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Away in a Manger

At our ward Christmas party last night Bailey played baby Jesus with Beth and I as Mary and Joseph. Apparently gender is no issue and they needed us at the last minute. We really didn't want to do it at first because it would really put a kink in our plans to lay low in the ward until we move again. But just like anything else in the church we were glad we did. As we stared at our little Bailey and heard the ward sing "Away in a Manger" Beth became a little teary-eyed and we remembered the real spirit of Christmas. That song will always mean more to us now when we hear it again.

mini-Mega Cookie Baking Day 2008

Some of you may remember that the first weekend in December Beth's family gets together in Portland to bake cookies all day. This year we were unable to make the trek but we decided to have a little baking half-day of our own here in Albuquerque. Tradition is that a cookie quilt is patched together on a table for pictures. Although our mini cookie baking day quilt (or what we call the blanky) is no match for the portland comforter that usually covers 3 banquet tables, we are proud of it. We start by gathering all the ingredients...


Then we mix and bake as much as we can. Doubling recipes is common-place.
This year we had the help of a little baker in training...


After the cookies are cooled they are carefully counted and take their place on the cookie quilt. Our grand total: 311 delicious cookies...


This year we also came up with cookie baker names.
Beth = Splenda Girl
Chance = Mister Mix-a-lot
Bailey = Little Lady Fingers
Amy = Sovereign of Sweetness
Jeff = Duke Dough
Debbie = Madam Cookie Quilt

River of Lights

It's finally Christmas time again. This week Jake, Morgan, Sage, and Keiger came to Albuquerque and we all went to see the "River of Lights" at the botanic gardens. It was fun just to get back into the spirit of the holiday season since our busy lives can get in the way sometimes. Also, it was good practice taking pictures in the dark.

Happy Holidays!!!

Pre-Thanksgiving Stretch

So, I'll post this one a little late. After all, turkey does slow you down a little bit. This year was terrific. We spent the day with friends watching football, playing with the kids, and shooting eachother with marshmallows. What a day! My favorite part about this thanksgiving break was the 'Pre-Thanksgiving Stretch'. It is precisely what it sounds like. The day before thanksgiving is the best time to stretch out that stomach as to allow much more food the following day. The place: K&I Diner near the Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, NM. Meal: 'The Travis'. I was only able to keep down a 'Half Travis' but it consisted of a foot-long burrito smothered in green chiles, tomatos, sour cream, and lettuce which was piled high with french fries (weird combo, I know). Most of the people from work that ate there with me only ate a 1/4 Travis and could barely handle it. The pictures are my before plate and an after plate of the Half Travis and the third picture is of a co-worker that couldn't finish his 1/4 Travis. Beleive me, this method of stretching works like a charm. Thanksgiving dinner was no problem and there was plenty of room for pie.

Thank you Fershtut's for hosting our thanksgiving this year.