Merry Christmas

We had our ward Christmas party on Dec. 15th. It was a really nice dinner and Christmas program and then after the closing prayer Santa showed up (a nice way to do that for those who don't feel the need to stick around for the big red guy. It also helps keep a theme of reverence for the true celebration). There were A LOT of people there! That is really one of our best activities of the year. We had a great time and so did the kids! Luke didn't say to much to Santa Claus- of course he doesn't talk yet- but he didn't run away screaming either. Allie told Santa all about her new baby brother who is coming and then of course the things she was wanting (some kind of Barbie was it? I don't remember what she said. She doesn't either which is a good thing since she didn't get it).
Our very first Christmas alone- just our little family! We had a great time although it did feel strangely quiet. The neighbors brought over all kinds of gifts. We have yet to take ours to them. I wanted to make potato rolls to go with the cactus jelly that we made from the prickly pear cactus growing just around our neighborhood. Two DOUBLE batches totally flopped! I am at the end of our yeast. I guess it's dead and inactive (as opposed to "Live Active" yeast) since the rolls never rose. At first I thought it was because the kitchen wasn't warm enough. How annoying and frustrating! Well, our gift will obviously be a "Happy New Year" one!