A Very Long Christmas Post

Our Christmas celebration this year started on December 20th. We had an early Christmas with Diannah and Nancy, since Nancy had to work on Christmas Day, and Duncan, Chloe and I were going to be in Pocatello. Our neighborhood became a beautiful winter wonderland that weekend.

We invited our downstairs neighbor, Gordon, and his two children for the dinner part. Here we are enjoying dessert.

After dinner we had our gift exchange. There was quite an abundance of gifts. Nancy passed out the "stockings," which she and Diannah had put together. What fun!

Chloe's aunts were very good to her, and to us! A good time was had by all!

On Wednesday morning it was off to Pocatello. Grandmother Peterson had the agenda all planned out. First, the grandchildren put on new Christmas outfits from Grandmother and Papa P. Then, Gina and Grandmother try to get a good picture of them together. A daunting task!

Then, it was picture time again when Papa P. came home from work. With two adults actually in the picture, the job was a little easier.

After that: a wonderful dinner, watching footage from our Maine family reunion, Christmas carols and our gift exchange. All of that made for a full day! We really missed Ashley, but she had to work that day.

One of the highlights for Duncan (after he tuned the piano) was playing music from "A Charlie Brown Christmas."

The next day we woke up to a lot more snow, so Papa P. and Duncan had some work to do. It snowed all day, so we stayed at home and relaxed and ate, and relaxed and ate some more. Heaven! Friday we set off for Lava Hot Springs, only about 30 miles away. Grandmother and Papa P. took care of Chloe while Duncan and I took advantage of the steaming water.

Later that day, Hannah and Andrew came back down from Rexburg and we hung out and played games. Saturday we made it back home safe and sound.

Galvanic Spa = Ahhh.....

This is a wonderful NuSkin product that my mother-in-law introduced me to. It uses an electric current to send nutrients deep into the skin. You put the nutrient-rich gels on your face and massage them into the skin using the energized, metal head of the hand-held spa machine. I've been using the spa twice a week for the past month or so, and I have to say that I love the way it makes my skin look and feel. I think my skin looks brighter and more vibrant (or is that the same thing?); and it has that healthy, alive feeling that your body has after a good workout. As you can see in the picture, it has different heads for scalp, body and spot treatments, but I've only used the one that's on the machine. You can see news videos about this technology at http://nsevideos.com/. Anyway, I just wanted to share. :)

Christmas Treats

It's hard to pick just one favorite Christmas treat, but this fluffy white concoction ranks way up there for me.

There's a reason it's called "divinity." Even though the stars have to be aligned for it to turn out, when it does, it's heavenly. I used the recipe in "Better Homes and Gardens New Cookbook." (Mom, do you recognize the plate?) Some of the other Christmas treats our family has traditionally made: fudge, caramel popcorn, sugar cookies, shortbread, cheese ball. And we always like to have a box of "After Eight" dinner mints, but I haven't been able to find them yet this year. Last year I found them at World Market in Park City.

What are some of the traditional Christmas foods in your family?

Growing Up

Our little cutie had her 9-month appointment on Monday (she'll actually be 10 months in about a week) and the doctor said she is thriving. It is so fun to watch her grow and learn. The other day I went to get her out of her crib and found that she had somehow worked her way out of her pants. I'm not sure how she managed that.

She understands some of the words we say, and she even obeys! She likes to charm everyone with her smile, and has gained the status of "Ward Baby" at church. And everywhere we go people comment on her pretty red hair. What a joy!

Friends Who Want to Adopt

I just thought I would put a bug in everyone's ear about some friends that I have who haven't been able to have their own children, and who very much want to adopt. They are wonderful people and will be great parents. They have created an adoption blog, so if you know anyone who might be interested in finding out more about them, here it is:

http://www.patrickanderinadoption.blogspot.com/

Thanks!

Thanksgiving in Pocatello

With Duncan's parents in Pocatello now, we were able to drive the relatively short distance and spend Thanksgiving weekend with them. Some of the highlights:

Watching "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving." Chloe was quite enthralled.


Working in the yard. Duncan had gone fishing that morning with Andrew and made it back in time to help bag leaves. His father was obviously very pleased.
Playing inside. Chloe liked the stuffed polar bears.

Going to a small petting zoo downtown.
Visiting Santa and Mrs. Claus. Chloe liked the feel of Santa's beard and gave it a tug.
Pausing for a picture by the Christmas tree.
Visiting a train museum. The model displays were amazing. They had trains running around little towns and villages. I liked the fire rescue scene. (The last picture will enlarge.)

Chloe a Brunette?

This is a funny head band that Mom and Dad sent Chloe from Korea. Now we know what she would look like with brown, curly pig tails....

...or, heaven forbid, a serious head wound.

We also know what Duncan would look like.