Christmas 2008

We had a wonderful Christmas. It was great having, Kevin, Helen & Anabeth, as well as Helen's dad, Billy, and My Dad all here. Wish we could have had everyone else as well. But after talking to everyone several times today, sounds like they all had a good holiday too. Misha and Kodi had white Christmases--which seems to be pretty normal for their parts of the country! Taryn said it was warmer for them today~
Trevor had unwrapping all figured out~ His favorite gifts were the train, Misha sent, and the basketball hoop Santa brought. Storie loved her Elmo, from Aunt Helen & Uncle Kevin, and Anabeth loved her cell phone from Aunt Misha & Uncle Jeremy! I loved my chocolate pearl earrings & all my new books, CD's and movies!
Dusty enjoyed the little girls in their matching pj's! Storie really has enjoyed Anabeth. And Kevin thinks Anabeth has learned all kinds of things from her cousins! Her knees are red and probably sore from crawling around trying to keep up with them. However sometimes Storie crawls too, just to keep Anabeth happy. Such sweeties! I've enjoyed having them all together for Christmas!

Californians are here!

We've waited and waited for Kevin, Helen & Anabeth to arrive--They are all here! We can't believe how big Anabeth is, and how beautiful! She was amazed with her cousins, and has been observing their walking~ Uncle Dusty is determined to teach her to walk while she's here. Not sure that is alright with her parents! She'll be even harder to keep up with. Storie loved her, and gave her lots of kisses. Once Anabeth hit her head on the table, and cried--Storie watched her and broke out in tears also!! Sympathy tears!

A White Out

We woke up to all this beautiful snow---I know Camile would love it! It's still coming down, and the big beautiful flakes are just my favorite! The pictures are from our front door/porch. We aren't sure if we're going to try and make it back to AZ or not! Keep trying to listen to the weather channel, but they never tell you what is going on across the rez, and sometimes that can be really bad, if the wind is blowing. When I opened my front door this morning, to take the pictures, there was actually snow between the storm door and the front door, so you can see how it blew last night. I love the howling wind, as long as I can sit inside by the fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa! Ha! But I wish "you all" could be here with me!

SNOW

Myrle's Mom & Dad & 1st of 9 children

Myrle's Mom, Louise

Myrle's parents & boys (before Myrle, Bill & Arvita)

Myrle's Family

We are in Colorado, hoping for some snow flakes! So far only a few out in our fields--I had hoped it would really dump on us, and we wouldn't have to go back to AZ tomorrow. Arvita has been here from Albuquerque, and brought pictures of her parents I had never seen before. My mother in law was such a wonderful woman, and good mother in law. She never once offered unasked for advice, never complained, and was always happy to see her children, and the many grandchildren--

Wish List Button

For years our family has had Amazon wish lists, so when we needed a gift for someone, we went to Amazon, and picked out something on their list. I use mine, to remember book titles that I might want to get at a later date~ Just so I don't forget. However the Amazon stores were very limited so usually books, music or a few other items, can be added to the list. BUT NOW--there is the "Universal Wish List Button"--you can add it to your menu/tool bar on your computer/ when you're shopping, and see something you might like--just click the Add to Wish List button, and it's on your Amazon Wish list for all to see!! It's been really easy and fun to shop this year. I really enjoy using Amazon or shopping on the internet because most of my children live out of state, and it's just nice to have them ship everything for me! And this time of year, you can often get free shipping! And--I really hate going to the mall

Tree Trimming!

Lastnight, Steve & Judi, Dustin & Kilee & Phillip & Tina all came over--I was able to get some cute pictures of Storie & Trevor in front of my untrimmed, really really small new Christmas tree! Trevor & Storie play so well together/ & they are so cute when they hug or kiss! Today I will sort through and get rid of the decorations I don't want anymore, & decorate the small tree, and hopefully it won't look so pathetic~ Poor little tree, I've never had one this small in all of my many many years! I keep trying to tell myself that I'm just scaling down~ But it's hard!

Anabeth in Christmas Sweater

Anabeth is all ready for Christmas, and her trip to AZ for the holidays. We can all hardly wait to see her~

"Come what may, and love it"

Joseph B. Wirthlin passed away this past week. I just read his last talk from General Conf. in Oct. He said whenever something went wrong, his mother would always say "Come what may, and love it." The older I get the more I think about things my mom, and especially my Aunt Carol would say. One of the things I heard Aunt Carol say was "endure till the end." Of course when I was younger, it didn't make much of an impression. But now that I'm aging (Birthday coming up next week!) I think more and more about that, and find there is indeed more to endure than I ever imagined.
Joseph Wirthlin talked about Learning to Laugh, and I find that gets me through alot of the enduring! He has a grandson, who has autism, and spoke about what a blessing this child is to their family, and all that it has taught them.
I will miss Elder Wirthlin's words of wisdom! So, Come what may, and love it!

