journal entry

Things are good: busy, but good. James' surgery went really well. He was at the hospital a lot longer than anticipated, but I suppose that is to be expected. The day of the surgery and the day after he really laid low and took it easy but by Friday he was out and about (he attended a funeral). It is amazing that he never complains. I hope he remembers to take it easy so he doesn't encounter more pain later on in his recovery.
Thursday night I attended the high school band/choir concert. Austin performed in the band and Molly in the choir. Molly was part of a group of six young ladies which were asked to sing a song together - so beautiful. Austin did amazing with the band - it was a great show! Following that I drove straight to the elementary school to watch Chase perform in the fourth grade musical performance of "I need a Christmas vacation" It was very cute and fun to see Chase be so involved with all the movements and he knew all the words to the songs.
Friday James and I went to his Christmas work party which was pretty fun. He works with a great group of people, fun to get to know them better.
Saturday James stayed home and worked on the finishing touches of a sacrament meeting talk he gave Sunday while Austin and Molly studied for finals all day. I had a stake camp meeting at 8 a.m. then took Ryan to a birthday party. That night Ryan and I went to the neighbor hay ride activity. It was a lot of fun!

We brought cookies to share and they provided hot chocolate and hot cider for all. It was fun to ride around the neighborhood looking at the Christmas lights and singing Christmas carols. It was great to meet new neighbors and get to know better ones that have lived here awhile.
Sunday James had his high council speaking assignment. He brought Austin with him as his speaking companion. Their topic was the Book of Mormon.
James had a birthday Sunday (yesterday)! We celebrated after church with a quick dinner, cake and gifts (he got two BYU t-shirts, two church books, a BYU hat, a tie, and lots of root beer, chocolate and nuts, but I think the best thing was the handmade cards from the kids) before we headed out to the Stake Christmas program (Molly sang at that in a ward youth choir).



Today is our 18th wedding anniversary! We hope to have a date tonight. James went back to work today so we'll see how his pain level is by tonight.
I want to give a shout out today to our friends, Cindy Jo and Dustin Gordon. Happy belated b-day Cindy Jo and Happy Birthday today Dustin. Cindy Jo- I will have something in the mail for you really soon. I want to take all my boxes to the post office the same day and I'm not quite ready yet, but be looking soon. :) I do hope your day was great.