MERRY CHRISTMAS!
The week started out crazy with classroom Christmas Parties and goodbyes. Sarah and the kids left on Wednesday, Jayden's class met with Morgan's to make Gingerbread houses. I'm not sure how that happened, but it was perfect for me! Morgan was so cute with Jayden! Aspen drove her a little crazy, so we left. On Friday, Aaron had a dance and the Student Council had a party. Dylan looked so bummed the whole time. I swear I'm doing something wrong with that kid!

Dylan asked for a camera this year. I spent a whole month researching which one would be best for him. Then I had to find one in a color he'd like! He opened it, but never really said anything. He also asked for an old computer game. That took forever to find! When he opened that he didn't seem happy. I don't know what to do, but it's breaking my heart. Everyone else seemed so happy on Christmas but him!

The last gift opened was one I have been waiting forever to give! We gave Aaron a cell phone. We added him to our account which gives him the ability to call Travis or I anytime or any other ATT customer for free minutes. He also has unlimited texting - VERY important. He was shaking when he opened it. He even gave me a hug. So worth it! Overall it was a wonderful Christmas. Now if I could just light a fire under Dylan all would be well!

How do you say Goodbye?
Is there a right way to truly say goodbye to someone? How do you thank someone you care so deeply about when you are hurting inside? Today one of the best friends I've ever met moved away from Ketchikan. She has helped me be a better person in so many ways. She has shown me how to be strong and dependent, thankful, gracious and loving to even those you want to strangle.

I will never truly be able to thank her for everything she did for me. I hope that she can forgive me for my weirdness right before she left. I'm not good at handling hard situations and this is one of the hardest I've ever had to deal with!!
So, Goodbye Sarah and good luck. You will be missed more than you'll ever know!

Leaving on a Jet Plane
Okay, so how many of you have a middle school child? How many play sports and are involved in music? I'm sure they compete against other schools right? Do they have to fly to the other schools? Crazy huh! In order for our Middle School to get any playing time they can A: take a four hour ferry ride to Prince of Wales island, B: Take a one hour flight to Sitka, or C: Take a one hour flight to Juneau. Our team? Well we did all three this year.

It was one of the hardest things dropping Aaron off at the airport with his ticket and wishing him well. Seriously, it was hard. As I was talking to Dylan about it I realized that he will be next year! The kids are growing so fast. Literally too, Aaron stands at 6 feet 1 inches (13 years old), Dylan is 5 feet 6 inches (12 years old) and Morgan is 5 feet (10 years old). I think that maybe I will get my basketball team after all!

12 Years Old!
Yesterday was a bittersweet day for me. I'm not sure exactly when I realized that Dylan was on his own path, but yesterday it hit me. He's becoming a man! As Travis confirmed him a Deacon and gave him the blessings of the Aaronic Priesthood I cried. One, because he is such an amazing young man and two, because I really didn't have anything to do with it. He has such a way with people, especially challenging children. He is so kind to everyone and so good to me. I love him and I am so proud of him. Next Sunday will be a wonderful experience to watch him pass the sacrament for the very first time.