Another 10

I couldn't get these pictures to cooperate, but they are supposed to be down underneath Christmas. This is Wick's new RipStick that he has already mastered. I haven't tried it yet for fear I will fall and break my neck. Cecelia's favorite gift was her set of Heelies that she now wheels all over the house and neighborhood in.

Wickman shakes a jar of peanuts to welcome in the new year. (my niftty, thrifty noice maker I grabbed from the pantry).

When I called Wickman from Bashas the day before his birthday and asked him if he minded having a "donut cake" and he consented and I sang the hallelujah chorus right there in the bakery section. One thing I could mark off my mile-long "to do list" before Christmas. After a big spaghetti lunch, Paul took Wickman and 9 of his friends up to the gym where they played several games including basketball, pomp and line tag and then came back for "donut cake" and milk. This last decade with Wickman has been quite a ride. I may be jinxing myself, but I honestly cannot believe that we haven't had any broken bones with this kid. He has had some crazy crashes on his bike and skateboard and has the guts to try any stunt. I've got to try and steer him in another direction or he is going to give me a heart attack. Speaking of hearts, Wickman has a great one. He is an adventurous, brilliant boy and we have really enjoyed him being a part of our family. His basketball team is in the middle of the playoffs right now and they are ranked 2nd in their league. We love you Wickman! P.J. elf visited our house on Christmas eve. Everyone is adorning their new pajamas, anxiously awaiting their dreams of sugar plums and santa clause.

Shipley casted, directed and outfitted the Nativity story in a matter of 5 mintues. Wow, is she talented. ...."Mary his espoused wife , being great with child."

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

The very wise man offering a gift.

Lo and behold, Christmas morning! Mom and Dad finally got out of bed at 8:15. I can't imagine why we were so tired.

We transplanted a pear tree in the fall and it was the last tree to loose it's leaves. Amoungst all the brown in the winter stood out these beautiful, mango colored leaves. They were like a bit of sunshine on a cold, cloudy day. They made me smile.

Shipley has taken on a quilt for her young women's project. Thank you Grandma Kathie for cutting out almost 1/2 of the squares out of old shirts and sheets and jeans. You are a saint and we miss you.

Max is rarely seen without this orange hat of his. He has decided that it is easier to throw on his hat than to try and tame the tufts of hair that work their way to be perpendicular with his head each night. Unfortunately, now that school has started up again, he has had to comb his hair. What hard work!

Tennessee will now smile for us. He is so much fun and is constantly being fought over. He is reaching his 2 month benchmark this Tuesday! The time has flown by way to quickly. I don't have any of his current stats, but we'll visit the Pediatrician here in the next week or 2 and then we'll post them.

HAPPY NEWYEAR! The kids rang out wild pots and pans to celebrate a New York new year at 10 pm. We enjoyed a fun evening of food and games with some friends and recalled our highlights of the year: Lake Powell, Lake Powell again, the birth of our 6th joy, Tennessee, Cecelia's baptism, and having our family come for Thanksgiving and offering their selfless service to our family while I recooped from childbirth. Thanks a million! I am forever in your debt!

Yes, this baby is 100% sweet.