Christmas 2009

It was an enjoyable Christmas at our house this year. On Christmas Eve, I made some of my mom's Holiday Cherry Coffee Cake, to share with some of our neighbors and friends who didn't get some of our cookies or cinnamon rolls earlier in the week. Of course, there was NO WAY I could bake and give to everyone I wanted to. I'll include the recipe at the end of this post, so that you can make it, and consider it a gift from us!!!



We decorated paper Santa hats that we used at our family party that night. After eating pizza and salad, we gathered downstairs for reflection on the true meaning of Christmas. Mike shared his thoughts and testimony and then we watched a video about Christ's birth. Next, we put a pile on nine wrapped presents in the middle of the floor (gifts I had purchased specifically for this game), and played a white elephant gift game. Everyone ended up with a small gift to enjoy. Then, we played Pin the Hat on Santa, which Cameron decided would be fun to do at our party.



Elise became so disoriented that her Santa hat ended up on the piano, no where near the Santa face.



We ate goodies and continued to play games together until it was time to go to bed.

I heard the kids at about 6:30 a.m. and took a couple of pictures of them as they checked out their stockings (then, I hopped back into bed).






When Mike and I got up and ready for the day, we called the kids upstairs and opened up the presents that were under the tree from Santa and loved ones.



I don't remember eating any breakfast. A good part of the morning was spent assembling toys and such. The kids were all pleasantly SURPRISED by the gifts Santa brought them.







Corban watched as Mike prepared a turkey and stuffing for a delicious Christmas dinner.



We must have eaten all day long. I felt like the stuffed bird by the time the day was over. We watched the movies "UP" and later "Superman Returns." It was a fun and relaxing day for us, all in celebration of our Savior Jesus Christ. He truly gives the best gifts of all.

I am so thankful for my family and the wonderful day we were able to share together. I am thankful for loved ones who are so generous and giving to our family. We are truly blessed.


Mom's Holiday Cherry Coffee Cake

1/4 c. butter
2 c. Bisquick
3 oz. cream cheese
1/3 c. milk
Can of preserves (your choice)

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Cut together butter and Bisquick. Add cream cheese until blended. Add milk. Flour wax paper and knead dough until no longer sticky (Dough can be divided into two small cakes or one large one). Roll out dough on greased cookie sheet. Add fruit preserved along the center of the dough. Cut slits along the sides and braid up the dough over the fruit. Put in oven for 12-15 minutes (golden brown). Add a powdered sugar/milk glaze frosting on top.

Ready for Christmas!

This week Sadie performed in a Zion Youth Symphony Orchestra Christmas concert, and Cari and Trevon were in a band concert. I loved listening to their music!!! I sang a fun song called, "Christmas Chopsticks" (by Fred Heider)with my friend Amy, at a Relief Society cookie exchange. The song is based on the famous poem, "The Night Before Christmas," by Clement C. Moore. I ended up with about 3 dozen cookies, and I dropped them off at home before heading to the band concert.



When I got home, I discovered that we have a COOKIE MONSTER named Corban living at our house. He wanted to make sure the cookies didn't go to waste. They've gone to "waist" all right - - - MY WAIST! Time to practice some self control AGAIN!



The week was also filled with school Christmas parties and a ward Christmas party. After a yummy roast beef meal (including red and green Jello), Cari and Sadie sang "Mary's Lullaby" in the Nativity program and the primary children sang many other Christmas songs.



Cameron was one of many shepherds in the scene.



Kristi and Elise were angels. The children made a beautiful Nativity scene that helped us all to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas: The birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.



Santa Clause dropped in to wish everyone a MERRY CHRISTMAS too!









Today I led the ward choir in our Christmas program for Sacrament Meeting. Again, it was moving to reflect on the wonderful gift and example our Savior is. My testimony of His life and mission was strengthened as beautiful music was sung and word spoken.
We truly have a Heavenly Father who loves us, and who sent His son to save us all.

One of my favorite of the songs the choir sang was "Lowly Places." The lyrics remind us that to "follow the Savior," we first must find Him. If we seek Him, I know we will find Him. I hope that this week as we celebrate His birth, we will draw nearer to Him and recognize His hand in each of our lives.

LOWLY PLACES

Look for Him in lowly places,
where the lilies grow,
Where forgotten dreams are scattered,
Places only beggars know.

Seek Him where the children gather;
you may find Him there,
Walk beside the weary stranger
Listen for the sinners' prayer.

