Oh, Christmas Tree

I was creative this year and put up our huge 9 footer in a corner...and only actually used about 2/3 of the branches! Assembly was faster, we only needed 700 lights and the actual decorating was a cinch! This was probably a record for early set up as we usually wait until at least the second week of December. Merry Christmas to all!

Annual Holiday Cook-Off

My girls and I had our third annual Christmas Cook Off last Saturday at Brenda's in Menifee.


I make Chex Mix, Fudge, iced cut-out Christmas cookies, etc., but also spent as time as I could with the grandkids. Here I am with Kent. He is showing you his minimarshmallows! While they are still in his mouth!

Brenda and Larry's sister Eileen stopped cooking long enough for me to take a photo! Eileen's daughter-in-law Amber was also there. She must have been hiding...no foto!





Here is Morgan taking something out of the oven. Even with two ovens, we were crowded! We had a great time, though, as usual. Brenda started us off with a breakfast of an organic granola and yogurt parfait and fresh fruit on the side! She later made us a delicious authentic Thai soup and grilled paninis for lunch. Wow! I would come just for the food! It was surely hot and spicy! Too much so for some. Not me.


This is our favorite way to get ready for the joys of Christmas eating! We all make what we make, then divvy it up six ways to go home. We all have a nice selection of Christmas goodies and have a great day of visiting as well!

The Anniversary and the Airports

I spent my 36th wedding anniversary in four different airports. I do not recommend it as a way to celebrate.

I returned home from Washington D.C. December 14th, my 26th wedding anniversary. We awoke to heavy fog, beautiful, but not advantageous to traveling. My 12:30 PM flight was cancelled but I never even heard an announcement. At 2:30 PM, I approached a United podium in my boarding area and asked what was going on. I had been sitting in Reagan National Airport for 3 hours. I was booked on the next flight that had open seats to Chicago. In Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, I approached another podium and was put on stand by to Denver. That incurred another long wait. But I finally made it to my next airport in Denver. I had to wait 3 hours to the final leg to Ontario International. I finally arrived around 11 PM. Happy Anniversary!

Funeral Trip to Washington D.C.

As some of you may know, I made an emergency trip to Washington D.C. last week to attend the funeral of my dear brother-in-law Robert, who died peacefully, but unexpectedly, in his sleep. I flew in on Thursday and had a couple of very nice days visiting with my sister's eight children and their spouses; also the 37 granchildren! My twin sister Kim was there; also Linda's twin Judy.

The viewing Friday night was attended by hundreds, literally. Bob was much loved in the community and was well-known for his church service, his motorcycle riding and his good humor.

Bob left a legacy. Photo, from left to right: favorite daughter Heather, Steven, Warren, Russell, my sister Linda, Alex, Eric, Daniel and Jason.

Here is the total family--so far--from this marriage.

One story...I was about 6, maybe, and got stung by a wasp. Bob was the first to hear my screams and rushed to my side, scooped me up and carried me into the house to attend to my boo-boo. That was just the way he was.

Bob, you will be sorely missed. I loved having you in my life.

SANTA WHO??!!

We were quite surprised one evening to get a call from theactivities director in the ward requesting Larry to be Santa for the church Christmas party! Very interesting!



He was quite uncertain, I was quite entertained, to say the least. They asked him because we have no kids and they tought it would be harder for everyone to guess who Santa was. Me hanging around ( at his insistence) probably didn't really aid his anonymity. But I had to get some pictures of that!



He suffered mightily in the heavy velour suit. (Welcome to MY world!) I was his personal water girl for the hour. Kids stood in line. One adorable little girl brought him a present!

The evening went off without a hitch. He did a great job!









You look fab, hon!