Christmas morning

Christmas morning was a fun time. The boys were suprised with their presents. Mike wanted an ice fishing shelter and he got one. He and the boys also got ice fishing poles and now this will be their Saturday excursion activity for the rest of the season.

Piano Doll

Christmas has come and gone hallelujah, where's the Tylenol? My parents came to our house on Christmas eve and we opened presents. My mom and dad gave me this piano doll. They have one identical to this and my sister Lori and I try to talk our dad into giving it to us quite often, so to cure this he searched and found each of us one for Christmas! I heart her, she is precious, (I also received said See's chocolates from earlier post that I was wishing for, thanks Dad, Viva la Rum Nougat!).

Christmas Spirit

I can finally say I have the Christmas spirit...
I have had many emotional memories mostly of my Nanny and Papa pop into my head the last few days and I have had many tearful joyful moments thinking of them, but while driving to Kohler's to pick up a prescription at CECIL'S pharmacy (Shout out to Cecil, I will never go to Walgreen's again for my prescription needs, your the man Cecil)
I had an overwhelming urge to purchase ingredients to make fudge. I came home, made the fudge and now Christmas can come.
My boys are excited for Santa and I know they are thankful for the gift that they each have received from the baby Jesus too.
We are off to see a movie and then tonight we will celebrate with my Mom and Dad. Merry Christmas to everyone. Wish you were here sister.

What will you give the Savior this Christmas?

Mike and Tristan at the party, amazingly Tristan isn't making a face!
However, Mike is.

Saturday evening our family attended our ward Christmas party. Each family was asked to decide together on what gift they would give the Savior and bring a wrapped gift to represent that gift. We put the gifts on the table as a centerpiece.

We had a wonderful dinner and a beautiful program about the Christ child. Cotton performed O Holy Night on his trumpet.

We brought our gift for the Savior home and put it under our tree.

Service

This morning my family had the opportunity to serve in the Draper Temple. We arrived at 8:00 a.m. and began cleaning to prepare the temple for the General Authorities of the Church to tour the Temple tomorrow. Mike first took us on a tour and showed us the facility rooms with everything that goes on behind the scenes to keep the temple in working order. We then saw the baptistry, the bride's room, sealing rooms, endowment rooms, the celestial room too. This temple is beautiful. We cleaned for 5 hours and I enjoyed being there with my family. We are very blessed. If you have the opportunity to attend the open house for the Draper Temple in January and February you will be glad you took the time to go. The colors are beautiful, the wood is beautiful and the lighting is amazing and it is The Lord's house.

Christmas wishes

Wow, Christmas is one week away and I haven't wrapped a single gift! I better get in the spirit pronto. I love this picture of me and Huck looking at the toy turtle I received last Christmas and I must say it has been my favorite gift.
My Christmas wishes for 2008 are:
1. My mom and dad will enjoy their retirement together.
2. I will get the sewing done that I am working on.
3. My boys will enjoy their Christmas break.
4. My husband will enjoy his Christmas gift.
5. Someone will give me the gift of See's chocolates.
6. We will have fresh white snow on the ground Christmas morning.
7. Everyone reading my blog will enjoy their Christmas.
8. My husband will travel to work each day safely.
9. Cotton's ear will get better.
10. Wallace will stop eating the tree in the backyard.
11. And a partridge in a pear tree.

Happy Birthday Mama!

Today is my mom's Birthday. My Dad had a party for her last night with a sweet 2 layer white cake with Strawberry filling and yummy cherry chocolate chip ice cream. He gave her a dozen beautiful red roses and perfume and Estee Lauder make-up. I'd dare say that is all she could have asked for. My Dad loves my Mom muchely, and she is his sweetheart. I hope when I have my 64th birthday that my sweetie will give me a dozen red roses and I hope I am as beautiful as my mom too. Happy Birthday Mama!

Believe

I believe I am going to Archiver's tonight to scrapbook with Carolee. This is a highly anticipated event and I am ready to let lose, relax and have a joyful time. You will all be in my thoughts as I drink a Diet Coke, munch on carmel corn from Popcorn Poppin', and give the hostess of Scrapmania a hard time when my number doesn't get drawn for a prize. Laura and Erin, you will be sorely missed and I hope we can all do it again in January. Peace.

Goofs

Tristan and Justus are a couple of goofs. I can be downstairs in the afternoon when they are home from school and here the sound of a herd of elephants stampeding and at the same time giggling, this is how I know they are having fun chasing and hurting each other. Why do boys think that is fun? This is one of the sounds that makes my heart happy, hearing my boys in their own way, expressing love through violence and mockery. Love you boys.

Scentsy Christmas Party

Last night was our Scentsy Christmas party and we had a lot of fun. The gal standing on the chair is Raelyn who made Director in November. I wanted to make sure everyone saw her and I like teasing, therefore, the chair. I also want to tell Erva In PA. congratulations on becoming a Director of her own team in November as well.

The other pics are Raelyn and Kristie, Jess and me, Cassie striking a pose, she is always put together from head to toe and a table full of my Scentsy peeps. I love these ladies and I feel very happy knowing they are my friends. Have a 'Scent'sational day.

