Merry Christmas!!

This is our Christmas letter this year as we are not sending them through the mail this year.

2010 has brought many changes in our lives. We started the year in Laramie, Wyoming as Michael was attending graduate school there. Joshua turned 4 in February, in March we traveled to Oregon to see family and Idaho to see dear friends. Will turned 1 in May and we moved from Laramie to Fort Collins, Colorado where Michael got a job working for Northwestern Mutual. We really felt at the time that it was God's plan for us to move to Colorado, with how smooth the transition was. It has been a hard 7 months, trying to find friends, Michael trying to find client, trying to find where we fit in but I think we are doing better. We have met some wonderful friends at our church and Michael seems to be doing better at his job just pray for more clients!

In July one of my best friends got married, we were there for about two weeks helping with preparations. The wedding was beautiful and she looked gorgeous! While we were in that part of the neighborhood we saw Michael's sister and family for a few days. The cousins enjoyed playing together and were very sad when it was time to go.


In September my baby sister got married to her childhood friend. I was blessed to be the Matron of Honor. I am very happy with them and know that God truly blessed them with each other.


The months of November and December have been filled with making Christmas gifts for my family, I'm very excited to give them all away. We bought all the kids toys (gently) used or I am making them. I made Will a quilt, pillow case, and quiet book. For Joshua I made some bean packs (to heat up for sore muscles or when he is cold), and a lego table. It should be a fun Christmas in Cheyenne.








It is so hard to believe it is December already! I cannot believe my children are almost 5 and 2! WOW where does the time go? I truly hope the next year is filled with fun, that Michael's job becomes enjoyable, and that time slows down.

We hope you all have a wonderful and blessed time with family and friends this Christmas!

The Lucas Family

Wow it's December already!

I cannot believe it is the last month of the year now! We had a great Thanksgiving, spent in Cheyenne with Michael's Dad, Mom, and sister. We ate wonderful food, played games, and visited. November 30th we put up our Christmas tree, on Michael's desk. I really didn't want to say "Will, No" every second as he touched the tree so we put it up high. Fortunately we have high ceilings where the desk is so the tree works great! We have our stockings hung, nativity scene up and our shopping is basically finished. We have a couple big toys for the boys that won't be able to go with us to Cheyenne (they are just that big) so we will give them their big gift on Christmas Eve and they can have all day to play with it before we go to Cheyenne for Christmas. We have made two types of cookies this week, oatmeal and 7 layer and plan on making Pizzelle cookies today (My Grandma's favorite). I am very much in the Christmas spirit now and am loving the count down, Christmas music, gift wrapping, and everything else.

Have a great week and weekend!!!

Christmas Tree

We put up our tree the weekend before Thanksgiving. We were having a play date and they were talking about putting up their tree. Joshua thought it was a good idea too, so we did it. I really like our little fake tree. Someday it might be nice to get a real tree but for now this one is perfect for our little apartment. Our snowflake ornaments from our wedding fits great on the tree. Will even liked it too.

Just like after Easter Joshua can't stop hiding Easter eggs. Yes we still hid and find them and it has been many months since Easter. Now he cannot stop putting candy canes on and off the tree. It is quite cute watching him decorate it over and over again.

Here are some pictures of us putting the tree up. Sorry the pictures are in reverse order.




Joshua decorating the tree


Assembly




He can't wait to get started!

Christmas...

Is it too early to start thinking about Christmas?? I am loving the summer and fun that comes with it, but with hardly any time in my days to sew I need to get a head start. I thought for Christmas this year I would make everyone's Christmas gifts. Or most of them any way. This is what I thought I would make my boys. Yesterday I picked up a HUGE bag of multicolored felt from a local freecycler (yahoo group that I can go on to get free things around town that people don't want any more). I have already cut out the pieces for the felt watermelon and cucumber. I also want to make sandwich makings, cookies, other fruits, pizza, and a 'paper bag' to go with it. I think he will love it. Will should be able to benefit from this toy later on in life too. :) Let me know what you think. Click on the words below to visit the link.

