Move over Disney on Ice

This year Emaleigh decided to participate in the school choir. Her first performance was a Christmas show on roller skates. Wow! A performance where it would be singing to a group and on roller skates at that! She had a role as the planet earth, and a bell ringer. You go girl. We are so proud of you. You were amazing!

Trying to ignore a few butterflies while waiting for the first show to start!

Our Planet Hero!

Jingle Bells Jingle Bells Jingle All the Way

The final performance at Skate City

Reliving Our Youth

Last Thursday, my best friend Susan and I were at a fundraiser for the school where we teach. As I rolled up behind her, I noticed she was not wearing skates. "Oh no," I said. "We're doing this! Get your skates on girl!" With much laughter, we managed to get a few circles in, and share our memories of coming to Skate City when we were in junior high school. The things that were shared will never leave my lips! I just have one question. How did we ever think this was fun? Loop after loop after loop. Not much excitement for the grown up in me!

The Choice Has Been Made

With much consideration, we decided to go with the short needle Christmas tree this year. Emaleigh really wanted one that looked similar to the blue spruce, and it just seemed be calling out our name! "Yes, I am the tree for you Mann Family!" Not too mention the fact that it was clear many others had been eyeing it. The snow never lies. Footprints circled the tree from other onlookers. Fortunately, our orange ribbon indicated that this tree was taken. It was waiting to make its home with the Mann's.


It's hard to believe our little Mann is now old enough to cut down the tree.

Our day was filled with much fun. Although it really only took us about thirty minutes to cut both our tree and Grandma and Granpa's tree, the weather was so beautiful we decided to hang out for a while.

The snow was perfect for sledding and having an impromptu snowball fight instigated by our great kids!




And of course what trip to the snow covered mountains would be complete without a snowman?! Even fellow tree cutters stopped by to admire our freshly made creation!


What a wonderful holiday tradition that seems to get better with each passing year!

Change...Who Needs It?

I just couldn't do it. I tried. But it didn't feel good. The black just seemed a little stark. Hard on the eyes. It's funny though. My biggest complaint about my Mann is that he doesn't deal well with change. When we first moved in together I wanted to rearrange a room and he freaked out. He couldn't understand why I would want to change something that was working just fine the way it was. "I just wanted a change," I would say. Well after 13 years, I am beginning to see his thinking. Maybe we are more alike than I thought. Maybe he is just wearing off on me.

Ahhh...there is comfort in the familiar!

Welcome Advent

Sunday, November 29, 2008 marks the first day of the advent season. This is probably my most favorite part of the holidays. Advent means the coming of Christ. The time when we wait patiently for the arrival of the Son who provides eternal life. What a glorious time of year. A time to celebrate the most important 'Birth'day of all. For our family, it is a time when we focus on teaching our kids the importance of giving and sharing of ourselves. It's a time for a renewed understanding of why we feel it is important to believe in Jesus. Without Jesus, there is really no reason for Christmas.

The other day Caleb and I were writing his letter to Santa and he misspelled the word Christmas. It was then that I realized something interesting. Of course it is obvious that Christ is the first part of the word, but my eyes seemed to focus on the second part. Mas. If my memory holds I believe mas means 'more' in spanish. More Christ. Wouldn't it be great if our materialistic views of the world would realize the value of having 'more Christ' in our lives than 'more things'? I am guilty of wanting to spoil my family and friends during this season. However, I find some solace in knowing it is important for me to give more of myself to Jesus. I know it should not be just in December, but everyday. Finding that special time of day to relish in my relationship with Christ is what I hope to do more of this holiday season. Afterall, wouldn't that be the best gift to give the birthday boy?

Enjoying Life's Moments

Yesterday we received our first snowfall where Caleb could actually put on his snowpants and head outside to play---really, by the time the morning ended most of the snow was gone. Gotta love Colorado! Much to Caleb's delight his friend Logan came outside to play, too. The two of them had snowball fights, made the first snowman of the season, and even enjoyed a cup of hot cocoa at Logan's house. Thanks Mr. Chris and Ms. Jen!