Dear Santa,

 The Primary children had a Christmas activity where Santa came to visit.  On the way to the church, Ben and I had a very interesting conversation.  He asked what religion Santa is.  Ben has been studying several different religions in school, so I could see where this question was coming from.  He came to the conclusion that this a very busy time of year, so Santa must just not go to church at all because he has to make so many toys for kids....hmmm. 

 I kind of turned the question back of him.  Well, why does Santa bring presents?  To celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, who is the Savior of the world, which makes him Christian.  We've had several conversations about Christians, Mormons, Catholics, etc and how they are similar and different.  It's been a really fun holiday season.  I love to delve into these subjects with this 8 year old who has such a THIRST for knowledge!  Then, I bring in the spiritual aspect and ask him how he FEELS to know the truth.  We've also talked about Santa's helpers - like this helper that has the most beautiful blue eyes!

Happy Thanksgiving

 We had such a fun Thanksgiving!  Our friend, JJ, came to visit for 5 days and we kept him busy!  We haven't seen him since July 2009 when he left Texas for Canada to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, speaking Cantonese.  We loved having him here and seeing him again!  I so much enjoyed having an extra pair of hands to help in the kitchen.  JJ made Sloppy Joes, pumpkin pie, and apple pie - all with little helping hands included! 

 I think scriptures was his favorite time of night!  Andy and Ben took him to see the Church History Sites one day, he was a stay-at-home mom another day, and then did flag football (where he and Andy both got hurt...oops!), frisbee, food prep, Black Friday shopping, leaf-raking, and any other about-the-house chores we had to do!

 We love to play keep-away frisbee.  If the neighbor girl comes over, it's adults vs kids.  If not, the adults split up.  The kids love it and I love it to coax Andy away from studying (which, he did have the BEST grades yet this past semester).  I had fun running with a friend to do the 5K Turkey Trot and then my first-EVER 9mile morning run.  Jaime was here visiting her parents and was patient with me as we slowly ran those 9 miles.  :)   Then I came hope to help rake the yard, only to find the boys did most of it!

 Time to put up Christmas lights!  Ben is scared of heights.  He really wanted to be on the roof with the girls, but he just cried once he was up there.  I wouldn't let him come down until I had a picture.  hehehe...I know I'm such a nice mom!  Mitchell was enthralled with the whole 'light' process.  We were all happy to have such a mild Thanksgiving - very grateful for it!  Nights were filled with games and goodies and deep conversations about the joys of college-life!  Such a fun holiday!!!