Christmas Program

Last Friday was Little Girl's Christmas Program at school. Can You believe it? They actually sang Christmas songs!! Honest to goodness Christmas songs! At a Public school! Well, it is a Charter school, but it's still a Public School. And they sang Christmas Songs!

I love Christmas songs.

Triming the Tree

Due to a break down in communication between the Camera and the Computer, this post is two weeks late. Not to worry, the Camera and the Computer have resolved their differences and have rekindled their friendship.

December 1st, we put up our tree. (Assembled would be a better word, but putting up the tree sounds more "Christmasy". At least we don't have to water it.) Once we had it 'put up' and before we trimmed the tree we had some amazing turkey enchiladas. (My husband's idea. Great way to use up thanksgiving left overs!)

And little girl made a lovely little salad to go along.

Isn't the tree looking lovely?

Ta-Da! We put up all of our favorite ornaments, and had fun talking about when we got each one, who gave it to us, and remembering Christmases past.

I know, it doesn't have the tree topper yet, but we're waiting for Christmas Eve. A new Leader Family tradition.

A few days later, we went and visited Santa (Well, one of his helpers anyway). We asked for a Puppy. Yes, a Puppy. We'll just have to wait and see what Santa brings.

Thanksgiving.

We had an AMAZING thanksgiving. I spent the day bustling about in the kitchen with my Mother, my Sister and my Little Girl... What could be better? Later, we feasted on bounty from my Mother's garden, the most beautiful pies I've ever seen outside of a magazine (made lovingly by my Dear Husband), and the loveliest turkey I've ever roasted in my life (I was so proud). We laughed around the table until long after the sun had gone down and I decided that there are few things as lovely as a table full of loved ones.

It was wonderful. Just the way Thanksgiving ought to be.

Halloween, Birthday

Little girl went to her Dad's for Halloween. She was a Vet. She had a stethoscope, a clip board AND a stuffed dog. Cute! We missed her, but she so made up for it by sharing her amazing haul of candy. And I got to pass out candy to all our friends and neighbors.

Poor Papa was asleep for Halloween. (he worked very long hours that day) And I was a chimney sweep. I was going to be Mary Poppins, because, well, frankly, she's practically perfect in every way... except for the tights. I was just to tired to wear tights that night. So I was a chimney sweep. It was much more comfy. Did you know that pipe cleaners, broom handles, and black tape make lovely chimney brushes? They do indeed.


The next day was Papa's birthday. We invited Grandma Glenda, Grandpa Bob and Grandpa Bernie. We ate off of fine china and ate chocolate cake and Papa loved my scalloped potatoes and everything. It was lovely.


Misty...


And Tigger came too.


And little girl took silly pictures of herself.

Cabin Fever

We are sick. Coughing, fever, aches, pains... It is no fun at all. But there are sweet, warm things to drink, lovely jams for toast, pretty quilts made by grandmothers past and soft things for cuddling.

But. If only we could go out and enjoy the sweet, crisp, fall air. And it snowed Saturday and we couldn't go out and make snow angels. Most of all, we miss people. People to play with, learn with, to teach us, to laugh with. Oh, how we miss people. Sometimes it makes us sigh, sometimes grumpy, bummed.

At least we have our little family.

And Lamby too.

Lookit lookit!

We painted pumpkins for Family Home Evening.


Here's Papa's...


Momma's...


And Little Girl's.

And here's what Papa and I did Wenesday.

This is the biggest Deer he's ever bagged, and I got to help. (My very first hunt!) I must admit it was pretty durn exciting. I don't think I've ever seen my hubby so keyed up. Let me tell you, He was on cloud nine.

Anyway... if he neglected to call you and give you all the nitty grity details... I'd be really surprized. I think he talked to every male this side of the Rockies to share his joy. And of course every male was quite impressed.

(We do have more pics but they're kinda icky... let us know if you want to see them.)

Oh, and one more thing...

Last week, little girl helped me make caramel apples...


and then put on a magic show for me when I was sick.


But before that...


Not a bad week I'd say.

Well said little girl...

What more can we say?

How we spent our Summer Vacation - Part 2: Getting Married

There are no words to describe June 26th, 2009. But I'll do my best.

It started with a BIG breakfast with not one, but two BIG families with LOTS of laughing and LOTS of food.

Then there were two beautiful ladies who helped me feel even MORE beautiful.

Then there was music, prayers, beautiful words... sacred covenants.

But there was also silliness...

Pretty girls with pretty flowers...

and a Papa Bear and a Baby Bear.

Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes.

And white gloves and handkerchiefs.

There were grandpa's with big smiles....

There were young ladies and gentlemen in their finest.

There were people we love. And who love us.

And relatives from far away who love to surprise! (Standing next to my Mommy and my "little" Brother sporting the red hair)

A brother with golf ball sized tonsils... He was very very sick, but stayed for the wedding anyway.

And a brother who thought the LED tea lights were loads of fun.

There was dancing... and um, kissing.

Dancing with Mommys...

(Chris and his Mommy)

(MY mommy and my silly brother)

(sis-in-law/bridesmaid and her oldest son)

And with Daddys...

(My big Brother/wedding photographer and his little princess)

(My mommy and her Daddy)

(Little girl and her Daddy)

(Chris' AMAZING sister who helped us all stay sane and her Daddy.)

(My other Big Brother and his munchkin)

(And a Daddy who isn't really MY Daddy, but really is my Daddy.)

Of course there was silly dancing.

Oh, and dancing with cousins.

There were very dear friends who slaved away in the kitchen to make a beautiful wedding supper... And didn't complain once!

And whipped cream on a car.

Later that night, there was a very sleepless bride, who couldn't sleep (and no, not JUST because it was her honeymoon) because all the love she felt that day. She actually felt as if she would burst from it all. It was a wonderful beginning.

*All photos courtesy of Jeff and Gracie.