Dane

Thanksgiving!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Another Thanksgiving! Just seems like a few months ago, and we were all in Colorado for Thanksgiving! I miss everyone this year. I know that Kodi & Family, and Kevin & Family will have a wonderful meal in CA with Kevin and Kodi cooking, while Helen and Trenton keep the babes entertained.
Taryn has a house full with Bruce & Gail, and Brooks & Shirley & kids. She called last night, needing advice on making 3 or 4 Choc. Mousse at a time. Hope they turn out, I've never made that many at a time. She should be okay with the Bosch.
Misha & Jeremy and kids have invited friends from the ward to share their meal. She has Mallorie and Kolby helping her, while Jeremy goes to play football.
Kilee & Dusty have his parents here, and his grandpa will be there for their meal. Kilee had everything all planned out. So I hope all goes well. I haven't heard from her today.
PaPa is here with us in AZ, and Phillip, Tina & Trevor will be back and forth from her parents to our house to see who is serving the best food! It's handy that Tina's mom and Dad live behind us.
My Menu includes all the traditionals. Turkey, Stuffing, Gravy, Mashed potatoes, monkey bread, salad, green beans, and for desert, Prophets desert, and Tina is making a Pumpkin roll.
I'm using my old fashioned blue china--and my silver from my mom. Just for you girls who all want it when I die!
I was thinking last night, of my Granny Zell who taught me to cook. She made everything by hand--By this I mean, no Bosch, no mixers, no handy onion choppers, and no dishwashers to clean it all up. She made the best breads, and stuffing, cinnamon rolls and pies I've ever tasted. My mother made wonderful pies and candies but didn't make breads or cakes! It's funny we all have our specialities I guess.
I'm so thankful for all my children who love to cook!
And I really miss them this time of year! I'm fighting a depression coming on!
I love you all--and I'm so very Thankful that I've been blessed to be your mother, mother-in-law---wife, sister, daughter, friend!

Who Needs Toys?

Storie Ann

Thurs. & Friday I took care of Storie while Kilee trained for her new job. She will be doing billing for Knight Transportation from her home, but had to go into the offices for the training. Storie was wonderful! She loves Sesame Street! Reminded me of Kevin, who loved it when he was a little one. She loves going outside and rearranging the rocks! PaPa will have fun picking them up out of the grass this weekend before he mows.

Idaho Klan

The Oregon Klan

Kade at Pumpkin Patch

Random Deep Thoughts

Random Deep Thought
Of all my imaginary friends, I don't think there was one that I didn't end up having to kill.
- Jack Handy

Cowboy Trevor & Daddy & Friend (Milli Vanilli)

Halloween 2008

The Host

This weekend Myrle and I went to Tucson. I was looking forward to going so I could check out Picacho Peak, to see if there were any humans hiding out! Didn't see any, but was really surprised at how close the peak is to the highway--I would have chosen a different set of mountains to hide out in.

October in Colorado!

I had wanted to see "my" mountains while in Colorado this trip, but it rained and was cloudy the entire time we were there. My Dad said when the clouds cleared they were covered with snow! So next trip, I'll get to see them. Still it was beautiful with all the rain clouds, and the changing leaves. Something we don't get to see in AZ!

Logan & Ashlyn Mikkelson

Katie brought her kids over for a visit, so it was nice getting pictures of them also. We couldn't believe how cute Logan was/ he's got some fine twiddle legs now! Miss Ashlyn loved Mallorie and Kolby! We wish all the cousins could live closer!

Kolby, Mallorie & Storie

While in Colorado, we got the girls matching Dora nightgowns--which they loved--Storie says "Dor--da" Kolby got Star Wars pj's which light up when he moves! It was a great visit with the kids~ They all got along wonderfully, and enjoyed each other.

Mount Everest

October in Colorado

Ok--so I'm not going to Mount Everest, but isn't this a beautiful picture? Tomorrow I'm heading to Colorado, as is Misha and the twins! PaPa is really excited for us to come and visit him (or clean & cook! ha!) I'm ready for some cooler weather, and my mountains. It'll be great to see Misha and the kids! I'm not sure who will be going with me, either Kilee or Christtina--Not sure their husbands will let them go with me--I never promise I'll bring them back to AZ. Ha!! Kilee & Dustin will be having their 2 year anniversary on Monday, and for some reason he wants her home on Monday--! Can't figure out why! I'm really not sure I will want to come home that soon.

Trevor

Anabeth