Snow

We don't know what came over us this December, but we took 3 trips to the snow this month.  And each time I scratched my head to question what we were thinking?!?

The first trip we went to Sheldon's cousins wedding (John and Simone)  we were so happy for them we didn't even contemplate making reservation to go back in August when things were still Sunny and bright in Idaho.  We had to fly to Salt Lake City and drive to Rexburg due to the time of the sealing.  As we arrived in Salt Lake City late Friday night we decided to take advantage of the dry conditions (snow all around us, but not snowing or raining at that moment).  We drove to Pocotello and stayed the night.  As we got up in the morning to drive to Rexburg we thought we must have woken earlier than the sun.  We got going, but it seemed that the sun never came up.  As you can see it was a gray day. Something I don't remember experiencing.  Sheldon and I concurred we were not sad that we lived in sunny Las Vegas and we were glad that there were those who could live in this gloomy weather.

Luckily it wasn't as gloomy as it looks.  Sheldon saw snow surfers after the wedding.  We were impressed that even in this cold, fridgid weather, people could have a great time. 

We were also glad we could see and spend time with Christiana and Corey and Sarah while we were up there

And truly the joy of the ceremony made it all worth it.

It was so much fun to see Uncle Mark (with parkinsons) and Aunt MaryAnn (has MS) see their last child get married.  We are so happy that Aunt Evonne and Uncle Jack could help them get there to witness this amazing event.

Again we weren't thinking very clearly when Spencer announced he would be getting married on December 18th in Boise.  Of course we quickly made plane reservations (not considering that incliment weather might be present), and Oh was it present his wedding weekend.  Everyone kept reassuring us that this was an oddity in Boise... it really didn't matter we were only there for that weekend

But again the joy that we experienced was amazing, and we could almost forget about that white fluffy stuff, that makes roads slick and slippery, and hands cold, because the beautiful bride and groom made us so warm.   

We again had so much fun and were so thankful we could be there. Plus teaching Carter about olives and fingers was just a bonus for the trip!!!

 I figured we'd had more than our fill of snow for the month, then Sheldon came to me and said a friend had offered to let us use their condo in Brian Head and we should go for New Years.  Again I scratched my head and wondered what we were thinking heading back on purpose to spend time in the snow, but everyone was axious to slide down mountains on wood so we planned one more trip to the snow.  We arrived on Wednesday in the worst winter storm they have had this season.  Boy was I thankful for a good snow driver.  We huddled up and spent time in the condo Wednesday, but Thursday we thought we'd brave the weather and go skiing.

Can you tell who we are??

Guess Who???

 Boy did we have to brave the weather.  It snowed all day.  Sarah took boarding lessons, Conner and Loryn borded, too, and the rest of us skiied.  All of my girls hair was frozen to their face at some time during the day.  We had to move our fingers to keep them from becoming frost bitten.  Visibility was poor, lucklily we're not fast enough skiiers to need much visibility.  Even with the bitter, and I mean bitter cold (they said with the wind chill factor is was -37 on the top of chair lift 2) we survived and had a great time.  I did tell Sydnee on our last ride up the lift ... "if it's this cold tomorrow I am not going skiing."  The next morning the sun was out and the themometer did not read -15 so we decided the kids would go all day,

Day 2 Skiing  Here are the hints for who we are Loryn in pink, Conner in multi blue color, Sydnee in Gray

Sarah

Sheldon and I would clean up the condo and go half day and then we'd head home.  It worked out great.  When we arrived and started skiing, I decided this snow is absolutely beatiful.  I haven't skiied that much, but i told Sheldon that was the prettiest best snow I have ever skiied on.  He has skiied a lot and he agreed conditions don't get much better than this.  At the end of the day, I went on one more long really fun run with Meagan.  I could of lasted about 2 more hours, but the kids were done and ready to go so we left.  It was honestly a good end to snow. 

   I could see that it is absolutely beautiful (in the right conditions), and do know this is much more of a purpose to snow than just fun, but I am so very very grateful I live in a warmed part of the world and don't have to experience snow this much each winter.

Christmas Day ??? Tragedy???

