Celebrations

To celebrate my mom coming home from the hospital, we ate steak and mashed potatoes. And then we opened our stocking presents.

I make Elijah wear his reindeer ears. That's right, that's how we roll around here! And I am so glad my 17 year old nephew still humors me!



I am living in denial that we travel back to Utah today. I wish I had another week here! Sigh.

Merry Christmas

Christmas was a good time.

Christmas Eve and morning was spent with Reuben's sisters, Natalie and Sarah. We had a great time playing pass the parcel and eating much too much at Natalie's on Christmas Eve. Christmas morning we watched the kiddos open presents and just hung out. My kind of party.



We then ventured to Green Bay and visited my aunt Linda's house. Again we just hung and ate much too much. Playing Catch Phrase was a fun activity thanks to Cindy. Here is the Birthday cake for Jesus which is tradition for my Cousin, Shannon's family. It's one of my favorite things. I am sure not too many people sing happy birthday to Jesus!

Sometimes...

....I am too tired to blog for four days. I apologize #31daysofblogging

Christmas vacation is fun! Here are some pics. It's all you get, because I am too tired and have eaten too much!




Reuben with a friend's babe



Seester with same babe.



Puzzle making.



Jambalaya king!



The best cookie of all time with Creepy hat eyes.

Merry Christmas Eve to ya!

Good Day

Last day of work before my two week vacation. It was a fun day filled with letter writing to service men and women followed by managing a basketball tournament and then a talent show(and 20 kids took home free Christmas trees. Awesome!). It will be nice to have a break from those nuckle heads.

This afternoon was filled with cuddles from the wee nephews and chatting with my adorable niece. These kids fill my soul with joy. Their laughter and play reminds me to focus on good and enjoy life.

I will miss my little ing-family when they head east. I think Skype will become as new staple.

Well, all packed and ready to fly in the a.m. Good times to follow!

Cheers.

Peace, where is it?

Lately, I have been thinking a lot about the season of Christmas, and how it is supposed to be filled with peace and joy. Have you noticed how lately, there has been a lot that has been going on to take away from "Peace on Earth, Good Will to Men?"

Well, I have a few suggestions on how to deal with this.

1. Serve others. I know my heart is always full when I reach out to others.
2. Drown you ears in Christmas music. I always smile when I hear the classics.
3. Focus on the positive. Maybe even turn the news off.
4. Think about your blessings and how good life truly is.
5. Eat treats. I know it always makes me feel better.
6. Remember the reason for the season. Christ is the hope we need in this cold, lonely world. Embrace him during this time of year, you won't be sorry, I promise.
7. Tell people you love them, or that you appreciate what they do for you.

There are lots of things that can warm the heart and bring peace into our lives. These are just a few things.

Finished blue bathrooms can help too!