Home for the Holidays~2008

It's official. There's NO place like HOME for the HOLIDAYS! Your OWN home. We have reached a fulfilled stage of life where we don't feel like we're missing out on anything by simply staying home. The usual hustle and bustle of traveling to visit everything and everybody totally took a backseat (maybe the trunk!) to the tranquility of 2 whole weeks of being home with my own family. No packing; no tired, cranky children who are in orbit because they are off their schedules; no guilty feelings for not evenly dividing time between grandmothers. Can I say that it is WONDERFUL? Relaxing. That's what it is. Did you know the holidays could be RELAXING?!
Our TRADITIONS were the rule for our time together. Stories of Jesus-Decorating-Baking-Shopping for special gifts for special people-Delivering special gifts for special people-Baking-Playing with the Nativity Scenes (found Darth Vader guarding the manger one day)-Driving to look at awesome Christmas lights-More Baking-Christmas morning squeals and giggles-Christmas Dinner and AfterDinner Games-Family-Friends-Fun. It can go on....you know how it goes....

True to his word, Santa delivered Christmas Dreams to some very good boys and girls. I personally feel that this year was MY best ever as my own dreams came true when Santa brought the "girls" a great, big DOLLHOUSE! (It even has an elevator!) I spent countless hours in my youth dreaming of such a thing, as I crafted my own houses out of boxes, carpet scraps and homemade wallpaper (what is a wallpaper sample book, anyway?!) My Stripling Warrior was thrilled with his new weapons of war. And the little man received gifts from the heart that made him squeal, giggle and dance for hours! Merry Christmas, for sure

We know this day is not just about traditions, or receiving presents that are temporal....it's about receiving the GIFT of Jesus Christ. He is thought of and celebrated at this time. We truly know that He IS the Savior of the World. I'm thankful that I have such wonderful, good children with whom I can share these blessings!!!

Quick Update

Hey! Just a quick update for those of you who are waiting on Holiday postings (DEE!)....Everyone is back in school today, and our wonderful break is officially over. WAHHHH! I loved every minute of the "down time" shared with so many friends and family. There were even a few days in there where I simply lost track of the time and day of the week. Gotta love that. Anyhoo-my holiday picture postings are having a hard time kicking it up to my blog, so, I'll just have to try again later. Stay tuned! Happy New Year!!!

Michael and the Big 3-0!

Happy 30th B-Day to my brother-in-law! His lovely wife (my adorable sister) planned a surprise night out for him at the beautiful Argossy Casino. He was surprised, and the night was a fun-filled success. (Good job, Denise!) We pigged-out on PRIMERIB at the beautiful buffet, and embarrassed Michael by having him blow out 30 candles on his birthday cake...in the restaurant! Then, we headed over to the casino where his friend, Mr. "Mater" had the awesome experience of winning $350 on the pennies machine! To prove my own level of my casino experience, I was corned by the casino "blue-jacket geek squad"--AKA casino security! What did I do?! I wasn't even gambling!!! Okay, I got busted for TAKING PICTURES! Did you know that is a big no-no? Well, I do now. (So, as a result, I have no pictures to prove it, but the Tuscan-style interior is impressive.) The night just flew, but it was packed with memories of a fun time together. So, Michael...Here's to the next 30 years!!! We are proud of the man you have become, and we love you!!!

A NEW Baby Jesus

There's a new BABY JESUS at our house this year!

{Okay, so I have always enjoyed playing dress up....Back in the day, as I became "too big" to play it myself, I showered my creativity on 2 little sisters and 1 little brother, and I would dress them up in fun costumes. Now that I'm a mommy, you can be sure my kiddos get to endure...uh...I mean enjoy this pastime that I love! It sure does makes me happy.}

Here is this year's annual Forred Family Nativity.

And just for kicks, take a look at our FIRST family nativity!

Faith, Family, Friends

This Thanksgiving Day marked occasion for me to reflect on how thankful I am for FAITH, FAMILY and FRIENDS...or as in our case, the FRIENDS who share our FAITH who are our FAMILY. I am reminded again our God's love for us as He provides loving companionship with our fellow brothers and sisters. "Behold how good and how pleasant it is, for brethren to dwell together in unity..." is a true statement. Aunt Jennie, you are such a sweet person, and we are so glad you are here to share in our lives!!! Thank you James and Heather for your sharing this day with us, as well as your warm hospitality and amazing turkey!!! Bailey's, thanks for coming over and for helping make our time festive. You guys are all family to us! (And for the record, girls, we had better show those boys who really controls the the Wii next time!)

After some persuasion, we decided to go back home to the Wichita area for a couple of days. We ended up being glad we did. We were able to spend some quality time with Joe's mom, brothers and their families, as well as with my own sisters and their families. We further enjoyed a wonderful time with our fellow brothers and sisters in our home branch that Sunday morning. I really wish I had taken our camera to church...Seeing them all again was heartwarming.

Grandma Pat's Wassil--yum!

The Mommies and their Babies

Joe and Jon

I always think of Thanksgiving as the Holiday Season Kick-off...a time to reflect on so many blessings, with Christmas being the culminating event of what we should be most thankful for-- our Savior, Jesus Christ. May this season be marked with reminders of these important things...

The New Guy Finds a Friend

Just an FYI-Jake and Hadlee (aka "Chin-Chin and Chin-chil0tta) are cut out of the same cloth and are always a hoot when they get together...they really have natural comic talent. They always make up their lines as they go., and it's so fun to watch them be funny-and clever! Fun Times with Friends are Fantastic! (Just ignore the talking and the whining baby in the background.)