Rewind back to Thanksgiving

OK, so it's finally time to get back to blogging. Due to me & my continuous camera issues (and you know I can't seem to blog without my pictures! :}...and why am I the one always taking pictures when I'm the one with camera issues all the time?! :}) & lack of spare time (nothing new, I know!), well, hey....better late than never. So, let's rewind & go back to the holidays. It's actually good to reflect on them now, in the "Season of Love" & think how much I love the people I got to share them with! As tradition continues, I was happy to start out Thanksgiving morning with the Annual Thanksgiving Jazzercise class (which is THE BEST way to start your holiday...outside of sitting on a beach somewhere maybe! :}). Our beautiful leader, Holly, was ready to give them all a fabulous workout! 

It's always fun to get other instructors around the valley to team teach this as well, like Alison, Sylvia & Megan here.

And LOVE when I can get my Jazz on with my good friends too! :}

It's also great when families share the love of Jazzercise together...like cute lil' Alli & Ashley (and Mom, Connie, sitting off to the side :}) 

...and Catharina with her girls & Sister In Law.

I was thrilled to see Raquel there...she was my 1st student when I opened up my classes in West Valley. And despite the language barrier at the time, she was a very devoted customer & loved it instantly! (of course she did! :}) I've missed seeing her & her cute family at the Tae Kwon Do Center where our boys used to go.

Lisa showing us some fancy moves on how you can use your resistance

...and core strength (Hi Miwa! :})

Dylan being our "Vanna" handing out the prizes (which was sweet he came, just in case anyone needed babysitting :})

And once we got done burning the calories, it was time to partake of the calories! This year we got the pleasure of enjoying the festivities at The Duffin's Home. 

Kicking back with the Family as we let the food settle. This is like one of those cartoon flip books watching the siblings pick on each other! Meanwhile Bradon won't let "his pose" go! :}

It was fun to have Cathy's new friends from out of town join us. 

B-Dog being his normal goofy self. I have no explanation! :}

Annie playing along with Kaley's girl time! :}

Yep, that's my boys! :}

 Mary, the Culinary Pro these days! 

You never know what may come in an afternoon with the Leach Family! :}

Luv that crazy sister of mine! :}

Haiden getting all big on us! 

Just can't get enough of that family of ours! :}

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!