For Will
Mr.Owl
Taggie animals
knit washcloths
Toy bucket

For Joshua
Mr.Owl
Felt mail
Felt food
dress up

Our trip to Gillette

We had a lot of fun in Gillette but it is so nice to be back home. We left last Tuesday after my ultrasound appointment. The drive went well there and back dry roads all the way but there was a horrible wind on the way home. Michael was able to work in Gillette on Wednesday and Friday from his Uncles house so that worked well. Christmas Eve we all hung out at Michael's Uncles house, that night we went to the Christmas Eve service at our old church then went back to his Uncles house for a wonderful seafood dinner. There was shrimp cooked all sorts of ways and crab, there was a crab dip, and little smokeys. Someone brought a veggie and fruit tray and of course there were all sorts of sweets. Joshua liked the breaded shrimp and called it chicken, it was very cute. He had so much fun playing with Michael's cousins the youngest is four years old. They played ring around the rosie a lot, and gave each other piggie back rides. Joshua did get a very late nap that day from 3pm until 5pm so Joshua could survive the evening. People left their house at 11pm, way past Joshua's bed time. Luckily he did sleep in until almost 9am because of the late night.

Christmas morning was WONDERFUL. We all got up slowly Joshua, Michael and I were the last to get up. We visited ate a great breakfast of danishes then moved to the living room to open presents. Jannie read the Christmas story as in Luke. Then Paige passed out all the gifts and Joshua got started on his stocking. We wrapped all of his stocking gifts because he loves unwrapping everything. I have him on video for every gift he opened. He was thrilled at whatever was inside it and played with it for a while before asking to open another gift. Michael's Aunt and Uncle also got Joshua a couple of things, and he loves them thank you so much. They also gave Michael and I an electric griddle (now we can make hash browns the way they do, which we love). I didn't expect any gifts, it was a wonderful surprise. It took us a while to open gifts. Everyone was visiting and we took turns opening gifts. I loved that it didn't feel rushed like we had to open them all in 30 Min's. At 11:30 or so we were all finished with gifts and took showers.

At 1pm we drove over to Michael's Aunt's parents place. We had turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, rolls, a veggie tray and corn. It was so good, I am glad we were invited. I loved the company too. We get a long great with her family and we always have something to talk about. While we were there we played the Wii, and dominoes, and visited. It was so much fun. We were there until 7pm because Joshua needed to go to bed since he missed his nap. Michael and I had a great time that night for a couple hours just watching TV together while he was a sleep.

We had a ton of good food, as we always do when we visit them. I love going and cannot wait to go back to see everyone again. I miss the family we have in Gillette and the friends we have there too. On Saturday before we left town we were able to see a good friend of mine Shannon and her husband. Michael and I love hanging out with her and Michael gets a long great with her husband. I wish we lived closer so we could do more together. Maybe some day.

That is about all of what we did while we were in Gillette. We were constantly busy but it also felt like we had a lot of down time to enjoy our family. Thank you so much, Lyle, Marlys, Grant, Mitch and Paige for letting us in on your Christmas and for giving up one of your bed rooms. Thank you everyone else who took time to see us. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.

Merry Christmas!!

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

Luke 2:1-21

Our Christmas celebration update.

Our Christmas lunch went okay, the pot roast turned out well as did the salad and corn. The potatoes, however were way too salty I even followed the recipe. Later I even looked back a the recipe I followed on line and it was exactly what I did. The rolls burned, I really wish I could get an oven one of these years that doesn't burn most of what I put in it. It take me for ever to learn the oven then it is time to move. The cake was too crumbly, but at least it tasted well. :) Here is a picture of our place settings on our table.





On Saturday Michael's family came over so we could celebrate Christmas together. They are all leaving for Iowa on Saturday so this was the only weekend that would work for us all. All week Joshua said he didn't want Saturday to come, I don't think he understood all that was going to happen. Our family arrived around 9:00am, Joshua was so happy to see them pull up and I knew he would be.

They brought in way too many presents with them; from them, some of our friends in Gillette, and other family. It was crazy all the presents that ended up around our tree. Joshua was very excited to open all of his gifts and play with everything. He made out pretty well this year. He got some more train tracks, some train cars, a doodle pad, a Thomas the Train computer, Some clothes, a tool kit, and a play kitchen. I think that is all. He loves everything and he plays with everything every day. Thank you every one for all the gifts. You really don't have to go all out like that, but thank you.

Joshua had so much fun opening presents he found an empty box and would put his blankets in it. He really wanted to put it under the tree but it wouldn't fit. Then he would open it up and show us his present. He is so cute, and has such a wonderful personality.

Here are some pictures of the event.



Looking out the window for Papa, Grammy, and Auntie.


Joshua very excited to open presents.


Joshua with his Auntie.


Joshua and his Grammy.






It was so nice having everyone over for the day but it all went way too fast. Thank you everyone for all the wonderful gifts and company.

Christmas

Anyway. I started making a post about Christmas shopping with Joshua and then realized I had already posted about that day.

