Holiday prep

Decorations up early this year,have finally admitted that without the sun, I long for light and  warmth and comfort. And with the Son, Jesus Christ in my life I feel comforted and hope.

I love you all who I share my dreams and time with, family, friends and pets too!

We love sharing laughs and food with neighbors, We had fun at this dinner with tales of travels and fun.

Up at Nikkis home we decorated and learned more about the latest with their family.

Little drummer boys

More craft time, It is a family tradition to make decorations during the holidays, this year we made luminaires

 Oh if I were an ...Angels we have heard on high! I stood on this high stool for 2 hours in the cold Utah evening,, BUT I loved the joy of sharing the nativity with the neighborhood

Jim was even higher!! we both love trying to be angels, at least for a few hours!

Our Christmas news letter will be after the BIG Holiday in the NEW YEAR,, so for now, MERRY CHRISTMAS

 

 

 

Thankful

First we are  thankful for our first great grand daughter, Noe Dee. .. She has a brother Augie and parents Tanner and Kenna.

We celebrated with Jaron an Jan and all their family with love and thanksgiving. What a way to be reminded of our blessings and start the holiday season.

Draper temple.. still trying to do a proper selfie. This was taken the day we went to 4 Primary Sacrement programs!Do I  look worried? yes!

Noe Dee

Jordan River Temple.. fun way to celebrate our anniversary week.

Proud poppa Tanner

Thanks giving with Derek and Karinas family minus Layla and Missy as Layla had just had her  tonsils out

Valerie and  her string quartet at Thanksgiving with  Mercados

more cousins

Mcdonalds ran a 1/2  marathon in Oregon coast during thanksgiving

Angie and kids

Nikki and kids

Shelley and kids

Provo temple  at  5;30am

Thanksgiving is all about Serving others and showing our love. 

 

Craig and Jill come to visit

we love when family can get together. This time Craig and Jill came out for the baptism and stayed long enough that we could get together and share the love, The timing of the  visit was while I was at the Mercados so we couldnt get everyone together at my place when I returned and we really missed having Derek and family with us, and Austin. So many good laughs and fun, I returned with the sickness that Valeries family was passing around so I made a hugh pot of soup, Craig supplied  all the sandwich and chips and Karina brought dessert. It was hard to get a photo with everyone together as the kids were coming and going and we still dont do a great selfie!!!!

here we are trying to include our sis Terry in the visit, but since I didnt have a great voice Craig did most of the talking !!!

Prestons cute kids!

everytime I think of her cuteness I remember how much I think we have a similar look,,,,tan,  and tall~!!! (well I am not tall compared to Craigs  family, but I used to be!! before old age started pushing me down

little bro showing his team colors and me sporting (very discretely) BYU blue on game day

one more try at a selfie!. we loved having them come, Next time I hope to feel more in top of my game~~~

 

sweet fall into Mercado family

loving the times to visit and play together

Jason is putting finishing touches on the recent addition, with the help of Luke and Erik!

I get to celebrate sweet 17 with some of Victorias friends

I also love seeing Kai with the marching band in the back side with the flags. And  I even got to help during the football game (keeping the band safe entering and exiting) and I loved the team spirit of the band members!! So happy for Kai~

Val and I loving  and Loyal~!!

Soccer games follow me all over the country and I love being outside sharing the sport and spirit.

more BYU team spirit with a view from the sun room and of course, Austin, Erik, Val and I

Birthday girl  Victoria and grannie

Music fills this home! we also have violin ,viola, and cello sounds that bring out peace and harmony

Homecoming weekend. this is Kai's group, She is near the top

Victoria and Max have been friends for a long time and what a better way to attend homing,,,with friends

the actual birthday is always fun to witness, Here is Victoria at 17

OHHH the joy of being together !

Erik takes a few extra moments to share his love before I fly back,, oHHH more joy 

Austin had FHE Come follow me, even the cat Luke feels the love and the spirit

Another fun evening at the school fall concert, both Kai and Victoria are playing and Austin and Erik get to listen and dream about playing with the orchestra one day

these trips are not only shared with family but I get new little friends each time I  go . I get to be "grandma" with Miss Valerie's students. This week I learned about nocturnal animals... I  love that I can continue to learn and grow together in wisdom and stature!!Lucky me!