CHRISTMAS 2008

CHRISTMAS EVE
Jared had to work most of Christmas Eve. He came home for a few hours during the day, but had to go back to work for the evening. We went over to the hospital later that night and the kids opened their new Christmas jammies there and had fun running around the empty cafeteria. So during the kids and I tried to keep busy. We did a gingerbread house kit.
We had lots of fun putting this together. The kids made up their own rule that if candy fell on the floor it had to be eaten by them. Alot of candy ended up on the floor. Lucky for me we had leftover halloween candy. We used banana runts for the front awning of the house. I think it turned out really cute. Matthew kept asking me when we were going to eat it. I told him the candy was too old to eat, but by Christmas day night the front walkway of gumdrops was gone.

CHRISTMAS MORNING

Both kids got a Webkinz in their stockings. Matthew was very excited because this is his first webkinz. Amanda got 3 new ones for Christmas. And both have been having lots of fun playing on-line with them since they adopted them.

Hooray! More car stuff! This one we can take on trips because it folds up to the size of a lunchbox. Thanks G-ma and G-Pa Bunker.

Santa gave Amanda some moon shoes. They are like trampoline shoes.

Getting some air in her PJ's!

Jared had one of these helicopter toys when he was a little boy. He saw it in a Kmart ad and had to give it to Matthew. It was the most popular toy for everyone that day.

This is the clean version of our family room after Christmas morning. But of course you can't see all the garbage and wrapping paper by my feet, or all the toys on the fireplace.

Ethan loves cars and that is pretty much all he got for Christmas. All the kids are glued to the TV watching a movie that Santa brought them.

Grammie gave Amanda a daddy pound puppy to go with her family she got last year for Christmas. Last years didn't include a daddy puppy.

Amanda has been taking piano lessons for about 8 months. Her Christmas recital was playing at a nursing home. We did a duet together. She did a good job. Only mom messed up. Amanda played it perfectly!

Merry Christmas from the Griffith's

I probably won't get a chance to blog til after Christmas. So I just wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.

Our family has felt truly blessed this year. We have done alot of fun things as a family. In February we went to Floridaaaah! It was nice to be able to leave the cold of Michigan. In the summer we went to one of our favorite Michigan destinations and that is Holland, MI. The beaches there are wonderful. Jaclyn and the kids visited family in Utah for 2 weeks which is always one of my favorite trips. I miss and love my family! In September we journeyed to Northern Michigan and Mackinac Island. You can check out all of our adventures on our previous posts.

The year wasn't all fun and games. Life is never without trials. Jared works alot of hours being a busy 4th year resident. But we manage and still get to see him plenty, but never enough for me or the kids who adore their Daddy.

A few good people we know passed on this year. Our good friend and neighbor George Monty died a couple months ago. We pray for his wife and son everyday. My aunt Kara also lost her battle with cancer just before Thanksgiving. I know she is missed by all who knew and love her. And my sister-in-law, who is more like a sister, lost her father just recently. May God bless all families this Chistmas season.

We are very excited for what this new year will bring. A new state to move to, a new house to live in, a new job to go to. Connecticut will be lots of fun for 1 year. I hope we get some visitors for the year we will be there. We feel truly blessed to be able to be there.

I hope each of you feel the love of our Savior, especially this wonderful time of year to celebrate His birth. Merry Christmas!

Ethan the Racecar

Ethan loves cars and loves the Disney movie "Cars". So he often passes the time by pretending to be a racecar. Although in his mind I think he actually believes he is the racecar. He runs around our "racetrack" several times each day. But the video speaks for itself. He is just so cute and fun!

Amanda's Baptism

Amanda and Daddy all ready for the special day. Even mother earth decided to dress in white for the baptism. It snowed 2 inches! It was a wonderful program. Matthew said the opening prayer. Grandpa Bunker gave a talk and so did Grammie. Jared performed the baptism and gave a wonderful confirmation blessing. Amanda and her friend Emily from school sang a song. After comments from the bishop, Antonio who is Amanda's friend from church gave the closing prayer. We had family and lots of friends from church that came for Amanda, then to our house afterward for some food. YUMMY! Thank you to all who came and all family who sent something special for Amanda on her special day!

Just a picture of Grandpa Bunker with all the kids. He made a special trip to come for Amanda's baptism.

Amanda got her own set of scriptures with her name of them. She was very excited to take them to church today.