THE PARK POST

Christmas is interesting because we anticipate it and dream about the magic of it for a month or more, then by about 10 am Christmas morning we wonder where the magic has gone. Some are annoyed by the music and dead garlands. Others don't think they got enough or wish they got something different. Some just fight with each other for tradition's sake, but most likely because they forgot to sleep the night before. We wade through paper, ribbons, and boxes just trying to find all of the loot (or junk as I like to call it) and then open something else and start the same process all over again. Why do we do this every year? Oh yeah, tradition!

We went to Callaway Gardens with the Fabrizios to see Fantasy in Lights. It was really fun and made it feel like Christmas in this warmer climate.

This last weekend my baby sister Licia graduated from Arizona State Univ. She knew that me, Kalli, and my mom and dad would be coming, but she didn't know her three brothers would be there too. None of our spouses came with us, so it truly was only the 8 of us. She was so surprised to see them. It was so much fun! We ate out, talked, ate out, talked, ate out... (you get the picture). I love the fact that we are all still friends despite our differences and personalities. I hope we do it more often! I think my husband was happy to have me home. I sure appreciate his willingness to take care of things here so I could go.

While I was in Arizona this past weekend, we had a neighbor boy over who decided it would be fun to rearrange the puzzle. I'm afraid we aren't going to get it done by Christmas. Oh well, there is always next year!

We attended our Ward Christmas Party on Sat. Jackson and McKell participated in the Nativity. They both did a great job, but the pictures looked like they were all possessed because of the red eye. I sure hope Santa is bringing us a new camera for Christmas. Jackson as a serious wiseman. He likes pretending he's a king because he enjoys being in charge of everyone else. McKell was a shepherd. Next to her is one of her good friends Bailey that lives in our neighborhood.

We started the tradition last year of putting together a puzzle over the Christmas season. I remembered doing it as a kid and loved it. Last year we were not successful in finishing this puzzle, so we are giving it another try. Started with the edges. . . It's a little blurry, but hopefully it will look like this when we are done. Any bets on if we will finish?

It actually was pretty cold here last night so we threw a "duraflame" log in the new fireplace for the first time. There is something about a fire that makes it feel like Christmas. Last week we decorated the house for a RS party we had here, but the fire just seemed to make it all come together.

I think she likes the sound of her own voice: "Santa Claus is coming soon so I better be good for goodness sake." "Have I ever been on the naughty list?" "I think some of the kids in my class have been on the naughty list. Sophia is bad everyday." "How do they get animals into the zoo?" (On a truck.) "But what about the fish and whales?" (On a truck with a water tank.) "But what about the sharks?" (They just do it somehow, ok, let's sing "Santa Claus is coming to town AGAIN")

Paige performed in the Nutcracker over the weekend. She had three different parts, but we only got pictures of her Russian costume. She was also a toy soldier and a tall mouse. She loved every moment of this production. She loves getting in costume and make-up, dancing and performing. Luckily she can get herself completely ready without my help. It is so nice. She did a great job and most importantly had a fun time. Paige with her partner. This was her first time dancing with a boy. The finale with everyone in Act II on stage. Michael and McKell in the lobby. Jackson coughed the whole way through the performance, but luckily they had some empty seats at the back so we moved him there.

We had a pretty quiet Thanksgiving. Michael was on call all week and Paige was rehearsing for nutcracker too, so we stayed around here. We invited the missionaries over to eat with us and then we went bowling. Unfortunately Jackson was really sick all week long and missed everything. He has tried to "fake" sick several times this school year so he wouldn't have to go and then the week he is off he gets "real" sick. We all felt so bad for him. Syd and McKell before the feast. Paige getting in on the picture action. Sydney would not leave these two alone. She loves men a little too much sometimes. Elder Homer and Elder Nelson are both from Utah. Paige That is grape juice by the way. We decided we should get the fake stuff out for the missionaries. :)

Sydney and I had a little date alone this afternoon and I wanted to remember some of her questions and comments. As a baby she was so calm and quiet. She must have been deep in thought because now she never stops asking questions. Too many sometimes, but they were priceless: How do baby's get inside the mommy's tummy? If there is an egg, when does the baby crack out of it? Why is there so much blood when a baby is born? How does the baby breathe with all of the blood and water in the shell? Tell me what the gross part about making a baby is? Jackson says there is a gross part that I need to know but he says I'm too young. Does that mean if I hug daddy do I get a baby in my tummy? When I grow up I want to be a cop. How come some people wear earrings in their nose? Why don't you wear an earring in your nose? So some people are bad and don't go to church and so they don't know they shouldn't put an earring in their nose. Why is it ok to put them in our ear...

Sydney performed a special program at school on Thursday. She wasn't feeling 100%, but the costume alone made up for her lack of enthusiasm. I thought they all looked darling.

There are few things we love better these days than a quiet day with nothing on the calendar. Mike went exploring in the backyard with McKell and Jackson.

One of the funniest things down here in the South are the slogans on church marquee boards. I keep meaning to take a picture of them, but I never seem to have my camera in the car when I see one. This is one of the best so far: "Without The Bread of Life, You Will Be Burnt Toast"

Paige performed a ballet solo for our YW Night of Excellence yesterday. She did a great job. She has been very dedicated to her dance over the last year and a half and worked really hard. She is preparing for The Nutcracker with Columbus Ballet, which is coming up soon. She has more rehearsals and practice than I wish to mention, but she loves every minute of it. She would live down at that studio if we let her. (Ms. Fisher would be upset with me starting almost every sentence with "She", right Paige?)

I think I am ready to strike when it comes to cooking. It doesn't matter what I make, someone is always complaining about it (except for my hubby of course who will eat anything under the sun). Maybe if I let them have McDonald's everyday for a month they might appreciate my cooking. I'm starting to get hives just thinking about what to make for dinner tonight. Seriously, should this really consume my time like it does?? The problem is I now have time to worry about it, I don't have the excuse of being too busy to cook. Yikes! Maybe I will start up that dance studio again and we'll go back to Hot Pockets, Mac N' Cheese, and hot dogs. :)

We spent Saturday afternoon at Callaway Gardens. This was the first time the kids were able to go (except for Paige who had rehearsal). I think they really enjoyed it. It is such a beautiful place and the weather was gorgeous.