Merry Christmas 2007

Dear family and friends,
I am sure by now you are decking the halls, jingling the bells, and trimming your trees. And, quite possibly going a little crazy just like me!
Christmas is here and I cant believe that I am writing. I think I say that in disbelief every year. But its true, like it or not the holidays are coming!
The Scoresby family is doing splendid. We are all healthy, happy, and well. We are always on the move, never letting any grass grow under our feet. And that is simply the truth.
A year in review for us:
January brought a baptism for Megan.
February brought in many ballroom competitions.
March took us to Florida for a week, with our whole family to watch Mikayla compete in the National Dance Competition. They won! It was pretty amazing.
April-put Keri at the young age of 40, but I got to celebrate in Playa del Carmen Mexico...Thanks Aflac, and thanks Steve for working so hard.
May-brought pre-school graduation, and soccer for Mason (now that was an experience)
June-We learned how to geo-cache...We love it!
July-brought a trip to San Diego for Ker, and a great Scoresby Family Reunion! And the death of our Tink.
August-there was hiking, biking, swimming, playing and the Preece reunion! Hmmm how about that bear! It also meant new dance team tryouts and new partners. Mikayla is now on the Jr.Prep team, and Megan is on the Pre-teen Millenia team.
September-meant transferring schools for all the kids to Noah Webster Academy. They are all excelling and doing well. It also brought Cougar ball–Go Cougs!
October-brought Vegas (thanks again Aflac) and spooks. The weather was warm. I don’t remember Halloween being that warm in a long time.
November-has come and gone. We hosted another successful Thanksgiving with the Scoresby’. I found I can really cook.
December is here , we had our first snowfall. Megan danced her first professional program. Return to Christmas. It was so great, and she was so proud.
As we remember our Saviour this Christmas season we often reflect on his love for us, and his life that he gave. We hope that you too will take a moment to ponder him and the wonderful things he has done for each of us.

We are grateful to each of you, as you have touched our life in some special way. Life would be dull without our families and friends.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year (really? 2008!)

Love,
Stephen, Ker, Mikayla, Megan, and Mason

Our Family Snowball Fight

Don't send a lame Holiday eCard. Try JibJab Sendables!

The Christmas tradition continues.....

Our week has been filled with fun, fun, fun. If you are a member of our family, you will know that we rarely stop to rest. Here is a little of our 2nd week of December. We started our week off on Sunday the 9th with our girls first piano recital. They did so well, and Steve was so proud of them. He didnt really think that they played much. (only because he is gone in the mornings when the practice!) Becca Hamblin (their teacher) was so nice to even let Mace play a song that Meg taught him. He really wants to take lessons too, but maybe in a year or so. The girls love Becca and therefore love to take lessons.




Monday was a day of rest and reading Christmas books--wow-my favorite day so far.

Tuesday brought a FUN night in Salt Lake City at temple square. We went with our good friends the Moses', Adams, and Caziers. We rode tracks to downtown and spent the evening looking at the lights. We made it an extra late night by going to Krispy Kreme's and having donuts! It was such fun time! Can I say I love my friends!









Wednesday brought delivering gifts to the neighbors. I love that I can just drive the car, and I have runners to run, knock and say "Merry Christmas!"

Thursday was our traditional "St. Lucia" day. St. Lucia was a saint who was remembered for her service and kindness. On the 13th of December people recognize this day for her by making a braided sweet bread that is in the shape of a wreath with candles and cranberries (but I hate cranberries, so there are none on our wreath).



Friday we did another Christmas Craft at home.

Saturday was celebrated by going to our ward Christmas party. It was so great! We did a night in Bethlehem. The kids loved it and the program was wonderful. It helped them to remember what Christmas is all about. I felt myself getting emotional as I held my friends baby Truman as we sang Silent Night. I thought of the Savior and all he has done for me. What a blessing to be where we are right now.

Polar Bears Anyone?

