I was called as a Wolf den leader in the Cub Scouts program in November, I believe. This has been very helpful in orienting me to everything in the program. It has also been nice to participate with Sterling each Tuesday night for den meetings and pack meetings.
In December we held the annual Pinewood Derby. I didn't help design and build the car (it was Matt and Matt Owen that helped), but I did help a bit with the painting. I think Sterling and all the boys had a fun time. I think Matt also learned a lot about how to add weight to the cars. I am sure that he and Sterling will be masters at it before Ster's time is finished in Cub Scouts. I have about 4 boys in my den. Sterling, Jeremy, Jack, and Elijah.
Christian continues to learn more each day. In this picture you can see Christian getting ready to say family prayer.
This is his weekly tradition each time we go to the grocery store. It is worth the $0.50. He loves it every time.
In December I also joined a gym (Lifetime Fitness). This was such a blessing to me. It was just a 5 minute drive away and helped me to feel more balanced in my life. It is so easy to feel cooped up during the winter. It was also a way to feel like I was progressing when there wasn't a lot of progress in other areas of my life. It also helped to counter balance all the holiday food. :) The gym hasn't always been the best fit in my life, but right now it seems to be. Sorry, no pic.
We were happy to have fun events to help us enjoy the season. We got to attend a ward dinner and nativity. Eve was asked to be Mary, Sterling a shepherd, and Sheri was an angel. There was just narration, but it was nice to feel included.
We also got to attend a Christmas party at Matt's work. Here we were able to meet some of his co-workers. Amber, the quality manager did a great job of planning it. There were Christmas dough ornaments and pet treats to make. There were lots of snacks, and even a visit from Santa. The kids came home with lots of presents and Christmas cheer.
On the 11th, Sterling had his 3rd grade musical presentation. He got to dress up as a caroler. He did a great job! I always enjoy watching the kids perform.
About mid month I was able to take the older 3 kids to the Nutcracker. They all enjoyed it and dreamed of what they'd like to be someday when they get to perform in it. They also love the tradition of picking out an ornament.
We were happy to have a special visit from my brother in law Scott. We all have lots of fun with Scott. He was able to visit us in conjunction with some work he was attending to in Columbus. The first evening he was here we had dinner and a rousing game of Risk. It is a special treat to have a chunk of time to play this game, especially with Scott. I can't remember who won. :) It was fun to show Scott around the house and the yard the following day. The kids took him on an adventure walk through the woods. Then we decided to try out the "famous" Columbus Chili at Skyline Chili. If I remember correctly, it doesn't have beans and they serve it over spaghetti noodles. It also had some cinnamon I think. Scott headed to the airport soon thereafter. What a treat to spend time with Scott! We hope he will come often!
On December 23rd the kids talked me into getting a second gerbil so that the one we had wouldn't be lonely. We named this one Tinsel. So much for company, the two gerbils attacked each other every time they were together. In my efforts to keep them from hurting each other, my finger got a good bite. Let's just say, they are in separate cages and I have washed my hands of the situation. Another reason that I do not enjoy pets!
On Christmas Eve we were invited to have dinner and do a nativity with 2 families in our ward. The Roulstones hosted. Again, this was so nice since we didn't have a functioning kitchen and had no family around. I especially enjoyed the talent share at the end. Sterling played a Christmas piece, Eve played her recorder and Sheri sang. Everyone had already heard the Christmas pieces that I had played for the ward Christmas Sacrament meeting and so they asked me to play a hymn that everyone could sing to. (As a side note, I practiced a ton for the church program. It was enjoyable and stressful, but very good for me.) During the talent share there was even a duet of Sleigh Ride which brought back many memories of when I've played it at home. I was also able to cook our traditional pastry wreath during the celebration.
As a side note, we also had a few families bring us cookies during the season. . . a real treat when you don't have an oven!
Christmas morning was great!
The month ended with a New Year's Eve party at the Bons' home. Their son, Jeremy and Sterling have become great friends. They had games, snacks, dancing, hat making, and an official count down. The Whitneys were also there. Our girls have really hit it off with their girls. Both of these mothers' names are Rebecca. Isn't that funny that the three of us have become friends, all sharing the same name?
I wish I had gotten a clear photo of the Bons family. They are really a stellar and sweet family.
Well, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We are certainly grateful for all that we are blessed with!
