Christmas Fun

We had such a fun and memorable Christmas this year. We decided to start a new tradition of doing a service project. Allyson, Kristy and Liz explored options and decided on making fleece blankets to give away to charities. The blankets were purchased and we met together for our project. Reed laid out and measured,
Bennie and Jer and others cut and then everyone helped tie.

 
Olive entertained everyone!
It took several hours and we took a break in between for soup and bread, but we finished them all. I think it was a total of 16 blankets we were able to donate.
Thanks to everyone for making it happen. Allyson ended up sick that night we put them together but appreciate all the work she did in getting the blankets for us and Kristy for finding a place for us to give them away.
Kim and Daniel made it safely up here for Christmas so we enjoyed their company this week. I personally got the best presents! My first surprise came Christmas Eve. Just as I was about to gather towels and robes so we could do our Nativity pageant, Christie gave me a tote filled with costumes! We had Joseph and Mary
angels,
and shepherds and wise men
and sheep.
I have wanted to do that for years but never could get it happening. I know Christie spent countless hours cutting and sewing to make this keepsake. I loved it. Our pageant looked so official. Thank you so much for this selfless gift.
Olive opened her gift from us that night also.It is fun that there are books named for her! Then we watched as the families opened the traditional Christmas Eve PJ's.

My next great surprise was getting all the pictures, framed of all the grandchildren. Kim took some great pictures! (And Allison who sent hers from Colorado) That took some major time as well. Then she and Daniel and dad made sure they wouldn't sit in a box and actually got them hung up for me. (after a ton of indecision of where to put them) I love my picture wall!
Dad and I think we have the best, cutest grandchildren ever. And, if that wasn't enough, thank you for all the other gifts. I am so spoiled!
Dad was pretty surprised to get his gift from the family. We are excited to replace that old exercise bike.
Other than the look he gave me when I told him that he had no excuse now to not exercise, he was pretty pleased that his kids would do that for him.
It is always sad when the holidays are over. I love the music, the feeling, the decorations and smells. I love being able to hear the songs of the Savior all the time and the reminder of what He has done for us. I love being with family. Thank you all again for your time and sacrifice and for making this a great Christmas.

More to celebrate!

The weeks of November 8th to Dec 18th compete with Aug/Sept of having the most birthdays now. We have 10 in those few weeks now.
Sydney....
and Taylor turned 6 years old!
They were followed by Jenna who is 10 now.
We had a joint celebration for them on Sunday when we did Family Home Evening. They each got their section of candles to blow out. It was pretty cute.
We included Gracie because with everything going on, we hadn't had our family celebration of her birthday either. We still owe them home made ice cream.
Happy birthday to Allison....
and Kimmy who share their day. ( I may be in trouble for using these pictures, but none of you will let me take your pictures anymore--except Darren, and he smiles!)
And, Happy Birthday to Darren on Tuesday. We celebrate your lives!!! So happy you were born!

Thanks-giving

Thanksgiving seemed extra special this year in that we had everyone here except unfortunately John and Laura and Olive, who traveled to Colorado and Trav and Allison and family.  But, they made it even more special by the birth of little (well relatively speaking) Luke.
We are so happy that he and Allison did so well and that he is such a good baby for them. We can't wait to see him in person. He is the 15th grandson and the 28th grand child. What wonderful blessings our grandchildren are and we truly give thanks for them!
We also got the fun news that weekend, that number 16th grandson is on his way. We have lots of future missionaries.
Our Thanksgiving day was filled with good food--with lots of hands helping and lots of visiting and relaxing. Our little boys took turns playing on the computer.
The bigger boys played board games.
The little girls had fun playing dress up
This next picture was actually taken a few days before Thanksgiving. They were so funny and really got competitive with each other.
And, the moms mapped out their plan of attack for the next morning--or late night shopping.
Well, Christie stayed home. There isn't much that can entice her to get up that early in the cold morning!
Sadly we said goodbye to Kim and Daniel and family early Sunday morning.
We are so thankful that they and John and Laura and Olive made it back home safely.
We are so very thankful for the many, many blessings that life has given us. Family has to be one of the greatest gifts we have.