MERRY CHRISTMAS

From CHRISTMAS 2008

Merry Christmas. We wish everyone could have been with us. We had a wonderful Christmas Eve and Day. Dad made a terrific cranberry pork roast for Christmas Eve dinner, with all the trimmings; potatoes, gravy, sunshine carrots, rolls, corn and Karen made a jello salad. For dessert we had Danish rice pudding, along with fudge and magic cookie bars. The highlight of the night was Santa, arriving just before dinner. The girls were so excited. We read the scripture story and Dad bore his testimony. It was a lovely evening. The kids opened their Christmas Eve presents, matching PJ's from Grandma & Grandpa. They were so excited, they put them right on so they could look alike; so cute. Everyone came back for Christmas brunch; biscuits & gravy and Abelskivers. Then on to opening presents. We let the kids open theirs first. Oh, they had so much fun. We all had a great day. We are grateful for our family, and miss those of you who couldn't be with us.

CHRISTMAS QUESTIONS

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? BOTH, I LOVE TO MIX IT UP. I USED BASKETS FOR THE LITTLE GIRLS THIS YEAR.
2. Artificial or real tree? ARTIFICIAL, IT LESS MESS. WE GOT A NEW ONE THIS YEAR...HOPE YOU'RE SITTING DOWN...PRE-LIT
3. When do you put up a tree? AFTER THANKSGIVING. WE USED TO WAIT UNTIL AFTER KOLIN'S BIRTHDAY SO HE WOULDN'T THINK WE WERE CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS FOR HIS BIRTHDAY
4. When do you take it down? NEW YEAR'S DAY
5. Do you like eggnog? LOVE IT....YUMMMMMM
6. Favorite gift received as a child? A COWGIRL OUTFIT, INCLUDING SKIRT, VEST WITH FRINGE, BOOTS, AND A HOLSTER WITH A GUN
7. Hardest person to buy for? MY MOTHER, SHE ALREADY HAS MORE THAN SHE KNOWS WHAT TO DO WITH
8. Easiest person to buy for? DAVE, JUST GET HIM SOMETHING FOR THE KITCHEN AND HE'S IN HEAVEN
9. Do you have a nativity scene? YES, A CERAMIC ONE I MADE SEVERAL YEARS AGO
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? I LOVE RECEIVING CHRISTMAS CARDS
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? A WHITE ELEPHANT GIFT
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET & WHITE CHRISTMAS
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? OCTOBER
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? NO
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas time? ANYTHING THAT DAVE MAKES, HE MADE ORANGE & CRANBERRY BREAD THIS YEAR, SO YUMMY
16. Lights on the tree? WHITE THIS YEAR...YEAH NEW PRE-LIT TREE
17. Favorite Christmas song? WHITE CHRISTMAS
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? I WOULD LOVE TO TRAVEL TO SEE MY NEW HAMPSHIRE AND DELAWARE KIDS, WE MISS THEM
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? YES
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? STAR
21. Open presents on Christmas Eve or morning? BOTH, WE ALWAYS HAVE SOMETHING FOR ALL TO OPEN CHRISTMAS EVE
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? DRIVING IN THE SNOW
23. Favorite Ornament theme or color? RED ORNAMENTS, MY HAND-PAINTED WOODEN, RED BOWS AND CANDY CANES
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? CRANBERRY PORK ROAST OR TURKEY
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? I WOULD LOVE TO SPEND CHRISTMAS WITH ALL MY FAMILY. I WOULD LOVE HUGS AND KISSES FROM MY DELAWARE AND NEW HAMPSHIRE GRANDKIDS.

34 Years of happiness

Can I tell you how much I love him? He is my life, my love. I love him for so many reasons. He's been by my side during the good times and bad. He loves me when I do stupid things, and helps me laugh at life. My life wouldn't be complete without him. His love is the center of my heart, and I cherish it deeply. I loved him the moment I saw him, and will love him forever.

Dave.....
In our life together, you've given me so much - smiles and laughter, help and encouragement, and more happy memories than I can begin to count. In our life together, you've given me all I really need - tenderness and trust, understanding and love, and the comfort of knowing your caring heart is always near. In our life together, one thing will never change, you'll always be the most important person in the world to me. You'll always be the man I love.

Happy anniversary, 34 year of happiness. Thank you

Jenny Lake kayak trip

Here's a slideshow of our trip around Jenny Lake.



Jenny Lake formed by melting glaciers about 60,000 years ago, is a beautiful blue mountain lake set in the heart of Grand Teton National Park, at the base of Teewinot Mountain. On the west side, the lake touches the Teton Mountain Range. The lake is about 260 feet deep at the deepest point. It was about a 7 mile paddle. We stopped half way to have lunch. As you can see, it was a beautiful day. There is a hiking trail that goes around the lake. We saw tons of hikers. Several said that they wish they were along for our ride. The scenery was wonderful, above and below. Along the shoreline you can see the roots of the trees reaching out like arms and hands.

