Christmas 2009

This year was our Utah year. Although is is important to gather with family and to take turns, I think we are getting to a stage in our lives where it is becoming fun to stay home too. We might think about that in the coming years, but this year was A Wasatch Mountain Christmas.
In this picture of Mom and Elphie, I managed to get it right when Elphie is thinking, "See? I am so cute, I knew we would be friends. Let me lay on your lap." Mom....the smile is deceiving.....she is thinking "Get. Off. Me. Now. Don't make me throw you into space with witnesses in the room." She's a good sport. Mom, I mean. :o)

We spent the week with Darren's parents at their house. Darren's mom is a terrific hostess and was very patient with 2 more people in her house and 2 instant pets. Yes, we brought Oliver and Elphie. They were actually on their best behavior all week until the very last day. By then we think they were getting just a little too comfortable. You have to love the picture of Oliver trying to play the game Dad and Darren are playing and Elphie and Oliver just chillin' with the boys. It's funny to watch them.

Other than not joining them for games one evening and going with Darren's brother and sister in law to dinner or when we didn't go to RS & Priesthood and came home to get dinner started, things went pretty smoothly. One of the two snuggling, and the other is Elphie at our home perched like a prairie dog on the heater watching me make toffee. So funny.

I am grateful for Darren's family for many reasons but this year I noticed how different each sibling is from the others. They all have the foundation of kindess and fun and positive attitudes. I love that. But it's some of their uniqueness I noticed this year and I am grateful that I have such a good relationship with my in-laws.










A few photos from the Christmas Party.....My darling BIL Trev, and my SIL, Bonnie. Then a picture of 4 grandsons hovered around something fun. If you look close you can see the very top of Chani's baby girl Claire on the left. And cute Darren with his Christmas Break facial hair.
We did the Lotz Family Christmas Eve party.......which is akin to walking through a fireworks factory whilst lighting a match. It's very loud, it's very intense, and oft times there are casualties. However, it's a fun show for all, and that's good too.

One night we noticed that the temple has snow clouds that were descneding on it and making the lights on the temple, adding to the etheral look while it glowed. We ran back for my camera and missed the best shots, but here's a taste. It was so cool!
Christmas morning......we got going quite late and it sounded like that was a common theme with a lot of families this year. It was nice albeit quiet. A little too quiet for me. Darren's Dad got an iPod this year and Oliver got a few kitten treats from Aunt Catherine. What a lucky kitty.











It's almost 2010....Resolution Time. Maybe I should resolve to be a better blogger? :o) I'll make the list and get back to you.

My Favorite Treat(s) This December

Mmmmmmmm.....can you tell what it is?*I have always liked pomegranates, but this year they are particularly yummy. It's been my one vice........a fruit as a vice, you are thinking. Yep. They are $3.00 a piece! Unless you get a smaller, withered looking one, which are in abundance in Burley. Then they are only $2.50 a piece. So good, I have a hard time sharing. :o)

*I haven't had much hot chocolate in the last few years, just because it's usually just too sweet anymore. I like the flavors that Stephen's offers but it's much too rich for me. However, my naughty friend, Leslie, in Declo, shared this little gem. It's SO GOOD! If I manage to find it, I might have to have a little this winter.