We are in the wild Christmas crunch. I have the presents (well most anyway) bought, 70 percent wrapped and the house is almost clean. We will have all the older kids here with us here in California. I am bound and determined to be finished before tomorrow so I can have a peaceful Sunday.

Michaela is changing so fast. It is clear puberty is right around the corner. Her independent spirit is alive for all to see. I told her she was getting kinda mouthy the other day and she said, "Well at least I am not like ______, she is one of those Valley Forge girls." I asked, "Valley Forge girls?" She said, "Yeah, she says like and totally all the time." She meant a Valley Girl. I laughed my head off but she didn't want me to tell anyone. (Okay, I told her dad). I love this child, they say laughter is the best medicine and she is liquid tonic.

The photo is my grandaughter Kailey Jo. I took this at the Tate Family Christmas Party 12/16/06. Enough for now...love to all.

This is a fun collage I put together in Photoshop as a gift for Spencer's teacher. I have been teaching an art class called "Meet the Masters" in his class. I miss being with them at the school but maybe it is good for them to learn more independence. Life is good right now. I always love this season, although I am always trying to push too much in the space and usually end up sick to compensate for the stress of the season. This years I do recognize how blessed we are and how the gospel of Jesus Christ has influenced our lives. There is peace in this knowledge.

Enough for now...love to all.

Been off the radar for a few days. I went to Utah for my annual Bookclub Christmas Extravaganza. This is my favorite celebration of the year. These women are amazing and have added so much richness to my life for the past 12 years. Besides which any one of them could run a small country. Also, went to the Tate Family Christmas Party without Doug and the kids. Went with Steve and Amanda and Clint, Natalie and Kailey Jo were there. She is getting so big and she looks a bit like Michaela. Makes me nostalic.

So much going on for the Holidays--seems we just go from one party

to the next and I just hope I have the right labels on the gifts. Tonight we will go caroling with the Bandleys. I know they enjoy our company but I think they really want someone who will sing.

Story People Quote of the Day:

Most people don't know there are angels whose only job is to make sure you don't get too comfortable & fall asleep & miss your life.

Enough for now...love to all.