Enjoy this video and have a great day! We should all be more grateful. My original title prior to correction said Steven Wonders of the World. He is one of my wonders so I guess it's okay.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
Last Load for 2009!
Well Steve and I just unloaded the pickup full of boxes into Hilary and Adam's basement. It is questionable how thrilled they are about that. We have mixed feelings ourselves but the storage unit in Idaho is empty now. I think that we are truly tired of moving boxes, but it is the best exercise we've had this year. And I am officially announcing that it is the last time we are moving this year in 2009! We're done for now. Done, Done Done! That's it!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Twas The Night After Christmas...
"Twas the night after Christmas and all through the house
Not a creature was stirring not even a mouse.
We showed up at the church first thing in the morn
To help clean the chapel, the bathrooms, and more...
Then we had a nice breakfast including "the ring"
And toured the construction site of Heather's new "thing."
With mixed emotions and hard work, we accomplished our goal
And cleaned out our storage unit. Now it's empty and cold.
Our pickup is full of boxes with a rocker on top.
We look like some hillbillies just following the crop.
Heather took down her tree and boxed up her decor.
She prepared for Brinley's birthday & made a cake with Skor.
Now Tanner's a deacon and part of the quorum.
And Quinn's busy crawling and doing lots of explorin'.
Not a creature was stirring not even a mouse.
We showed up at the church first thing in the morn
To help clean the chapel, the bathrooms, and more...
Then we had a nice breakfast including "the ring"
And toured the construction site of Heather's new "thing."
With mixed emotions and hard work, we accomplished our goal
And cleaned out our storage unit. Now it's empty and cold.
Our pickup is full of boxes with a rocker on top.
We look like some hillbillies just following the crop.
Heather took down her tree and boxed up her decor.
She prepared for Brinley's birthday & made a cake with Skor.
Now Tanner's a deacon and part of the quorum.
And Quinn's busy crawling and doing lots of explorin'.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Christmas Breakfast Ring Anyone?
Bright and early, about 6:30 a.m. which is not really too early but early enough, we all paraded down the stairs for Korinne, Jenna and Britton to see if Santa had come during the night. Happily he had dropped off 3 nice piles of gifts and filled 3 stockings so everyone was happy.
The kids excitedly opened their gifts and began to play with them in earnest. Eventually I started the traditional breakfast ring and cooked bacon and sausage while it baked. The children were far to busy for breakfast though, so Hilary, Adam, Steve and I ate most of the breakfast ring, bacon, sausage and hot chocolate. Breakfast was just not on the agenda for the kids. They preferred candy canes, tootsie rolls, and play dough.
In between watching the kids, eating and a bit of a morning nap, Steve had to fit in just a little project. He hooked Aaron's trailer up to the pickup and unloaded some boxes from our car in preparation for our drive to Idaho a couple of hours later.
The girls enjoyed their dolls and Britton loved his new binoculars, telescope and microscope.
Everyone but Hilary enjoyed the new Wii. Hilary enjoyed having everyone else enjoy the Wii. That made her happy.
Our drive to Idaho this year was much better than last year since there was no snow falling. Last year's trip was a blizzard and definitely a harrowing experience. This year the roads were clear and dry. We had enough time to stop and visit Steve's sister, Kathy and her husband Brent. We also enjoyed talking with most of our kids and grandkids who live far away which made the miles go by faster. Cell phones can be awesome. We got to skype again with Taylor, Jen and William. That was especially fun to see Will's chubby smiling face and big eyes.
Brinley took this picture of Quinn and I. When we arrived in Idaho, we quickly put together a repeat supper with Rueben sandwiches, potato salad, chips, wassail, etc. As Steve said earlier, we are just a traveling party.
Quinn is crawling all over now and doing a few other interesting maneuvers. He's a cutie. I got to read "The Christmas Sweater" to Brinley, Elsie, Jantzen and Quinn. Anna was already asleep and Tanner was reading his own book. Elsie said a darling little family prayer expressing thanks for Jesus, her family, Grandpa & Grandma and jamies. She is so adorable.