 Christmas Day was so much fun. We started early (we'll not that early, but one gift that every child was anxious to receive was Just Dance 2 (a new Wii Game). Luckily,  Grandma & Grandpa Paul were thoughtful enough to get it for us ( I think Grandma & Grandpa's gifts were the favorite this year - Just Dance and Automatic Nerf Guns). Quickly we got the Wii up and running and we danced. Four people at a time. Some were definetly better than others. We all realized it was a great areobic workout, so very few had a hard time sharing the remotes because most of us could only do 2-3 max before we were handing off our remote, or you could dance without a remote on the side (Loryn and Meagan). All day we played. With everyone that came. The night was slowing down and we decided to go do just a few more dances. We were on our last dance and right at the end ... Tragedy happened. This is how the story developed:

At our Christmas Open House with Pizza this year.  I made my mom's traditions Little Smokies with Bacon (A FAVORITE).  Everyone loved them -- even the little overdone ones and they were gone quickly.  Take note of the toothpicks stuck in them to keep them together.  Remember we have lots of children here playing Dance 2 in the basement.

Someone sticks a toothpick in Loryn's hair.  She discovers it while she is dancing.  She quickly removes the toothpick and places it right where it should go -- on the ground.

During our last dance we are moving to "Walk Like an Egyptians", and all the sudden I hear a "OWWWCH"  I turn to the left and see Meagan pulling her foot up and saying she stepped on something.  I think it may be a tack from the carpet and ask her what she thinks it is (while trying to keep my infamous dance moves together -- there are points involved here and we wouldn't want to miss them just for a stubbed toe).  Loryn begins to panic, because Meagan's score is lacking, and I decide maybe this is a little more serious than a tack so I take a closter look and see a fairly good size black spot on the crease of her second toe.  She  hops upstairs to consult the doctor.  I get the

surgical tweasers and he begins the  "surgical" process. A few minutes after the surgical process starts  the other dancers arrive upstairs stating they think it was a toothpick (from the little smokies).  Loryn quickly confesses it was in her hair and she accidently dropped it on the ground. Meanwhile,  Sheldon is  can't get it out and the toe is beginning to become tender.  Luckily anesthetic is available and Meagan's toe get a little numbing (twice before the nothing could be felt).  We ask the girls to go recover the toothpick so we can see how much is gone.  As they go to recover they discover 5 toothpicks on the ground.  At this point, Loryn isn't quite sure it is her toothpick Meagan stepped on.  In fact she is pretty sure it isn't her toothpick, because she would never hurt her sister.  As she contemplates the removal of the

toothpick from her hair.  She is pretty sure she threw it behind the couch so it wouldn't be seen.  But she was dancing and it might have popped out of her hand and landed in front of the couch.  She is a little concerned that it might be the toothpick someone stuck in her hair, because it sure looks like it, compared to the other ones.  She really wishes the culprit who put the toothpick in her hair would come forward and confess to that gross task. 

Luckily the tragedy turned out okay.  After about a half hour.  We (Sheldon) thinks he was able to remove all the pieces of toothpick, we placed Hydrogen Peroxide on it to kill any germs and Meagan bandaged it up.  I don't think it will stop any Dance 2 moves, but I think I will remove toothpicks from Little Smokies next time I serve them. 

Nativity Party

Staying in theme with Nativity we again had our Nativity Party this year.  Last year when I started it, I did it because there was no live nativity, but this year there was a live nativity and we enjoyed going to that.  I had thought about doing it and then thought no, it's just too much.  When I had finally put the idea to rest I got a call from Melodie asking if I was having it.  She said Natalie had called and said that was her most memorable part of Christmas last year.  So I decided we should have it.  It was great.  We had Cafe Rio for dinner.  Natalie came, Kim with her kids, Cameron and his family, Melodie and Brents family, Debbie and kids, Jeff & Keri family, and Taitcho and his family (they are friends with Melodie and Brent).  After dinner, Melodie helped the kids get dressed in nativity costumes. 

Again we had a Samuel the Lamanite (batman costume) along with the star

shepherds

donkey, Mary, Joseph, and a baby Jesus 

great wise (wo)men

Debbie played the piano for the nativity and the spirit was strong.  After my talented Mother in law played us so many fun Christmas Carols and we sang and sang.  This is what I love about Christmas and I was so glad we could have this.  It just helps remind me to look to the Savior  -- I think that is what the nativity represents for me.  Everyone is focusing on the Savior and we should be, too.

