It's The Most Busiest Time Of The Year!

Uncle Ryan and his family had a very creative gift- a box of wipes, but there was money taped together inside so Kemp was surprised to pull out the $ instead of wipes- so cute!(who is that weird lady in the background?)

Grams and Papa Smith went on an 6,000+ mile road trip back east and brought us home some souveniers and we watched a slide show of everywhere they toured-really coolKemp requested a cookies n cream ice cream cake.

Kemp's Birthday and Ordination

From Halloween to Christmas it doesn't stop in our family. For some reason a lot of moms in our bunch like having babies in the fall. Christmas has always been enjoyable for me and hardly ever stressful-o.k. maybe a little. But this year Curtis has taken Christmas by the reins and I have not had to endure a bit of stress. I think he senses that this year is tough without my Dad and being pregnant. He has just made it so easy for me to enjoy the season and not feel bombarded by the hustle and bustle. Plus it is much easier for him to go out shopping or buy things over the internet when he is hundreds of miles away from his loved ones! I find that as I get older I dislike the mall more and more with every year. My patience and sanity are precious to me these days. I only go there if I am specifically taking my children to play on the play land or get a pretzel.

O.k. new topic: Cami's class was going to a WSU b-ball game for school and she was crying her eyes out because I couldn't go, it broke my heart and made me a little irked at the school. They said that Chris would not be able to go, even though this was not a field trip chaperoned by parents which means we could just go if we felt like it. I was planning on driving myself and taking Chris with me. They told me that if they let me then all parents will think they can take their little children on field trips. Which I think is ridiculous because whether I show up or not really doesn't matter! I am not assuming responsibility of watching any other students while I am there so who cares if my 2 year old comes. And it is just a basketball game it's not like they are going somewhere dangerous for a 2 year old. I just believe that under certain circumstances there are always exceptions to every rule. So there is my soap box for the day!

New Topic: We had a fabulous Thanksgiving spent at our home with Curtis' parents and Kemp celebrated his 12th Birthday and Priesthood Ordination that Sunday (it was so special seeing him receive that great blessing on his b-day)). Is he really a young man? no way I don't believe it, it can't be 12 years since he was placed in my arms. It was so cute to see him pass the sacrament at church for the first time, so nervous and unsure of himself, but he did an awesome job. He was spoiled for his b-day this year: a new suit, Wii game, and an air soft gun. I have learned a few things from my children lately:

1. Being loved and giving love is the most important gift we have to give.

2. Recognizing and feeling the Spirit of Christ is one of the most tremendous gifts we all have been given.

3. Having empathy for others and putting their needs above our own truly brings us the most joy possible.

4. Service is so important to our health and well-being. Putting money in those red Salvation Army pots every time you pass, even if it is pennies, really makes you feel good! Helping with my sister Lesley's Down n Out Diner also makes you feel really good-ask me about it if you want to help.

5. It is o.k. and helpful thru grieving to say we miss Grandpa every day and especially for Christmas, and talk about what we will miss cuz that helps us remember what we love and appreciate about that awesome man!

side note:I had my 20 week ultrasound and stayed strong and did not find out the sex of our baby. We will have to wait and see what the Dr. says in the delivery room. At first I thought it was a crazy idea and I would chicken out and want to know, but now it is all very exciting.