Who wanted a 10 foot tree anyway?

I took the tree down last night. So what if its the 14th of January? I have heard of many families who leave their tree up through Valentine's day and decorate with hearts and bows and cupids; By choice! The kids were watching a movie, and I thought, "What the heck! I'll take apart the tree" It was a novel idea and I really forgot how long and daunting that task can be. Who wanted the 10 foot tree? NOT ME! O.k. me. And I do love it. But it took 2-1/2 hours to put away. That is just crazy.

Curtis is packed, almost, and ready, almost, for the MTC. Charlie is going to miss him. It is cute to hear him say, out of the blue and for no particular reason, "I am going to miss you Curtis." Curt has always been one to walk through the door and first thing, ask Charlie to give him a hug and tell him about his day. He will set his tools down and make a bug with the Creepy Crawler, build a quick skyscraper with the lego's, or engage himslef in whatever Charlie may be doing. Charlie knows that they are buds. One day, I walked into Charlie's room and saw a stickie note on his spider man poster in Curt's handwriting, "Curt and Charlie = buds 4ever."

Charlie was a bit distraut one day, trying to figure just how he was going to write a letter to Curtis. He clearly knew that he could not write the words himself. It was silent for just a second, then Dad said he could draw a... but before Jay could finish, Charlie's independent nature (I am sure he did not get that from me!) hollered, "I know. I was thinking my idea. I was thinking to draw him a picture. Don't tell me!"

The holidays were great for our family. The Christmas Party was held the first weekend in order to accomodate Jon and Jenny who were already up from St. George. Charlie loved acting out the story of Christ's birth. He was Joseph and took his role very seriously. Closer to Christmas, Chelsea, Dad and I had high fevers with very sore throats. Somehow, we were able to get out in the snow storm and ride the 4 wheelers around the neighborhood. Santa was generous. On Christmas Eve we opened our Pixie gifts. (We choose a name the first of the month and do nice things for that person, in secret, then buy or make a gift especially for them.) Charlie wanted to bake cookies for Santa, so I used Grandma's secret Painted Mexican Cookies recipe and told Charlie that the bottle of secret potion, (Almond Extract), makes Santa Drunk. We had a great laugh and now he knows Grandma's secret recipe! Then, we sang songs of Charlie's choosing and played a game that Charlie made up - everyone draws a picture and then chooses who picture is the best. Of course, Charlie's! He wrote the nicest letter to Santa, reminding Santa that Curt was leaving for a mission and to bring extra nice things. He told Santa that Tamara is his bestest sister and Chelsea is his favorite. He asked for no one to be mad and then he said the cookies will make you drunk so eat them all! It was a night to remeber what being young is all about.

We especially loved seeing Spencer and Ilah and their family. It had been awhile since our last visit. The New Years party was held at Jeff and Lynelle's. We listened to Grandma and Grandpa duet "Poison" with Sing Star. Now that was a good laugh!! Zachary ended our holiday break with his Eagle Court of Honor.

Although the year has brought plenty of trials and learning, I know we all feel greatful to have each other to lean on for love and understanding. If not for that, it is always nice to have help when it is time to shovel the snow off the walk and driveway!