Merry Christmas, Happy Birthday and Happy New Year

It's all a whirl wind at this time of the year. I call the week before and in between Christmas and New Years the Black Hole because minutes turn to days and days in to weeks oh, so quickly. We, of course, had a great two weeks with the boys home from school. It was full of video games, naps, shopping, movies, eating, and enjoying the company of friends and family.

The Saturday after they got out of school, Zane and I went with Jeff and Melissa Mortenson to see "A Christmas Carol" down at Actor's Theater. This is something we have done a few times in years past and I love the way I can feel the Christmas spirit with this play and story. We ate at Lynn's Paradise Cafe for dinner and left the kids all to have a great time at the Mortenson's house.

Zane birthday turned out to be a little anti climatic. We planned on seeing "The Chipmunk Movie - The Squeakuel", but a few of the family members weren't in the mood and I was a bit worried about 2 packages that still hadn't arrived in time for Christmas. So, we had a crazy day, but went to the Mortensons that night for a beautiful Christmas Eve dinner and the company and good food helped redeem the day. We had a Baskin Robbins ice cream cake for Zane with the Mortensons and then headed home to continue our family traditions.

The kids opened their new pjs and Zane opened his birthday gifts.  The tradition of the kids sleeping in our room with us Christmas Eve continued this year with little beds being made all over our floor for the four of them. This way, they stay contained and don't run across the hall past the great room (where Santa has left the goodies) to get to our room in the morning. We all didn't wake up until after 8 am and even then we were woken up by Trevor who couldn't contain his excitement.

All the kids were pleasantly surprised with Santa's gifts and the family gift - Band Hero which was given to them by grandma Betty and mom and dad. Trevor got a DS game, a new camera and the book series - Fabelhaven. Boston got an MP3 player, a DS game, and a new bank that is like a little safe with a combination lock. Gage loved his Super Mario Bros. game for the Wii, I Spy books and a kid's camera he asked Santa for. Mallory loves her little doll house and new "Sleeping Beauty" doll and movie. It was a nice Christmas where we were able to relax and enjoy the day fully. We ate crepes, sugar cereal and lazed around in our pjs.

My birthday (on the 30th) was a pleasant surprise. Zane got the kids up that morning and took all of us to Wild Eggs for breakfast. When we got home, Trevor babysat and I went shopping by myself. That is always a treat. Then, a good friend, Sara, came and babysat the little ones while Zane and I went to see "Sherlock Holmes." Zane and the kids gave me Seasons 1 and 2 of "The Muppet Show" on DVD. This is one of the best shows ever and I was so happy because I had wanted these for awhile. 36 is turning out to be great because it had a great start.

We spent the holidays doing puzzle. My parents had sent us a large Disney one for Christmas which we did in a day so we went to Target to get another one for New Year's Eve. First, we went to see "Princess and the Frog" that evening, then we bought the puzzle, some New Year's Eve snacks and went home to celebrate. The kids didn't make it until midnight (we actually sent them to bed because of too many late nights the days before) and Zane and I stayed up putting the puzzle together. It's how this exciting Underwood family celebrates!

The kids are getting ready to head back to school tomorrow and it is bitter sweet. I love that my kids are young and still get excited about the little things. We love this time of year where we get to be with our family, our friends, and are reminded of our Savior, Jesus Christ and his wonderful life. We are blessed. We are happy and for that, I am grateful.