Nate & Nichelle, Nieces and Nephews

We have returned home from San Diego and a great wedding weekend. I will post more pictures later, but am borrowing this one from Janae's blog. I love it! The grandchildren are posing for the "official" photographer with Janae shooting from another angle. Getting this pose was not easy. Grandpa had to bribe them with lifesavers to look at the camera. They had snitched them from someone's bag. Silly grandchildren!

Nathan and Nichelle looked beautiful and soooo happy! It was a very special day.

From our house to yours. . .

Merry Christmas!

Here we are with 6 of our adorable grandchildren. They have just finished participating in our annual nativity play.

We are so blessed!

Ruby and Sadie, we look forward to seeing you tomorrow in San Diego. Two days until Uncle Nate's wedding!

Thank you for letting me "borrow" your photo Emilia!

Lisa's day

Since it is Lisa's birthday today, I thought it would be a good time to finally share her pictures taken the night of her high school graduation. Needless to say, I'm a bit tardy! She has gone on to be a very studious and lovely college student.

Mom and dad were and are very proud of her and rightly so. She is a gem of a girl and a wonderful daughter.
Here is the rest of her family except for Mark. They were thrilled to be attending yet another high school graduation.

And finally, their true colors and personality. Lisa, I hope you are having a stupendous birthday. I admire you greatly!

BD wishes to mom of four

Susan will begin her next year as a busy mom of four! We all agree that this little one is her best birthday, Christmas, and everyday gift.

Happy Birthday Susan!

She did receive another gift or two at our "adult" Christmas dinner last night. All my children and most of the spouses were in attendance. Emilia's mom also joined us. It was so quiet and calm. (Thank you Becky and the Rays.) We loved visiting with each other. Our December birthday people were guests of honor. David's best gift was bonding with Julianna with whom he was making great eye contact.

Nate took these pictures for me, so he missed being in this slightly fuzzy shot.

The December birthday club. We thought Julianna would be a member, but she surprised us and joined the crowded November club instead.

Life is good - only five days until Nate's wedding!

2009 will bring the big "30"

David came to the realization this week that he is very near to "30." His father and I reassured him that it is not that bad. Perhaps he will even enjoy his 30's more because we think the 20's are a bit stressful with all those decisions to be made.

Happy Birthday David!
Ruby's expression says it all, "Just relax!"

Pretty in pink

Most baby afghans I crochet are white, meant to be used on the baby's blessing day. For some reason several months ago (before news of Julianna) I began crocheting in pink. Now I know why. It's finally finished, ribbon and all. Julianna came dressed in pink and brown on Sunday. Now she can be matchy-matchy.

She truly is the sweetest, most precious little thing!

50th BD of the 64 count crayons

Wow! I'm older than the 64 count crayon box. I always remembered these being a part of my childhood. Now I know it was just a part from age 6. I loved getting a new box of these crayons with so many colors. It was a well organized rainbow in a box. Too bad the above borrowed image has been jazzed up. I loved the look of the old box.

Self-imposed cupcake madness

This is what 200 red velvet cupcakes look like. Keep in mind that I chose to make these, it was not an assignment.

The cupcakes are finally frosted and decorated with individually made candy melt snowflakes and ready for transport to the ward Christmas party just 45 minutes before it begins. Above cupcakes took about 3-4 minutes each. Curious about what I have been doing with my time. Do the math!

Janae, Kari, Kami

We were watching news of the high school state football championship held yesterday. It made me think of these pictures with beautiful eyes taken at ASU Stadium when Mt. View was playing for the championship in 1999. Honestly, I don't remember who even won, but I've always loved these two pictures.

I know that life sometimes come at you fast (or slow), but I so admire all of you for your faithful attempts at mothering and having hope. You are all still so beautiful!

Saturday morning chores

Raymond's mother feared for his safety during the move. With Big Ray's old movie camera in hand, he arrived early to help Big Glen with Saturday morning chores.


He thought it was very important to immortalize grandpa trimming the pomegranate tree, especially with a smile.

Grandpa obliged with a wave as well. I think Raymond has been watching his mother.

He quickly decided that he would rather climb the ladder. Then it was on to lawn mowing.

Holding onto Big Glen's pocket, "Little Glen" hung on for the whole walk.

This picture most clearly demonstrates why Raymond is sometimes referred to as "Little Glen."

There must have been a side change on the back forty. Ray hung in for the entire job. He and his grandpa moved on to pool cleaning, bird feeding, and pot watering while I was inside with Henry. Later in the afternoon, Raymond was mesmerized by the waterfalls (sprinklers). I can only imagine that the falling water was accompanied by music playing in his head.

For Nate

It's not real, but it fits. I sorted out your ornaments, soon to be married man. This is what's left now that everyone has homes of their own. I hope you are here to enjoy it for a day or two. Henry touched it, but oh so carefully.

An odd juxtaposition

Yes, those are Christmas party goodie bags taking precedence over Thanksgiving being put away. We are all about pilgrims and Christmas lights (thank you Nate) over here.

Eric and Susan, this is how your children spent FHE on Monday night in your absence. Child labor helped fill these bags and it may explain the stuff on your kitchen table when you arrived home. Hopefully it will soon look a little more like Christmas at our house.

Bundle of joy

Three excited siblings and their grandma waited excitedly for the new sister to arrive this evening.
They were pretty impressed by this little one.

Toby may not have cozied up as much, but a little sister is just what he needs to round of his edges. It was fun to have a little one on one time with him today. I really enjoyed this little chatter box.

She is a beauty and so small. Just right for holding.

Heather was most intrigued with her little sister.

She reads her dad a book she wrote and illustrated about her new sister. I also got in a few minutes of bonding and holding this little bundle of joy. Welcome to the family!