Special Delivery

Yesterday we went out to watch the boys for awhile for Jessica and as you can see we received a couple of very special packages while we were there. Spencer couldn't wait to get into this box but when it was closed he was scared and wanted out. Not to be out done Caleb decided to give it a try. They are so cute they make me laugh.

Surprise!

What could be in that Box?

We didn't think he could fold up that small.

Getting out wasn't quite as easy, especially when he was giggling so hard. Who needs fancy toys when you can play with a great box?

"Tradition-Tradition"

Christmas time is family time! We got together with some of Kerry's family for lunch the day that he returned from Honolulu. It was good to be with them for awhile and wish that Joel and his family could have been with us too! I forgot to take pictures while everyone was here, where was my camera. But I managed to snap a couple as the boys were watching Polar Express with a couple of their favorite aunts (they have quite a few favorite aunts). The aunts just love the snuggle time!

One of our "Traditions" is to go to Temple Square every few years. We tried to find a night that we could all go but with every one's busy schedules we decided that we would have to make a couple of trips. The first trip was with Rachel and Cameron. As usual the lights were beautiful and it is one of my favorite things to do, but it was sooooooo cold. We went to The Lion House Pantry for dinner first and then went to see the lights. Mmmm you gotta love those Lion House Rolls. After dinner we decided to brave the cold and made stops inside the Tabernacle, The Assembly Hall and The North Visitors Center to get a little warmer. We took a few pictures along the way. It was fun to spend time with them. Before we took Trax back to our car we went across the street and got a cup of Hot Chocolate to warm us up one more time.

This nice gentleman took this picture so that we could all be together in one.






With all of the talk of Traditions over the last few months it has become kind of bittersweet for me. I love them all but to see some of them starting to fade or change has made me very emotional the last few weeks. Just yesterday I heard one daughter say, "It's bound to happen sooner or later mom." And I know that, it just seemed to happen to fast and it certainly doesn't make it any easier! A song from Fiddler on the Roof started spinning through my head and some of my girls would laugh but the Tradition song makes me happy. As I started singing that another stuck in my brain that is very tender right now.

Sunrise Sunset

(Tevye)Is this the little girl I carried?

Is this the little boy at play?

(Golde)I don't remember growing older

When did they?

(Tevye)When did she get to be a beauty?

When did he grow to be so tall?

(Golde)Wasn't it yesterday

When they were small?

(Men)Sunrise, sunset

Sunrise, sunset

Swiftly flow the days

Seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers

Blossoming even as we gaze

(Women)Sunrise, sunset

Sunrise, sunset

Swiftly fly the years

One season following another

Laden with happiness and tears

(Tevye)What words of wisdom can I give them?

How can I help to ease their way?

(Golde)Now they must learn from one another

Day by day

(Perchik)They look so natural together

(Hodel)Just like two newlyweds should be

(Perchik & Hodel)Is there a canopy in store for me?

(All)Sunrise, sunset

Sunrise, sunset

Swiftly fly the years

One season following another

Laden with happiness and tears

As I have read and reread the words to this song I thought of my dad who really love this movie in the 70's. He wasn't one who saw many movies nor did he see many over but this was one of his favorites. He would have this look in his eye when this song played and now I understand that look very well. To all who may read this, take advantage of the time together, enjoy the Sunrise because the Sunset comes to quickly.

What Is Christmas?

Last night I went visiting teaching with my companion for the month of December and we were just visiting when one of them shared a thought with us. She had heard a devotional that had stuck in her mind and the is what she told us...

There are those who are excited for Christmas each year and of course Santa is a large part of that feeling. Those who can't wait to buy the gifts and see them opened and are all involved in the decorating and so forth. When the gifts are gone then so is Christmas until next year.

There are those who focus on the "Baby Jesus" and try to bring that spirit and message into their lives more but as with those mentioned earlier it ends with Christmas and isn't talked about much more than that.

Then there are those who not only celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ but his life, sacrifice and atonement as well. They are the ones that who feel the spirit at Christmas time but throughout the year as well.

I thought about that for quite awhile when I got home and it made me realize that while all of the decorating and presents and everything is fun and in a large part a tradition the most important part of Christmas really that very special gift we have all been given. Something that is ours always not just at Christmas time. I want to try harder to reflect that in this coming year. I am grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ, his birth, his life, his death and atonement, his sacrifice for all of us. What a beautiful gift!

