It's about time!

Closed Captioning was unavailable so here are the reporter's comments:

Santa knows all languages, even American Sign Language. At Barton Creek Mall Wednesday night, deaf kids around Central Texas had the chance to tell a signing Santa their every Christmas wish.

The Egbert kids eagerly await their chance to meet him. Xavier wants a dinosaur. Isadora is asking for a computer, an IPod, some clothes and a camera. And for two-year-old Amelia, this is her first time to talk to Santa.

"I think it's cool, it's very nice, I'm very thankful they get this opportunity," the kids' father, Clyde Egbert, tells us.

Isadora knows Santa won't come to her house until December 25th, but says she's excited to talk with him ahead of time.

"This is the only time for us that we're able to communicate with Santa," adds Clyde.

The North Austin Optimist Club helped bring Signing Santa to the mall so deaf kids around Central Texas could tell him all they want for Christmas. For several hours, a line of excited kids wait to meet this Santa who understands them. Employees with the Texas School for the Deaf estimate there were about 200 kids there

It's Christmas Time!

Well, I've taken a 3 month break from the blog... and sadly, I'm disappointed. I've had so much going on that I should be recording but its just been crazy! Since I don't have time to write everything, I'll just highlight.

In October Robert & I went to Montana for my cousin's wedding and it was beautiful up there.  I went shooting for my first time, as well as golfing at the Beaverhead GC where Greg and Sara were married. It was great to see all my cousins and to have my Mom's side of the family completely together.  When we got back I couldn't believe in only 4 days how much Tuck grew! He's doing great though and is really a great puppy. He's now 5 months old and going to be neutered this next week (so he doesn't have to wear the cone of shame for Christmas!)

November was pretty much school, school, school. I did get to go to Apple Hill with my parents, Jen and Alix and we had a great time.  We took pictures, ate delicious apple donuts, tri tip sandwiches, and of course apple cider. It was an all around great day!

Since December has started I finished wrapping all Christmas gifts (I was done with shopping before Thanksgiving!) and signed up for my last semester in college--WHOO! We have our tree and decorations up and are getting into the Christmas spirit as best we can with our busy schedules.  I also was released from Primary after teaching, Sunbeams, CTR 4 then CTR 5 for two years.  It has definitely been hard not to see those adorable kids every Sunday, but Relief Society has whole-heartedly invited me in and made me feel completely welcome.  Since I was up in Primary since the first week we entered the Wilton Ward, it still feels like I don't know too many adults if they don't have children in Junior Primary.  I've loved going to RS events so far though and look forward to many more.  I am especially grateful for the Christmas season and for the overall happiness this world seems to embrace.  There are so many awful things in this world, but instead of focusing on the bad, we all get a chance to reflect on our Savior's birth and all that the Lord has and still does for us.  I am looking foward to what this Christmas brings and am especially grateful for the gospel in my life and the guidance it gives me!