The Nutcracker

Eliza was finally old enough to go to the Nutcracker performed by Ballet West.  I love going to Capitol Theatre during Christmas and the Nutcracker is just magical.  We took Grandma Young for her birthday and Auntie Jill came too.  We went out to lunch and then went to the Ballet.  Since both girls are in dance and are taking ballet they enjoyed watching the professionals do their thing.  I love this tradition and next time we will have Lucy with us to make it even more special.  How I love my girls!!

Davis Robert Young

 On December 16th we got a new cousin and nephew.  Davis Robert Young!  He is a beautiful baby and we are so happy for Joe and Jessica!  I went to the hospital twice because I couldn't get enough of him!  There is nothing like holding a newborn baby.  We are excited to have another member of the Young Family!!

Pecan Rolls

Every Christmas I get together with my Sister-in-laws and we make these yummy pecan rolls.  It takes all of us to get it done.  I had to get a new phone and loss a bunch of my pictures so, I have to snag a few from instagram.  We had a fun morning cooking and talking together!

Good bye Medline… Hello Berlin Packaging

This month came with lots of changes for Mike and our family.  Mike has been thinking about leaving Medline for years, but nothing seemed to feel right or was the right time for our family.  At the end of November an opportunity came up that we all felt good about, and knew it would be a good change for Mike.  So, after 11 years with Medline we said farewell.  It was a little hard to leave the company that has been with us through so much.  Most of our marriage has been with this company!  Medline has gone through changes, though, and they are not the same company they were 11 years ago.  Mike wasn't being treated fairly, and the stresses that came with the job were not worth any amount of money.

So, on December 15th was Mike's first day with Berlin Packaging.  He gets to work with Paul and it's something different and exciting!  This picture is his first day on the job.  We are so proud of Mike and all the hard work he puts in for our family.  I know this will be a good change and we can see the hand of the Lord working in our lives.  Go get em' sweets!!

St. Lucia

 We try to keep some traditions alive on the Young side.  We have our Swedish roots and love the tradition of St. Lucia.  We rotate through the grand-daughters to, hopefully, give them each a chance to be St. Lucia.  This year it was Eliza's turn and it was her job to wear the wreath crown and pass out the rolls.  She did a great job!

We had Family Sunday at our house and enjoyed being with everyone before Ryan and Erin left for California.

Christmas Camp… A Day of Baking

 After the dance recital we headed home to start baking our hearts out!  Lucy is my best helper in the kitchen and she was so excited for this day.  We made some Chex mix.

 Eliza and Jason made some gingerbread cookies that were so yummy.

Anne was in charge of the Russian Tea Cakes and she did an awesome job.  We had lots of treats for the next couple of weeks.  I loved being in the kitchen with kids, listening to Christmas music, and making yummy food.

Christmas Dance Recital

 The Christmas Dance Recital was a success.  Anne, Eliza, and Lucy all did so great, and have improved over the last couple of months.  They are all in Ballet, and enjoy taking dance with other girls in the neighborhood.

 They all enjoy getting flowers from Dad after!

So proud of these girl's and it has been so fun to watch them!