Christmas 2009

It has been a crazy couple of weeks!! We have been getting ready for Christmas. The kids had a lot of activities that we were involved with this year. It seemed like there were was something going on everyday with piano and violin recitals, choir performances, ballet performances, creche festivals to name a few. Both Warren and I had our families in town this year too which made it hectic trying to fit time in for both families to get together. We had a lot of fun reacquainting with Warren's sister Toni's family. We hadn't seen them in 6 years. We are going to miss them when they leave. Here are some pics of all the goings on this holiday season. Merry Christmas to all!!






We got these pics done on Christmas Eve morning.





Warren and I


Our Christmas tree


All the stockings hung by the chimney with care.


Brady, Brendan and Matt hanging out.


Toni, me and Shirley waiting on Christmas dinner.


Toni's family (Warren's Sister who lives in Georgia)


All the Coulam grandkids minus Justice.


All the Coulam girls minus Justice.


Me and Marilyn playing a game. The object of the game was to not be the last one to push the button or you get shocked. I got shocked!! It hurt!!


Kylie, Miranda, and Victoria posing for the camera



The kids posing in front of the Christmas tree


Tom, Brendan and Warren went dirtbiking

Creche Festival

Tonight, I took Miranda, Carlin and our friend Alyssa to the Creche Festival at the church. All the primary children from the stake were suppose to sing tonight at the festival. They also had tons of Nativity sets to look at. They were from all over the world. They also had costumes for the kids to dress up in. The kids did great. I even got Alyssa to get up there and sing with the girls. Here are some pics of the events this evening. I managed to take a few pictures of the nativities before I saw that it said "no photography". OOPS!!

Carlin, Miranda and Alyssa before the festival


Group Picture


Alyssa, Carlin, Maria, Dallin and Sabrina





Alyssa, Carlin, Sabrina and Miranda




Some of the Nativity Scenes



Christmas Bells are Ringing


The Nativity Song


Have a Very Merry Christmas

Winter Choir Performance

Today Carlin had another Choir performance. It was the Winter Concert tonight. They learned several songs. There were solos in between the songs. They were all instrumental solos. Carlin had a piano solo. They all did a wonderful job!! After the concert, the girls convinced Warren to take them to Swirls for a treat. It was yummy!! Carlin you did awesome!! We love you!!


Carlin performing Jingle Bell Hop


Choir performing Snowflake


Choir Performing My Favorite Things


Jingle Bell Rock


Must Be Santa


Jingle Bells

Carlin with Alyssa and Sarah before the show Alyssa and Carlin Group shots Heather Durrans (choir director and Carlin's piano teacher) with Alyssa and Carlin Afterwards, Warren and I took the girls to Swirls for a frozen treat

Deb's Parents Come Home from Mission in the Ukraine

On Friday, December 11, Deb's parents came from their mission to the Ukraine. They served for 15 months in the Ukraine working on recording the history of the church in the Ukraine. They also taught English and piano while over there. They enjoyed themselves. This was there 7th mission that they have been on. Any way, they flew into Sacramento at 10:39 p.m. Warren and I, along with two of my sisters and their husbands met them at the airport. We are glad to have them home!! We hope they stick around for a while. Here is a pic of them at the airport.

Carlin and Kylie Perform at the National Guard Christmas Party

Carlin and Kylie take violin lessons from our friend Leslie Gwilliam. Leslie's students were invited to perform at the National Guard Christmas Party. I took the girls to Sacrament Meeting and then took them over to the National Guard. It is so fun to see them play in front of people. The more exposure they get the less nervous they get about playing. They did a good job. They performed 3 songs (Jingle Bells, Rudolph, and We Wish You A Merry Christmas. I was only able to get 1 and 1/2 songs recorded though before the batteries in my camera died.



Some group pics before they perform.

The group performing Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Sorry!! My batteries gave out in the middle of the song.


The group performing Jingle Bells.

Carlin's Nutcracker Ballet Recital

Today was a busy day for us. We had the Primary breakfast this morning and Carlin's ballet recital this evening. She had to have a tight bun in her hair and make up on (both of which she had never had before). It was an adventure to do both of those things because if you know Carlin she doesn't handle pain very well. She cries when I brush through her hair let alone pull it back into a bun. Plus, she was afraid of me poking her in the eye with the mascara wand. We made it though!! The recital was really cute! They had little girls from 3 to 11 performing. Here are some pics of the event.



Carlin getting her hair and make up done before the show



Carlin posing before the show



Carlin with "Grandpa and Grandma Reade" before the show


Carlin with her teacher Miss Brittany before the show


Carlin with her friends Sarah and Alyssa before the show



Carlin with the nutcracker after the performance




Spanish Chocolate Dance

Primary Christmas Breakfast

Today was the ward Primary Christmas Breakfast with Santa. I had to be at the church at 7:30 to help set up and cook. Warren brought the girls later at 8:30. I also invited my friend Brook and her 3 girls. We served pancakes, lil smokies, fruit, milk and juice. The kids then split up into there classes to get to know there new teachers next year. Then they sang some Christmas songs. While they were singing Santa came in and they all got a chance to talk with Santa and get a picture taken. It was a fun time for all.