CHRISTMAS!

	Our Christmas celebration really started two weeks ago. We got tickets to the MoTab Christmas concert in SLC. I was especially excited that we had an opportunity to go because Sam will be baptized next month. I had this secret mommy wish that he would have one of those great spiritual moments that he would never forget. Well...it didn't really turn out the way I imagined it would! We had a fun day at the Planetarium and California Pizza Kitchen prior to going to the concert. We stopped here on Temple Square and saw the amazing lights (we'd never been at Christmas time before). When we were finally seated in the Conference Center (the nose bleed section), Sam started to fuss and I could tell he wasn't feeling well. After the second song started, I looked over and he was completely asleep! He slept the entire time! So much for my fantasy. To top off the evening, it was FREEZING and SNOWING. We ended up staying in a hotel and had a harrowing ride home the next morning. The good news is that the rest of us loved the concert. Rachel was especially smitten with the bass section of the orchestra.
	Here's Rachel at her middle school Christmas concert. I would say "Holiday Concert" but they didn't even pretend at Cedar Ridge. ALL of the songs were about Santa and Jesus. I can't imagine this was a fun concert for the non-Christian folks in our special part of Cache Valley. Anyhooo...Rachel was adorable and pleased as punch to bring "Edward" to the concert this time (her new bass). We keep Edward at home unless she has a performance.
	Our adorbale niece, Hannah, at our Cousin's Cookie Party. She was delighted to lick the frosting off as many sugar cookies as we would give her! Hannah is my sister, Carrie's, daughter. We love having my sister and her family nearby. How else would we have a Cousin's Cookie Party?
	This picture is for Anne. This is the coolest domino run EVER! THANK YOU!!!!
	We spent Christmas in Mapleton this year. Andy's grandma, Kathryn, passed away a few weeks ago and her memorial service was set for the day after Christmas in Seattle. So we went to Jen's parent's house for the holiday so we could get Andy to the airport Christmas night. Weeellll...things didn't turn out the way we planned (do they ever?). Not only were we blasted with snow Christmas night, but so was Seattle. Andy got to the airport with no problem, but his flight was delayed, making it impossible for him to leave that night. As if that weren't enough, the memorial service was cancelled due to weather as well. By the time we figured all of this out (at like 10:00 PM), it was impossible for us to go back to the airport and pick Andy up--most of I-15 was closed. SO, this cute smiling man spent Christmas night in the airport sleeping on a couch. Jen's dad went to retrieve him the next morning. The good news is that Andy will be able to use his ticket to Seattle in the future--he looks forward to catching up with his family when the weather improves!
	This right here is what we call Joy In A Box (aka Guitar Hero World Tour Complete Band Kit Edition for the Wii). Andy (and the kids) have been wanting it for MONTHS. In fact, while Jen is writing this blog post, Andy is tap, tap, tapping away to Billy Idol on his totally rad drum kit.
	Christmas wouldn't be Christmas for Sam without a set or two of these bad boys!
	Rachel squeals with delight (and points toward heaven) when she realizes she's holding an iPod in her hands--she had no idea she was getting one!
	I got a Wii Fit--which was completely shocking because I thought I knew what every single gift under the tree was this year (most of you moms out there know what I'm talking about). But why the tears? Well, it turns out my dear Andy paid for this gift with his hockey money. Which means he won't be able to play this next season. I was a little choked up when I realized the sacrifice he had made so I could have a little Joy In a Box of my own.
	God Bless Us, Every One!

Electronic Mad Lib

Mad Libs are our greatest joy, a Sunday evening tradition, and we've done them for the last three years now as our Christmas letter, but we get so few back. In an effort to boost our return rate, we've made an electronic version.



If you don't already have it, you will need the most recent version of the Flash Player, which you can download for free at the Adobe Website

We'd love for you to 1) click here and fill out the electronic mad lib 2) copy the resulting text and 3) paste the text as a response to this blog post.

