November 29 – family photo for this year’s Christmas card.

December 6 – Raine decorated our Christmas tree.

Why was Raine the only one decorating? Because Carter fell asleep on my shoulder and Daddy was washing dishes.

Carter made up for his evening nap later that night — the clock behinds us says 11:35 and Carter was as wide awake as he looks. Good thing I had a trial to prepare for and wasn’t planning to go to bed before mid-night anyway! The next day, my trial notes had little 5-year-old drawings scattered throughout.

December 8, Carter put the star on top of the tree. (Our old one shorted out last year so we had to buy a new one, that’s why it went on a few days later.)

December 10, Kindergarten gingerbread decorating.

December 12, Ward Christmas party photo with Santa.

December 14, delivering Christmas presents to the Texas Fort Worth Mission office. We have done this for years and (despite Carter’s face here) the kids enjoy helping me put together bags for Elders and Sisters who may not have received something from home.

December 17, class Christmas parties. Raine really, really wanted me to come to her party and even asked me if I could ask the Judge to let me go. Needless to say, I made it to the party!

Raine’s class made pillows and played BINGO.

Raine and Mackenzie

I attended Carter’s party too. We made reindeer food and listened to a story.

This Christmas is our first with me working full-time. Initially, I was worried about how we would get everything ready in the limited time we have, but to be honest, it was far better than years when I had all the time in the world. We didn’t have time to worry about the “extras,” we simply focused on the most important things — celebrating Christ with our family. It was far less stressful than years past and far more enjoyable.