Tragic news

Today we received an email from a friend who told us about a tragedy that has struck some other dear friends. We met them when my kids were all of 8 and under and lived a block a part for 9 years. Their kids were the same age as mine and so we did a bunch of things together. Three of her 5 and three of mine were all best friends. (Jason and Daniel, Jade and Lauren and Alex and Jonathan) They went to a soccer meet down in Orange County on Nov 23rd and returned to find their house in ashes. It was an electrical fire and they lost everything they owned except what they had with them at the meet and in the car at that time. Can you imagine? I can't. I am just heartsick about it.

Melissa, the friend who told me about it said that the community has been incredible at helping them out and seeing that they got back on their feet and had a good Christmas. Their homeowners is paying for their house rental and they are in a house that is bigger than the one they owned. LOL. She said they don't have a hard line phone anymore and I don't have their cell numbers so she is getting them for me.

I am so grateful for the roof over my head and the dishes in my sink and the pile of laundry awaiting me in the mud room. I will try to realize what a blessing these things are more often.

Celebrating at Disneyland

Thanks Nana!

Thanks Nana for the cute outfit you gave me for Christmas! I look so cute in it!

Lets get to know each other better....

Sometimes even when you live with someone, you don't know them very well. I thought it might be fun to see if we could learn more about each other. How about answering the following questions:

1) what is your most memorable Christmas and why?

2) what is your most memorable Christmas gift and why?

I'll answer both first. My most memorable Christmas was the one when I arrived home from my mission. Lewis and I had called off our wedding but they were unable to change my travel plans due to the holiday. So I arrived to share the holidays with all of you and opening gifts such as "matching towels". Lewis do you remember that? LOL.

My most memorable Christmas gift wasn't an official gift, it was my perception of a gift. Lauren was due to be born on Valentines Day of 1989. She instead was born on December 14th. She had trouble controlling her body temp and so they kept her trying to get her fattened up and they gave her to Lewis and I on Christmas Eve to take home.

I can't wait to read all of your answers.

What are you doing Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and who are you spending it with?

Christmas Eve will find us in the company of the Lamberts. They have graciously invited us to their home to share their prime rib. Mmmmm. We are excited about their invitation and opportunity to be with family. Christmas day we will be alone and just relaxing and enjoying each other. The day after Lewis, Caitlin and Jonathan will be headed to Palmdale for a quick visit.

Shelley explained that on Christmas Eve their tradition is to have/cook what ever foods their kids associate with Christmas. She asked me to provide what ever foods my kids associate with the day. When we talked I thought, hmmmm I don't think they associate with the holiday. I was wrong. Both Jon and Dan want "turkey". We always have turkey on Thanksgiving and a honeybaked ham for Christmas. But they said that it isn't Christmas to them without "turkey". Caitlin said its Grandma's holiday jello. Lauren said its "rolls". Lewis didn't seem to have an opinion but after much thought, what came to me was Grandma's slush. I was introduced to it the Christmas I came home from my mission and several times since then and when I get slush, I know its Christmas. What do your kids associate with the holiday?

Snow

So I previously mentioned it has been snowing since 3pm yesterday which makes for some deep snow. Jason was out shoveling it off the driveway and Paisley was out playing in it. I went out for a little bit, but I only own the $1 gloves from target so my fingers didn't last long. Paisley thinks it is so fun to say snow and to play in it. This snow storm ended up getting our ward Christmas party that was supposed to be tonight canceled! Bummer!

Maplan Christmas Party

Last night was Jason's work Christmas party. It was held out at the country club which is a couple miles outside of town. Usually it is no big deal to drive out there but since 3pm yesterday it has been snowing so it was a little more tricky to drive out there. Neither of us had been there before so that was fun. The food was very good. There was music and and drawing for prizes. We didn't win any of the prizes but we did win the center piece! That makes 2 years in a row for us now!! We had so much fun. Some of our very nice friends watched Paisley for us so we were able to attend childless. She had a lot of fun playing with her friends and having her first pajama party. I think we all had a very fun night.