Yesterday we did go back and buy the $20 Christmas tree. I think it is the perfect size for our apartment and any other small apartment we have after this one. We also bought a tree topper. I don't think I'll need to get any Christmas decorations this year because we have a lot of Christmas ornaments from our wedding that I think will work with the tree. Joshua seems to think we should put our Christmas tree up today. He wanted to yesterday but I said no, then I said no about today. I am hoping I can have him wait until it is closer to Thanksgiving if not December 1st. I might get out the Christmas decorations and have him look through them. For family out there that want to buy a Christmas present for Joshua just give me an email and I can give you a list of what we think he would like and what we are giving him this year.

After we got the Christmas tree we went looking in the 50% discounted Halloween items. We bought a cow costume for our next baby and a pirate patch and earing for Joshua to play with, he enjoys being a pirate.

Well still no camera. I am going to call the Wyoming Union tomorrow to see if they have found one yet. Then I'll call the bus barn, I don't know if that is what it is called or not but you get the idea. Since we did take a bus to the Union I'll call to see if they found one. If not, it looks like unfortunately we will have to spend money on another camera and memory card. This will make it the 3rd camera we have had since we got married. The first we got for Michael's birthday from his parents, the screen somehow got cracked and we couldn't view the pictures we were taking any more. This one is lost. So sad, well I just pray that whoever found it will either return it or since what we own aren't ours but is God's I pray that some one is blessed with it and getting lots of use out of it.

For now, no pictures sorry.

We lost our camera

Yesterday was a great day. In the morning I went Christmas shopping with Joshua at Walmart. We first headed to the back where the Christmas decorations and Christmas trees are all lit up. We found a tree for $30 and I think we might end up getting it. It is a little tree I think it only stands about 3 feet tall, but I would love to have a tree this year (this would be the first time in our marriage to have a tree) and I think Joshua would really enjoy it. We just never had the space before this year for one. Then after looking at the decorations I asked Joshua if he wanted to look at the toys so he could tell me what he wanted for Christmas, "yes!" he said.

While in the toy section the first thing he spotted was a 'little Einsteins' piano, he enjoyed playing that and listening to the music. After that we went down another isle and he was very impressed with the collection of Playdough things, he wanted to take some home right away. Right next to that was a large doodle pad, one for the magnetic pen to write on then you can clear the image away. He wanted to take it out and play with it right there, his tiny one recently broke so I am sure he would LOVE to get something like that. Then he found something I remember growing up with I cannot remember the name of it but you look through it and you can change the picture you see. He first saw a picture of Dora and thought that was pretty cool. Then we went down another isle and he saw 'cars racing' thing I don't remember the name of it I did right the names of all the toys down but I don't feel like finding the list. He imediately started saying "two, be, go!!" over and over again. I put it in the cart just so I could read what it was called and when I put it back he was very sad. It was so much fun going shopping with my son, I am very much looking forward to Christmas and Joshua is too now. When I got home I told Michael there was a Christmas tree at Walmart I thought we should get, Joshua started talking abot Christmas in a very excited way. It was cute.

After Walmart we bought some bread and went to LaBonte park to feed the ducks. Joshua thought this was very cool. There is also a play ground near by so he played for a while. Then we went home.

At 4pm we took the UW bus to the Union for Safe Treat. It was so much fun, but a lot of people were there. I was very glad we didn't bring our stroller, there wouldn't have been room to push it. At the second table there were two bowls of candy. I told Joshua to go up to the table and hold up his basket while he says candy please. So he did. Then he noticed there was another bowl right next to that so he held out his hand and said Candy please again. It was so funny every one was laughing. He got a ton of candy and most likely won't be eating much of it at all.

After the Safe Treat we came home and I realized I didn't have our camera any more. I attached it to my purse but it must have fallen off. I checked the bus and the house and it was no where to be found. I am hoping that someone turned it into the Union office so I can get it back. I had a lot of pictures on there from this morning at the park, and of Joshua on the way to Safe Treat on the bus , and a picture of him and I and of Michael and Joshua in his costume on the camera. Please pray it shows up, SOON.

Once we checked the bus for the camera we decided to check the Union in the morning, at that time there still would have been a ton of people there at Safe Treat. So we drove to Pizza Hut for some wonderful pizza and hot wings. I wasn't too impressed with the hot wings and we probably won't be getting those again in the future but the pizza was great. Where we sat right behind our table was a bucket of blocks and a cute little picnic table for kids. Joshua had fun playing until our food came and I had fun talking with Michael, it felt like we were on a date.

Well I would normaly post pictures of our trip to the park and Safe Treat now, hopefully I can find our camera so I can post pictures later.