December 30, 2007

We have had a fun week! We came to Lubbock on Monday just in time to have dinner and participate in the traditional Anderson Family slide show and music for Christmas Eve. As a group, we decided it is time to replace the slide show with a more modern version - you Andersons out there, put on your thinking caps! (This could be a fun activity for our family reunion this year.) The clan in Lubbock included our family, Kaylene, Scott, Kevin, Laurie, Karen, Bryan, and Jacob. Jacob is really cute (even when he is teething!) I am glad so many were able to come.

The kids were really excited for Santa to come to the point they were bouncing off the walls (literally). Rachel was the first one awake and she was absolutely thrilled that Santa left her an American Girl doll. Alyson got one too, but she enjoyed the art supplies much more. Matthew received more cars to add to his collection along with a city map to drive them on. The other favorite gifts revolved around Xbox360 games for the kids and for Dave. I think Dave's present from me was more for me than for him - wireless headphones!

We participated in a neat session at the Lubbock Temple on Wednesday night. Dave and I had prepared family names for sealings and Dad was there to help us complete the work. The Spirit was really strong during the session and I appreciate all who participated.

Thursday and Friday we went to Hereford and had another Christmas. The kids loved spending time with Grandma and Grandpa Ankeney for a few days. The best part of this trip was the 2 inches of snow that fell shortly after we arrived. Alyson was outside rolling in the snow as soon as we would let her. I personally enjoyed the comfy chair and blanket in front of the fire!

We are now back in Lubbock and plan to head home tomorrow. Time seems to be flying so fast. I cannot believe we will be in 2008 this week. It seems like just yesterday Rachel was born - and that will be 10 years ago this next year!

I do have some pictures but we will have to wait until we get home to load them. Happy New Year!

December 23, 2007

We are all enjoying the festive spirit this season. Life has slowed down a little for us this now that Church and school parties are done. Our shopping is done and we are ready for Christmas. I have especially enjoyed listening to Christmas music and seeing the decorations and lights around town.

I look at the kids and am amazed at how much they have grown this year. Rachel is turning into an absolutely beautiful young lady. She is 9 going on 16. Her heart is so big and she is always wanting to share talents and goodies with her friends. Many days I don't have the energy to help her with the things she wants to do; yet, I don't ever want to squash her desire. This afternoon we are making cookies to deliver to friends from school.

Alyson and Matthew are literally bouncing off the walls today. We leave tomorrow morning for "grandma's". We'll spend a couple days in Lubbock and then go to Hereford. Unfortunately, the kids are more excited about the big jolly visitor who is expected Christmas Eve night. They better watch themselves or else we may have more coal to keep us warm than they would like!

Dave and I are doing well. He continues to do awesome job as a "Stay at home Dad". I know many days he fights boredom, but the kids are blessed to have him home after school. I am thrilled to have some time away for the holidays. As most people in my office are taking the week off, I expect returning to work after the New Year will not be too overwhelming. My responsibilities have been increased since my boss resigned early December. This is also coming with a promotion which is good for me and what I want to do for the future.

We hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a very happy New Year!

Rachel Wins 3rd Place in the 3rd Grade Science Fair

We are so pleased to announce Rachel won 3rd place in the 3rd grade Science Fair on Thursday. She received a special award and a medal! She also got to do her presentation for the entire school. I am proud of her!

December 3, 2007

I wish I had Marilee's writing abilities. I so enjoyed reading her blog this evening!

Rachel's third grade program was tonight. I spent most of the weekend slaving away on the comet costume for her 30 minute program! She did a beautiful job and shined for her part. She plans on reusing the costume next Halloween! I did take pictures but they didn't turn out quite right. Here's one that shows her beautiful smile:



For anyone interested, the results of the science project are in. The "dirty" apples (the ones rubbed by the kids after playing at the public play ground) were absolutely gross - I plan on throwing all the jars away - apples, mold, and all! Our experiment showed that it doesn't really matter if you use bar soap or liquid soap, they cleaned about the same. What we did see is the hand sanitizer was not as effective as soap. However, the hand sanitizer was much better than not washing at all!

Alyson got to go to a birthday party at the Build-a-Bear in Grapevine. The party included a trip to the Rainforest Cafe for lunch. While she was at the party, the rest of us went and enjoyed lunch there as well. The ambience reminds me of the Mayan restaurant in Sandy, Utah. Matthew loved sitting next to the big huge elephants.

Our ward Christmas party was Saturday night. We all dressed up in biblical costumes and went to the "Night in Bethlehem". It was pretty authentic! Someone arranged for greek food to be catered by a local company and there were fun activities for the kids. The program centered around the Christmas story. I was reminded that no matter how busy this season can be, we should always remember the true reason for the season. Have a great week!