Scoop up all the joy!

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Big news...

After we had Christmas dinner and opened the gifts, Mark said he had an announcement. Mark and Tiffani are going to have another baby. We are thrilled! It would be wonderful to have a granddaughter, but another grandson would be great as well. Now we just have to wait for August to come. Yippee!

Christmas Sunday...

I like it when Christmas is on Sunday. Going to church seems like the right thing to do on Christmas Day. The music the choir sang was beautiful and I felt the spirit. I had never heard the first song they sang but I loved it. It was called "Angels are Making Their Rounds." It has an easy folk style. I imaged riding my horse across the prairie listening to this song.

"Angels are making their rounds, O my, what a beautiful sound. Heaven’s glory comes down when angels are making their rounds, angels are making their rounds."

I made cinnamon rolls for breakfast. I heard Tiffani wished she could have some, and Tim delivered a pan before church. Mark said it was a Christmas miracle!

My Mom's Christmas dishes and napkins rings.

We enjoyed a traditional turkey dinner after church. Mark prepared the turkey using a brine and lots of butter. I could really tell the difference, it was very good!

Tim and Mark's expressions!

Grey's new Harley!

Uncle Lee stopped by. He got Colby this very nice shirt. He also gave the boys boxes of paper and other craft supplies. He's know how much Cash loves to create and make things. Lee is really one of the most thoughtful people I know!

I had a lot fun thinking about what gifts I might give my family. I thought about for months. I read reviews carefully before I purchased anything. I thought about personalities and what they might enjoy. I like to give gifts, for me it is an expression of the love I have for my family.

My friend Lorie gave me this plaque. I really like this thought. I didn't put up as many decorations and I tried not to be too extravagant with the gifts. I do think we need to make a greater effort to do something that would be more spiritual. Next year I will do more to celebrate Christ. After all He really is the reason for the season.

We are so blessed and I am very thankful for my family.

Wordless Wednesday ~ White Christmas...

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Christmas Eve with Chris...

As per his usual style, Chris was the perfect host. Tim requested lots of different small courses and Chris really delivered! Behold the delightful Christmas Eve fare we enjoyed.

Hibiscus tea to cleanse the pallet and a fun new card game.

Yummy egg rolls with a homemade sauce

Specialty drink slush with ginger and lemon

Delicious cabbage noodle soup with homemade broth

Jambalaya with cornbread, very savory

Chris said he made this for me, ravioli with salami. It was delicious.

We took a break to play Yahtzee and watch Star Wars.

This was my favorite... sausage, with a poached egg on a bed of perfectly cooked potatoes. It was like nachos only with potatoes. Yuuuummmm!

Christopher has perfected the Bon Mi sandwich. The pickled veggies are so good.

One of many dessert we had, delicious Tiramisu.

It was a lovely night, thank you Chris!

Monday, December 26, 2016

Small acts of kindness and love...

(Quote by J R R Tolkien)

I like this quote, kindness does have great power to change another person's day. I try to seek opportunities everyday to do something kind. It is usually a small thing. I am more often the recipient of an act of kindness. Kindness can keep the darkness away.

Friday, December 23, 2016

Sweet boys...

I don't know what could be better than spending the day with Cash and Colby. We played a few games at Provo Beach and that was fun.

The best part was holding hands walking around Riverwoods. We looked at the pretty lights and stopped a few times to get warm by the fire. It was a perfect Christmas Eve Eve.

My favorite!

Thanks for a wonderful day Cash and Colby!

We are so sad Grey has been sick. It's been a rough week for Mark and Tiff. Grey has had croup and the doctor says he also has asthma. We are praying that he's feeling better fast.