Christmas 2008

	We started out 2008 the way we start most years--by celebrating Sam's birthday! Sam turned 7 this year and decided he wanted to celebrate with a Webkinz themed party. (In case you don't know about Webkinz, they are evil little stuffed animals that multiply while you're sleeping). What happens when you have a Webkinz themed party? You get a lot of Webkinz, of course! As you can see, Sam didn't object to this at all!
	We celebrated Martin Luther King Day with a car accident. Andy was driving through a parking lot at the movie theater and was t-boned by a teenager. Since no one saw the accident and the police weren't called, we ended up paying for our own dent-al work. We're reminded of our accident every time we shut the van door--it hasn't worked right since!
	Much to our children's delight, we got an ample amount of snow last winter.
	What's a snowman without a snow dog to go with it (sitting on the snowman's head)?
	Rachel's 5th grade class made the trip to Salt Lake City to visit the state capitol while the Legislature was in session. Rachel loved watching actual bills getting passed in the House--and Jen loved going along for the ride.
	Valentine's Day brought more Webkinz to our house!
	After three years in our house, all of Jen's dreams came true when we FINALLY got furniture for our front living room! We spent lots of time painting and fussing with things. It's still not totally put together, but we're on our way. One room down, 9 to go!
	Huntin' Easter Eggs...
	Sam finally found one Rachel had overlooked.
	Jen's eye hemmorage wins the "Grossest Medical Condition" award this year. Other awards presented during an earlier ceremony: "Most Inconvenient Medical Condition": Andy's kidney stones on Sam's birthday "Most Painful Medical Condition": Andy's kidney stones (not pictured) on Sam's birthday "Most Expensive Dental Work": Sam's crowns "Most Enigmatic Medical Condition": Jen's leg problem (is it neuropathy or erythromalalgia?)
	What is this picture of, you ask? When we first moved in three years ago, we noticed we had some little baby tree seedlings. We kept telling ourselves, "We really need to take care of those". Well, we didn't. And this spring, we woke up to find one little seedling had become a full on tree! This is Andy trying to fell said tree. What you don't see is the extensive root system that grew into our sprinkler system and broke some major pipes! GOOD GRIEF! Maybe people should be required to get a license in order to become home owners (in which case we would be lifetime renters!)
	Rachel had a great time participating in Latin Folkloric Dance offered at Edith Bowen. All of her early morning and lunch time practicing got her ready for several spring performances.
	Our very own Dr. Walker was voted "Teacher of the Year" by the students in the Department of Instructional Technology this year. Hooray! Andy goes up for tenure in 2011. In the mean time, he continues to work tirelessly on his grants, research articles and teaching responsibilities. Andy also presented at two conferences this year. Although Assistant Proffesorhood is super hard work, there isn't anything Andy would rather do. He is truly living his dream. When he's not working, he loves to play ice hockey (he's getting better). Andy continues to hone his gaming skils, bikes to work and serves as our Ward Mission Leader.
	Is Sam a future soccer super star? Probably not! But we do have to give him props for giving it a try again this year. Sam is really not fond of group sports with balls. We will keep trying different things. We know there is a sport out there made JUST for Sam!
	Rachel was involved in the Stock Market Game at school--she and her group chose stocks and watched the market for several weeks. Rachel's group did so well they came in 3rd in the state of Utah! This is a photo of Rachel and Jen at the winners banquet at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building in Salt Lake.
	Rachel proudly displays her award!
	Rachel's class had an Underground Railroad dinner at her teacher's house. After dinner, the kids simulated the Underground Railroad by traveling from one Safe House to the next--all the while trying to avoid Slave Catchers. This is a picture of Jen's mom, Larri-Lea! She was recruited as a Slave Catcher--and took her job seriously! Seriously funny is more like it. She was totally hilarious! If any of you are wondering where Jen gets her super weirdness, look no further! Super weird and quirky are apparently inherited because Rachel is showing early signs and symptoms as well!
