Presents From Santa

Stockton has been needing a bed for about a year, but since we don't have any other kids on the way, we haven't pushed the matter. Well, since Stockton is over three years old now, we decided that we needed to break down and buy some furniture, so that's what we did for Christmas this year. Not too exciting, but I wouldn't have wanted anything else. Stockton loves his new bed and his room is one of my favorite rooms in our house.

Stockton's Christmas was a little more exciting. He got "Shake n' Go Crash-Ups" from Santa. He loved it!

The Howe Family Christmas Pageant

I think it is safe to say that our family Christmas pageant could use a little work and a few more grandkids.

Brethren Get-together

Last night, we got together with Clark's friends from high school, or "the brethren" as they are also known. Clark has such a great group of friends, and even though they've been out of high school for almost 15 years, they still do things together. All of his friends married extremely well, too. I love all of their wives--they are some of my favorite people ever! At our get-together last night, there were 7 of the original 10 brethren present--not too shabby.


The Brethren (two had already left before this picture)


The Wives

Stockton's New Sport

We took Stockton skiing for the first time a week ago. I wish I could say he loves it, but that wouldn't be perfectly honest. He doesn't dislike it, though, so that's a good sign. He absolutely loathes his ski boots, but doesn't everybody? He is a little apprehensive about getting his skis on, but he knows once he does he gets to go down the "slide" (ski slope), which he likes, and then go on the "swing" (chair-lift), which he loves.

Last week, his instructor pretty much carried him down the slopes, but this week, he kept his balance better and mostly skied on his own (with the instructor right next to him). We are working on his snow-plow or "triangle," as Stockton likes to call it. I think we're getting close.

Christmas Home Tour

Every year, for the December Enrichment activity, my ward does a Christmas/traditon home tour. The women in the ward visit three different homes to see the decorations and to hear a few traditions, and our home was selected this year. It was so much fun to have everyone come and hear the traditions Clark and I have carried on from our families. It gave me an excuse to take pictures of our decorations, too! :)
Our Living Room, and pretty much the only room with decorations. (Sorry this one is blurry, but it is the only one I have with the candles lit.)

My planter box, outside.

Very Sweet

Yesterday, we put Stockton to bed at my parents' house so we could watch a Christmas movie with them. When we woke him up to go home, he decided he wasn't quite ready. I think this is one of the sweetest pictures ever!

(This was taken on Clark's camera phone. Sorry it's a little blurry.)

The Good and Bad in Christmas Music

It was the best of songs, it was the worst of songs . . . Unfortunately, there is a lot of bad Christmas music out there. Fortunately for me, my husband knows all of the great oldies songs that have withstood the test of time (actually Clark took over to write this last sentence). Even though Clark does have great taste in everyday music, he and I differ somewhat in our taste in Christmas music. So, you tell me. . .who's favorite Christmas song is better, mine or Clark's?

Maquel's Favorite Song: Carpenters' "Sleigh Ride"

Carpenters - Sleigh Ride
Uploaded by catrin345

Clark's Favorite Song: Jim Nabor's (i.e. Gomer Pile) "Go Tell it on the Mountain"


Luckily, we both have a sweet spot for the music from The Muppet Christmas Carol