The kids excitedly opened their gifts and began to play with them in earnest. Eventually I started the traditional breakfast ring and cooked bacon and sausage while it baked. The children were far to busy for breakfast though, so Hilary, Adam, Steve and I ate most of the breakfast ring, bacon, sausage and hot chocolate. Breakfast was just not on the agenda for the kids. They preferred candy canes, tootsie rolls, and play dough.
In between watching the kids, eating and a bit of a morning nap, Steve had to fit in just a little project. He hooked Aaron's trailer up to the pickup and unloaded some boxes from our car in preparation for our drive to Idaho a couple of hours later.
The girls enjoyed their dolls and Britton loved his new binoculars, telescope and microscope.
Everyone but Hilary enjoyed the new Wii. Hilary enjoyed having everyone else enjoy the Wii. That made her happy. 
Our drive to Idaho this year was much better than last year since there was no snow falling. Last year's trip was a blizzard and definitely a harrowing experience. This year the roads were clear and dry. We had enough time to stop and visit Steve's sister, Kathy and her husband Brent. We also enjoyed talking with most of our kids and grandkids who live far away which made the miles go by faster. Cell phones can be awesome. We got to skype again with Taylor, Jen and William. That was especially fun to see Will's chubby smiling face and big eyes.
Brinley took this picture of Quinn and I. When we arrived in Idaho, we quickly put together a repeat supper with Rueben sandwiches, potato salad, chips, wassail, etc. As Steve said earlier, we are just a traveling party.
Quinn is crawling all over now and doing a few other interesting maneuvers. He's a cutie. I got to read "The Christmas Sweater" to Brinley, Elsie, Jantzen and Quinn. Anna was already asleep and Tanner was reading his own book. Elsie said a darling little family prayer expressing thanks for Jesus, her family, Grandpa & Grandma and jamies. She is so adorable.P.S. I started blogging 1 year ago on Christmas Eve. I missed a big stretch during the busy summer but eventually I got started again. Hooray for blogging and I'm so happy that I have stayed with this for a year now. Happy Blogging Anniversary to me!
Who Eats Rueben Sandwiches on Christmas Eve?
No one else but us that I know of. We had to drive close to 2 hours to eat Reuben sandwiches with someone who appreciated this Christmas Eve tradition. Steve and I realized that we have been making these sandwiches since our Minneapolis days with Dick and Kathy A. 35 years ago. We may have missed making them a couple of times, but not many. We've been ambivalent about Christmas Eve desserts, however. We've tried several different ones, all delicious of course, but nothing has really been a consistent request. We tried a new one this year and Steve, Hilary and I are in agreement that it is fantastic. Coconut Cream pie from Maddox. It is very creamy, yummy and rich as you can see. Three of us shared this much pie. The problem is that we are so full from the appetizers and Reubens that we don't have room for much dessert. The wassail that Steve and I love helped to keep us warm and made the house smell so good.
My favorite part of the evening is watching the grandkids act out the Nativity as the account of the Savior's birth is read from Luke 2. I was relegated to be the donkey this year but I deleted that picture because it focused on the wrong end of the animal.
Here's another tradition as Jenna, Korinne and Britton pose in their new Christmas pajamas.
Grandma likes to read a new Christmas book to her grandkids. This year's pick was the children's version of the Christmas Sweater by (you guessed it), Glenn Beck. It's a very nice story that teaches about family and gratitude. I look forward to the opportunity to read it to my other grandchildren sometime soon.
Then we watched some Mormon You Tube videos and sang Christmas carols around the fireplace and Christmas tree. We ended with a family prayer. It was a perfect Christmas Eve!
My favorite part of the evening is watching the grandkids act out the Nativity as the account of the Savior's birth is read from Luke 2. I was relegated to be the donkey this year but I deleted that picture because it focused on the wrong end of the animal.
Here's another tradition as Jenna, Korinne and Britton pose in their new Christmas pajamas.
Grandma likes to read a new Christmas book to her grandkids. This year's pick was the children's version of the Christmas Sweater by (you guessed it), Glenn Beck. It's a very nice story that teaches about family and gratitude. I look forward to the opportunity to read it to my other grandchildren sometime soon.
Then we watched some Mormon You Tube videos and sang Christmas carols around the fireplace and Christmas tree. We ended with a family prayer. It was a perfect Christmas Eve!I hope yours was just as special and fun!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Delightful Day!
