Pennies From Heaven

I'd like to share a letter from my Mom, given to us this Christmas. As this was the first Christmas without our Dad here, together we all knew it would be a difficult one. He lived for Christmas, and the joy the season brings! We have all felt the comfort of knowing he was with us in spirit, and feel blessed to know he taught us the true meaning of  Christmas. We all have our own beliefs and faiths; but, we can't deny when signs are given to us for a reason. In God We Trust...

Thank you Mom for sharing something so special to all of us. I will never look at a penny the same. May we all appreciate them even more! 

Happy 9th Birthday Kaley!

Our little angel turned 9 this week. Really?! 9 years all ready?! Crazy how fast they change! Unfortunately she caught a virus & had to be out of school for a couple days..poor thing, seems to happen to her every birthday! But, the good part of this was getting quality time with the Grandmas for her birthday (Thank God for Mom who saved the day, since I couldn't miss work & Doug was out of town at a convention). I had her take the bag full of little gifts that gave her some fun things to do in the day.

(once again, forgive the poor quality photos...I really need to get me a good camera! :}) 

Later that evening the boys & I joined them for some birthday dinner 

Our cute kiddos getting some silly time in together

Kaley with her special doll that Gramma Sherrie sent

Four Generations of Love

Time for more presents, cake & ice cream

Fortunately she was well enough this weekend for her planned slumber party. First thing on the agenda, "Just Dance II" on the Wii...

There was plenty of silly girl time! :}

 ...and, of course, more dancing! :} 

 We just had to have her go through the spanking machine! :} 

 Dylan was such a good brother this night, helping to keep them entertained. He led them in some night games, and then for some rounds of board games after that. 

 Sleepy time...or shall we say "gab & giggle time"! Boy does this bring back some memories of growing up! :}

 They finally managed to get some sleep & were still full of the sillies in the morning!

 It's great when we get a chance to get these three together, who have been friends since the beginning! :}

 Happy Birthday Sweet Pea...we sure love you & are very proud of our girl! :}

Thinking about Pops

It's now been four months since Dad passed away. I still think about him every day. His headstone is in place, I think we did a great job.  

Mom took the temporary marker & made a nice place of remembrance for him at the fireplace, right next to his chair. I'm glad she has this spot to keep him close in her heart & mind. 

And a few of "his friends" are right there to keep him company too! :}

Miss ya pops..I'm sure you're enjoying your new & improved pain free self, and time with Grandma up there! 

The boy's football season comes to an end

First of all....Welcome Mr. Winter!! We went from a unusually warm Halloween night, to snow the next day (that's Utah for you! :}). And, for the last game of the season, we woke up to plenty! I can't complain since we've had beautiful football weather so far! Kaley here still wasn't sure how excited she was to be out in the cold! :}

Well, throwing snowballs helps! :}

"I'll keep you warm Boo Boo!" :}

This was the beginning of the playoffs, game against Toole, who we lost to earlier in the season, so we were anxious to try & beat them this time!

Cheering our boys on

The Halftime Rally

Back to the business at hand....

It was a tough game & more than frustrating with terrible reffing. I'm not one to blame it on the refs. Sure there's things we could have done better; but, this was just blatant & I felt  bad that's how the season had to end. Especially when we lose by 6  after a touchdown gets taken away for bogus reasons. But, what can you do? Still just a game in the end & we're very proud of how much better our boys did this year! They really stepped up...watch out for them next year! :} Meanwhile, back at home, our poor trees were feeling the shock of the heavy wet snow.....

And luckily there was enough snow for Daddy & Kaley to build the 1st snowman of the year! :}

I'm not sure I'm ready for another long winter...let's hope it's not as bad as last year! But, let's admit, it is still pretty to see (just much nicer from inside when you're bundled up all nice & warm! :})