Here is a picture of the kids singing in our church Christmas program. It was a simple but meaningful program. Our pastor's wife did a great job putting it together! For many years now I have been in charge of or helped with the Christmas programs in the different churches we have attended. This year all I was responsible for was reading my part in the service. It was nice to have a break. I offered to help but Sis. Laura kindly told me I had enough to do! :-) Guess she figured with 2 school kids, 2 toddlers and a baby I was plenty busy this year. Though I was more than willing to help I really appreciated her thoughtfulness. 
Yesterday we had to say good bye to our Midge Girl. She would have been 12 years next month. She got hurt a couple of weeks ago. Warren took her to the vet. The pain medicine and antibiotics helped and she was doing better. Then yesterday, I noticed some blood and checked her out. She had a huge mass about the size of a dessert plate on the inside of her leg. Warren took her to the vet again. His conclusion was that it was a fast-growing tumor. The time had come to say good bye. Midge was such a great dog. We miss her already! She was so lovable and such a faithful friend. Warren and I got her from an old farmer in Montana when she was just 6 weeks old. She was so little and scared she threw up all over me before we got back to Missoula. Midge was a well travelled dog--Montana, Idaho, Canada and Alaska. As the kids came along, she took it all in stride. They became "her kids" and she their faithful protector. Midge could stare holes right through you. When she wanted out at night she'd stare so hard that she would wake me up just by staring at me. She loved the water. Anytime we'd turn the hose on she would jump at it and just about swallow the end of the hose trying to get the water. In the winter she would jump at the snow shovel and try to bite it while we were trying to toss the snow off of it. Midge has left a big hole in our hearts and in our home. 
Warren and I have been married for 14 years today! It has been the best 14 years of my life! I never dreamed what waited for me when I left home for my second year of college. Nor did I ever think that I would meet and fall in love with a "Montana Man". We started dating in September and one year later in November we got married. We went to Montana on our honeymoon and spent an afternoon or two deer hunting. Warren shot a deer so I got to help gut the thing (definitely a new experience for me). My sister was aghast that I would go hunting on my honeymoon but I had never been hunting and wanted to go. Warren wanted to go since we were in Montana during hunting season. Hey, it made for some good memories. Warren, thanks for being such a great husband! I am proud to be your wife. I love you! Happy Anniversary!