We stayed at a motel in Jackson Hole, a few doors down from where Dani's grandpa grew up. We only paddled one day, but had fun sight seeing too. The Tetons are majestic and made a great backdrop for our trip.

Labor Day fun

Here's some pictures of our Labor Day fun. We had a blast, kayaking, swimming, sailing, and playing in the sand. As always, we had great food too. Dad made spaghetti, and bar-b-q chicken. We had lots of veggies from our garden, potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, onions, green peppers, and beans. Aunt Dee and Grandma were there. Karen and Clint couldn't join us, and were missed. Marti helped me husk corn. She worked so hard to get every husk and silk off each cob. So cute. We had great sailing (sorry Jason), the best we've had all season. The morning water was smooth so kayaking was wonderful. Dani and Tawnia each took a turn on our smaller kayak, even Dee went out by herself. Dad took Marti and Tawnia out sailing, Unfortunately they didn't last long, Marti got soaked, and wasn't happy. Dad brought them back, Marti frowning all the way. She wasn't about to get back in the boat again. The kids had fun swimming, building sand castles, and stomping them down. As fall approaches, I'm sad that our kayaking days are numbered (at least for me). We do have more trips planned before closing down for the year. I hate that summer is ending.

My sister.....

Fairy Princesses

Londen and Marley

Kolin and Dani don't have a blog set up yet so I wanted to share some pictures of their princesses.

Marley

Kolin holding Marley.

These are some pictures that Angelica took.  We love it when she takes time to click some great shots of the kids. 

This is Marley's blessing dress.  Dani's grandmother, Nana, made it especially for her.  

      

Fun with Steph & fam.

We had so much fun with Steph and the boys. I had fun watching Sarah and Conner interact with each other. Sarah has more personality right now than Conner does, she was SO cute to be with.

Clint had fun with the boys both at Lagoon and at Mom and Dad's house.

My first post

This is Tyler now. I took this picture of Sarah. Isn't she cute on Sunday mornings!I like to take pictures!She is a cutie when she smiles!

Conner laughing

I thought this was very cute. Kaily and Clint are playing and it's making Conner just laugh. I just noticed that Kaily and Conner laugh sound similar, and the picture is really dark. If you listen closely you can tell which one is laughing though.

Thought you might enjoy seeing some recent pictures of Kolin, Dani, and the kids.                                 

While Marley was 

still in the hospital, they took Londen to Wheeler Farm. 

Here is a slide show of Marley.  Enjoy!!!  She is our new gift from heaven and we are so grateful that she is healthy.

Conner is 5 moths

My chunky boy is growing up so fast. Here are some pictures.

Little Bad Guy

Marti just invented a new imaginary friend she calls "little bad guy" this was a conversation we had about him this morning when I was putting pretend clothes on him.

Tawnia: why is he bad?
Marti: he isn't bad, hes good
Marti: very good
Tawnia: so why don't you call him little good guy?
Marti: that is silly (scowl)
Tawnia: so his name is little bad guy but he's good
Marti: his name is Michelle
Tawnia: like Aunt Michelle?
Marti: yeah, his name is little bad guy Michelle

update on Marley and Dani

Sorry I don't have any pictures.  Dad took my camera with him.  Dani is doing amazing.  She's up and around and will probably go home tomorrow.  She is healing nicely,  and her spirits are good. Marley is getting stronger.  They are now considering her a preemie.  They put an oxygen line in her nose and a feeding tube, which also runs through her nose.  Poor thing, she didn't like it at all.  I finally got to hold her today.  She even opened her eyes for me.  The doctors are hoping with the oxygen she will get stronger so she can eat better.  They decided to use a feeding tube so it wouldn't take so much energy to eat.  She has reflux so they are giving her meds, not through an iv though.  They removed her iv line in her head today.  Dani is pumping so they can give her breast milk.  She looks so much like Londen.  Even the nurses can tell whose child she is.  Dani's mom has been taking care of her.  Londen is so glad to come to the hospital to her mommy and her daddy, but she loves her pretty baby sister, Marey.  They still can't take Marley out of the nursery, but we can go see her if Kolin or Dani are with us.  I talked to Dad last night.  He's having a good time.  He felt bad that he wasn't here for all this drama.  Uncle Rick and Jeff gave Marley a blessing last night.  It really helped Dani have peace.  I'm really missing the priesthood in my home.  I'm so glad that I have family that can pitch in for Dad.  It's such a blessing in our lives.  We sometimes take it for granted.  Thank you all for your prayers and faith.  Dani and Kolin can feel it, and are so appreciative.  And there's me.....(and Gina), we're the ones who are having a hard time.  I am feeling very lonely and miss Dad.  I'm not liking us having vacations apart.  This time is especially hard for me.  I miss my family.  You are so far away.  I need you all to send me big hugs to boost my heart.  I hope all is well with all of you.  Kory and Tawnia can't wait to see pictures of your visit to Jon's.  I love you all so much and miss you terribly.  Tonight my heart aches for you.  May your days be filled with love and job.  I love you. - Mom