Count your many blessings

After being unemployed for almost 10 weeks, I am so happy to announce that my husband Mike started his new job this morning at the Draper, Utah Temple. In a matter of days last week Mike applied, interviewed, prayed extremely hard and accepted his new job.

The temple will open to the public before dedication in January. I love knowing that my husband is 'at the temple'.

We have been blessed again.

O Christmas tree

O.K. Here is our Christmas tree. My favorite ornament is one I received from my great-grandma Jones when I was about 3 years old. My great-grandma gave my sister Lori, my brother Todd and me each an ornament, and she always let Lori pick first. I was angry because Lori picked the one I wanted and I bit all the red sequins off of my cute little snail ornament in anger (life is rough when you're 3). Anyway, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

My Mom

My mom is a a wonderful gal. We spent Saturday together Christmas shopping. She has 13 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren to shop for and we did it all in one day.
She surprised me with this beautiful Kaleidescope quilt that she has been working on for months. When she first showed me a block she was working on this fall I told her I would love that for a Christmas present. Surprise!
Like my dad, my mom is talented as well. she is always working on a quilting project and does lovely work. Thanks mom!

My Dad

This is my Nativity. I took a picture to my Dad this week of a creche that goes with the Nativity and asked him if he would make me one. He found some old barn wood and made this beautiful creche. My Dad has made other beautiful pieces for me including a spice cabinet, a hall tree, a pie safe, a cabinet for my bathroom and many adorable birdhouses. Whenever my Dad makes something for me he will go ahead and make one of the same for my sister and Mom too. I love my Dad and he loves me too. Thank you Dad!

Wise Men Still Seek Him

On our drive home from Thanksgiving in Phoenix we saw a Christmas display that said 'Wise Men Still Seek Him', My 13 year-old Tristan commented on how the wise men sought after the baby Jesus and went on to say "That means we are wise too." I couldn't think of a better thing for a 13 year-old boy to say out loud. I hope I can be wise for the rest of my days and always seek Christ.
Now is the easiest time of the year to seek after Christ, he is around us, sometimes we just need to seek. Merry, Merry.

To my sister

Well, we have had much fun my sister, enough to tide us over until we can talk on the phone Monday morning.
I am incredibly grateful for you sister and I can't believe how talented you are. You have an incredible amount of love in your heart and I want to thank you for sharing it with me and the gang. You are the best sister in the world, even if you suck at painting toe nails. Love you.

no E.R.

The Turkey Bowl is one of the activities my gang looks forward to participating in at Uncle Perry's and Aunt Lori's. It rained and rained Thanksgiving morning so they played football in the mud.

Perry heard his hamstring 'pop' when he did the splits in the mud and I reckon he will never be the same. Mike's underarm was tackled and he is sore. When are they gonna realize they aren't their boys age? Probably never and that is what I like about them.

They had a great time and I am thankful that no one had to go to the E.R.

Stinkers!

Uncle Mike found a new partner in crime! Trinitee loves pumpkin pie too. Six pumpkin and one apple pie were prepared during the day yesterday and these two snuck a piece last night. How naughty is that?
I am thankful for the generations of family that I have. Wishing my Mom and Dad were here. Happy Thanksgiving.

Sunrises

I am thankful for these three young men. Bless their hearts, so excited to be at Aunt Lori's that we decided to start our trek at 7:30 p.m. and arrived at 8:00 a.m. I didn't think the night was EVER going to end. My man took a nap, bought a bag of sunflower seeds and got to Aunt Lori's. What a gift the night is, it gives the earth a chance to rest and renew herself to face another day. I am thankful for sunrises.

Brandy

Today I am thankful for my cousin Brandy. She is a great cook/baker/canner and she is funny too. She shared this yummy recipe with me and it was very popular at the Scentsy Open House on Saturday. Brandy just received some news regarding her health that has made her sad and I want you to know Brandy that I love you and you are in my prayers.

Pumpkin Dip

This is delicious served with Gingersnaps, Vanilla wafers, or Graham stix.

This makes a huge batch so feel free to 1/2 the recipe. You can also buy the pumpkin pie pumpkin that already has the spices added if you choose and omit the spices.

1 29 0z. can of pumpkin

4 80z. packages of Cream Cheese

2 cups of powdered sugar

2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1 tsp. ground ginger

1/2 tsp. ground cloves

Combine ingredients and mix with electric mixer until smooth. Refrigerate before serving. Yummy.

Sick huh?

Today (and every other day of my life while here on this earth) I am thankful for Broadbent's. This quilt shop is a place where I can exit my car, walk through the door and everything in the world is o.k. I love the rows and rows and rows of fabric and the different emotions that each row can bring out in a quiltin' fool. When my cell phone was my cell phone and not my husband's cell phone I would call my sister while visiting Broadbent's and let her live vicariously through me as I looked at different fabric lines and patterns. Sick huh? Whatever gets you through the day.

My cute Mom is the one who planted this love of fabric seed in us and all I can say is "Thank you Mom."