Merry Christmas

I went to Festival of Trees with Rosemarie on Friday last week. It was the first time in many years that I have gone. First of all it was fun to spend some time with Rosemarie and to just talk for a little while. I probably won't go back for a few more years because of the changes in the way things are presented but here are a few of my favorite trees.

This one was very simple but it was my very favorite tree. As we approached it there was a large group of girls standing in front of the tree having their picture taken. They had made the decorations as an Actvity Day Group and were so excited to have it there and that it was sold. The garland was hand tied pieces of fabric as well as other ornaments. They were so cute to watch that it made the whole event worthwhile.

This one was taken for Kerry with the Hawaiian theme in mind. What you can't see is all of the shells on the tree.

There were several tree based on the theme of Twilight so I took them for Rebecca.

This one was so cute that I couldn't pass it up even though it really doesn't fit in the category of a tree.

This one was produce by the Holdman Gallery and was a lot of fun to see since it was timed with music. Where would you store this?

This was the best of the Twilight trees and there was quite a crowd around it, there was a lot to take in from the ornaments to all of the stuff that was around it. We didn't go through all of the wreath's and other displays that were in the auditorium but it was fun to see a lot of the trees and the festivities. Mostly fun to spend time with my big sister!

After having Kerry home for three weeks it was very difficult to drop him off at the airport this morning for his return trip to Honolulu. Especially since I was sick the first half of the time he was home and I wasn't much company, I was afraid to be around him because I didn't want him to get sick or return to Honolulu sick. We were able to get a little of the Christmas shopping done and some of the Holiday decorations up but it just isn't the same for the Holidays without him around. I hate to wish time away but hopefully the next two weeks will go quickly so that he can return to be with us again.

Certainly today won't pass with out me thinking about the many blessings in my life. Most importantly family, friends, and the gospel. I'm Thankful for the Savior and My Father in Heaven. I'm grateful for family heritage and for my Freedom. Though we live in a very stressful time period on this earth I am happy to be an American with all of the rights and opportunities that I have. I am grateful for a wonderful warm home and food to eat and clothing to keep me warm. I am so grateful for Kerry and our relationship, it's hard to believe we have been together now for over 30 years.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone and Thanks for your blessing in my life.

There are only certain times during the day that Quate' likes to snuggle, unless you happen to be Rachel. The other day Rebecca wasn't feeling well and was just vegging out on the couch. Quate happened to be in one of his snugly moods. His fur is the length that we all like because it is the cutest and I saw this and thought it was so cute. The cutest picture had Reb's face in it and she threatened me not to use that one. He's so cute and my little bud after all that's what his name means!

What you can't see is that she was scratching his ear and he molded himself into her leg for more.

Another Year

Earlier this month we went to Dave and Jessica's to celebrate her birthday. Shortly after we got there Dave and the boys started to frost her cake. I love to watch Dave with the boys you can tell how much he loves them and loves to be with them. He is so patient and loving with them. They are always doing something fun together.

Grandpa looks on as the decorating begins.

The Face

Blowing out the candles

And this video is too cute to pass up.

Happy Belated Birthday-fun evening!

An Early Thanksgiving

For the first time in as many years as I can remember most of our family will be gone for Thanksgiving this year, or at least at different family gatherings. I have to admit it is a very strange feeling to say the least. Rosemarie decided to have all of our family who could over for an early Thanksgiving this year. I am so glad she did because we were still mostly together to celebrate the season. Cyd and Ken we missed you as usual and are very anxious to see you in a little under a month.

After dinner we all just relaxed and visited for awhile and of course there were all of the desserts! Traditional and non traditional.

As always Rosemarie was sending food home with everyone, she is such a great hostess.

Kerry and Jessica were deep in discussion probably about the "Twilight Series" but it almost seems like he's doing the "Teapot" song.

Everyone found a comfy place to relax and let dinner settle, most readers are in one book or another of the series and there was a lot of discussion about the books and the movie.

Dave and the boys played with the car blanket and the school buses as well as each other.

Just loungin' around

Aren't they cute?

Grandma Stevenson and Patti in their own discussion.



