December 17th

Thursday morning I finished baking twelve complete gingerbread houses.

Then it was off to Nick's Explorer Program.

After school the weather was hardly frightful, and instead of study-time, it was sunshine-time.

Finally, Nick and I finished yet another project.  Why do teachers cram it all into the last week before the holiday?  They must hate parents.

December 15th

Austin sent me the wintry view from his operatory's window.  Sedona is lovely!

December 14th

Our nice home teachers invited us to dinner.  On the way out the door, it was snowing!

December 13th

Tithing settlement means homemade toffee for all the ward members. These two helped me early with today's batch.  We stayed a bit and settled our tithes with our bishop -- Ryan tried to eat all the bishop's candy, but was limited both his piece and mine.  After church we tried a Christmas photo -- Andy had already changed when I came in with the baby and million bags.  There is always next week.

December 12th

More shopping before our trip home.  I found some of my favorite shops and looked again for a nativity, nada.  I did love walking and walking at my own speedy pace, and I rediscovered that I was not created to be alone.  I need my husband, my children, family and friends.  These are they who teach love, service and sacrrifice.  They bring me closer to the Savior.  (Why are is my belt hanging?  IDK.  I noticed it just after the man took the photo; I couldn't ask for a redo....)

December 11th

Austin had a dental seminar in Vegas this morning, so the two of us (and four of his employees) met in Las Vegas for a 24 hour trip.  I spent my hours outside of the conference shopping and wandering.  All the while I looked and looked for one navitity -- didn't find it.  Reverently I found myself praying and feeling His love for me in that crazy town.  Sure enough, I felt the spirit testify that I am of infinite worth, as are all children of God -- all people on earth.

We went to "Zarkana" cirque du soleil show, and I fell asleep.  I thought these two had matching haircuts, and thankfully not matching guts.

December 10th

Today was our ward Christmas party.  Here is our group after all was said and done.  The lovely navitity and a delicious dinner were the main events.  The youth served all the food, Austin gave a spiritual message, and the primary kids contributed to the navtivity.  Because of Him, our love for each other will never end.

December 8th

Andy stayed home sick, but was healthy enough to be a fantastic big brother -- the three younger boys just love him, as do I!  We assembled the kids' gingerbread in the morning and played in the leaves before lunch.  I had four parent-teacher conferences in the afternoon.  Oh, I also folded nine loads of laundry and make waffles and cream for dinner.  Austin managed to come home at 10 pm.