It's Larry's Birthday

It's Larry's birthday! Larry is my Favorite!  I'm so glad he was born and that we found each other and decided to experience life together!  We've learned a lot over the years.  We've had a lot of fun and made it over and through some "rough" times.  Larry is adventurous and I can honestly say that we have enjoyed our adventure.  Larry makes me smile.  He is so kind and cares about others and is always doing things to make others lives better.  Larry is a giver and had given the jacket he was wearing to someone that needed it more.  He's just that way.  What an example of Christlike love. Larry is gentle and kind.  He is also a great big tease.  Sometimes he might tease the wrong people and tick them off but that is never his intent.  He is sensitive to others feelings and has a sensitive soul himself.  Larry is a hard worker and gets things done.  It usually takes him longer than he tells the kids and maybe that's on purpose...but maybe it's not.  He has a heart of God and it belongs to me!  I adore this cute guy that I said "yes" to.  I'm so glad that he is mine and I am his!

We prefer having the kids over for dinner instead of going out.  It's just another good reason to spend time with our kids.  Larry picked up pasta and chicken from LaFerovia and then came home and made caprese.   I picked up balloons but only because Larry had reminded me.  I made sure there were enough for each of the grands to take one home.  I brought in the clowns and we were ready for the kids to come. 

The food was yummy and there was just enough for the guys to take some to work for lunch tomorrow.  The kids played together which is always a delight for me to see.  They truly love each other.  The little ones are even getting better at interacting with each other.  Oh my word...how I love them all.

When we took the picture of grandpa and the grands we didn't get Brynlie or Briggs in it.  Brynlie was asleep in her car seat still and Briggs was in the hospital.

(this picture was taken on Monday)

Our poor little guy got RSV that turned into pneumonia.  He struggled breathing and had a lot of mucus.  When Kevin and Julie noticed his oxygen levels dropping (on Tuesday) they took him to the doctor and was admitted to the hospital.  He's had a bad cough and so I was glad that he was getting some help.

(I took these pictures today after going to the Temple)  Briggs was doing much better but still spent a few more nights in the hospital.

Temple, Hospital and Mom's

I couldn't wait to get to the Temple today.  I had several names I wanted to add to the prayer rolls.  I added Briggs twice. ☺  The temple was beautiful.  The big picture was when I got there. The little one in the corner was when I came out.  It's always beautiful.  I love our Temple.  I always feel good for getting up and going to the Temple.  I think it's a good way to start the day.

I went to the Hospital after leaving the hospital.  I just wanted to see Briggs and how he was doing.  I had experiences a little anxiety the night before and just needed to check on him.  Julie was just getting through feeding him.  He smiled and coo'd and acted like his cute self.  I could still hear his congestion and could see that his breathing was labored but it was a relief to see him.  I watched him get his bath and be checked over.  His nose got cleaned out and he did not like that at all.  I spent a few hours with Briggs and Julie but when Julie laid Briggs down to rest I decided to leave so Julie could hopefully get some rest too.

I went to my mom's after the hospital to return a pan I had of hers. We visited and while I was there some guys came by that Larry had sent. We are having railings put on both her porches to help her from falling.

Trichelle and the kids came over since they didn't make it Christmas day.  I stayed and visited with them all and left a little before Trichelle did.  I learned that after I left that my mom told Trichelle she liked her being a little "fluffy".  My mom must need glasses because Trichelle isn't fluffy anywhere.  Why does she say things like that?  My girls are both so slender...even skinny.  Oh well...Trichelle said it really didn't bother her like it might have a few months ago.  My mom is a nice person and has a bunch of wonderful qualities but sometimes I just don't get her at all!

White Christmas

We got our White Christmas and I think it is absolutely Beautiful!  I love seeing the snow cling to the branches on the trees and cover the ground.

Playing with some Apps

I found a funny app this morning.  I had just woke up and was still in my jammies when I played around with it.  It made me laugh.

