Christmas

Well I made a goal to finish writing about Christmas before the New Year, but since that goal was made last year I haven't officially broken a New Year's resolution. OK now I sound like the kids. Everything must be said exactly or they focus on the little flaw and fail to see the forest through the trees. If anyone out there has an idea as to how to stop this behavior, please comment. So here is the Christmas summary.

We loved Christmas morning. Aaron's big gift was an ipod dock, he has been scouring Joe's trade magazines trying to pick the one he was going to save for. It was just what he wanted. Catherine got a huge box of cooking utensils and she is starting cooking classes with me every Wednesday for 6 weeks. We are going to follow that with a special meal that she will cook on her own for Grandma and Grandpa Smith. Catherine made the kids matching PJ bottoms. Aaron was pretty impressed by her handy work. Everyone got a bright orange hat from Santa. Which reminds me, Catherine wrote Santa the sweetest note. She said, "Dear Santa, Thank you for my gifts last year. This year I would like to have five notebooks for my newspaper club and a watch for my dad because he doesn't have one. Whatever else you want to bring me I am sure I will like because you always give good presents." Soooooooooooo, needless to say, Santa brought Joe a watch. Catherine is such a thoughtful and kind person. Aaron got Catherine a version of Dance Dance Revolution, that she LOVES! Jake got some toys that he promptly broke and we all had fun.

My gift was this most amazing photograph on canvas of Cora that my friend Linda took. The day after Christmas Joe hung it on the wall directly down the hall from a mirror. I can see its reflection every time I sit in the rocking chair with Cora.

Later in the day, Joe's family come over.

Ben and his boys Cole and Shale came by. It was so nice to see them and let the cousins get to know one another a little better. I hope they can come play baseball this summer.

Cora had fun with Grandpa and Grandma. She went from one person to another and handed out smiles to everyone.

Cora and Kjerstine had fun together. Kjerstine and her husband Paul came from out of town. (by the way Kjerstine, we like Paul) They brought a Wii with them and it was so funny to watch the kids boxing. They kept getting closer to the TV. We finally had to put chairs in front of them to keep them at a safe distance from the TV. Joe's sister April and husband Terry were there also and their son Joe. Joe was a pretty good wrestler back in the day, so he and Aaron went round. It was a full house and a good day. As we gather together as family at this season I'm so grateful for the family that I have and the knowledge that because of the Savior we can be together forever. I hope you all had a great Christmas and wish you the best for the New Year.