Christmas Greetings!

Anyone know who this special Santa is? Sadly, my children didn't get to see this Santa, I think they'd figure it out.

Merry Christmas everyone! Another year has gone by and we've experienced some major change. But isn't that what life is really all about. This summer, we moved to Pocatello. Allen got a position up at the Women's Prison and I got a teaching job at Marsh Valley High School, where I graduated from. Which, in itself, has been an adjustment. I've gotten to see so many old friends and it's been real fun. And also, Marsh Valley only has a 4 day work week. I love that!

We've adjusted to our new ward pretty well. I was put in as Sunbeam teacher and Allen is over the 14 year old boys in scouts. We've spoken in church already and the kids are having a great time in Primary. I can't believe that Kenny will be baptised next year. It's hard to imagine. Kenny goes to school at Greenacres and is in a classroom that has both 2nd and 1st graders. I love it because I believe he's being challenged. I get to volunteer in his classroom on Fridays. Ashlyn has been in dance class where she's learning tap and ballet. She goes to preschool 3 days a week and loves it because she gets to go with her cousin Savannah. Both kids have a lot of friends and play with them often.

Allen has been working grave yards at the prison, but that means we get to spend a lot of family time together at night. Which the kids love. Except for lately when I've been working a lot at Deseret Book for Christmas help. That has been a challenge. But less credit card debt for Christmas which is always a bonus. Pretty much, we're loving living so close to our families. I love the convenience of Pocatello.

We wish you all a Merry Christmas and hope everyone is doing well.

Gail Petersen Emfield

I had the opportunity yesterday to attend the funeral of my high school best friend's mother. Gail was an amazing woman. Even though she had many health issues, her spirits were always high. I learned so much about her yesterday. Like, because of her arthritis in her hands, she only had 10% use of them. I knew things were rough. She was a strong woman with deep roots in the gospel. She was an example to anyone who met her. She raised 5 young children by herself after the death of her husband. I believe Becky was only in 7th grade. Gail was a second mother to me. Her house was always open and remember fondly the parties and just hanging out there.

She eventually died from a brain tumor after a 4 year battle. I will miss her, even though I haven't really seen her in 10 years. It has been her example and the example of her children that made me who I am today.

Merry Christmas (a little early)

Introducing, my new Moto Q 9c. Allen and my Christmas present to each other. Allen's is grey/black. So here's my new baby. Isn't she beautiful! I love the color and the qwerty keyboard. I love that I can check my e-mail and surf the Internet, and it's even a useful PDA. NICE! I just thought I'd show her off.

Glenn Beck Came to Town....not Santa

Many of you may not realize that I've been working at Deseret Book for Christmas help this year. It's been really fun. Even on Tuesday, which was a madhouse because the notorious Glenn Beck came for a book signing.

It has been said that Deseret Book saw over 800 people that came specifically to see Glenn. That night, we had an unheard of $4,000 hour. A new store record. I myself got to shake his hand although I didn't get to go through the line. Just one of the perks of working there, and being in the right place at the right time. That also helps. Glenn was very genuine and gracious. Saying a lot of "God Bless" and "Thanks for braving the cold weather". Once the hour was up, he was gone. He had another book signing at Barnes and Noble in Idaho Falls at 8 pm.

Afterwards, it took me a long time to unwind and I had a hard time focusing on my work because I was so hyped. But it was fun to be in the presence of a celebrity.

Well, it happens to everyone, right?

I knew it was just a matter of time, Ashlyn cut her hair. She was actually pretty calm about it. Kind of repentant, but mostly, I've noticed, she has become vain. Every time I look at her she's looking at her reflection in the mirror or the TV or whatever. She complains that her bangs won't lay down flat. I've tried evening them out, but if I cut anymore, she won't have anymore hair. It will grow and she may do it again. But probably not for awhile. I think she really felt bad.

Day after Thanksgiving

The day after Thanksgiving, Mom and I had to get up at 4 am so that we could go to work at Deseret Book by 5:30. I have never gone shopping on black Friday, but what I saw that day was INSANE! The parking lot of Walmart was packed full and by the time we got into Deseret Book it was busy like 6 pm. And there were no children and many women were in pajamas. It was Crazy!

Later that night, we went to the Parade of Lights in old town Pocatello with Roy and Jeanne. It was pretty cold and it was so funny watching Ashlyn try to pick up candy with her mittins on. She resorted to holding out her bag as passer-bys put handfuls of candy in it. We ended up with just as much candy as we did from Halloween. The parade was fun. Ashlyn needed to go the bathroom and we missed the last 5 minutes of the parade as well as Santa himself. Sad, but I didn't tell her about it.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving was great! We went to my parents house along with Lindsay, Kent and Kayla. We got there early so Allen could go upstairs and to bed. We didn't eat until 6 pm that night so all day we were cooking and playing the Wii. We had a great time visiting and just hanging out. My specialty this year was the turkey rolls. From which I stole from www.rhodes.com. They turned out great and Kenny and Ashlyn loved to help.

Lindsay trying on dresses

With Lindsay getting married this summer, she wanted to get a jump on the wedding dress thing, so we had a girls day out with Mom, me, Lindsay, Ashlyn and Kayla. I'm not posting pictures of Lindsay with some dresses on, just pictures of Ashlyn and her little copy cat cousin Kayla.

Happy Birthday Grandpa!

Well, another year has passed and we've celebrated another Grandpa Brown Birthday. As per tradition, all the grand kids surround him for the annual picture. I can't believe how fast the family grows. Both in numbers and in size.