Bill and I are looking forward to this Christmas. We are both on 2 weeks vacation. That is the first time we have done that in a long time. I usually have the 2 weeks but Bill doesn't. We are hosting Christmas Eve with all of our Northern Cal. Kids. On the 26th we are leaving to travel to Southern Cal to visit Bill and his family. We will spend a few days there then head for Utah. In Utah we will see Melissa's family and of course visit with Andrew. Andrew is a senior at BYU. He has a very exciting oportunity to go to Washington DC as an intern working for HomeLand Security with Imigration. He will be leaving on the 2nd and be gone until mid April. Our family is growning and we are excited to see everyone this year. We have has a very good year and have been very blessed. We wish all of our friends and family a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Christmas Party 2008

Well it is that time of year again. We enjoyed our Ward party with some of our grandkids. Jared and Miriam are in our ward so they were busy helping with the party as Miriam is on the Activity committee. Mark and Staci came from Concord to participate in our festivities. The cousins always enjoy being together. Little Jared wasn't happy about sitting on Santa's lap but Matthew did better this year. Eva could hardly wait to tell Santa all the things she wanted. We have had to remind her that you have to be good to be on the good list. She had cut her own hair earlier in the day, she is now learning that was not a good idea. Emma and Becca enjoyed seeing Santa also and are very hopefull that their wishes will be fulfilled.

Music Play List

Hello Family,

I have added a play list of music to Mom's Family blog. If there is a different song that you want to added or removed, let me know. I can add or remove them. I was thinking of Red Hot Chilli Peppers since we all enjoyed Space Mountain with Red Hot Chilli Pepper playing.

I was just putting a few together; trying to make it kid friendly or something that sounded nice. I think it would be nice to have songs from each family that you like. So, if you would like to hear a song or two or want me to add some Red Hot Chilli Peppers. Let me know which ones. You can see the play list by scrolling down to the bottom.

Enjoy listening while you read the Family blog.

Melissa

To Grandma & Grandpa from Lindsay

This is my Ballet Recital, Dec 17, 2008. I wish you could have been there. Ryan and I are looking forward to your visit after Christmas. Enjoy the clip. I am the one on the very end.

Love, Lindsay

We got new office furniture

Bill and I finally bought some new office furniture. We were able to get it put together and all set up during Thanksgiving weekend. Problem! I didn't realize that there would not be room for 2 chairs. Now we have to take it down and turn it around so we have more room for both chairs. Still have some shelves to put up above the desks and a printer cabinet to put together. Maybe it will get done someday.

Thanksgiving 2008

We had Thanksgiving at our house and most of the family was able to come. Melissa's family and Andrew joined together in Utah for their own Thanksgiving, but everyone else was at our house. Of course phone calls were made so all cousins could wish each other a happy Thanksgiving. Bill and his family came from S. Cal, Mark's family from Concord, Jared's family from Oakley and Josh and Loretta now live right here in Brentwood and of course their kitty "Callie" was included. The kids all had fun chasing the cat, spinning on my antique piano stool, decorating our traditional Gingerbread House and just playing with each other. This year Miriam added a gingerbread train. I think the kids eat more candy then they use for decoration. I was happy cooking and all the men were playing with their Iphones, computers and cameras. After dinner we all went to the movies to see "Bolt" in 3D. We have much to be thankful for this year. Bill and I are well, working hard and enjoying our ever growing family.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Thanksgiving Pagent

We had a Thankgiving pagent at church this year. Eva was an Indian.

Trunk'r Treat with Emma, Becca and Matthew

Went trunk'r treating with Emma, Becca and Matthew. They always have a good party. Lots of games, entertainment, food and of course Trunk'r treat. Loved some of the creative ideas to decorate their cars. The best this year was McCain & Palin and the Missionaries. It took Matthew a while to get the hang of things because he wanted to stop and eat each piece of candy he got before he went to the next trunk. Bill had been at a camporee all day and arrived late but was right in time to see Ray the Magician. It was a fun night.

On October 18th we had our annual trip to Smith Farms here in Brentwood to pick out our pumpkins. This year it was Bill & myself, Josh & Loretta and Mark & Staci, Emma, Becca and Matthew. Although we were fewer in number we all had a good time. Smith Farms is a family owned farm and each year they have all kinds of activities going on to enjoy and learn about farm life. The kids love to visit all the animals, go to a barn ho-down, visit the Indian Village, see different displays about farming, get lost in a corn maze, go on a hayride and pick out their own pumpkin.

When were finishied at the farm it was back to our house for a bar-b-que and celebrate Becca's 5th birthday. She was very excited to blow out her candles and open her presents. Her birthday is not until the 27th but since we were already getting together it was a good time to include her birthday.

Oct 18th is also Lindsay's 5th birthday. I enjoyed a phone call with her in the morning as she was opening the presents we sent to her. I was sad that because she lives in Utah with her Mom & Dad (Dan & Melissa) we couldn't spend the day with her also. Happy Birthday Lindsay, we love you.

Girl's day out!

Girl's day out! It is time to hit the nail salon. Today was a day to enjoy getting a manicure and a pedicure. Eva and Lindsay were excited to join us gals at the nail salon. While Miriam, Mom and myself where getting our pedicure and manicure, the girls were exited to get their nails painted. Both Eva and Lindsay chose their nail polish, of course they keep coming across something better than before a better color, glitter, or hearts in clear polish. It was a tough decision before they each choose the one.

These girls were excited and full of giggles. They were moving around while they waited their turn. Will they be able to hold still long enough to let the nail polish dry? Believe it or not they made it through. At one point, I thought Lindsay was going to fall asleep. It was a tough call at the end. They started to copy each other's movement....just moments before the giggles start to come back. Yeah, there nails were dry enough.

It was a great day to spend time with each other and watch the girls giggle and enjoy girl's day out!

Our Family Camp Out July 2008

From All About The Family

This is the first Family camp out we have attempted with so many of us. My thought was to have enough to do so NO ONE got bored or complained there was nothing to do. We packed up our cars with camping equipment, plenty of food, games, bikes, water fun and more for everyone.

The grand kids got together and put on a play. Poor Ryan being the only boy old enough got stuck playing the monster chasing the dancing ballerinas.

The grand daughters had a field day making lots of jewelry. Ryan brought his Hulk gloves and soccer ball; to avoid having to make jewelry. Matthew are youngest grandson brought his cars and was fascinated by all the bikes; which he called cars. It really didn't matter how old the grand kids were they seem to all have dirty faces or dirty clothes.

Uncle Andrew's goal was to be the cool Uncle and he succeeded with his family home evening lesson about god created even bugs and worms. He made his special dessert; worms and dessert. He invited all the nieces and nephews spend the night in his tent.

The grand kids enjoy showing off all the little creatures they found; frogs, lizards, and dead baby fishes.

A fun time was had by all and I am sure they will remember it for a long time. Next time I need a bigger car for the chuck wagon.

From All About The Family