Merry Christmas

On the phone to her missionary Laurel trying out Jackson's helmet Nicole showing off her new perfume Anders and Jackson with Laurel's painting in the background Andrea's home

Mike and Linda's home

#1 present for Jackson

Colton Surprised look

LET CHRISTMAS 2009 BEGIN!!!!

Merry Christmas. We have had a great day. Only three minor issues today. I would call it a successful holiday.

We got to talk to Britton today. He was so good to hear from. He has such a great attitude about life. He has two baptisms scheduled for tomorrow. He loved all his presents. He is so content to serve the Lord. He was amazed at Jackson and Colton and how much older they sounded. He was at the Bishop's house today when he called. He said the Bishop is the Processor of the fish and crab that they catch on the "Deadliest Catch" TV show. He said he had a good holiday. He has been surprised at how generous people have been to him.

Dave's family had their Odle Family party last Sunday and celebrated with dinner at Sandy's home. It was nice to see everyone and re-acquaint with everyone that we have not seen for months. Dave's Dad and his wife Peggy were in Utah for the party and for Christmas. They came to our home today for an hour or so and also spoke with Britton on the phone. They decided that they needed to get back to Mesquite so they left Christmas Day at 3:00pm. It was nice to see them for a little while and for Britton to get to talk to them. Sandy and her kids came over and played games with us. She is taking her kids and Colton to the movies tonight.

Dave and I had a Christmas Eve dinner at our home with my Mom and Dad and our boys. It is a nice tradition that Dave brought into our home from his mother. My family has a tradition on Christmas morning of Christmas Around the Town. We have a progressive breakfast stopping at 5 homes in our family for a portion of Christmas breakfast. We always eat too much but just being together is the best and is what I miss when I am not in town for Christmas. It is so fun to play with our nieces and nephews, their children and our cousins.

I have learned this Christmas that no matter what, relationships with our families are the most important thing in this life. I love being with our family.

Now for the issues:

1. Jackson got hit in the face with a basketball and had a bloody nose.

2. I thought I had to buy my 3 yr old nephew a present, turns out I was supposed to buy my 9 month old niece a present. Turns out she likes Dump Trucks. WHO KNEW?

3. I forgot to wrap and give one present to Colton until he said he couldn't go sleigh riding since he had no snow pants. Lucky that we could find where I had hidden them.

How much does it cost for a date with COLTON?

That was the question that was asked to the student body at Layton High. For the Christmas Service Auction. Colton was asked to allow the SBO's to auction him off for a date to raise money for charity. He was a little nervous. He was afraid that no one would want him. He was supposed to go last out of about 10 boys. He talked his friend Davis to go last so he would not be the last one standing on the stage. Two girls started bidding on him. People started running money down to the girls. Finally the teacher stopped the bidding by telling each girl they could split Colton for $130 each. The answer to the question is $260. Of course they can't leave the school grounds for the date. The next highest auctioned off boy was $30.

Sorry I have been lazy

Well, I finally decided that I needed to update my blog. Here are our current happenings. Britton turned 20, Colton made the All-Region Football team as 1st team, and an Honorable Mention for the All State football team. Jackson has been having fun living his days with football on the brain. Our little cute kitty Mable was fixed right before Halloween and then two weeks later was hit and killed by a car. We are done with animals for awhile. We are getting ready for Christmas with decorating and shopping. Dave is picking up most of the slack for me this year. He is so helpful and wonderful to me. He put up the tree and then I fixed it. I have had what we believe is a Kidney Stone. I think it passed on Thanksgiving Night. We hope that doesn't happen again.

Britton had 4 meals on Thanksgiving and ate at each one. Britton said in his last letter that he has been really working hard to bring the spirit with more strength to those we are teaching. He has been trying to be exactly obediant. He is working on being more focused. He is studing more fervently, praying with more meaning, and working more diligently. He said he has seen a big difference in his missionary life.

For Christmas here is the address if you are interested in sending him a letter or card.

Elder Britton Odle

Washington Everett Mission

PO Box 13390

Mill Creek, WA 98082