I SURVIVED!!!!

I did it!! And she did it!!!! I survived my first child getting their driver's license!!! Fruzsi (our exchange student) took her driving test today. I rode along because it's so cold outside and I had no where to wait. I was good and didn't make any comments although there were several times I wanted to remind her to use her signal and to brake sooner before a stop sign!! The roads were really slick this morning, too, so it was a bit worrisome to have her driving. I took her to a parking lot a few nights ago and had her drive around to feel what it felt like to skid on ice when going around a corner and trying to brake. She did *really* well!!!!! I'm glad we did that because it helped her today.
So, she's legal. We are giving her a set of keys for Christmas. Brian and I realized she doesn't even have a house key (although she knows the garage door code so she hasn't needed the key!). I'll put one of the garage door openers on a key ring along with a car key and house key. I think she'll really like it. Now the question is, do I really let her drive?????

December already???

Is it really that time of year again already???? Wow.
Let's see, I have 2 birthdays this weekend (Jonah is turning 10 and Ronan is turning 6!!) that I haven't even started to really think about or plan for, Pack night for Scouts on Wednesday (Jonah has earned his Bear), a company dinner party, I have several customer orders to get shipped out and oh, yeah, Christmas is next Tuesday!!!!! Life is busy!
The Christmas shopping is mostly done for our family. The boys are all getting new scriptures and Isabeau is getting some scripture/Church related board books. The boys will probably get some Legos or K'nex from 'Santa' and Isabeau is getting a new doll (although that is *not* from 'Santa', it's definitely from Mom and Dad!!!)
We don't really talk too much about 'Santa'. The kids have never written letters to him. We prefer to focus on Christ and giving, not receiving. He does show up despite our lack of attention but he is only allowed to leave one gift per child and a stocking stuffer (along with the candy, orange, etc. that goes in the stocking).
I love Christmas time!!! I love that people are kinder, more thoughtful of others. I love giving!! I love the nativities lining the top of my piano and often wonder if I should just leave them there all year. I love the music, lights, trees and decorations. I love celebrating the birth of my eldest brother and Saviour, Jesus Christ. It's such a wonderful time of the year!!