Christmas Day

What a great Christmas we had this year! My parents flew from Oklahoma to spend the holidays with us. Right before they got here, we had a huge snowstorm, 22 inches. I don't think I have ever seen that much snow!
Anyhow, we had a full house with everyone staying here. Derek and I stayed in the playroom on a mattress, we really were bursting at the seams.

Santa came and left us lots of goodies! We must have been really good this year. The kids got numerous toys, and I got a really sweet hand-made wall calendar from Kate. It totally choked me up! It is something I will treasure always! After presents we had a nice Christmas dinner of Ham, turkey breast, scalloped potatoes, salad, green beans, and rolls. We also had cheesecake and strawberry pie for desert!

crazy snow!

view across the street


our backyard(taken from inside(it was cold!)

a view of our house

our snow covered street


It's been a while since I have posted. I started a new job and promptly lost it 2 months later, we attempted to get a dog(a long story in itself), and my parents came for a visit. In the meantime, we had a huge snowstorm, (BTW the forecaster said we might get 2-3 inches) Instead we got 22 inches. Believe it or not, I even went to work both days. Derek had to dig me out of the driveway, and drive me to work one morning-thanks goodness for him!
Here are some photos Lydia snapped for us.

it's been a while...

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. Since I have started working, I'm finding that I am falling behind in other areas of my life, mainly my house is suffering.
The good thing about that is, it will always be there regardless of how many times I try to keep it clean.lol.. Derek has been helping as much as he can, but he has picked up a 2nd job of Home Health on his week off. It has been a real blessing, as we have been able to pay off some bills :)

I cant believe it's Christmas already! This time last year, we were preparing
to move to Utah. I put up the outside lights before Thanksgiving this year, but did exercise a little restraint, and didn't light them up until the 26th! Wish, I could say the same for the inside tree. It just came out of the box Monday, got fluffed on Tuesday, and still sits barren in my living room. I teased Whitney online that when she gets back from college break, it will be here waiting for her.

Lydia is performing in America Leadership Academy's Spirit of Christmas extravaganza. They have been practicing for the last month, with dress rehearsals each night this week. Tonight is opening night. I cant wait to see her perform at the matinee on Saturday. I'm so proud of her. She is singing alto this year, a little out of her comfort zone. Orchestra has really helped too, since she had been playing the violin this past year, and is familiar with reading music. I snapped this photo before she headed out the door.




My Mom and Dad will be here on the 22nd for a visit. I cant wait:) We will have a houseful, but it will be fun. Hopefully we will be able to make it up to Temple Square on Christmas Eve like we did 2 years ago when we were visiting.

If I don't get another post in, I wanted to wish everyone a wonderful Christmas,
and tell you how blessed we are to have you as family and friends. Merry Christmas!