Sorry, no "Stair Shot" this year... partly because our stairs are outside and it was very cold, and partly because it was Sunday and we were heading out to church. So, we took a couch shot with a present given to us by one of the members.
The mittens are for celebrating and rooting on Canada in the Olympics - thus the word Canada on one side, and the 2012 on the other. The young missionaries had spent the night with us and so it was a little on the hurried side for all of us to get ready for church... but we had them take a picture of us anyway. All the way to church I marveled at the stark beauty that winter has:
We went to church - only one hour! - then returned home to open gifts. Our young missionaries opened the gifts we had given them, and their stockings & do you think I ever even thought to get a picture of that??? NO!!! sheesh! Anyway Elder Mahaffey & I opened our gifts too. Under the tree for several days was a big present to me that felt so strange...like something with slats in it. Boy was I surprised when I opened it to find a shoe rack!!.
So now My shoes look all lovely and organized. (Guess I should have thought of getting that for Elder Mahaffey too, since this is the way HIS shoes look) ha! 
But, he also gave me this lovely Music/Jewelry Box that has our picture on it and plays We wish you a Merry Christmas. Inside was a beautiful necklace with a silver Maple Leaf on it.
I gave Roger this wonderful book & accompanying CD called Remembering Joseph- Recollections and stories from people who personally knew Joseph Smith. (On Thanksgiving our CES missionary couple read several interesting passages out of the book to us & we loved them!) and then I also got him the DVD - Cowboys and Aliens... which we had seen advertised in Walmart and he mentioned once that he would love to see that...since it's about COWBOYS, don'tcha know. A perfect Christmas...a little spiritual, a little secular..ha!
Our children were wonderful and sent us many great gifts and we loved them ALL!!! The Kreys sent framed pics of the Krey Krew for each of our desk..one says I (heart) my Nana and the other says I (heart) my Papa, and a wonderful book about the teachings of Pres. Monson.
The Monroes gave dad a gorgeous tie, me some snuggly warm slipper/boots, some warm neckscarves (which proved to be quite timely as I had just lost my wonderful blackwatch plaid neck scarf that I had bought in England! bummer ) and little monogramed stockings full of candy & hot chocolate packets
Misty's present was two-fold. She sent us one to open early and one to save for Christmas day. The early present was these darling letters that spelled NOEL. (yes, it was a craft project that she actually did... and did very well, eh?) and the other one was a great Music CD which we love listening to as we do so much driving.
The Mahaffeys sent us this lovely wall plaque which I immediately put up. It really brightens up our bare walls. And we really are amazed that in the midst of trying to get ready for Singapore- they still had the presence of mind to remember us.
And Barbara & Dick sent us a gift card:
Roger's mom and my brother-Ron & Pat Odom sent us money... which was GRATEFULLY accepted. I went right out & got some sweaters, and warm long skirts while Roger got some sweater vests and some warm, heavier-weight slacks. It was an absolutely wonderful Christmas and we appreciated everyone who thought of us. We especially loved that Christmas was on Sunday this year and we have just been basking in the glow of a more Christ-centered Christmas Day!! Of course - the highlight for us was getting to Skype with every single one of our children and getting to see everyone and all their presents. I will have to say that except for Chad's family (who was in Singapore and hadn't opened their gifts from us yet) every single family opened up on Skype with their Canadian Beanies on! How fun!! (of course, we haven't seen ANY pictures yet like you promised... hint, hint...) But we are so thankful for such a wonderful family. We are going to LOVE spending eternity with all of you!!
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