Party On

We've been celebrating at our house! With Hayden's birthday there was the mad rush to finish up the requirements for his Bear award and Arrow of Light. He was looking forward to getting his award along with the actual arrow they present the boys with in our pack.
At our house birthdays sometimes turn into weekend events. Hayden had his friend party (pizza and a movie at home) on Friday night, a good snowy actual birthday on Saturday where he attended the Aggie game with his dad, and a family treat night on Sunday. We prepped him on getting older and receiving "quality" gifts over "quantity" gifts...and then gave him an ipod nano....which I'm surprised he hasn't wore out already. It has a video recorder in it and the casting, directing and editing has been in full session the entire week. We should have been recording his basketball game this weekend. Inspite of a loss, I've never seen a team of more scrappy eleven year old play a game of ball. They gave it their best effort and hopefully left that court feeling like winners. Hayden was dribbling through guys much taller than him and making shots that left me shaking my head in disbelief. Both teams were exhausted in the end and it's a disappointment when your team's shots are the ones not going in. Hayden did have a career best of 8 hard earned points.

Then there have been class parties at school, a trip to see Santa, and a dinner out with friends to the new Texas Roadhouse in town. Sadie loved sitting on Santa's lap and requesting a "Hamma Montama". Carson wanted more than anything to tell Santa how much he'd love a Hungry, Hungry Hippo game, but being a Snyder boy means shyness hits at the most inconvient times. Even with the friendliest Santa in town, he couldn't muster the courage to look at the old guy, let alone tell him his Christmas wishes. Mom and siblings passed along request for him and he got close enough for a quick picture.

The week ended with a family party at Grandma and Grandpa Reeders. This was probably the biggest family gathering Sadie's attended and it didn't disappoint. Yummy food, Aunts, cousins, babies and presents were all there to enjoy. Even with a few family members not there, the house seemed to be bursting with people and fun.

So even with all this excitment, the presents wrapped, the goodies delivered, the cards mailed I headed to church today without much Christmas spirit. Among all the parties we've had sick kids, a dryer die (always at the best times) and today Todd left for China. If all goes as intended the kids will soon be well, the new washer and dryer will be delivered in a week, and Todd will be home in time for dinner on Christmas Eve. As the songs were sung I found the source of Christmas spirit I seemed to be missing....the real source of it all.

How silently, how silently

The wondrous gift is giv'n!

So God imparts to human hearts

The blessings of his heav'n.

No ear may hear his coming;

But in this world of sin,

Where meek souls will receive him, still

The dear Christ enters in.

I hope the next few days can be spent sharing with my children what really matters about this holiday. As we keep our fingers crossed that Todd makes it home in time for Christmas it makes us realize we are blessed to have a family and a knowledge of Jesus Christ. We must find the gifts in his presence, not in the presents.

Merry Christmas!

one...

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eight....

nine....

ten...

guess who's ELEVEN?!!

Happy Birthday to a great kid!

Legos and Lights

The above picture is of a lego. Probably the smallest lego that is made by the company. At our house it's the most expensive one we've got though. We paid $40 for this lego. Why you ask? Because that was the copay required by the insta-care office that removed it from Carson's nose! While we'd prefer an entire set for that price, we'd like to think we've also purchased a bit of knowledge for Carson of NOT STICKING THINGS UP YOUR NOSE.

The week did have a bright side as well. We headed to SLC to visit our social worker for the 6 month visit (it's a bit early), seeing the capitol building (checking off a merit badge requirement for Austin) and seeing the lights at temple square. It was cold but beautiful.

Sadie was able to have a friend from school come over for a play date this week. It was a big first for her. I have to admit to being a bit nervous, but it went as smoothly as one of the other kids having someone over. I also talked with her ESL teacher for a minute and she shared a cute experience. Last week they were learning names for family members--mother, father, sister, brother. She said Sadie was very enthusiastic to share with everyone that "she has a Heavenly Father!" At home we use the term "dad" and at church she hears "father". I had to smile at her innocence and was happy to know she is learning in all areas of her life. As I sit and do homework with her I am amazed. She is smart. She is brave. She is silly. She is happy. She is willing. I wonder how many children could thrive when faced with such a new lifestyle, yet she continues to progress and do it with a smile.

On Wednesday I wore my USU shirt, since Todd and I were going to the basketball game that night against BYU. Sadie saw my shirt and asked "you go Aggie Bull?" She is more settled with my leaving now. And yes, we did go see the Aggies. And yes, they did beat BYU. And yes, Todd watched the game twice more this week. And yes, it was loud and lots of fun!