New Nativity

This year in the Mormon Times  there was an article about a man who decided he could help people in 3rd world countries by helping them sell their Nativitys  (Go to nativitystore.com).  It was such an amazing story.  I decided to go online and look at what was available.  We purchased two.  One for Christiana and Corey and one for our home.  This is our new nativity and the story behind it.  My goal is to get one from him every year.  I loved that the story came with it and his son wrote us a sweet note in the shipment.

Filippino Nativity

I think it was the first year my parents came back from the Philippines my mom brought us this sweet Filippino Nativity.  I love this Nativity.  I love the time it took to make it.  I love how it is crocheted and so many details were looked at.  The camel, the donkey, the sheep.  I love the bright  colors of the natiivty. This year I had an amazing experience with this nativity.  One that I will treasure in my heart for years to come (really forever).   I feel priveleged that the Spirit guided me and directed me.  I am so thankful for a mother who helped fulfil this tender mercy.

Another Favorite Nativity

This nativity is just simple.  A friend mentioned to me that a new Willow Tree nativity had come out.  So I went to Deseret Book to price it.  They were sold out, but I found this one.  I loved it.  There were only four pieces, but again I loved that Mary was holding Jesus.  It was unique to anything I had.  I love that there was only Mary, Joseph, Jesus, and two of the sweet animals that were most likely present (a cow and sheep

Favorite Nativity

In 2005 we were able to travel to Germany, the main purpose of our visit was to see Sheldon's parents who were serving in the Berlin, Germany mission up in Griesfwald.  On our way to Griesfwald we met Sheldon's parents and one of the stops on our way was a small town called Seiffen.  It was on the Czechoslovakian border and it was a town where they made nutcrackers and Christmas decorations.  I found this nativity I loved.  I loved it because the baby Jesus could be cradled in Mary's arms or placed in the manager.  It is my favorite for that reason and many others. I love the wood.  I love the  Creche,  I love Joseph and his tender way he looks at the Christ Child.  I just love this nativity and keep it out all year long.

Nativity

I love Nativities.  I love how each one is unique and helps me focus ona different part of our Savior's birth.  I thought this season I would take a minute and post about a few of my favorite nativiites.  I'll start with my first nativity.  It was given to Sheldon and I our first year of marriage by Grandma Edwards.  It has always reminded me of the simpleness, yet humble beginnings of Jesus Christ birth.  It has straw on the roof of the Creshe, reminding me of the basic beginnings of Christ birth.  I also love this nativity because it has received so much use.  All of my girls have played with it loving the baby Jesus, I've used it in every ward I've been in for primary for different reasons.   This was our only Nativity for several years of our lives and I am so grateful we have it.

Bedtime Stories

I love Bedtime Stories.  I love that my  kids still humor me and ask me to read them bedtime stories.  I'm thankful for the peace it brings me to read something fun and uplifting before we go to bed.  I am also grateful for the hugs and kisses I get at the end of bedtime stories. 

I know it may be hard to see because there isn't much of her to see but Loryn's
hair is sticking up toward the upper right hand corner of the picture

Bolivar Missouri

  Until a year ago I didn't know this town existed, but now I am so grateful this  quaint town called Bolivar Missouri exists. Sheldon and I arrived in Springfield about 40 minutes from Bolivar on Thursday afternoon. Springfield has the largest Bass Pro Shop, so we stopped to visit it. It was easy to get lost in there and we had a lot of fun lookin around and seeing things our kids love. Loryn was a little annoyed we kept sending her text that made her "jealous" that she wasn't with us. She told me on Saturday it's like a slap in the face everytime you send me another text, because I really want to be there. So I decided I wouldn't send her anymore (a little late at that point).

 

If you look closely this duck has a blue bill --

it was a very entertaining duck that didn't hold still for pictures

After we enjoyed the turtles, Alligator Gar, Dutch Ovens, Guns, Scuba Show, and Unique Candy at Bass Pro, we decided we should find our favorite Mid-West Restaurant – Steak and Shake and ohwere we lucky it was just right up the street. We were reminded why this was our favorite, McDonald Prices with better food and service (in our opinions – some locals don’t agree with us, but we sure enjoyed). Again all of our kids who have been wanted us to bring them chicken fingers and shakes. We tried their holiday shake peppermint and chocolate (I know it doesn’t sound appetizing to my mom, but it was good)

Next we headed to Bolivar where we were greeted by Marcia who was busy fixing us a delicious lasagna dinner.  We waited for Larry to come home and then we ate.  They were the most gracious host and made us feel so comfortable and welcome in their home.  Luckily we agreed on politics and sports and enjoyed discussing those topics along with stereo speakers, travels and a few other fun topics.  Marcia was so accommodating and was amazing still recovering from a broken elbow and wrist.  

