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.