Thankful

It was a great Thanksgiving... being surrounded by family and friends is really what it is all about.
We missed our Ally A.LOT. But, we were so happy to hear how well she was taken care of in Texas. (I'm still waiting for some pictures.) And even if Amy was only home for 2 days, it was wonderful to have her here! We stuffed ourselves, played games, played football, watched more football, enjoyed Amy's crafts for the girls, and just truly enjoyed being together. My heart is filled with gratitude.

MM43

It's Christmas time!!! And this picture from 1988 reminds me that I've got to get busy! I love seeing that tree behind us and realize that we still put those same ornaments on our tree every year. Traditions are the best.
(And I want to know... how can Allyn David still look exactly the same?)

Happy Thanksgiving

This picture was taken on Thanksgiving day in 1998 in front of Allyn's parents home.
I miss Allyn's parents, & I miss my mom. I'm sure grateful that Families are Forever.

I love Thanksgiving...and today I am so very grateful for my many, many blessings.
I've really got to get some cooking done, but I loved Jennie's idea of setting the timer for 2 minutes and just typing as many "I'm grateful for..." as came to mind until the timer went off.
So here goes...

Family...
My "Superman" Husband
Daughters
Missionaries...our missionary!
Grandkids... EACH and every ONE of them!
Neighbors
Wonderful Friends
Sunday Dinners
Institute with my dad
My Beautiful Sister
Being a R.S. teacher
My 30 year old sewing machine
A car that still works
Kaden's football games
The Temple
Canyon Gate Ward
DVR
Watching Tay dance
Monday emails
Our Home
Hearing the kids say, "I love you Grama"
The "pinky test"
Friday Night Date Night
...oops times up!

Happy, Happy Thanksgiving!

This picture was one year ago today...

MM42

Brad is getting married this week and we are all excited and thrilled for him and his new bride, Cami. They are so happy and perfect together. I still think of my Brad as the handsome little boy who was always my biggest helper, first to help Aunt Linda make cookies, build stuff, and the first to fix anything and everything. He probably still has duct tape in his pocket. Brad has always had a heart of gold. Amy, Ally, Brad and Ty...best friends and cousins. We will forever cherish our many trips to the beach with our boys. OK you guys stop growing up will ya?
I guess that's not going to happen... Really though, I am thrilled for you Brad.
And all I can say is Cami you're one lucky girl to get my Brad! (I know he is mighty lucky too)
We love you!

Brad and Cami
They first met when they were both serving missions in Boston in 2008. How cool is that?!
Congratulations you two... We are so happy for you...We love you both!!

Shower for Ciji

Ciji's fun bridal shower was a week ago. Ciji is one of Ally's very best friends... It was so hard for Ally and Courtney to miss the shower and even harder for them to miss their best friend's upcoming wedding!!! Courtney is serving a mission in Ohio and yep, Ally's still in Texas.(only 11 months 3 weeks and 6 days to go! ...and Courtney will be home in eight months) We all really missed them being here for the shower...really. missed.them.
They both send their LOVE and BEST WISHES and are so happy that Ciji is so happy.

Food, Friends, Laughter, Gifts, More Food...It was great!
Congratulations Ciji We love you!

Jennie's creation... A fun, festive welcome to the shower.

Everyone helped with the food, it was delicious!

A couple of pictures of the original "Three Musketeers"...

Yes, they were "Gumball Machines" one year for Halloween...crazy girls!

College days...
Once again, where did the years go?

Ciji with Ally, opening her mission call...