The holidays are here!

Even though I didn't have my kids around I had a great Thanksgiving weekend. As usual, I was super busy! It gave me a chance to see friends and family I hadn't seen for awhile. I started the weekend off Wednesday night by going to see the movie Australia with Theresa. I loved that movie!!! It was beautiful.


The movie Australia received mixed reviews- I loved it!

After dealing with some things for church on Thanksgiving I drove to Sacramento. Kelly and the kids came along- since they had too many people for one car and we were all going to her mom and dad's house. It is fun that Kelly and her family live here in Sacramento. Sure made the drive more interesting! At Chris and Bill's we had a house full!! I have had many Thanksgivings with them so it was just like being with family. During the day I was able to talk with Ian, Brooke and Cami so I got my kid fix. Marcus's brother, Quillan, got the dribble glass so he was initiated into the family!! It is a Gum tradition- the new person gets the dribble glass-- we all do toasts with the water glasses... and we wait to see how the person with the dribble glass reacts when the glass they are drinking out of dribbles! Too funny.... He took it well! Bill deep fried the turkey- it was delicious!!


Bill did a great job frying the turkey.


Kelly with MJ and Bri with Ivy


Here we are feasting!!!


I got a turn at feeding and holding Ivy!


Nana Chrissie with MJ


Shannon and Jeff at dinner.

Friday was my crazy day. My sister, Susie, and her family were in the Bay Area with Pete's family for Thanksgiving. So we met for lunch in Pleasanton at a great restaurant, Stacy's. I always enjoy catching up with them. My nephews are wonderful guys. Drew is working now for Wells Fargo and Jack is getting ready to go to Italy for Study Abroad, through USC. We had a nice visit but all too short. Then I went to see Cami's friend, Monica. She has a 10 week old son- and is so precious! It was fun to be with them and see how well Moni is doing. Then I went over to the Hall's. I love Dan and Kathy's family so much. They had a house full too!!! There were 9 children and 11 adults there so it was a controlled (?) chaos!! Andre made a wonderful turkey soup that I enjoyed with them. So after a fun time at the Halls I went on back to Chris and Bill's.


Monica and Little Tony


Jack, Drew, Sue and Pete after lunch.


Kathy with her mom, Ione, and her granddaughter, Abby


Saturday I drove home and took Kelly's little boy, 18 month old MJ, home to his mom and dad in Sacramento. They had gone back home ahead to move into a new house. After getting home I went into to the office for few hours. Not really fun but necessary! And today was church... so much to catch up on! Visits on the phone--- and back to the grind tomorrow. But with the holidays upon us I don't mind!!

Vampires, baby shower, grandkids and church!

I started out my weekend with Edward and Bella!!!! It was so fun to go the first night of the release of Twilight. It followed the first book really well.... the chemistry between Edward and Bella was believable! Good music- and the cinematography was beautiful of the Northwest. They definitely set the scene for the next movie!

Saturday I went to the Bay Area for Sadie's baby shower. Sadie and her twin sister, Lucy, grew up with my kids on the same street. Now she lives in Japan with her Air Force pilot husband, Rick. Their baby is due in March... and Sadie was here visiting her family so there was a fun shower for her at Mimi's Cafe- one of my favorite places! It was fun to see the girls all together. Brooke brought Brynn so everyone got to see her. Kelly was there with her little guy, MJ, and Brianna was there with her baby girl, Ivy. It is so surreal to me to see all these young women together that have known each other for over 20 years! Sadie is having a girl and she got some really fun stuff.

Camera on the wrong setting but it's the only picture I got of Brooke with Sadie!


Sadie opening gifts.


Lucy loved playing with Brynn


One of Bri's friends holding Ivy.


When Brooke and I were shopping I found a mirror for Brynn to look at- she loved seeing "the baby"!!!

After the shower I followed Brooke and Brynn back to their house. I had a few short hours to play with Mckenzie before she had to go to bed. Then some play time this morning before I had to leave to get home for church. I had a meeting today so I had to come to my own ward! Time to get ready for the Ward Christmas party!!


Had to get one more picture of Kenzie before I left this morning!

Cami and Klas are engaged!

I am so excited, thrilled, and estatic- Klas proposed to Cami last Thursday night while they were in London! Needless to say, we are all very happy for them. No details yet. All we know is the wedding will probably be next summer. But I want you all to know I love Klas- He is a great man. He adores Cami. They are so cute together. I miss Cami so much but I know she is so happy. She is where she needs to be. So-- we are going to Sweden for a wedding!!!!

Another crazy weekend!!

Once again I have had a fun filled jam packed weekend! Friday night started off the weekend with Brooke, McKenzie, and Brynn staying the night with me! Brooke's friend,Sarah, and her little girl, Madison, came over for awhile too. McKenzie was in heaven having another little girl to squeal and laugh with! I loved having them here- it doesn't happen very often. Brooke doesn't like my cats--- and with the kids it is hard for them to be in the car for the 2 hr drive. So it is easier for me to go there usually.... But still - it was fun to have them here. Brynn loved the toys I had here. She is reaching for everything! Brooke even got a good run in by the American River- a running trail she used to run on 5 years ago.

