Love My Sweetheart

Make a Smilebox greeting

Happy Valentine's RJ & Savannah

Make a Smilebox greeting

Make a Smilebox greeting

Christmas afternoon we went over to Scott Jr and Polly's house. We enjoyed visiting with the girls. They had a houseful of friends and family and we had a wonderful prime rib dinner. Maj-lis got an animated parrot that was really cute.

This was our first Christmas morning with the grandkids waking up here. That was really fun. They got up about 7:50 which was nice. We did all go to bed late the night before. RJ had left a cookie and milk with a note out for Santa. Santa enjoyed the treat and left RJ a note! They opened their stockings and presents from Santa. RJ was happy because he said he got just what he asked for. Jen got a pretty diamond necklace. Savannah loved anything that was Strawberry Shortcake. The one picture of Jared and RJ was when they both got the present that they wanted, the game for Wii- Mario Kart. I guess RJ made sure to tell Santa that Daddy wanted it too. Scott got a laser for his chop saw, but of course I need to send it back. I got the wrong one. He got me a new 32 inch flatscreen TV for my craftroom! We had a nice morning.
Then the missionaries came over to join us for breakfast. I made a french toast casserole, eggs, and bacon. Then Jared and Jen left to go to her parents house and then to her grandparents for dinner. We had an enjoyable morning, only sad thing is not everyone was here.

I picked up Jared, Jen, RJ, and Savannah from Carmichael the Saturday before Christmas. It has been nice to have them here this year. They haven't come for 2 years. Savannah and RJ have enjoyed playing with the nativity set that I got just for the kids to touch and play with. I hope that they all grow up knowing the reason we celebrate Christmas is to remember the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Christmas Gathering

I had to decorate much earlier than usual. In fact I had to have it done by the 11th for this Relief Society progressive dinner. That is about the date that I usually start. It was rather stressful, but wow, now I'm done. The tree turned out really pretty this year I think. We had a really nice time together having soup in bread bowls, and a wonderful salad done in Christmas colors. We then went to another home and met with all the ladies that had small gatherings as we did. We talked about ways to keep Christ in our Christmas celebrations. It was fun to share our home with others and to feel the spirit of Christ at this wonderful time.

We look forward to having family with us this year. Merry Christmas to all!

No pictures yet, just an update.
I have actually been putting up pictures on the walls, FINALLY! I only painted the greatroom a year and a half ago! It wasn't as hard to put holes in the walls since it has been so long since painting. I am excited to decorate for Christmas this year. I have one side of the hallway done and the entryway. I changed the color of the hallway light fixtures too. I painted the ceiling in the greatroom last Sat. I have never been so exhausted after painting. I hurt everywhere. I could really tell I'm getting older. I didn't get it much darker in color but it isn't so stark white. Oh well, it'
s done, not doing it again! The vents and light fixtures are back up too.
Scott has been working away on the shed. He finally has the siding finished. Next is the trim and the roof. I moved the stuff that belongs in the shed back on to the patio so I could paint. Hopefully he will get it done soon. Scott found the shelves he wants for it in Sacramento. We will go pick them up when we get back from St. George for Thanksgiving.
Ronna and Kalven are going with us for the holiday. That will be nice for Scott's parents. They have never seen Kalven.
Well, tonight is the opening of the movie Twightlight. I can't believe I'm doing this but I AM. I am going with about 15 other ladies and girls from our ward to the midnight showing. I am nuts. I have never done anything like this. Scott thinks it's great. I am going to try to take a nap tonight then go over and take turns in line with the girls. Will let you know how the movie was and how I manage at work tomorrow!

update

Scott has been working on building a new shed since I left for Idaho. I am calling it a monstrosity because he decided to make it taller than a regular room so it can have a loft built in it. It started to sprinkle tonight so we had to cover all the contents from the shed that are sitting in the side yard. He has the walls up, next I think the roof trusses go up.
Saturday mornings he hasn't been able to work on it though because we have been asked by the Prophet to get involved in trying to pass the proposition that states that marriage is between a man and a woman. I don't believe that our children should be taught in schools that any kind of family is normal. So we have been going door to door handing out flyers that explain the proposition. Everyone has been very nice, even those people that disagree. We aren't there to argue, just to inform people.
I have been sanding our new door, getting ready to varnish it. I hope to varnish one side tomorrow afternoon. It really is a pretty door. I am anxious to get it done.
We also dropped off the 4-Runner to have the seats recovered. The upholsterer thought he might be able to get the identical fabric but alas, it wasn't to be. But he did suggest that we reuse the fabric down the center of the seats since it was in good shape and matches the door panels. But they just didn't have a good match in fabric so we ended up deciding on leather. I hope that we like it.
Well number 4 receptionist at our office since last November has quit. Sharon decided she just wanted a cushy, easy job, and this just isn't such a thing. So we are getting resumes again. OH Boy! I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOO excited that I get to start training all over again.

Saying goodbye

I did say goodbye to the kids last night, in fact RJ was upset the night before when I reminded him that we had one more day. So last night wasn't so bad. This morning getting up at 5:30 was a drag. I was definitely tired today.
The babysitter showed up right on time which was great. Just as I was getting ready to leave RJ came down the stairs. He heard me talking to Katie. I was surprised. He hugged me and we talked a couple minutes. He didn't cry though. I told him to tell Katie all about our week and he surprised me even more when I asked him to go back to bed. He did and went back up the stairs. Now whether or not he stayed there I don't know.
I will miss them both a ton. I have to say that RJ was an angel almost the entire time. Savannah is so cute and sweet when she's good, but when she wants something her way she can be quite trying. Jen, you are a saint to be so patient with her.
I love you all! Already miss them tons. I just love the hugs and kisses and "I love you Gramma's"!
Travel home was nice, but oh how I appreciated the 70 degree weather in Idaho. When I got home it was about 100 or more. YULK!