Last night I met with the book group from my "old" neighborhood. Wendy hosted a nice dinner and a book exchange. It is so fun for me to meet with my friends on a monthly basis. Reading books is one of my passions too.
This morning started bright and early with me sweeping and shoveling the last inch or two of snow that fell during the night. Britton is such a good boy. He not only helped me. He shoveled the driveway and sidewalks for one of my older widow neighbors. Thanks Britton. Ruby was so appreciative.
My day ended with a visit to the Heritage State Park for Candlelight Christmas with Britton, Jenna, Korinne, Hilary, Adam and Steve. This live nativity in the barn was awesome and brought me back to the purpose of our Christmas celebration. The real people and animals in the barn and on the hillside added a great deal to the spirit of Christmas. What fantastic volunteer service in the cold! It amazed and humbled me.
Britton and Jenna pose in front of the live nativity. Korinne wasn't in the mood.
Our group gathers around one of many bonfires lit around the village so the guests could warm themselves. We really enjoyed our evening in the reconstructed pioneer village. We realize at least momentarily how spoiled we are.
Good Neighbor hosted a luncheon at Madeline's Steakhouse for several of the title and lending people who have worked so hard this past year to serve my clients. They do so much to make my job easier and help me be successful. Steve took the photo and also does a lot to help me help others. Thanks for the loyal support.
Steve and I joke that I sell houses on holidays. Well, I'm thrilled that this week is not an exception to that. Fortunately, I have put two properties under contract this week. So that should be a good start to the new year.
This morning started bright and early with me sweeping and shoveling the last inch or two of snow that fell during the night. Britton is such a good boy. He not only helped me. He shoveled the driveway and sidewalks for one of my older widow neighbors. Thanks Britton. Ruby was so appreciative.
My day ended with a visit to the Heritage State Park for Candlelight Christmas with Britton, Jenna, Korinne, Hilary, Adam and Steve. This live nativity in the barn was awesome and brought me back to the purpose of our Christmas celebration. The real people and animals in the barn and on the hillside added a great deal to the spirit of Christmas. What fantastic volunteer service in the cold! It amazed and humbled me.
Britton and Jenna pose in front of the live nativity. Korinne wasn't in the mood.
Our group gathers around one of many bonfires lit around the village so the guests could warm themselves. We really enjoyed our evening in the reconstructed pioneer village. We realize at least momentarily how spoiled we are.
Good Neighbor hosted a luncheon at Madeline's Steakhouse for several of the title and lending people who have worked so hard this past year to serve my clients. They do so much to make my job easier and help me be successful. Steve took the photo and also does a lot to help me help others. Thanks for the loyal support.
Steve and I joke that I sell houses on holidays. Well, I'm thrilled that this week is not an exception to that. Fortunately, I have put two properties under contract this week. So that should be a good start to the new year.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
December Dinners & More
For a few years I have invited my Dad and his sister, Coral, to come to my ward choir's Christmas program and then I would have dinner afterward. It had almost started to become a Christmas tradition. This year, I participated in our ward choir performance, but I'm just a member of the choir and not the director anymore. While I have missed it, I must say that it was a lot calmer and less hectic today and we decided to go ahead with the dinner anyway. My siblings and spouses joined us for the dinner. It was nice to get together. 
Dad loves his new tractor lawn mower! We bought this gently used lawn mower from one of my clients. Their house closed on Friday, so we had to get it out of their garage. The most pratical storage solution for now was to haul it up to Hilary and Adam's garage. Lately, we've been hauling quite a bit of stuff to their basement and garage, but this time Adam is NOT complaining. He's got a pretty big back yard. I'm guessing that he won't mind storing this piece of equipment for awhile.
I've had a lot going on with work lately so my brother Steve came to give me a hand with some cleaning and Christmas decorating. I should post a picture of the tree he decorated for us. He used all the same old decorations, but it is the prettiest tree we've ever had. Some people, namely Steve, just have talent for those things. Thanks, Steve. We love it!
Thanks to Libbie, we got to go to the Tabernacle Choir Christmas concert. It featured guest artists Natalie Cole and David McCullough. It was fabulous. We took our friends, the Bells, (no pun intended). It was gorgeous strolling through the lights on Temple Square. The weather was pretty balmy too. What a great evening!
