Cute little snowman made out of cheese.

SUNDAY

I made some cheese balls and turned them into a snowman.

 I forgot the pretzel sticks for his arms.

 We even had some on our counter.

 I think it still turned out so cute.

Giselle leaves tomorrow morning. :(

Twin Falls temple with Giselle

What a special day!

WE LOVE YOU GISELLE.

"CULTIVATE AN ATTITUDE OF HAPPINESS. CULTIVATE A SPIRIT OF OPTIMISM. WALK WITH FAITH, REJOICING IN THE BEAUTIES OF NATURE, IN THE GOODNESS OF THOSE YOU LOVE, IN THE TESTIMONY WHICH YOU CARRY IN YOUR HEART CONCERNING THINGS DIVINE." 

-GORDON B. HINCKLEY

A Road Trip to Twin Falls with my girls and Deacon.

The girls, Deacon, and I drove to Twin Falls in preparation for tomorrow. Giselle is going through the temple tomorrow so we went to the Distribution Center to get her some items that she needed and a beautiful white dress. We also got a bite to eat while we were there. 

It was such a fun day with the girls and Deacon!

Christmas 2013 and Skyping with Anson

Deacon ran in the house today, he ran straight to the bathroom and opened the shower door. Grandpa was in the shower. He said, "Grandpa! Do you know what day this is?!!! It's Jesus' birthday!" Grandpa was a little embarrassed but was also so moved that Deacon was so excited, not for presents but because it was a very special day. We had Grandpa Vosco's ham today. He always gives us a ham for our Christmas dinner.

Bree made her beautiful drink.

We were clearing up the table after our Christmas meal when Elder Call called. Brianna answered my phone and I heard her say, "It's Anson!" She passed me the phone and he basically said he would be Skyping with us in an hour or so. It was so good to hear his voice. He was so full of emotion. I had to stay strong because his voice was so tender.

A couple of hours later he called and we were able to Skype with him. We even had Richie and his family on another computer so that they could talk to each other. Anson was teary eyed and emotional most of the time but when he visited with Deacon, he really started crying.

 Aubrey showing him one of her presents.

Giselle holding Anson in front of our Christmas tree. 

 After visiting with his three sisters, I heard lots of laughter.

This was our Christmas card this year.

Anson and his companion, Elder Peal, with Santa.

This was at their Christmas party at the mission president's house. 

This year a dear friend of ours, Maurine Drenker, had heard that Deacon was really into the true meaning of Christmas. He kept telling everyone it was Jesus' birthday so she surprised us with an Ice cream Birthday Cake. It's something that she did with her daughter when she was a little girl. Tonight we gathered around the cake and sang Happy Birthday to Jesus. I believe that Maurine has started a new tradition for us.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!

I gave Deacon some underwear with the weekdays on them. Before he left our house at night, he asked us, "What day is it today?" We all said, "Christmas... Jesus' birthday!" and he said, "Wednesday!" as he showed us the Wednesday on his underwear.

Christmas Eve 2013

 Christmas Eve started when Giselle got into town.

She put her presents under the tree.

 The real Santa came to our door on Christmas Eve.
 Dick and I were speechless for the rest of the night.

 Before bed, everyone opened one gift.

Aubrey finally got her TOMS necklace that she's been wanting for 2 years. She totally wasn't expecting it.

 Brianna made this for me. I love it!

Deacon was extremely fun this year.
 He was so excited about Santa and presents, but mainly Baby Jesus. 

 Dad read "The Night Before Christmas" like he always has   through the years.

Deacon heard Santa's reindeer bells.
 He was looking out the window to see if he could spot him before they left.

A present for me from my Elder Call.

 Anson emailed this picture to us. This is him and his companion at their Christmas party at their mission president's house.