Brooke and Sarah were roommates at UC Davis!

Saturday morning I headed off to San Francisco to attend a luncheon for Joanie's younger daughter, Kristen's, Alpha Gamma Delta Initiation Luncheon. Kristen goes to SFSU. Joanie couldn't make it up north to the luncheon so I had the honor of going in her place! Kristen is a beautiful young women. It was fun to meet her new sorority sisters. I remember when Kristen was 2 and 3 and used to walk everywhere on her tippy toes!!! Seeing her in her new college environment was a treat!!!


She loved the sweatshirt her mom sent up for her!


Kristen with her "Big Sis"

After the luncheon I drove back to Sacramento- made it just in time to get over to the church for our Chili Cook-Off. Never a dull moment... on the way to SF I was making calls only to find out that no one showed up to set up the tables and chairs. So I was dialing like a crazy lady to find someone to set up the tables. I am so grateful to have Tanja on the Activities Committee.. she solved the issue and got the place decorated too. The night was a huge success.... we had about 160 people. I didn't get to eat any of the chili, which is probably a good thing since I don't need the extra calories! We also had a dessert cook-off. So lots of food, people and fun!


Full house for the chili cook-off!


Cottage Park Ward had 15 chili entrants and 22 dessert entrants!

Then today after church I went over to Theresa's and she, Roni and I had another canning session!! This time we made apple butter!!!! We started with 42 lbs. of apples!!!! I could never do this on my own! But it was so fun with the three of us. So far we have made strawberry jam and apple butter. We plan to do Salsa or bread and butter pickles next! I am too tired to put my clean sheets on my bed tonight. That may not happen!!!!


Roni and Theresa getting ready to core the apples.



After 4 hours of coring, cutting, and cooking the apple butter I am now filling the jars.


We canned 62 jars!


Roni, Theresa and I are very proud of ourselves!!

M-I-C-K-E-Y-M-O-U-S-E

What a great week I had!!! I got home tonight after being gone for 7 days. 4 of which were in Disneyland with Ian and Brooke's families! The other days were with friends, Joanie, Alan, Erika, Barb and Harland. I DON"T WANT TO GO BACK TO WORK!! I had so much fun. We couldn't have asked for better weather in Disneyland either! Hard to believe it was November. I was in Grandma Heaven!!! The little girls were all wonderful!!! It was so fun to see everything through their eyes. I was so happy to have almost everyone together. I was sad that Cami and Klas weren't there- maybe next time they will be able to join us. But as far as vacations go- this one rocked!


Brooke and McKenzie at the Disneyland Hotel


Ian, Anayansi , and Reagan at California Adventure


Jenna. Reagan, and McKenzie on the Monorail


All four of my beautiful granddaughters!!


On our way into Disneyland


Anayansi, Jenna, Ian, Reagan and Brooke went on the roller coaster in Toon Town.


Kenzie got her face painted.


Reagan got her face painted too!


Jenna dressed up as Ariel to meet the princesses!


Slumber party in Grandma's room!

Reagan and I went on the 3-D ride Toy Story!


Brynn was such a happy baby the whole time!


Reagan loved holding her cousin, Brynn!


Jenna and McKenzie loved playing Ring Around the Rosie while waiting for dinner one night!


Evan and McKenzie on the Autopia


After a long day!!!!

I also was so happy to see my friends before and after the family gathering. It was great to see Joanie and her family, and her animals!

Joanie and Snickers


The beautiful view from Joanie's in Laguna Beach.

After Disneyland I stayed with Barb and Har. It was great to see them!! I went to church with them and had a great family dinner.

Barb and Har at Old Town Mexican Cafe


Celebrating Harland's sister's birthday!

I am so grateful for the time I was able to spend with my family and friends. I hate that my job interferes with my personal life!!!

Happy Birthday Anayansi and Evan!!!

With all the excitement of Halloween I didn't take the time to publicly say Happy Birthday to my beautiful Daughter-In-Law, Anayansi, and my wonderful Son-In-law, Evan!!! I could not be more blessed than I am to have them both in my family!! Anayansi is a wonderful mother to Reagan and Jenna. She is so supportive of Ian. He works long hard hours and she manages to run the household smoothly in his absence. She does it with grace and a great sense of humor! I love her like my own daughter.


Baking with Reagan!


Anayansi last April


Her birthday 2 weeks ago!

Four days after Anayansi's birthday was Evan's birthday!! Evan is an amazing guy! He is such a good father to McKenzie and Brynn. As quiet as he is- you would never know from first impression what a tease he is- especially to Brooke and the girls! He loves Brooke unconditionally. He is such a good example to all. He is patient with me as a Mother-in Law! I admire him for how hard he works to provide for his family. I love him and appreciate him so much!!




Happy Birthdays to both Anayansi and Evan!! You both add so much to our family!!