The night before we were in Idaho to see the grandkids in their Tavaci concert. Tanner, Brinley, Jantzen and Anna all did an excellent job in their performance. We felt so blessed that we could travel in mostly good weather and spend some time with them. It was such a treat to watch them perform. They knew all the words and actions and did a super job! Thanks, kids.
Here they are enjoying a supper break just prior to the final dress rehearsal with Papa.
We've had a couple of parties to attend this season also. Here I am with my real estate broker group. The food and decor is always exceptional at this party. Steve hated missing this one, but he was at the Tomahawk training center in cold and snowy Wisconsin.
Last night we attended the Century Christmas Party. This is one of Steve's dealers that has included us for years. We kind of expected that we would not be included this year since Steve's position with Case is different. However, they are used to having us I guess so they invited us again. I really think that they needed some volunteers for the entertainment after the dinner. They scheduled a hypnotist and Steve vowed he wouldn't be a volunteer. I guess we should have left early, because we both ended up among the 6 people who got very relaxed and sleepy and then proceeded to respond to all sorts of crazy commands. The hypnotist got some laughs on us but mostly he got the other 4 to do the wild stuff. It was an interesting experience and really got us relaxed in the end. We slept well last night.
Dad loves his new tractor lawn mower! We bought this gently used lawn mower from one of my clients. Their house closed on Friday, so we had to get it out of their garage. The most pratical storage solution for now was to haul it up to Hilary and Adam's garage. Lately, we've been hauling quite a bit of stuff to their basement and garage, but this time Adam is NOT complaining. He's got a pretty big back yard. I'm guessing that he won't mind storing this piece of equipment for awhile.
I've had a lot going on with work lately so my brother Steve came to give me a hand with some cleaning and Christmas decorating. I should post a picture of the tree he decorated for us. He used all the same old decorations, but it is the prettiest tree we've ever had. Some people, namely Steve, just have talent for those things. Thanks, Steve. We love it!
Thanks to Libbie, we got to go to the Tabernacle Choir Christmas concert. It featured guest artists Natalie Cole and David McCullough. It was fabulous. We took our friends, the Bells, (no pun intended). It was gorgeous strolling through the lights on Temple Square. The weather was pretty balmy too. What a great evening!
The night before we were in Idaho to see the grandkids in their Tavaci concert. Tanner, Brinley, Jantzen and Anna all did an excellent job in their performance. We felt so blessed that we could travel in mostly good weather and spend some time with them. It was such a treat to watch them perform. They knew all the words and actions and did a super job! Thanks, kids.
Here they are enjoying a supper break just prior to the final dress rehearsal with Papa.
We've had a couple of parties to attend this season also. Here I am with my real estate broker group. The food and decor is always exceptional at this party. Steve hated missing this one, but he was at the Tomahawk training center in cold and snowy Wisconsin.
Last night we attended the Century Christmas Party. This is one of Steve's dealers that has included us for years. We kind of expected that we would not be included this year since Steve's position with Case is different. However, they are used to having us I guess so they invited us again. I really think that they needed some volunteers for the entertainment after the dinner. They scheduled a hypnotist and Steve vowed he wouldn't be a volunteer. I guess we should have left early, because we both ended up among the 6 people who got very relaxed and sleepy and then proceeded to respond to all sorts of crazy commands. The hypnotist got some laughs on us but mostly he got the other 4 to do the wild stuff. It was an interesting experience and really got us relaxed in the end. We slept well last night.Sunday, December 13, 2009
Ah! Christmas Cookies
The week after Thanksgiving I got to spend 4 days with Heather's family while she recuperated from 43 incisions. We all worked together to give Heather some time to rest and heal. She was a trooper. Having a doctor remove various sized tumors all over your body, is not for the faint of heart. I nearly fainted just seeing the pain in her face. I didn't really look at many of the wounds. 
The kids and I rewarded ourselves on my last night there by baking Christmas cookies. I got everyone started and then the kids took over. They did a great job of rolling the dough, cutting the shapes, putting them on the trays, decorating them, baking them and EATING THEM! Actually everyone only ate one that first night and set one aside for Grandpa, Mom & Dad. Steve worked in Reno all week so we saved him a couple of cookies too.
