Christmas 2009

Is Christmas over already?  It seems just like yesterday I was planning my lists, thinking I was on top of the game because I was starting in September.  Now, I only got about 2 things on that list before I put it down in order to procrastinate it until early December but I had good intentions. Anyway, Christmas was wonderful this year.  The kids were so fun, they helped put up the tree, they helped wrap presents and they were in good spirits for most of it too. 

Our Christmas started early like it usually does with the  Burrell Christmas Party.  We had a festive mexican fiesta with Chimichangas (thanks Erin for the Awesome recipe.)  It seemed like everyone liked them.  We missed Brian because he had to work and we missed Dianna because she is now living in St. George but we had a houseful of  people anyway.  We had Grandpa Burrell read the Nativity Scene while the kids acted it out, with a little help from the more adventurous adults.

After our Reading of the Nativity, Guess who showed up?  Jolly Old St. Nick, (Santa Claus)  He brought fun presents for everyone and when he left, Nick was so desperate to se his sleigh, Shawn and Savannah had to hold him back.

My mom got all of the Grandkids matching PJ's this year.  So cute!!!!

Christmas day was so fun at our house.  Nick woke Shawn up at about 6am and then proceded to count down every minute until 7am when it was time to get up.  We had a blast opening presents and then my parents came over to see what we got.  After that the Burrell's came over for a late brunch.

We had puppies this year that we sold so we spoiled the kids as well as ourselves.  Shawn got a bluetooth for his phone (much needed), I got a Barnes and Noble Nook (an electronic reader), Savannah got a guitar (tourquoise of course) and Nicholas got a set of Air-Soft guns (both a handgun and a rifle.)  We had a blast with all of the surprises from Santa Claus.

After Lunch we packed up our stuff and headed over to Grandma and Grandpa Simisters.  My dad passed the torch and had Shawn read the Nativity this year.  The kids were so cute in their costumes.  I want you to notice the Zhu Zhu pet as baby Jesus.  We had a touching moment when Tony read a beautiful letter that Grandma Hendricks wrote to us.  We had alot of food and fun and ended Christmas day with family that we love.

 Merry Christmas Everyone!!!

Let it snow, Let it snow, LET IT SNOW!!!!

It's just 3 days till Chistmas and we are getting a big storm.  A BIG STORM!!!  Yeah!!!  So what do we decide to do???   We head over to Daybreak Elementary for some much needed time out in the snow with some friends.  I mostly stayed warm in the car, but I was able to get a few great pictures.  This last week has been very busy with me working, me shopping for Christmas and the kids being stuck at home so this snow has arrived at a great time.  They definately got most of their wiggles out before we came home for some hot chocolate.  I say most of their wiggles out because even though savannah is just laying here watching TV, Nicholas is throwing a ball up and down the stairs (which is against our rules) while I am typing this.  I am ignoring it for now, but as soon as I am done the ball will be tossed back up to the playroom:)
Anyway, with just 3 days till Christmas, I am hoping it keeps snowing for a while.  I just love a White Christmas.

R U Kidding Me??????

So these are the shoes that we bought Nick for the start of school.  4 months ago.  Shoes are supposed to last more than 4 months.  He came home last week and informed me that he needed a spare pair of socks to take to school?  Why, I asked?  Because I need to put them on after recess.  Why, I asked again?  Because my shoes have holes in them and my socks keep getting wet.   I took a look at his shoes and about had a heart attack.  These pictures don't do it justice but he not only has holes in the bottoms of both shoes but the seams are falling apart on the tops of the shoes and the insides of them are completly worn through.  You would think that this would happen with less expensive shoes but not with etnies.  Anyway, we went and bought him new shoes, after saying R U Kidding Me???? about 50 times.   Boys!!!!!  Gotta love em.

The Pinewood Derby

Shawn is still the Cubmaster in our ward, but even if he weren't, The Pinewood Derby is one on the highlights of our year. This year the church was packed with families ready to race. (It's very competitive.) We had a great time cheering on our favorite cars (Nick's and Savannah's cars were awesome.)  Both kids did pretty well on their races.  Best thing of all is that we had a great time.  Here is a poem that pretty much describes our fun night. 

The Pinewood Derby Prayer

Hey Lord, we ask you to draw near,

and bless the boys who gather here.

This is the day they've waited for,

their blocks of wood are blocks no more.

Plastic wheels and dime store nails,

Become the stuff of sporting tales.

of finishes too close to see,

you're here for every victory.

You bless the winners in their joy,

but there's another kind of boy.

whose handiwork is blessed by you,

because his hands tried something new.

You smile upon the crooked wheel,

the paint job done with boyish zeal,

the splintered car, the sloppy glue,

you love the work that your sons do.

But there is one here in this place,

who shows the greatness of your grace.

He is the boy who hasn't won,

but when he hears the starting gun,

he's there to cheer his fellow scouts,

his are the loudest victory shouts.
And when his brother's haven't won,

he's just the one to say "well done,"

you've tried your best and you've had fun,

there are more races to be run.

And so dear Lord, we hear you say,

upon this happy Derby Day,

"Remember, whether best or worst,

Remember, you are brothers first."