We were all together again

It doesn't happen very often - by it I mean our family being all together at one time. It happened this New Year. Jessica, Sean and Brandon arrived for family time and snowboarding. Audrey and her kids returned home with us from California. So it was celebration time and it didn't hurt that it was Sean's birthday. As I look closely at this picture, I notice that it not in focus and not a very clear photo. I tried to fix it with photoshop, but to no avail. But it is perfectly clear in this photo that our family loves to be together, and it is perfectly clear that we love each other, and it is perfectly clear that we are one great family. I love how my New Year began. I wish everyone a Happy New Year.

A California Christmas

After a most rewarding and wonderful family get together on the Saturday before Christmas (see previous post), Dad and I quickly cleaned the house, packed our bags and grabbed about four hours of sleep. We left early Sunday morning to surprise the Wilson family (minus Kevin) for Christmas. It turned out that it was indeed a huge surprise. (Thanks Kevin for everything.) We loved and enjoyed a week of games, great food, and not to be forgotten, a trip to the pool on Christmas Eve day. Christmas just wouldn't be the same without viewing the gifts and excitement through the eyes of little children. Christmas morning was very reminiscent of when our children were little--early hours, Santa's arrival and gifts, and calling each child one by one down the stairs. I love giving gifts all times of the year, however, this season was most enjoyable to choose gifts for each of my children and my grandchildren and to watch them open them. I hope everyone had a perfect Christmas season as I did.

Merry Christmas to All

The reading of the Nativity Story at Christmas time is a long standing family tradition. We make it a part of our family party/family home evening. This year Paul and Bree brought costumes for everyone. It was so much fun to watch the kids pick and choose costumes and then change their minds and pick and choose another costume. As William read the story, each actor entered and did a terrific job. From angels to Wisemen, and from Mary to Joseph, we had it all covered. There is a wonderful spirit that attends the scriptural reading of the Nativity. We felt that spirit and felt the importance and significance of this most sacred event.

I hope all of my friends and family are enjoying the spirit of the Nativity this season. This is a very special time of the year. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas.

Our first Winter Wonderland

Please enjoy these photos taken today of our beautiful scenery. Hope this will assure the Arizonians that there will be plenty of snow for their snowboard trip in January. Hope this will help the Californians get in the mood to decorate with lights and snowmen. . Everyone else -- hope you have enjoyed this beautiful snow today as we have. You will notice, however, that all photos are taken from my front porch and I did not have to venture out in it. That is how I enjoy a beautiful Winter Wonderland.

These are a few of my favorite things

I finally succumbed to the season. I officially put away my flip flops and brought out socks and boots. This is a big step for me. However, that being said, this is my favorite holiday of the year. I love everything about Christmas, especially the decorations. I have been decorating leisurely the past few days. I have taken time to enjoy, touch, and reflect on many of my favorite things. As per Abby's request, I have included the big tree because she so loves the glass icicles and snowflakes. So. . . these are a few of my favorite things.

A Wish to All

My Sister Julie's Birthday

Rikki and I were discussing the other day the concept of five pivotal people in ones life (I think it came from Dr. Phil). I have been thinking who my five would be. I thought immediately of my sister, Julie. She has taught me patience, love, and empathy for others. And these are only a few things on the list. She is as a little child and especially loves birthdays and holidays. The last few years we have been gathering at her convalescent center to celebrate her birthday. We love it because we are together as a family and she loves it more than I can describe. We always have cake, ice cream, and presents. I know that my children are laughing because she receives the same presents every year. However, I did not give her a sweat pant outfit this year -- but the movies were still part of the gift. She is very dear to our family and we love her childlike ways, her appreciation for even the smallest gesture, and her ability to make us happy to be a family. I love my sister Julie. .


(I have to apologize to Linda and Dale for not having a photo of them with Julie this year. They were here and visited on Saturday. I had my camera in my purse and did not take any photos of them. We were having too much fun talking, laughing, and catching up Sorry)