	Happy Mother's Day to Jen! The kids and Andy had Jen's diplomas framed (finally) and got her this super cool plant. She loved it! But most of all, she loves being a mom to these two very wonderful, fabulous, smart, funny, creative, inventive, loving, kind, generous, exemplary, perfect children!
	Sam's class took a trip up the Limber Pine Trail in Logan Canyon. The hike was beautiful and Sam had a blast. Sam really enjoys exploring and discovering new things. He was completely fascinated with the Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker we spotted on the trail.
	Rachel's class performed their own version of "The Taming of the Shrew". Rachel and pal Savannah were cast as servants and wedding guests. This is just another example of why Edith Bowen was such an excellent experience for Rachel--she was able to explore and experience a wide variety of wonderful activities and ideas. She loved every minute!
	At the end of May we headed to Boise for cousin Blake's missionary farewell. The best part of the trip? The hotel swimming pool, of course!
	Sam lost his two front teeth this spring, making him the Official Cutest First Grader on the Planet! Sam loves to swim! He also loves to cook. This summer he invented the "Pizza-dilla" (a tortilla with pasta sauce, cheese and pepperoni microwaved for 2 mintues). He's eaten approximately 10,000 of them!
	Sam's First Grade year was amazing. And one big reason was this fine lady right here--his teacher, Karen Steele. Because of her love and dedication, Sam grew and learned and matured by leaps and bounds. The very best news is that becuase Edith Bowen loops, Sam has Mrs. Steele for Second Grade this year, too!
	Our baby graduated from 5th Grade in May! Jen was able to stop crying long enough to take this photo of Rachel. Not only is she holding her diploma, but also a Presidential Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement and an Oustanding Citizenship Award. The real source of Jen's tears was realizing what a blessing it was for Rachel to attend Edith Bowen for 5th grade.
	A big reason for Rachel's success in 5th grade is this fine lady right here--Rachel's teacher, Joan Kyriopoulos (Mrs. K). We are so thankful Rachel had a teacher this year who really understood her and who helped gain confidence in herself. Rachel left elementary school armed and ready for middle school!
	Happy Father's Day, Andy! The kids and Jen had fun making this cake--and the totally awesome crown on his head. Andy was King for the Day! (But really, isn't he King EVERY day?)
	June brought warm weather and swimming lessons. We had a lot of fun eating our lunch after lessons and staying at the pool for a few hours to swim with friends.
	If we could sum up Sam's passion in one word, it would be LEGOS! This is a picture of a Lego WALL-E Sam made right after seeing the movie. We are constantly amazed at the creations that come out of Sam's head. He has begun making Lego robots that actually transform from one thing into another. He will often disappear for an hour or two and come back upstairs with some new amazing thing. And as you can see, making things with Legos makes Sam VERY happy!
	Rachel's BFF Julia came from Pennsylvania for a week in July. If any of you are wondering, friendships can endure thousands of miles and and years of separation. These two are still as silly and crazy and connected as ever!
	We got your Joe the Plumber right here! This is a picture of Sam at Bear Lake (Bare Lake?). He will have to tell you himself what it feels like to have a sunburned butt crack!
	Our little seven year old is still trying to figure out how to ride a bike. Despite Andy's efforts, he still isn't quite there yet. We'll dust off the bike again in the spring and give it another go!
	Rachel continues to enjoy playing the string bass. She takes private lessons and also plays with the school orchestra. In this photo she had just finished playing a piece in church with her teacher and her aunt, Carrie. It sounded great!
	This is a funny picture of Sam at Raging Waters in Salt Lake. He was taking his sweet time getting across this floating water snake--notice how many kids are piled up behind him! Once he mastered it, though, there was no getting him off! He had a great time!
	Andy and Rachel celebrated their birthdays together this year (35 and 11 respectively). We left for Oregon the next day and decided to have one big blow out for both of them. Rachel's cake is an artist's palette (in case you were wondering!) HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