Spiring castles, sword and scepter,
He would disavow;
No robes of silk nor crown of glory
ever graced His sun-parched brow,

But in the valley of the lepers,
you could see His face,
loving eyes that heal the soul,
and bid the lame man walk away.

You can see His hand in every
kind and gentle thing.
Find yourself where He would walk
if you would find your King.

Find yourself
where He would walk
and you will find
the King of Kings.

Have a MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

WHEW!!!

This past week held orchestra and choir concerts, company, my grandpa's funeral, a Christmas party, and visits with family and friends. WHEW!!! For the most part it was a wonderful week. I am so thankful for my family. I love being able to see them and visit.

Kristi at her orchestra concert



Sadie played a duet at her orchestra concert.





My Grandpa Matheson passed away on Tuesday night. He was 95 years old. His funeral was Saturday. Mike and I sang with my sister Sara. We saw many relatives, including my aunts and uncle and dad. We are all going to miss Grandpa.


Kristi with her cousin Ava Fox at the cemetary:



It was fun seeing cousins - and playing with them too! Grandpa played a grapefruit and orange toss juggle with the kids.




Me and my dad



We went to the annual Ferrin Christmas Party. I enjoyed visiting with some of my most favorite people in the world! Here I am with my good friend Crissie. I first met Crissie my first semester of college. Later, my mom married her uncle. So my good friend is my "cousin" too. I could insert all kinds of stories from our college days and when we dated our husbands - but I won't (it would take too long)!



This slide is like a landmark at the Phelps' home. It was scary for the kids to go down it the first time. After doing it once though, they went down again and again.




Papa and Grandma Beutler took us out to dinner and we were able to visit with our Trent cousins. We visited with Connnie Fladeland (Grandma Connie) on our way home.







Upon arriving home, we discovered that all of our Sunday clothes were left behind at Grandma and Papa's house. Oh well! I guess that's just the way it goes and I'll have to buy some new shoes for some of the kids now, before church next week. I was thinking some of those shoes needed to be replaced anyway. This is one way of getting that taken care of, I guess!

A Heavenly Week

This past week, my mom and step-dad, two of my sisters (and their kids) AND my brother with his family, came to visit and do temple work. It was nice to be together this week. Nicer still, were the sweet feelings we shared while we worked on genealogy and learned about our ancestors and their families. I thought I had a big family, but many of our great grandparents had a dozen or so children! We spent four days going to the temple and doing their work there. I have to say, this was one of the best weeks of my life.





I was reminded of the important things. I love my family and am so glad we were able to be together this past week. We are each looking forward to our next meeting together in the summer, when my other sister will be with us as well. I think one of the things I've recognized recently is that you are as close as you choose to be with your family. If I make the effort to keep in touch and be a part of a family member's life then they WILL be a greater part of my life. Reaping what we sow comes to mind. Serving others helps us love them too.

On Monday night, I pulled out some of my nativity costumes and we sang about the Christmas story.



Thomas and Cameron had a great time together, wrestling and playing. We all had fun!



We made a cake to celebrate Bodie and Thomas' upcoming birthdays.



The whole week was "heavenly" and I have to say, the house is much too quiet now! I miss having everyone here. Family is a wonderful blessing in each of our lives!

THANKSGIVING

We spent a wonderful couple of days with Mike's brother and his family for Thanksgiving. We went to Provo,Utah and began our fun by sampling a number of different kinds of pizza that Eric made us. It was yummy, but I was FULL before Thanksgiving had even officially begun! On Thursday we had a typical meal with turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry jello, sweet potatoes, stuffing, pie, etc. Between the meal and dessert, we went to a local park and played a game of football.




I was thankful to be able to work off some of my meal, and it was a lot of fun. We visited and later that evening watched some movies. Before heading home on Friday, we hiked up to the "Y" on the mountain.





It was another workout and we enjoyed being with each other. I like the wonderful view we had of the city below. After lunch, we walked around the BYU campus and spent some time shopping at the bookstore. It was a very relaxing and enjoyable holiday.

Music & More

I love music and I love that my children and husband do too. It is something we enjoy and is a big part of our family. This past week, Sadie played her violin at the Jubilee of Trees with the Zion Youth Symphony Orchestra. I enjoyed looking a number of custom designed Christmas trees. It was a fun way for me to start the holiday season.





Cari and Trevon both played their instruments in the pit orchestra for their high school musical, Beauty and the Beast. For family home evening on Monday night, we took the family to the show! It was fun to look in the "pit" and see Cari playing her flute and piccolo, and Trevon on the trumpet. They both enjoyed being a part of the play - heard but not seen!