We were going to wait and watch the beautiful video our photographer put together when Christiana and Corey got there, but then Chrisitana called and said they lost their luggage.  Corey’s dad, Randy was picking them up.  Southwest ask them to wait a half hour for the next flight to come from Denver to see if their luggage was on it.  YAY it was, but that put them getting to Bolivar after midnight so we watched the video without them at first.   We really appreciated Randy for picking Corey and Christiana up and it was nice to meet him.

Corey and his brother Chris

This was an interesting vacation.  Usually Sheldon and I quickly adjust to the time change because we throw ourselves into a full schedule, but we were just  here for the open house and had nothing else planned.  We couldn’t believe on Friday morning when we looked at the clock and  it was almost 9:00.  Neither of us remembered the last time we slept until 9, even when we’ve travelled.  We enjoyed a great breakfast and just a relaxing day touring  Bolivar, watching a movie and going to the local Wal-Mart.



This is Khloe, who I easily won her love, once I helped her convince her mom that Cupcakes come before dinner

She was working on Smiles




Larry's dad Sid and Step Mom Mary




Cousins, brother and girlfriend (Elizabeth)



Saturday was really nice too. We helped get ready for the guest, making cupcakes, scallop potatoes(cheesy potatoes), ham, baked beans and stuffing. Marcia had the house cleaned and ready and we put up a few decorations. They had so many nice friends and family come and many stayed and visited to several hours. I did my best at remembering names, even those I didn’t remember I really enjoyed visiting. So many were so kind and brought gifts for Christiana and Corey. Sherry, Randy’s girlfriend loves to make quilts and she made Christiana and Corey a beautiful quilt for their bed. I told her thank you, it helps relieve the pressure of me wanting to create a beautiful quilt like my mother and grandmother did for me.


I feel so thankful Christiana has such wonderful in-laws who love her and have raised an incredible husband for her.

Primary Program

Today was oiur wards Primary Program. We (Sheldon and I) were traveling back from Missouri and missed it. Luckily I was able to attend the practice last Wednesday. Sydnee was asked to share her feelings on eternal families, by sharing her experience in the temple. While we were in Washington DC at the temple Sydnee wrote an excellent explanation. She asked me to keep it until we got home. I put it in a very safe place where it is still at. So a couple weeks ago she sat down again and wrote this.

She did an excellent job saying it slowly and clearly.  She is an amazing daughter.  We are blessed to have her in our home.  But most of all she helped remind me of that Sacred Special Day we had just a few weeks ago.

Husband/Sheldon/Marriage

Today and really every day of my life for the past 23 years I have been grateful for my husband. I am grateful for our Heavenly Fathers plan who sent us here to earth to be part of a family and then create our own family through marriage. I am grateful for the relationship we have. The friendship,trust, and adventures we have together. I'm grateful for the family we've created/have been blessed with. I am grateful for the long talks short answers and all the incredible help he gives me. I am grateful for his wisdom, insight, and counseling. I am also so grateful for the warmth, safety, and comfort that is ever present when he is around. I am
Probably most grateful that I get to be with him for eternity

Fall Leaves

 I love fall leaves. Twice this fall I've been able to travel to cities that have beautiful falls. I couldn't ever make a pile of leaves in DC, but the Hastings had a beautiful backyard with lots of leaves on the ground. I wish Loryn and Sydnee were with me they love to play in leaves. Thank goodness Sheldon and Christiana humored me and took pictures, but I'm thankful for leaves and fall.

Technology

Today I was grateful for technology.  Grateful that we could text Loryn video of the cute turtles we saw and the keep in touch with our kids as we traveled to Missouri.  I love that its so easy for kids to text and let me know their safely home, give ideas for Sydnee's student council speech, or let me know where they're a and how their travels are going.  It's amazing where we've come and the fun we can have with these small computers that transmit cross country in seconds.

Pictures

Today I was sweetly blessed with wedding pictures as I watched the sweet video of the pictures of the wedding and reception tears filled my eyes. I couldn't believe how just pictures brought back the amazing feelings of the sweet day. I wish I had time to post some but layer when I return I'll post some