The war is over is it not?

First off, we had a fair Christmas. Take that for what you want. It wasn't the best Christmas, but it wasn't the worst. I guess, it was a fairly normal Christmas...including tears, laughter, smiles, screams of joy and happiness, surprises and way way way too much food. I am sure I've gained at least 10lbs this month. Tanner got lots...as usual. Matt and I got some really nice things. Some books that we really wanted, skates for Matt so he can learn along with Tanner how to skate, treats, and other things.

So this may be a "hot topic" but I don't understand why people keep glorifying or praising soldiers...people who join the army or navy by their own free choice...and get rewarded for what they are paid to do. Wasn't the war for our freedom already fought? So why do we keep glorifying or praising these people who freely choose their life? Why do we reward them for their "talents"? I'm not saying that I'm not grateful for the war that was fought so that I have the freedom I do now, but it seems like there are other people in the world that have talents that don't get recognized. Why aren't we expressing and showing our thanks and praises to those who actually deserve it, like our husbands and children and the Savior. Anyways, just a thought.

We are looking forward to a great new year and lots of happy things. We don't have any plans for the new year. Maybe just rent a movie and eat the last of our treats.

Matt and I get a new Primary class this week. We are excited. Sad that we won't teach the kids we've had for over a year, but excited to have new students. We also have a new chorister and a few new teachers so it should be an exciting adventure for all of us.

We are thinking about getting Internet back. Now that Matt will be at a consistent job and we don't have to pay AHC anymore, we'll have a little more...I hope. I have been going to the Chiropractor every week and that adds up, but it is worth it and we are hoping it will help us in our efforts to get pregnant. If not, then that's okay. I am not getting my hopes up and I feel relaxed and calm about it. If we are meant to have another child, then it will happen, if not, then I know that's okay too.

I know this is a totally random post with lots of random thoughts. Sorry. Anyways, that's about all for now.

Please go to bed!

Well, we have officially started Christmas vacation. We are at my Mom's house and Tanner is not going to bed. Some days I feel like he's out of control with hyperness. Maybe I'm getting old...lol. We have had quite an eventful, busy month already. Tell me honestly, who doesn't have a busy month when December rolls around? Why is it at the end of the year, we all get stressed out and get so busy? The reason for the season is Christ and I don't think he wants us to get stressed out by remembering his birth. It's a joyful thing, not a stressful thing. Anyways, we went to our ward Christmas Party last weekend, which was fabulous. It went smoothly and there was just enough entertainment and activity which made it a really nice evening. We also had our enrichment Christmas party which was SOOOOOO much fun! Susanne and the board did an amazing job! It was very simple, relaxed and fun. It was a Christmas Cozy and we were all to come in our P.J.'s for a light supper (soup in a bread bowl) and a games. We had a wonderful Christmas message and then we played games. It was really fun and there was a great turn out.

Tanner was in his first musical production. He did good for it being his first one. I saw this woman there and I could feel the pressure she was putting on her child to make sure she sang the songs and didn't wreck her make up or clothes and I felt really sad for that little girl. I think that a lot of parents put so much pressure on their children to be older or more mature than what they are.

Who am I to talk though...I'm not a perfect parent. My parenting abilities have recently, I feel, been questioned and I hate that feeling that maybe I'm not a good parent or doing a dis-service to my child because I don't expect the same things from him that other people do from their children. Being a parent is such a tricky thing.

Anyways, that's enough about that.

We are all looking forward to spending time together as a family and hanging out.

This one's for you Sharon!

Sharon has been asking me for pictures so here they are. We had a great time in Calgary. Usually by the 4th or 5th day, I feel ready to go home but I was sad to leave because we were having a really nice time all together. Tanner got lots of really nice gifts and we are so thankful for all the things he got. We are now in full swing for Christmas and getting ready to send out our cards. We went to the Raymond 11th annual old fashioned christmas last night and we had so much fun. We went on hayrides, decorated cookies, shopped a little, got free hot chocolate and dounuts, and went ice skating for free. This was the first year we went and we will be making it an yearly thing for sure. So I think that's all for now. Enjoy the pictures.


Trying out his new skates he got for his birthday
Tanner and his new rollerskates
A blanket I made recently
The new family
The Book Of Mormon cake for his party at my Mom's. I would make it darker blue next time
The emoticon cupcakes for the party at Matt's moms
Tanner and his cousin, Wyatt
A doctor in the making????? Maybe
My Mom made this wreath and put it on my Dad's headstone the night before my Uncle was burried right next to him
My sweet nephew Emerson
The birthday gang
Me and the birthday boy
Having a hot dog roast for his birthday dinner....yum yum
The Crayola Crayon cake
Getting ready for party #1 of 3
Tanner got this crown at School and wore it for 3 days straight.
Shelby and Tanner
Our Tree