Walk like an egyptian

Justus dressed like an Egyptian 11 year-old for Temples and Tombs. This is a program that is shared each year by the 6th grade. They put alot of time and effort into this and they are so excited when they get to present the program.

My son was excited to have eyeliner on and he left it on all day long at school. Last night at the program I giggled and smiled watching Justus walk like an Egyptian. I could tell by his face that he loved every minute of it. I am thankful for Justus' teachers and the time they put into making my son a great person.

Cruiser

Today I am incredibly thankful for my cruiser. I took Justus to school this morning and after that I started delivering 100 flyers for a Scentsy open house this weekend to my neighbors and friends. I thought it would be great exercise so I put on my Nano and started delivering. After delivering to 2 culdesacs, an apartment complex and my 5 neighbors my legs started to get the itch you get when you haven't exercised for a long time and if you itch them the itch gets worse. Well, I itched just in one little place to relieve the horrible situation that I had put my legs in and kablam!, I had to surrender to the enticings of itching both of my legs and running into the house to scream out loud as well. Hence, I finished delivering in the cruiser.

Can't wait

Today I am thankful for the number 9.
Boy oh Boy, 9 days until the blessed day of Thanksgiving. Can't wait to make the Pistachio salad and stuffing! Can't wait to watch Justus look at Uncle Perry like he is the smartest man in the world. Can't wait to see my Mike standing in the AZ. sunshine with a 44 oz. Diet Coke in his hand and his Birks on his feet. Can't wait to see Tristan and Jordan play video games ALL day long. Can't wait to see Lori's face when she sees Cotton's facial hair. Can't wait to here what scary movies Jacob wants to see. Can't wait to see if Marci takes a bath for Thanksgiving, can't wait to hear Meigen say "meow mix". Can't wait to go to Sonic with my sister. Can't wait to hear Perry's dimented jokes. Can't wait to throw the soccer ball to Pookie. CAN'T WAIT!

Todevio

Today I am thankful for my brother Todd. He, Lori and I grew up together and Todd was funny. He still is too.
I remember him always building something. I believe he hated me growing up simply because that is what big brothers do, but I'm sure he would have done anything for me if I needed him. Bless his heart having to grow up with 2 sisters.
When we were teenagers he would get up on a summer morning, turn on 'his' music as loud as it would go on the console stereo in the entryway and leave for work or where ever he was going and leave the music going, therefore I had to get out of bed and turn it off to be able to sleep. Our mother would have to buy us each our own separate box of Cap'n Crunch because Todd would get up early and eat the entire box of cereal. Yep, he hated me. At least he didn't tie me to the banister and leave me for dead like Mike did to his little sister.
To this day we do not communicate alot but I know he loves me and I love him. I am thankful for you brother.

I BELIEVE

Today is the Sabbath. I am thankful for the Sabbath day. Our family goes to church meetings at our meeting house which is a stone's throw away from our home. We sit together as a family and learn of Jesus Christ and how to be more like him. I love to sing the hymns.

During the last hour of church, all sisters meet in Relief Society to learn from teachers who teach us through stories from our prophets that help us in our daily lives of raising our families and helping others. We sing hymns as well. This hour I spend with other sisters strengthens me and helps me to remember who I am and why I am on this earth. I always feel my Savior's love for me in Relief Society.

I am thankful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Over the river and through the woods

It is official, we are sharing Thanksgiving with my sister and her family. I cannot wait to drive for fricking 12 hours to Phoenix. After 11 hours of driving we start looking for the first Sguaro cactus, when we see it we know we are almost there! My sister and I will laugh until we pee our pants, make Christmas cards, cook, bake, cook, bake, and someone will not be able to pass up the opportunity to remind me of pumpkin pies I made almost a decade ago when I accidentally mistook salt for sugar when combining the ingredients and holy cow, that is a pumpkin pie I do not want to remember. The boys and their cousins will play Nintendo, X box and WII until their thumbs fall off. Lori's husband and Mike will pretend like they are young again at the Turkey bowl on Thanksgiving morning and walk with a limp from their injuries for the rest of our stay.

What a beautiful time of the year to be in Phoenix!

Help me Ronda

Today I am thankful for Ronda. Ronda is the sweet soul at Hart's that makes my 44oz. Diet coke with a little lemonade pretty near every week day morning. Some mornings she isn't at the drive-up window and I have to accept the fact that whoever fills my cup will probably put too much lemonade in my Diet coke hence making it a 44oz. lemonade with a little Diet coke. Every morning is a good morning when Ronda is at the drive-up.

If you keep doing that your face is going to stay that way Tristan.

Today while driving Tristan and Cotton to school at 7:25 a.m. I was extremely thankful for Tristan and his sense of humor. This young man can make me laugh hard.

I only have one complaint about Tristan (besides him not always aiming well when peeing) I cannot get him to just smile in a picture. He is always pulling some face and I have to get stern with the bloak to get him to quit being the funny boy that he is for posterity's sake.

I look back at pictures of him when he was small and I can see that prankster in the picture not knowing that he was being a prankster. what a card, what a maroon. I love Tristan.