Merry Christmas!

 We had a good Christmas. Again, for me, my favorite times of the season were before the actual holiday, but I still definitely enjoyed the time with my family and with our little family. It was the last Christmas with my dad. He's gone downhill even since Christmas. He often can't get out of a chair without help and has pain even with increased meds. It is awful to see. I dread his dying and hope for him to have relief from his suffering at the same time. I wish I could have both, but I know it isn't possible. I just have to turn to my faith and know that I will see him after he dies. Death is not the end!

S and Grandpa

Grandpa, S (with her "lookers"), and Grandma

Grandpa reading the Christmas story. He had to have
Mom finish. Before reading it he talked about Christ
and shared his testimony of the Savior. I'm thankful
for his faith and example now and throughout
my life.

She was a pretty slow present-opener

me

A Minnie Mouse snow globe from Aunt Lori and Stella

Minnie Mouse slippers--yea!!

Grandma and Grandpa gave her a set of
Minnie Mouse instruments, including a whistle.
When asked what she wanted before Christmas,
S would reply "a whistle" :)

The little flute that was one of the instruments.

She also wanted a flashlight, so Grandma
gave her this purple one.
Kinda freaky!

We spent Christmas morning at our own house.
Here I'm reading S one of her new books. (notice I didn't show my own bed-head!)

Giants pennant for Daddy's garage

And S got vegetables for Christmas!

Daddy fixing something. He fixes lots
of things for us :)

And after presents and breakfast there was some
shoveling that needed to be done

Trying out her new fingerpaints