Didn't the cookies turn out great? They were yummy too because we used a recipe with real butter instead of shortening.
You can see that everyone was working hard and doing their part.
Here is cute little Quinn. He gets up on his hands and knees and he scoots around. He'll be crawling soon. He was the only kid left out of the cookie baking experience. Maybe next year.
The kids and I rewarded ourselves on my last night there by baking Christmas cookies. I got everyone started and then the kids took over. They did a great job of rolling the dough, cutting the shapes, putting them on the trays, decorating them, baking them and EATING THEM! Actually everyone only ate one that first night and set one aside for Grandpa, Mom & Dad. Steve worked in Reno all week so we saved him a couple of cookies too.
Didn't the cookies turn out great? They were yummy too because we used a recipe with real butter instead of shortening.
You can see that everyone was working hard and doing their part.
Here is cute little Quinn. He gets up on his hands and knees and he scoots around. He'll be crawling soon. He was the only kid left out of the cookie baking experience. Maybe next year.Saturday, December 5, 2009
Thanksgiving Photos
Kathy L. is Thanksgiving's #1 COOK, ORGANIZER & HOSTESS! Here she and Grandpa Brent take a photo op with all of their grandchildren! Having them altogether was the highlight of her day. She cheerfully put up with the rest of us. Congratulations, Kathy. You did a fantastic job again this year and we all love to spend Thanksgiving Day at your house.
Heather, Aaron and their kids take advantage of Larah's photography skills too.
Logan and Jessica's family were captured in a less formal moment by someone less talented than Larah.
Grandpa P sits down for a minute with Elsie.
The kids loved playing in Kathy's "Coke Museum."
The crowd lines up for the food. Did I mention all of the yummy food? Kathy's the chief cook but Adam is the chief roll maker.
The kids hung around the kitchen too. We all do a lot of pre-meal tasting. The pre-meal yummies are an important part of the fare. Note Adam's famous rolls rising in the left of the picture.
There is an additional dining area in the newly converted garage.
We gather around to watch the children break open the pinata. Doesn't everyone have a pinata on Thanksgiving?
Heather, Aaron and their kids take advantage of Larah's photography skills too.
Logan and Jessica's family were captured in a less formal moment by someone less talented than Larah.
Grandpa P sits down for a minute with Elsie. 
The kids loved playing in Kathy's "Coke Museum."
The crowd lines up for the food. Did I mention all of the yummy food? Kathy's the chief cook but Adam is the chief roll maker. 
The kids hung around the kitchen too. We all do a lot of pre-meal tasting. The pre-meal yummies are an important part of the fare. Note Adam's famous rolls rising in the left of the picture.
There is an additional dining area in the newly converted garage.
We gather around to watch the children break open the pinata. Doesn't everyone have a pinata on Thanksgiving?
The kids line up youngest to oldest for a few swings at the pinata.
Then it's on to the bowling alley. Korinne says "Let the bowling begin."
There was time to relax and watch football.
A few people spent time checking out the ads for the big sale "early" the next day.
I love spending Thanksgiving at Kathy & Brent's home. They are the best hosts. I love it that our family members come when they can. It's great to have the "P" family together. We have so much to be thankful for especially this year. Steve still has a job. Me too. Our families are healthy and well. We got to visit them all this year. We still live in the best country in the world and enjoy many amazing freedoms. We still get to worship as we see best. Thank God for our Constitution and our many blessings. May we appreciate them and do all we can to preserve them for the upcoming generations.
Then it's on to the bowling alley. Korinne says "Let the bowling begin."
There was time to relax and watch football.
A few people spent time checking out the ads for the big sale "early" the next day.
I love spending Thanksgiving at Kathy & Brent's home. They are the best hosts. I love it that our family members come when they can. It's great to have the "P" family together. We have so much to be thankful for especially this year. Steve still has a job. Me too. Our families are healthy and well. We got to visit them all this year. We still live in the best country in the world and enjoy many amazing freedoms. We still get to worship as we see best. Thank God for our Constitution and our many blessings. May we appreciate them and do all we can to preserve them for the upcoming generations.
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