A day w/ Kaily and Conner

It amazes me how Kaily can go all day long pretending. To her, the world is a stage and everyone else is there for her to entertain. She can turn every day things into a world of other things. Markers become people or something to stir with. It doesn't matter that she has a toy box full of dishes and play food. Those have to be something different too. Nothing is as it seems in Kaily's world. Clint and I don't know where she comes up with some of the things she does. For example, when she is upset or mad she will walk around the house stomping her feet singing, "OO OO OO, I'm really really mad. OO OO OO, I'm really really mad." It is so cute; Clint and I have a hard time not cracking up. She will continue to do that until we engage her in conversation about why she is mad. That question usually follows with a lecture of some sort from her about how we need to say sorry for whatever it is we did to make her upset. I can't wait until she is a teenager....What have I gotten myself into? Conner is getting so big and he LOVES Kaily. He laughs at her and whenever he wants to eat baby food he looks for to stand by me. He is getting big too. We advanced him up to size 3 diapers and he's grown out of most of his socks. We had a great time in AZ seeing Clint's family. An update on Clint's dad is that his heart is doing fine now and as soon as he can pass the last of the Kidney stones (smallest measured 4 mm, largest to date 9 mm) he will be great. Thank you for everyone concerns.

Sisters are the best!

I hope Marti and Emersyn always love each other as much as they do now. Emersyn calls her sister Mar-mo and gets so excited when she sees her in the morning. Marti is so good to Emersyn and tells anyone who will listen that Emersyn is her best friend. I really think they were made for each other.

FINALLY!

Jordan lost his first tooth. In case you can't tell, he's so happy!

Oh Romeo, Oh Romeo

Tyler's class performed the balcony scene from "Romeo and Juliet"--so very professional and so dang cute.

4 Months Old

Why do babies grow up so fast?? We love our little Sarah--who can't seem to smile without the use of her tongue!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JORDAN!

Riding a two-wheeler, Sarah entertainer, sensitive to what mom needs, good little missionary, tall, dark, handsome, master lego builder, playground pro, wrestle champion, thoughtful prayers, reciting poems, almost done with kindergarten, math wiz, faithful, fun.......

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

COUSINS!

So, we didn't take a whole lot of pictures while Jon and Michelle were here. We had a GREAT time! Thank you so much for coming, you guys. We really regret not taking advantage of the photo opportunity. But, we did get a few. Here are some pics from hanging out around the house.

The Race

Kory was part of a marathon relay for the Ogden City Marathon last Saturday (yes, I am talking about Kory Kemp). I had signed up to run it in January and then I found out I was pregnant, I felt bad pulling out so I asked Kory to run in my place. His part was a little bit longer than a 5K and he did a really good job.






Kory is the one in the blue shirt without boobs and with the beard.

Playland

Marti and Emersyn have recently become obsessed with McDonalds, (healthy, right?) anytime we pass a McDonalds, or Old McDonalds as they call it, they both begin to shout "Old McDonalds, Old McDonalds". Marti loves to go up and down the slide and Emersyn loves to crawl up into the tubes and just sit there, the only problem is that she won't come down. So now when we go Kory or I have to climb into the tunnels, that were built for little kids, to retrieve Emersyn.

We love you mom and Grandma!

Happy Mother's Day! We wish we could be there in person and give you a big hug! We hope you had a great day and know how much your Delaware family loves and misses you!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL OUR BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTERS

Happy Mother's Day to all. 

Karen, Stephanie, Michelle, Tawnia, and Dani. 

We love you and feel blessed to have you in our lives.  Thank you for being the mothers you are, and for giving us the greatest blessings from heaven....your children.  We love them and wish we could enjoy them every day.  May the Lord always bless you as you strive to be the best mothers you can be.  

A card created for recipient by sender

Our Blessings

Kayla is the happiest and cutest baby! She has a giggle or a grin for everyone and is a wonderful blessing in our lives. We had a difficult time finding the faith to have a fourth baby! And yet when I look in her eyes, and cuddle her close, I am so grateful that someone knew so much more than me and that he sent me a little chubby blessing to sweeten our chaos!