	As you can see, we were LOADED down for our road trip to the Oregon Coast. We even had Rachel's bike inside the van!
	The weather at the coast wasn't the greatest, but it didn't deter the kids from having a fabulous time with their cousins, Lydia and Morrigan. They played non-stop for 4 days straight!
	This picture serves two important purposes, really. The first is that it illustrates just how bald Andy is getting! The second is that shows just how dedicated Andy is to the art of sand castle making. He took some pointers from some nearby beach-goers and got to work. Unfortunately, a strange child ran through the work of art before we could get a picture of the final masterpiece.
	Hooray for 2nd Grade! This is Sam running free after the first day of school. He really loves his class and his teacher. He has made some good friends this year. Sam is a great reader and does really well in math. He has loved learning about Peter Pan, the solar system, the Dust Bowl, and fairy tales. The best part of the day? Recess! (and lunch, if they're serving pizza)
	This is Rachel on her first day of 6th grade. Her bus comes at 6:45--so it is still dark when she leaves for school. She has made the adjustment fairly well. She struggles with math, but she still made the honor roll first quarter (we're very proud of her). She is learning how to switch classes and keep her homework assignments straight. She's making new friends, is on the student council, and is in the PTSA club. She loves orchestra and Family and Consumer Science (home ec). She hates math and science!
	Rachel, age 11 6th Grade
	Sam, age 7 2nd Grade
	Rachel's painting, "Second Dam in Autumn" won a first place ribbon in the Reflections competition! We actually commissioned Rachel to do this painting for our living room. Art is Rachel's first passion--she lives for her weekly art lessons.
	Although we think LEAF is a four letter word, the kids love playing in them. This was a particularly beautiful fall day.
	Just hangin' out!
	Happy Halloween! Rachel dressed up as an artist this year and Sam was Bumblebee the Transformer. We had one of the warmest Halloweens we can ever remember this year--the kids didn't even wear coats!
	Sam's costume is a one-of-a- kind Andy original! He made it out of cardboard and duct tape. It took two complete Saturdays to make, but Andy reports that it was SO worth it because it is SO completely COOL! The only problem is that Sam could barely move! By the time he was done trick-or-treating, he was wearing only the breast-plate and he'd blown a tire. But he loved it! And he loved his dad for making it.
	We had a lot of fun with Jacob's Rock Band game over Thanksgiving. Here is Jen rockin out to Pearl Jam in her parent's basement. She's singing her theme song..."Ohhhhh, I I oooooh I'm still ALIVE!"
	Sam really was having a good time on Thanksgiving Day--he just didn't want to stop what he was doing to come and eat! It should also be noted that Sam does remarkably well in these settings--he's the only boy cousin!
	Rachel loves little kids--especially her cousins Leah and Hannah. Rachel took a babysitting course at the hospital this fall and can't wait to put her new skills into action.
	Why is Jen posing with this gingerbread house by herself?? Because her kids bailed on her, that's why! In addition to Gingie's house and rocking out to Pearl Jam, Jen is actively invovled at both kids' schools, teaches Sunday school, just started teaching an independent study course for BYU, goes to water aerobics, and when she has time enjoys book club meetings, Bunco and just learned how to play mah jongg. And sometimes she makes sure we have clean underwear. Oh, and she might also waste time on Facebook, too.
	As Sam puts the final touches on our Christmas tree, it's time for us to put the final touches on this Christmas blog post. We've had a great year--we've had some wonderful experiences, great achievements, a fair share of set backs, a few sorrows and dissappointments, and a whole lot of fun. We mourn the loss of Andy's grandmothers, Miriam Saar and Kathryn Walker. We rejoice in the election of Barrak Obama. As this year draws to a close, we are reminded that we are very blessed. We have so much to be thankful for--including you, our wonderful friends and family! We love you! Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!