A little peek into our Christmas 2010 memories

Katelyn has been taking piano lessons since 1st grade (I think). She really enjoys playing the piano at Grandmas house. She willingly helps her cousins feel spacial by helping them with their piano skills.

Breakfast time! Grandma got all the kids coordinating PJ's. I think that is my favorite part of Christmas morning.

Books were a popular gift for the girls. So glad they enjoy reading.

Nicole got some books from Olivia and Reese.

The cousins pick names from a hat at Thanksgiving for their annual Christmas present trade. This year Nicole had Olivia. Olivia calls Nicole "mickey" so this year that is how she signed her card.

The cutest Christmas card of the year goes to Jodi! We loved hanging it on our tree.

The reason for the season...Happy Birthday Jesus

Scott got a snow plow for the four wheeler just in time. Within 48 hours of having it on the machine we got snow. So thankful for that I will be able to get off the mountain now when it snows.

I found these little creations at Kilwins in Highlands. They are made from gumballs and hardened frosting. Just had to have one or two to take home to look at.

"Believe"

I was asked the question what do you "BELIEVE" after making our Christmas card this year. Well, that got me thinking about my answer.

My children- I believe they are a gift from God. I am sometimes overwhelmed with the responsibility that God has placed on me to raise them. I question myself many times in a day. At the end of the day, in the peaceful quietness of the house after they are asleep, I know that God gave me my children because he trusts me with something so precious. He believes in me.

My husband- I believe that God planned each step of our relationship. I met Scott for the first time in 8th grade. We went to school together in the same class for 3 years rarely speaking to each other. Then something special happened in our Junior year. I noticed this great guy in our class that was so sweet to me. He spoke with respect to me. He treated me with respect. He was really cute. He was just perfect for me and I think he kinda liked me. I did not see how God was working in my life then, but I know now that Scott was exactly what I needed and he had planned for me. I believe in God being in control.

My God- I believe in Jesus Christ. I believe that he was born a baby from the virgin Mary. I believe that He died on the cross for my sins. I believe that He will return again. I did not deserve the forgiveness that was given to me. I believe in God.

There are so many things that we believe in but the above items are most important to me at this moment. This past year was a challenging one for me. I feel like I have had to do some soul searching in many areas. I know that God will bring me through all my troubles. He promises good things to those who love him. I hope my life is a reflection of how much I love God.

Merry Christmas!

Time for the parade~

Katelyn, Nicole, Anika and Cody all joined Becky on the Re/max float in the Franklin parade. They got to toss candy along the route. This was the second year that they got invited to be in the parade. The girls had a fun time. A big thank you to Becky for taking all the kids and making memories.

Christmas cookie tradition~

The VanderWoude family Christmas cookies are a coveted thing in our family. We ration them like there is a shortage of them in the world. Our wonderful grandma Lois makes the dough in advance and for the past few years brings it out on Thanksgiving for the girls to cut and bake up. This year it was Tami and mom doing the cutting and baking. The families at dinner were all givin a tin to take home at the end of dinner to decorate on our own time. That tradition falls on Scott in our family. He makes the icing and gets the layer of icing just right on the cookies. Here are a few of our snaphots of the cookie tradition. My favorite one is Scott in an apron! :) That should get a smile from a few.

Safari party for cousins~

http://www.rik-seephotography.com/2010/11/safari-safari-and-some-birthdays-too/

Wanted inmates caught over Halloween~

Boys annual hiking trip~

Scott and Brett went on their annual local hiking trip this past October. I got them to take a few pictures for me. They spent 3 nights on the art lobe trail. I just have not found the need to go on an over night hiking trip in the woods without water and toilets for 3 nights yet. Yes, that was a "yet". I do intend to do at least one night in my life but not sure when that is.