Merry Christmas

I think I can honestly say that this has been the very Best Christmas ever!  In my books it was pretty perfect...even with a few sick kids and an ornament that said Christmas in Mexico instead of Hawaii.  Everything just felt right this year.  I never felt stressed or pressured to get things done.  Everything just fell into place.  We enjoyed so much this month as we prepared for this day.  Usually Christmas day is a let down and disappointing to me.  I think because everything that we've been focusing on is over.  I didn't feel that way this year.  I love that Christmas was on Sunday.  I think that's my favorite day to celebrate it on.  Even though Christmas has come I plan on continuing to think and do for others and maybe that is the difference.  I've decided to treat every day like Christmas as the Code of Elfs have taught. (from Elf)

We got up early and got ready for church and then we went into the front room to open the few presents under the tree.  Jaydan, Kimleighel and Jared all had 2 presents to open...oh and their ornaments.  They each got their favorite cereal.  Jared and Jaydan got a swim suit and Kimleighel got a mermaid blanket with a note that said they were going to Hawaii in February.  They were all pretty excited and happy with their gift.  I'm excited to take them.  I noticed a few extra presents under the tree that had Larry and my names on them.  Jaydan got Larry a Tigers hoodie and me some Mickey & Minnie pajama's.  I think he heard that Larry and I were going to Disneyland. (our gift to each other)

Kevin and Julie invited us over to watch their kids open their presents and to have breakfast with them.  They also invite Julie's family.  I love being invited and seeing the excitement, joy and magic children experience. When Julie went to wake up Jordyn, I was in getting Brynlie and Jordyn saw me.  Julie told her that Santa had came and she said "and Gramma Dawn"? It made us smile...I love being a gramma!

A trampoline was set up in their game room where the Christmas tree was.  Santa had left the stockings and a few toys on top of it.  The girls were so excited.  They got scooters, socks and movies. The twins got another wagon with a cover and car seats.  They also found out their family is going to Disneyland.  It was fun being a part of the magic.

We hurried over to Trichelle's to see what Santa had left them.  Santa indeed found them and left some fun things. Ivy got a phone, kayak and long board.  Zaden got a big wheel, kayak and an Xbox. (he'd asked Santa for one the last three years)  Behr got a cute truck that he loved and some cool tools.  They were all pretty darn happy.  Zaden told grandpa that dreams really do come true. It's fun watching the parents as well.  I love seeing their love for their kids.

We went back to Julie and Kevin's for breakfast and then was off to Church.  I loved our program today.  The Bishopric shared some thoughts about Christ and the Ward Choir sang in between their thoughts.  The snow was falling and everything was perfect.  We got a White Christmas again.

We waited a little while for Justin's church to get over and then we went and visited his family.  Poor little Macie was sick and had been throwing up. She was so sweet though and just snuggled with her mommy.  Larry fell asleep for awhile and we played games with them.  We played Twister and Headband.  We laughed a lot and had a great time.  I was playing twister and slowly got pushed over.  It was like a domino affect and when I fell even though it wasn't hard my knee landed on Mya's foot.  That's the worst part of me that could have hit her.  I was afraid that I might have broke her foot but she recovered quickly which I was thankful for.  Twister is harder than I remember it being. (haha...my body doesn't move like it use to)  We needed to leave and run home because we hadn't brought any of our parents gifts.

Braxton and Kelsi enjoyed Christmas in Jerome with Kelsi's family.  It looks like Santa found them.

We went to my moms and Susan, Shellie and Haley got there about the same time.  My guys shoveled my mom's driveway and walks before they came in.  We had a good time visiting with each other.  After everyone was filled up my mom handed out gifts.  It wasn't as crazy without my grands there.  (Braxton's family is in Jerome, Trichelle's kids were with their dads, and Justin and Kevin had sick kids....Macie and Briggs)  My mom handed all of my family cards that I helped her make with money in them.  The great grands got books and a few gifts but I must not have paid too close of attention because I can't remember.  It was nice with less confusion than most years.  I like confusion though on Christmas if it means having everyone together.

We visited for a few hours and then went to Larry's parents.  I love that we visit our parents on Christmas.  That has always been a tradition for us and even if my kids don't want to keep it up I would feel bad if we didn't do it.  When our parents go there will be a void on this day for me.  My kids are making their own traditions and I'm happy with whatever they choose as long as we keep getting together sometime.

We went home and just enjoyed the tree and being together.  I even had a little cat nap before Tonya and Mark stopped by.  It really was a perfect day.

Christmas Eve

Today is Christmas Eve and cleaned out the garage.  I was trying to catch up my blog but ended up in the garage with Larry and the kids.  We threw away a bunch of stuff.  We had about 4 truck loads to get rid of.  I'm in the mood to simply and get rid of unused things.  Larry makes it happen faster and I know why.  He just piles it all up and dumps it in the field.  I go through things when I downsize and throw it away or DI it.  You can only do so much doing it like me because there is only so much room in the garbage can or vehicle.  Getting things cleaned up a bit sure refreshes the soul.  I had cleaned my room the day or so before and man it's nice.  Cleanliness and order really is good for the soul.  I need to go through more.

