Merry Christmas!!!!!

Ho,ho,ho.....here's our Santa Claus! As you can see, he is working on filling out his suit- and believe you me, that belt is already getting tighter.:) Well we are currently in Moscow with the Northern fam and all that beautiful sno...no, rain. Ahh life is humorous- the snow actually melted 3 days before we arrived. Christmas has been wonderful anyhow- we had a shortened church service this morning, then came home, opened presents and ate lots of food. As you can see down below, Hobbes was more fascinated by what was put outside the present rather than the present itself.

It has been awhile since I was able to write, so I will quickly give an overview of what's been going on. This month has been the month for parties,events, meetings, performances...you name it! We had the Christmas heritage ball in the south the 2nd week of December, and we all danced the night away- I even knew the lyrics to Dixieland! Bray's dad's side of the family came, so I was able to meet the rest of his cousins- and what a fun, yet crazy time it was!
Then there were several Christmas parties and meetings at the school, at which Bray and I performed, so we didn't see the Wilkins again till we had them all over (plus Bethany's parents) last Tuesday for dinner. Although they filled our house, we had a lovely time- and my 1st turkey was actually cooked all the way through!:) Now we are just enjoying being in Moscow, we have a few weddings we are involved with, and we will go to Portland, Oregon for a few days to see my aunts and Grandma.
Altogether this holiday has been one of enjoying each other and counting our blessings...even if we didn't end up arriving in Spokane until 4:30 in the morning on Christmas Eve.:) We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas day, and we shall be in touch!

the toothful wonder

Hello everyone-
I know it's been awhile...but things have been crazzyyy this holiday season, and so I won't really get to post until Christmas- when I'm in Moscow and near a computer. So just a few quick updates as I'm on the library computer right now.
As of yesterday Hobbes cut his first tooth through his gums! And at 5 months...not that that makes him amazing, but it's funny what you get excited about when you're a parent. He can sit up by himself now, and he's only got a few goose eggs- just kidding. Bray's choir boys have several performances within the next week, so we shall be busy with that. Also, the Wilkins and Bethany's parents are coming over next Tuesday to celebrate our early Christmas, and then it's on to Moscow! I shall be sure to post some pics when I get up there, and I will also be sending out a Happy Holidays(in other words late Christmas letter) as well. Till then, Merry Christmas, and God bless!

Bring on the Christmas spirits!:):):)

Merry Christmas to all....let the fun begin! Here is an 'artistic' picture of Bray's and my 2nd Christmas tree- and Hobbes' 1st!!! As viewed here, it is the second time we decorated it. Yes, I had the wonderful experience of the Christmas tree falling over after I had just added the last ornament- ahh- the joys of Christmas. No, after I had cleaned everything up and propped it against the window(Bray was at work) it was quite amusing.

Things have become a whirlwind- mostly an enjoyable one, but crazy nonetheless. This week I helped with the young homeschool kids music group, teaching them Christmas carols as they are planning a caroling outing. Bray's choir had a performance at the local Christmas tree lighting, and let me tell you, it was definitely a cultural experience! We had a small gospel style harmonizing vocal group perform as well, and the accents of the speakers were poured on pretty thick. I had to laugh inwardly at the fact that I was the only one there who was not grooving and mm-hmming everything said. No, I'm joking-I really did get into it, but it was humorous. After that, I was in charge with another lady of throwing a double baby shower for 2 wives of teachers at school. Although fun, it was quite a lot of work to make and decorate over 60 cookies by myself!
Yesterday, we came to Monroe to do the annual Wilkins' family Christmas tree decorating ceremony. They make tons of food, drink some 'special' drinks, and then everyone puts ornaments wherever they find a spot. Caleb even began putting 2 on the same branches...until the women stopped him. Altogether it was a fun evening....as you can see from the pic of Bethany and Remy after we brought the eggnog &rum out....ok, us too I guess.:)

Hobbes is doing well...he has helped me bake some things, mostly by making sure they aren't poisoned by being a gentleman and sucking on them first.... he tasted some of the Christmas alcoholic beverages, and has entertained us all immensely. I shall update more as the holiday festivities continue...but drive safe, and enjoy the season of Christ's birth!