Christmas 2007

We certainly had a busy week. On Saturday Jessica (Jeff's sister), Mike, and Lillimae were sealed at the Portland Temple. We got there about 25 minutes before it was going to start. We walk up to the counter I give them my recommend, and then I turn to Jeff to see him frantically looking through his wallet and pockets. We looked every where but could not find his recommend. Luckily we were able to get him in, so we rushed up to the second floor, with not a moment to spare.

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They had a wonderful sealer. He gave them some wonderful advice and counsel. After they were sealed, one of the temple workers brought Lillimae into the room. As my mother-in-law says, "Lilli stole the show". She did a great job, and loved all the attention she got.

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After the temple we drove down to Jeff's parent's house in Elmira. We spent a couple days there. The next day they blessed Lilli at church. Mike did an amazing job (he recently got the priesthood) on Lilli's blessing, and it was so cute to see the two of them interact with each other.

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Jeff's grandma, and both of his uncles from his mom's side came into town. Jeff had a great time talking 'life' and 'business' with his Uncle Rick. I think one night they stayed up till three in the morning. We both enjoyed playing cards with the family. We gave everyone their gifts on Sunday night, since we had to come back, so Jeff could work on Christmas Eve. We made all the grandparents a book from a company called Snap Fish. They were really fun to make, and I like the way they turned out. I also made all the siblings a Family Home Evening board (thanks to Brenley's idea). They were a lot of work, but luckily I was able to recruit Jeff's help when it came to the wood working aspect. He loves that kind of stuff. I still have one left to make for our own family. When I get it done I'll try and remember to post a picture.

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On Monday my mom scheduled an appointment for my sister and I to go and get a pedicure done. I had never done one before. I'm not a big fan of people touching me and stuff, so I wasn't too excited about the whole idea. It actually didn't turn out to be too bad. I think the thing that made it so enjoyable was the time that I got to spend with my sister. It was so nice to just sit and talk with her. Too bad it has been super cold here, and I can't show off my cute toes. I looked the other day at the weather in Guatemala...high 70's.

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Christmas Eve my family got together and we had a big dinner with a Christmas program that followed. Jeff and I showed a video that we had made for a Relief Society lesson that I taught. I think it turned out well, because everyone asked for a copy. I would share it on my blog also, but I don't know how to put a DVD on here.

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Christmas day we enjoyed watching our nieces and nephew open their gifts. My parents gave Jeff and I a new entertainment center, a gift certificate to dream dinners (I'll be able to make and freeze a bunch of meals before Logan comes), and the best gift of all...their help with Logan's adoption. The family also got a new game called Whoonu. We played it several times, and really enjoyed it.

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The best part of Christmas day was calling Logan. He was a little grumpy though, because he had been up since 11:30 the night before. His foster family had a lot of family over, and Logan didn't want to miss all of the action. They said that they took him to meet Santa the day before, and he was not happy with the idea. I guess he cried when they made him sit by himself with Santa. Our niece Maddy wanted to say hi to Logan, so she would keep asking us how to say words in Spanish, and then she would repeat it. Logan's foster mom said he loved it, and smiled when he heard Maddy's voice.

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All in all we had a good Christmas. It was nice to spend time with family, and it was nice to enjoy a relaxing year. Of course my heart and my arms ached for my son, but it was a blessing to draw closer to Christ during this difficult time. It really helps to remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Jessica, Lillimae, Jubal, and Mike at the Temple.

Lillimae and the cute temple wokers that took care of her.

Me, Jeff, Jessica (Jeff's sister), Steve (Jeff's uncle), Verna (Jeff's grandma), Mike (Jeff's dad), Debi (Jeff's mom)

My sister and I at the spa.

Every year for as long as I can remember we have gotten to open one gift on Christmas Eve, and it has always been pajamas. Over the last few years we have tried to take a picture with our new pajamas on. I thought you might enjoy some of the photos leading up to the final one.

Merry Christmas!