Cameron and his own book while the girls were captivated by vampires.
Before we left Caleb and Spencer got most of us to go downstairs to play a roaring game of Duck Duck Goose, it was a lot of fun and we all laughed pretty hard. It was a really great evening. Thank you Rosemarie and Patti for the lovely dinner.

I am especially Thankful for my family this Holiday Season!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.

Growing up too fast

Before I went to Honolulu this last time I went to Jessica's for a little while to play with the boys. I love spending time with them as much as possible and as often as possible. They have some favorite toys that they love to play with, just like all kids do. This little guy has always been curious about how things work, what makes them go...I have said since he was crawling that he would be an engineer like his Grandpa for that reason.

When I got home I again went to their house to spend some time with the boys. I was amazed at how his play had changed in just three weeks time. He was doing such intricate things and it took a lot of time and patience which is pretty amazing for his age. I just sat and watched him with amazement as he explained everything he was doing and why. I tried to sneak up on him to take these pictures but he saw me from the corner of his eye. If the house is quiet you will know where to find him.

On Sunday we went to watch him sing for the Primary Program in Sacrament Meeting. He was where most of us could see him very clearly. I would have guessed every one in the rooms was watching him until I noticed the Grandparents in front of us watching the other direction! He was adorable and sang so well. It seems like yesterday I was straining to see my girls doing the singing. They all grow up too fast.

Good Advice

"If you can't say nothing nice, don't say anything at all!"
Something I have always told my kids and I need to remember
to be better at myself!

It's hard to win a game when you beat yourself!!

Revenge is sweet, watch out next year Utah Utes.

So after reading the series (I am on book four currently) out of curiosity I decided to go see the movie. Rebecca and her friends went and got in line at about 8:00 in the evening and Kerry and I joined them just before 10:00 and were allowed into the theatre at about 10:40. After getting warmed up and almost going to sleep while waiting the movie finally started. First of all I don't like Edward and I realize for many He is the perfect man but I think he over played the part and it was too humorous to watch him for me. Too much of the story never played out and I just really didn't feel the relationships ever developed. It was fun to see pictures of the Northwest and it was ok but I certainly didn't enjoy it as much as the young women in the audience. The best part of the movie was listening to the adoring young girls especially the 23-25 year old woman next to me who was with a date and I thought she was going to pass out in the first 5 minutes of the movie, so funny!!! Her date laughed at her as much as I did, poor guy. A lot of hype about a medicore movie and series of books.

The Biggest Loser

I have never watched this show for more than about ten minutes. Tonight not feeling well and just laying on my bed I watched about a half an hour of it. I am just curious to know from those of you who watch it what you thought about tonight's elimination.

I went to a craft boutique on Saturday with some of my girls and came across a wooden plaque that had this painted on it "Daughters are proof that angels exist!" Of course I had to buy it to put in my new kitchen, I sure do love them.

50 is the new 30?

So I hear people say all of the time that 50 is the new thirty, that it is a new beginning for them.... So how come insurance doesn't think so? After my yearly check up my Dr. recommended a course of action for my health plan, apparently my insurance company doesn't think that I am worth that course of action and is fighting everything they can to keep it from happening. My Dr. said she would go directly to the Drug company and everywhere she has to in order for me to avoid other complications later in my life. She is awesome as for my insurance company can't live without it but it appears I can't live with it either. (Sorry for venting again!)
;) ;) :0!

Last year this time Rebecca brought home the Josh Grobin "Noel" CD and I fell in love with it. I really feel in love with the song Thankful and it so fitting with this time of year. I just thought I would share it with you. Happy Thanksgiving!

"Thankful"

Somedays we forget
To look around us
Somedays we can't see
The joy that surrounds us
So caught up inside ourselves
We take when we should give.

So for tonight we pray for
What we know can be
.And on this day we hope for
What we still can't see.
It's up to us to be the change
And even though we all can still do more
There's so much to be thankful for.

Look beyond ourselves
There's so much sorrow
It's way too late to say
I'll cry tomorrow
Each of us must find our truth
It's so long overdue

So for tonight we pray for
What we know can be
And every day we hope for
What we still can't see
It's up to us to be the change
And even though we all can still do more
There's so much to be thankful for.

Even with our differences
There is a place we're all connected
Each of us can find each other's light

So for tonight we pray for
What we know can be
And on this day we hope for
What we still can't see
It's up to us to be the change
And even though this world needs so much more
There's so much to be thankful for