Traditions

Here we are doing our yearly Christmas Eve:We always have Hawaiian Haystacks. We started this tradition so long ago that I can't even remember when we didn't have them. Ken's not as bored as he looks.On Christmas day, Grant and Kristin and her brother Steve came for dinner. We had the traditional turkey dinner.

As you can see, we had a very white Christmas.

Here's Ken with his annual shirt and tie.

In the absence of small children,we get our laughs from Cubby. He walked all the way down the hallway from the kitchen pushing this bag on his head. He stopped when he ran into this corner of the wall and just stood there pushing.

Ken didn't totally miss out on the games. Grant got his wish because we played his favorite game, Monopoly. It's his Indiana Jones version. He wasn't happy when I won, though. Woo hoo!!

The Reason for the Season

Here's a wish to all of you for a very Merry Christmas.There are many things that I love about the Christmas season, the lights, decorations, presents, shopping for loved ones, goodies and the general cheer that most of us feel at this time of year.

But, the main reason that I love Christmas is the opportunity to remember our Savior's birth and his love for each of us. We have great reason to rejoice and give thanks for the Lord Jesus Christ. I love him and I am grateful to know that because of his sacrifice I am able to repent and be forgiven for my sins great and small.

May you, too, feel the joy that I feel at this time of year as we remember the baby Jesus, born in a manger so long ago.

Snow and Poetry

Today the snow is so beautiful and it is falling so gently, that I just couldn't help myself. I wrote this cheesy poem. I hope it rings true for you.

A Walk in the Snow
by Marilyn

The quiet snow is falling,
Gently to the ground.
The silent world is calling,
But doesn't make a sound.

The air is cold, my breath is hot,
I'm tramping through the snow.
The fairy world that I have sought,
Presents a lovely show.

As the sun breaks through the clouds,
A crystal world appears,
And woodland fairies drop their shrouds
And shout their silent cheers.

I stand and wait and listen so
That I can understand
The magic of the silent snow
That falls upon the land.

The brilliant white reflects the light,
Awe-struck, I'm frozen still.
It's God who sends me such delight
Upon this gentle hill.

My smile comes fast, a knowing nod,
The scene I now behold
Is given by a loving God,
His gifts to me unfold.

My heart is light, I turn for home,
Snow birds begin to sing.
I'm glad I took the time to roam,
My soul such joy to bring.

Skating Grannies

For anyone who has ever lived in the Orem area, this is a familiar landmark. Most of you have probably even been inside. Well, I hadn't been inside for about 20 years... ...but then, I stepped back in time. Nothing has changed. Literally. I think they have the same carpet, lockers, snack bar and I'm pretty sure the same germs are there.These two bodies have definately changed. At first, we thought that we had forgotten how to skate, but evidently, it's like riding a bike. After a few spins around the rink we began to gain confidence and speed.
I'm happy to say that although I was pretty sore afterward, no permanent damage was done. It was great fun pretending to be young, but I think that it was only luck that kept me from a trip to the hospital.
P.S. If you're wondering, Why? It was Corinne's Ward Christmas Party.

I guess that Ken really missed me while I was in AZ because when I got home he had these beautiful roses waiting for me and a note and chocolates on my pillow.

What a super sweet husband I have.

We had a really good Thanksgiving, even though our numbers were few.

What good are kids if you can't make them peel the potatoes?

We ate too much, as usual.

I think that even Cubby had a turkey induced coma.

Yesterday we went shopping at the Gateway in SLC.

It really put me in the mood for Christmas.
I think I'll start to decorate the tree today!!

Welcome Oliver!!

Here he is...Grandchild # 3 !!!

If you've looked at Michelle and Blaine's blog you've already seen what an adorable little guy Oliver is, but here are some pics that I took with my camera.

While I was there, the Christmas gift that Ken and I got for the kids arrived, so while Mommy and Daddy were at the hospital helping Oliver arrive, we just opened the gift and started having fun right there in the living room.

Of course, the box was a hit.

I'm not sure WHY this is fun, but it definitely is. While I was there alone with Kimberley and Asher we had lots of fun.

We went on walks in the neighborhood.

Finger paints are soooo much fun.

Hint to grandparents: do this just before bath time.

One day we met Gary and Beth and went to this park that had bronze animal statues.
One day, after Mommy and Daddy came home with the baby, we took a walk to their neighborhood park.

Daddy set up the sand and water toy in the back yard.

As you might have guessed, Asher thought the sand was to eat. Yummy.

He doesn't share his sister's food pickiness,

but I guess that's why he was willing to eat dirt.

I'm in Arizona

Okay, if you haven't looked at Michelle and Blaine's blog, then you haven't seen the pictures of our new grandson, Oliver. Since I'm down here helping out I probably won't be posting photos until I get home. So, click on their blog to see how cute our new little Oliver is!! He seems like a pretty happy little baby, so far. Poor Michelle is pretty tired. She had a c-section and is trying to recover from that. So far it is taking all three of us adults to run this household. Fortunately, Blaine was given some extra leave time. He's off for another whole week. I may have to come back and help out after Thanksgiving. (I'm going home to Utah this Tues.) She's not supposed to lift Asher yet. He weighs about 20 lbs. Bye for now.

Leaves and a horse.

Some people hate leaves and work very hard to rake them up and put them in the trash. I love autumn leaves and I'm happy to have them cover the entire yard.

I made friends with this horse the other day.

Horses love apples and I love to feed them to them.

That makes us natural friends.

Some horses are just friendly.

"Hi lady. Come pet me. I'm super pretty."

I think I live in heaven.

Lucky me.

Well, tomorrow is the big day for the Jewelry Show at my mom's house. We've been working like crazy to get all of this done. I sure hope she sells a lot. There are over 120 necklaces, plus earrings for most and at least 50 bracelets.

Playing Dress-up

Last night was Justin and Jenny's annual Halloween Party.

Here we are getting ready.There are few things in this world less attractive than aging

over-weight hippies.

Heavy, man.Corinne's transformation:

Rocker chics rock!Our hosts:

Justin and Jenny are the King and Queen,

Michael is the Knight (sans armor),

and Wesley is the Dragon (which inspired the whole theme).

Here is Michael, feeling more inclined to cooperate.

He actually let his grandma put on his armor.Ava as Dorothy:

Erin scoured the whole town and found Toto. These people are complete strangers to me, but I loved their costumes. Their baby was a Hurricane (inspired by his behavior at home), and they were wind-blown people.
Their clothes and hair were very stiff.

You can't see it here but even the dad's shoes laces were blowin' in the wind. The baby had little trees and cars and animals all stuck to his clothes.

This is Kevin with his red-neck teeth and hat.
Grant and Kristin just raided our costume box on the way home from work.
They are going to borrow our hippie costumes for their ward party tonight.

Kristin looks very pretty, as usual.

(You can see Erin's Wicked Witch of the West legs behind her. )
I decided I'd better add this picture of Erin and Ian as the Wicked Witch and Dorothy's hick uncle, even though I know that Erin will be unhappy with how wide her calfs look in this photo. In person her legs looked slim and lovely.