This Week at Our House #49

1. On Friday night, a rogue federal judge legalized gay marriage in Utah. Although, not shocked, because we knew how the hearing went, John was pretty upset. We were planning a family trip to Temple Square to see the lights, but because there was a lot of activity and gay marriages occurring down town, John thought it better to not drive down there. We will have to find another night to go and see the lights. We expect the 10th circuit court of appeals will grant an emergency stay on gay marriages until the appeals process is complete. There is a lot of work to be done. 
2. My sister Amy had emergency surgery on her gall bladder last Friday. My mom flew in from Maine to help her. By Wednesday, my sister was doing better, so my mom stayed with me for two days. We shopped and hung out and baked. I just loved seeing my mom. It made my week happier. As far as I know, the pregnancy is going well. In the last couple of days, I have really started to look pregnant. There will be no hiding the fact much longer. I am, however, incredibly exhausted all the time. There is just so much going on in my life, I really can't get a reasonable amount of sleep.
3. Ruth had a great week of school. She just loves high school and her friends and classes. She's been working out and trying to lay off the sweets and has lost 5 pounds. I did not think she needed to lose any weight, but she felt self conscious about it. I am glad that she has chosen to live healthy to help her feel better about how she looks.
4. Kate had a lovely time cuddling and chatting with my mom, just like she did when she was little. I was quite happy to see Kate renewing that close relationship with her Grandma.
5. Johnny continues to conveniently forget that he has papers and big projects due until the night before or after they are due. I wish I knew how to convince him to be a little more responsible. 
6. Adam is really, really excited for Christmas. He has been loud and active and running through the house and rough housing like a crazy boy. Sometimes it's cute, and sometimes it's really annoying.
7. Rachel had a fun week of school. Her teacher is so fun and nice. They had a party. They made ginger bread houses, and her teacher did the "Elf on the Shelf". Rachel also really enjoyed hanging out with Grandma for 2 days.
8. Anya is really, really excited for Christmas too. Instead of loud and active, Anya has been extra weepy. It's funny how the over-excited emotions in children seem to bring their other emotions to the surface.
9. Joseph has been very excited for Christmas too. He can't sit still and doesn't hear a word I say to him.
10. Josh spent the two days my mom was here with a high fever. He is doing well now. 
11. Arwen is still the cutest thing ever. My mom bought each of the kids a Christmas present while she was here. She bought Arwen a little people princess horse ramp. Arwen has played with it for hours everyday since she got it. 

This Week's Pictures

The Stockings were hung by the chimney with care

Shepherds Dinner

Eating Shepherd's dinner