Our reward was dinner at Laferrovia.  We knew they were open and had decided that we would go there anyway.  I took them a few caramel apples that I had made for them.  The owners are just such good people and have become dear friends.  We noticed that there was something going on outside and was told that Kokomo's was feeding the homeless and have been for years.  They were cooking right outside and I was touched by their thoughtfulness.  I was touched again when Tim, our waiter came and wished us a Merry Christmas instead of bringing us a bill for our meal.  I got tears in my eyes. Josephina (not sure the spelling) came out and told us that our meal was on them.  I got more tears and told her that we wanted to support them today but she insisted.  What good people!  I'm going to take care of people's meals this next year.  I know that I will have enough to do so and I want to make others as happy as we were.

Family Christmas Party

One of my very favorite family traditions is our family Christmas Party.  When the kids were all small we always gathered on Christmas Eve and talked about Jesus and his birth.  Now we do that more throughout the month.  I think we will add the Nativity to our party next year though.  We have a good time.  We eat together but not the same thing every year.  I use to try to make a nice dinner but now everyone brings something and this year we kept it simple.  We had hamburgers.  We had to keep things moving along though because Zaden's dad was picking him up.

We had Zaden open his gifts first.  Since Parker was getting the same thing he got to join Zaden.  I bet Zaden loved getting to go first and he just finished when his daddy came. Trichelle has already requested when we should have our family party next year so that her kids can be here the whole time.  It's scheduled for Wednesday, December 20, 2017.  It's on the calendar.  We've learned that it's necessary to be flexible with some traditions.  We still have a family party but it's not always on the same day.  I'm okay with that especially if we can plan it for a year a head.

The grands exchange gifts. They draw names at Thanksgiving to see who they get.  I love watching them exchange.  It's so fun because they love giving to each other.  It was fun watching the little ones get into opening their gifts.  Behr loved it this year and was such a helper throwing away the wrapping paper. Even the twins seemed to enjoy it.  Everyone was happy with their gifts.  These kids are just grateful and appreciate everything.  I thought I knew my grands and their favorite colors but when the girls opened their mermaid blankets I learned I was wrong.  I had Kam and Mya's favorite colors mixed up.  I could tell by their faces and when I mentioned it they quickly traded and were both happy as could be.

My kids rotate on who they buy for.  I always enjoy seeing what they choose for each other.  They are very thoughtful.  It's just a lot of fun for me and them.  One tradition I started with my kids is that they each get their own box of cereal for Christmas.  It was an inexpensive way to get them one more gift to open and they always enjoyed it.  Now the grands get a box of cereal.  I thought it was funny this year when we got a  homemade card from Kamryn as part of our gift thanking us for everything and specifically said her cereal.  I remember after Kevin got married when he asked if he was still going to get cereal.  I end it for my kids when they marry but continue it with the grands and those still unmarried. I've had a few friends hear of us doing that and have added it to their traditions...which makes me smile.

I love my house being filled with our cute family.  I love the commotion and joyful noise that accompanies them.  My heart if filled with gratitude and love for each individual.  It's such a fun journey.  This year I talked to a few family members about adding to our family party.  There have been times that we have played games, or decorated cookies and I was wondering if we should do those things again.  But when it comes right down to it, I notice that what everyone really loves is just being together.  They will stop and do extra things but seriously I think just visiting and being together is their favorite thing.

Our neighbors were doing a live Nativity and I was so excited.  I love talking about the Nativity and seeing it acted out.  I really thought it would be fun for our family to go and watch it.  I know a few were on board when I first mentioned it but when it came time to go everyone was too content just doing what they were doing.  I was hoping just one person would say they really wanted to go with me but I only had one say they were good either way.  I seriously considered just going by myself and figured no one would even know I had but then I just thought I should stay home and enjoy my family.  I'm hoping that next year they will do it again and that I will be able to go.

(their pictures of the Nativity)

I must say though that this year I have been able to do most of the things I had wanted to.  I have really enjoyed this Holiday Season.  I have met with friends and we have had our parties with our families.  I have enjoyed the wonderful Christmas music and lights.  It's been a perfect season of celebrating.  I even did a few things for strangers and decided that I will continue those things throughout the year.  I get a good feeling when I am nice to others. haha ☺