December started out to be a fun month for 2 of the kids. Jessika had 2 of her wisdom teeth pulled out, she only has 2, so they both came out. She was a very good patient even though she was very nervous since she has never had any kind of surgery or medical procedures in her 17 years of life. She doesn't remember the drive home, going through McDonald's, what she said to the dentist or the long talk we had on the way home. Just kidding she wasn't talking and it's evident by how drugged up she was. The jury is still out on what she said to the dentist while she was under.
Notice how sunny it was in the background when we drove through McDonald's but by the time we got home it was pouring down rain. So dear old dad came to the rescue with an umbrella to help her stumble, um I mean walk in the house.
Sorry Jessika, we had a good time at your expense.
Our next big event was Cody and his braces. He has had them almost 2 years. It was a memorable day for us because it was Jessika's 16th birthday. Because he has followed all the orthodontist's instructions he was able to get them off a little early.
It took me a few days to get used to not seeing all that metal in his mouth. He was so happy that he was finally able to eat his favorite meal -- chicken wings with bones. He also has made up not being able to chew gum for the last 2 years and has chewed gum I think everyday since he has gotten his braces off. Personally I am happy they are off because he chewed on EVERYTHING he possibly could the last 2 years, pens, cups you name it he chewed on it!
Our next event was a few Christmas concerts. Danielle's school chorus performed at an open mall. Although it wasn't cold and didn't feel like Christmas, the kids did a great job getting us in the Christmas spirit. Dani got to sing a solo again this year! She loves to sing and has a great voice.
The next week Jessika had her last Christmas concert. Her and I both are counting the first of the lasts of her senior year. I can't believe that my little girl will be graduating high school in a few short months.
Mckenna loved singing Christmas carols. She made up her own words to some of them until she memorized the right words. Her favorite Christmas song was A Partridge in the Pear Tree no matter how many times I told her what the real words were she said "No mom, it a Partridge in the Pantry!!" (annoyance emphasized) All the other kids were unfortunately not amused by her and Danielle's singing but the two of them loved it and that's all that mattered.
Since we were headed to Utah for Christmas this year Mckenna was really concerned that we weren't going to be home for Santa to leave her presents. I tried my best to convince her that Santa would be coming to Utah this year. One day as her and I were baking Christmas cookies we had a conversation that went like this:
Mckenna: Mom, um how does Santa come in the house? Does he come in through the chimney?
(This was fun to answer this one because this is the first house that we have lived in that there is a fireplace -- all the other years Santa has to come in through the front door)
Mom: Yes, he sure does.
Mckenna: Well, if we go to Utah he won't know where we went.
Mom: Sure he will we will leave him a note under the tree and he will bring your presents to Grandma and Grandpa's house and leave them under the tree.
Mckenna: Well Grandma and Grandpa don't have a tree.
Mom: Yes they do.
Mckenna: No...Mom they don't. I saw it there last morning when I was there.
Mom: They have a Christmas tree I am sure.
After going back and forth about them having a Christmas tree but Mckenna reminded me several times that it wasn't there this summer I asked if she wanted to call and ask. She of course said YES!
Mckenna: Hi Grandpa!
Grandpa: Well hello Mckenna how are you?
Mckenna: Grandpa do you have a Christmas tree?
Grandpa: Yes we do.
That was it she was satisfied that Santa would be coming and she stopped worrying about it. Mind you she doesn't get on the phone much and just talk but to make sure that Santa would come it was well worth it!
