Merry Christmas!!!!!

Tried to get a picture of the boys and Santa.......Samuel was literally passing kidney stone. Santa was trying to make my mother Mrs. Claus.... so somehow we all ended up in the picture! Jack pot under the tree!
My boys!!!!!
Boys love their Daddy.
Samuel cooking with mommy!!!!

The count down is on. My boys are beyond excited. As of yesterday, my shopping is finally finished. We have had such a fun December.....church programs, visiting with friends, shopping for the boys, baking and the list could go on. With all the craziness the holidays can bring, I have tried to be so careful to remind the boys on a daily basis why we celebrate Christmas. After visiting a dear friend of mine last week, I was given the perfect plan. When I entered her beautifully decorated home, I noticed there were no presents under the tree only a beautiful manger scene. I thought odd, since Christmas was only a week and a half away. She began to explain that since Jesus is God's gift to us on Christmas, that their family puts the nativity under the tree instead of presents. Presents will be there, only to the side and not the focus of the tree. They will put baby Jesus in the manger on Christmas morning. What a beautiful way to teach your children the true meaning of Christmas......a huge celebration of Christ birth. So the day after Christmas, I will be shopping for my nativity. I am already excited about having it under the tree next year.

Merry Christmas to all of our dear friends and family. May God bless you all throughout this holiday season.

Addie

All of you know Addie our German Shepherd. Today, we found out she has heart worms. We were so sad to get the news. Kris and I love Addie, but our three boys adore her. She is their playmate and protector. For those of you who are pet lovers, you know your pets are definitely a member of the family. The vet said we can slowly watch her die, or we can get her treatment for around $600.00...... So she starts treatment tonight and will come home tomorrow evening. For three weeks she is suppose to be still......no barking, running, or playing ball. That will be the real challenge. So I have gone from taking care of Samuel to nursing our 6 1/2 year old Shepherd. I guess when you have a husband, three children, and a dog there is always someone (or some dog) needing your attention.

The Perfect Tree

This past Saturday, we ventured out to a Christmas tree farm to find the "perfect" tree. Boy did we ever find the "perfect" tree.......a 10 foot Leland Cyprus. Growing up, my family always had a real tree, and we always cut it down. This going to Lowe's was not for me. So last year, we found a tree farm, cut our tree, and hopefully started a great family tradition. The boys absolutely love it. This year we had no idea how large our tree was until we put it in a stand and got it in our living room. We have 11 foot ceilings, but his tree still looks like a monster. I can no longer call Kris the Grinch. The tree is beautiful, smells wonderful, and now sets a new standard for The Sodergren Family Christmas Tree.

Samuel

I am happy to report Sam has had 2 wonderful days. We are now on no medicine, he is sleeping great at night, and has had very few complaints. We are all thrilled!! Hamilton said Tuesday that he was happy to have Samuel back. I know Hamilton misses his playmate when he's not feeling well. We hope to now enjoy the holiday season......celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus!!!!!