Christmas 2013

Christmas was wonderful but different.  Last year we had dear Carrie with us and it was so special.  This year we were invited by the Carl's to there house for soup and bread with a few other families (The Roper's The Smart's, and the Richins')  We had some wonderful soup, the kids played and then we did the nativity and sang a few songs.  It was lovely and special.  After we left so that we could go to the botanical garden's in Bellevue.   A tradition we would love to keep going while we are here in WA.  We came home and got into our jammies and watched the Polar Express.   We were so taken care of by others.  Chris and I have lived pretty tight the whole time we have lived here.  We knew it would be like that but we made the decision to deal and make the best because in the end it was the best for Chris job.  It has been so far still a good decision.  Even when there are months we are not sure how to pay for food.  Somehow the Lord has provided for us.  Either we have had extra bonus' or me sewing for money.  December came and we were so tight.  We made sacrifices to not get anything for each other, the kids didn't need much and they were getting presents from Grandparents.  Well Christmas fell on a Sunday and that day we were given $200 in gift cards to a Fred Meyer.  Then we were visited by a secret Santa the next night.  A box full of food, toys and  $100 to Costco.  Our hearts were full.  We didn't need much and this was so much.  We gave thanks right then and there.  I made sure those gift cards feed us well into January.  We will never forget this Christmas, the love we have been shown and one day to pay it forward.

carter

Christmas Morning was special.  The kids were excited.  Not as excited as Chris was. He barely slept.  Carter loved everything and it was fun to see Kennedy more excited about stuff but occasionally she just wanted to unwrap everything.  We played and went for a walk.  I cooked my first ham.  It turned out delicious.  Then we had the Elders come for dinner.  We let them call there  families and Skype with them. I missed my family.  All of them, from Portland, to Boise, to Washington DC and all over Utah.