One of my favorite things about winter is "hot tubbing". I love my hot tub in the winter. It is so cool to sit out in the cold and look at the snow and icicles and yet be SO WARM! I love to sit and watch it snow when I am relaxing as well.
(Summertime is fun, but I do not get in nearly as often as I do in the winter.)

A few years back our best friends and us were sitting in their hot tub on New Years Eve. It had just snowed in Mapleton and the snow was calling us. Yes literally calling us. It was at that point that we formed the "Polar Bear Club".
To be in the club, there is a special initiation. You must sit in the hot tub and get really nice and toasty hot! Then you must jump out of the tub and roll in the snow. Yes, I said roll in the snow. Then you must jump back into the hottub and endure the coolest sensation throughout your body. Yes it is a wicked feeling.

SO-we had our first initiation of the season... Our good friends the Rasmussens came to soak their weary bodies-and Julie was initiated into the club. She is a true polar bear. Shane on the other hand, well he is NOT a polar bear. He is a penguin. So, if any of you want to come and soak, I dare you to join the bears this winter. ***WARNING***DO NOT attempt if you have heart trouble! This activity is a heart pumping sensation!

More of our December Adventures

First of all let me say that our little magical elf--is awesome and the kids are really enjoying finding him. AND they are much better behaved! Here is a re-cap of our activities of the week. On Monday December 3rd we gave the kids a challenge to give up 3-5 different toys to charity. They were all so willing, and more. We have 3 large bags ready to go.

Decemeber 4th we (or should I say Dad and the kids) made our gingerbread house. This is always a fun tradition for us, and it is always so tempting for the kids! A good time was had by all. Although, I think Steve was ready to tear his hair out by the time it was all said and done.



On Wednesday the kids made Christmas cards for each of their grandparents. Meg of course was the main card maker. She is my artsy fartsy girl. LOVES anything to do with art.



Thursday was a big day for our Mason. He was so excited, because it was St. Nikolas Day and he was testing those waters to see if his shoes were going to be filled with toys and goodies. He was so excited that he couldnt sleep. He kept bouncing from our bed to his. (this should worry me about Christmas! I may not sleep)

Friday brought Christmas crafs and Saturday was a play day in the snow!
We are enjoying the spirit of the holiday, and the kids look forward to each and everyday that we get to do something together.

December is here!

Well, it is official, December is here! We woke with snow coming down, and I would like to say that it came with a vengence, but it did not. Although, Utah county did see 2-3 inches, and the kids had a great time in the snow. I love December, not only because its the month of Christmas, but because it is a month of tradition for our family.

On December 1st (since our kids were little), we have our own little secret elf "Dugan" that comes and leaves a little package for the kids. The gift usually includes an ornament for each kid(then when the kids get older, they can take them with them), it has either a book or a Christmas DVD. This year it was a DVD, and a Christmas count down chain. Each link has a daily activity that we are to do each day as a family to prepare for the holiday. Now mind you, a lot of thinking and preparation goes into this big event. Our children LOVE it, and thats all they talk about in Novemeber. Wondering and anticipating the arrival of Dugan.
This year my father came and brought the gift--informing the kids that as he was pulling into the neighborhood, a funny little man stopped him and asked him if he was Mikayla, Meg and Mace's grandpa. He asked grandpa to deliver the gift. Well-if eyes could be saucers, Meg and Mason took the cake! It was awesome. They were thrilled! This year we have a little miniture stuffed elf that came with the package. He is magical-he moves around the house spying on naughty or nice children and reporting to Santa. Mason is intruiged. Santa also leaves them with a letter-reminding them the real meaning for the season and encourages service, love and time. It is such a great tradition.

Yesterday (Day 24) The kids got to decorate the family room with chains, snowflakes and snowmen. We had a great time doing it! The girls loved making the chain. Mikayla's topped off at 402 links, and Megs at 200.


Today (Day 23) We started our "Joy" journal. We are taking Pres. Eyerings talk to heart and recording daily the things that bring us joy and that we are grateful for. And we watched the 1st Presidencys message.