Wal-mart, ward party, Thomas party, and the Southwest party. Santa brings gifts, but the best gifts I have are my family. Here are my best gifts!

Clint is a righteous person – he wants to do what is right. I’m thankful that he is a hard worker. He sacrifices a lot for us to have a beautiful home and lots of great benefits. He always listens to me and never criticizes. (I’m not very good at that!) He makes me laugh.

Carol is such a cheerful girl. She always wants to do what is right. She is friendly to everyone. She always keeps her room clean. She loves to sing and act and is very dramatic! She does really well in school. She plays so good with her little sisters and Major. They love her. She always wants to spend time with me, cooking, making things, whatever. She is very forgiving. She wants to be healthy.

Major is a good boy who always wants to do what is right. He is very sensitive and thinks deeply about things. He is very organized and creative. He is kind to his sisters. He always practices the piano without being asked. He is very obedient. He is good at sports. He is a straight “A” student. He loves to read and learn.

Lucy is so sweet. She is very affectionate. She loves to dance and do cartwheels. She loves babies! She is very kind and friendly. She wants to do what is right.

Juliette is so cute. She always makes us laugh. She loves to sing. She is very smart. She tries to do what is right. I love all my gifts!

December 12th

Things are busy, but not too bad. My shopping was done just after Thanksgiving (the worst part!). My gifts are wrapped. I just need to deliver some to neighbors and mail a few to family members. Now the parties are starting. It's all the late nights for the kids that get us down! So far no one has had anything worse than a cold or cough.

December 4, 2005

On Tuesday Carol had her first audition for a commercial. Clint and her cousin Cole went too. She was so excited and said she did really well. They even got called back for Monday. Friday I took Carol to see “A Christmas Carol” at the Hale Theatre.

Saturday we were gone all day! We got a live Christmas tree in the morning. We didn’t have time to decorate it because we went to the Southwest Airlines Children’s Christmas Party. It was quite the production. It was a mini carnival. They had lots of food (hot dogs, cotton candy, popcorn, etc.), a ferris wheel, and other kiddy rides, Santa Claus (with a free picture), performing Elvis, bouncy things, face painting, clowns, fighter planes, old cars, race cars, fire department, SWAT teams, etc. We could hardly break away to leave.