This blog is for Blaine.

We've had plenty of snow so far this winter. This is what it looked like outside yesterday.You know I love it, especially when it is so sunny after a snow storm.
I am dedicating this blog to my son-in-law, who is constantly bragging about the warm winters in AZ. Here is a taste of what it will be like for him next winter in Denver.
Blaine, would you like for me to send you a snowsuit for your birthday to save for next winter?
Ha ha (that was MY evil laugh.)

Christmas in Arizona, Kimberley's birthday and Family Fun

Grandad finally got to meet his darling grandson, Oliver.While in Arizona we brought the kids their Christmas gifts and had another mini Christmas with them.

Oliver was oblivious to all of the festivities.

Finger painting becomes arm painting.

Boys chillin' on the couch.

It's really New Year's day so Blaine was teaching Asher about the fine art of couch potato football.

While there we celebrated Kimberley's 3rd birthday. She got to help make the cake.

Yummmm. Chocolate cake!!

Asher knows "funny" when he sees it.

Uncle Grant was a hit with Kimberley.

The adults get to play Life, Pirates of the Carribbean sytle.

Aunt Kristin
How cute is this?

Saying good bye.

We had a great trip and it's hard to say good bye, but never fear,

I'll be returning before you know it.!!

Oliver's blessing.

Last Sunday we were all able to be in AZ for Oliver's blessing.

We were so very grateful to have Grant and Kristin there with us. It's been a long while since the whole family has been together. Ken and I were just so happy. My brother Gary was sick, so he wasn't able to come, even though he lives right there in AZ. I guess we need to photo shop him into this pic. The proud parents.

The proud great grandma.

The proud aunt and uncle.

The proud grandparents.

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.