Twas the night before Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through our house

Tiny creatures were stirring, bringing joy to my spouse

There is Caleb, and Gage, and Parker make three

then Gavin, and Carson, and Jackson you see

Little Brooke being the youngest is next in line

Then baby Decker in 2009

Making reindeer hats was really quite fun

and frosting cookies for Santa to eat on the run

Wait, it looks like Jordan had something sour to drink

And Parker can't even see to think

Carson is drooling over Cookies (he can't eat)

And Brooke was happy just to sleep

(while we caught Gavin under the sheets)

Ashley got her a puppy and a little bling

Look Bradley gave her a ring

As we wish everyone a Merry Christmas

And to all a "Good Night"

My Sister

My dear sweet sister Susan passed away

yesterday after years of battling cancer.

December 6th, 2008 at 6:25 p.m.

I am thankful for having an older sister as an example.

She has now joined her mother and father

who have been anticpating her arrival.

Families are together forever.

I am thankful for the bonds of brothers and sisters.

We are thankful for the knowledge that we will see her again someday.

She has taught us about courage, determination, strength, and faith.

We will miss her! Love you Susan.

Thanksgiving from #@*^!

Thanksgiving day started out great! The Cheng's and Decker's came over for dinner.

Ashley and happy baby Carson.

Gavin's two favorite things... wearing Grandpa's hats and olives.

I just can't seem to get enough of those fat cheeks and sparkley eyes.

Now the fun begins...the turkey took an hour longer to cook than we had planned. When it was finally done, Warren was cutting the turkey on the counter when all of a sudden the turkey ran off the counter and was on the floor. What the??? It's a good thing we believe in the 10 second rule. Now we weren't even hungry because we had been munching on all the yummy appetizers. By now the kids were done being good and wanted to do their own thing besides eat dinner. However, I do have to thank Emily and Amy for helping with the delicious food. We don't have any pictures of the Thanksgiving dinner, so this the best we could do.

Caleb eating a LITTLE drumstick

Ty, Jill, Jackson, Brooke, Jordan, and Lacey came at the end for dessert.

Brooke is only a month old and she has already learned some gang signs.

Emily had a great idea of making rice krispy turkeys.
Parker couldn't resist and had to eat his right away.

Here are the kids making their turkeys.

Hooray Thanksgiving is almost over with!

Now it's over!

Next year we are going the Marriott!

Who wants to come with us?

Brooke is Home!

We came home from the Christmas party yesterday to the announcement that Brooke would be coming home on Sunday (today). She has done amazingly well!

Grandpa enjoying a quite moment with his first grand-daughter.

Grandma is in heaven! Brooke sure is a cutie!

Brother and sister going to their own home. Good luck Tyler and Jill! What a difference three months make.

Curtis Family Christmas Party

Yesterday we had the Curtis family "Christmas" party. Often we have had the party on sunday, nearer Christmas, and in the evening. We tried a breakfast, and played more games than in the past. My kids said it went well. I hope so! A great big thanks goes out to Tyler, Jordan and Lacey, and Ashley and Bradley for the games, and for all those who helped with the cooking (Jordan and Jeff - with the pancakes) and all of the families with their assigned food.




On of the hits was the donut eating contest. The hitch was that the donut was on a string and you had to eat the donut with you hands behind your back. That's a cute trio.

It looks to me like Curtis was cheating a little on this one. Wait - is that Gavin in the back eating a donut with his hands also? Jeff, Austin and Dallin are really into the competition.

Cameron is trying to eat the donut while still on the string - Kyrsten and Kaili are eating it the old fashion way - get it to the floor and dive in!

Bruce's family looking happy here!

Look whose is competive here (Jennie)!

Oh my, even the old folks dove in.

Julie and Kaitlyn enjoyed a quite moment together.

Trisha, Miriam and Kolbie.

Gavin was one of the first to take a whack at the pinata.

Which eventually culminated in the children diving for lots of candy.

The Christmas party would not be complete without the Christmas story. Mary and Joseph seem to be getting younger every year. Look Joseph brought his bag of treats.

The full cast. It looks like we initiated Dustin into the family.