Christmas in Texas!

First stop- HOUSTON- to visit my sister, Leigh.


Leigh with her granddaughter, Ansara Michelle


Michael's son and his family came for a visit.


My cousin, Monita, came up to Houston with her kids.


Leigh's new cat, DC (Darn Cat!)

On to DALLAS!


Fun with Jenna and Reagan!




Ian and I took the girls to the Dallas Stars Hockey game. Best seats ever!!! Thanks Ian!


We went to see Santa.


It snowed on Christmas Eve!


The girls decorated a gingerbread house.


Jenna checking out one of her Christmas gifts.


Christmas morning fun for Reagan!


My cousin, Vicki, and her family came to see us at Ian's house.


My cousin, Grace, came too for the visit-


Ian and Anayansi when we went out to great Mexican lunch.


I went to Grace's to see her daughters and their families.


I loved my visit with Ian and his beautiful family!

Christmas at Work!

This past week at work has been crazy. Fun celebrating the holidays and stressful getting ready to be gone for 10 days. We took goodies to some of the departments that we work closely with. It was great to connect the faces to the voices we talk to on the phone every day. Then we had our own party. After eating goodies all morning we went to lunch at the Olive Garden. As much as I whine about work I really do love the people I work with.


Here we are getting ready to go downstairs with some goodies.


These are the provisioning specialists that type our orders.


Then we went to see the testers that help us implement. This is Naomi with Lynn and I.


This is my boss, Debbi, opening her gift in the "stealing" game.


Lynn and Lisa having fun at the gift exchange.


Theresa, Anna and Marv


Here is Michael opening the gift that I ended up stealing from him!!!!


Lynn loves her COZEEE!!!!


Here are Yvonne, Jamie, Chris and Lynn at lunch at the Olive Garden!

Now I am off to Texas to see my sister, Leigh, and to see Ian and his family. I can't wait!!!

Early Christmas in Pleasanton

I get 2 Christmases this year! I had fun with McKenzie and Brynn pretending it was Christmas so that they could open my presents. Not really the same as Christmas morning but still fun. Brynn was hilarious. She loved everything squealing with delight. So cute! McKenzie had fun handing out the gifts, reading the name tags. She wanted to play with everything. I just love being able to see them smile and enjoy the surprises of Christmas.

Here He Comes!!

Looking through the eyes of a four year old makes Christmas so much more fun! I went with Brooke's family to get their tree and then we went to Pleasanton's Christmas Parade! Brynn was excited cause Kenzie was excited. But McKenzie was beyond excited. We went to the same tree lot that I always took my kids to. It was very nostalgic for me to shop for a tree there. The difference was I always made the kids go pick one out in the Douglas Fir section cause that was all I could afford. This time we were in the Noble Fir section. Those trees were beautiful!! Brooke was true to form- having a hard time making up her mind!! But they found the perfect tree and it turned out magical.

We thought this was the one but it was not to be!!


McKenzie was trying to keep Brynn from running off!!!


The end result- don't you agree it is magical??!!

Then we went downtown for the parade and mainly to see Santa at the end of the parade. Watching McKenzie go ballistic over waiting for Santa at the end of the parade was worth enduring the freezing cold for over 2 hours! As we were leaving- and could hardly walk from being frozen- all she could say was "That was so much fun! I don't want to go home!" I got fun pictures from the parade- but didn't get one of Santa..... Sorry Kenz. We were having too much fun watching you.


Here is McKenzie waiting for Santa to come down the street!


Brynn had fun with the glow in the dark necklaces!


Here he comes!!!!

Movie Quotes

My friend, Rick, sent this to me. I love movies almost as much as he does. Just fun to watch- even though it is about 11 minutes..... I couldn't get it to post on Facebook correctly so not as many will see this but I loved it!

Thanksgiving Weekend

First thing Thanksgiving morning I met Brooke and her family in Walnut Creek for a 10K Turkey Trot. Brooke ran her race then it was McKenzie's turn! She was so excited to run her first race. It was really fun to see how seriously she took this race. It wasn't very organized for the kids but she didn't know any different. She ran her race- all of 100 yards or so. She was very proud of her Participant Ribbon!! I had a fabulous dinner and fun time with Brooke's family for Thanksgiving! It was too short though. I had to get up and go back to Sacramento for work on Friday. Brooke cooked a great turkey and she made her homemade rolls. It was nice to be pretty low key. They went to see some friends for dessert while I stayed home with Brynn. I love the feast of Thanksgiving. But what was so cute was McKenzie- she made place cards for everyone. She loved helping to set the table. She wanted ketchup for her "chicken". Too funny.


I worked on Friday. It was so quiet. There were only 4 of us there. I didn't mind once I was there. I was able to get stuff done- there were no phones ringing. Chris and Lisa brought Thanksgiving leftovers in to share. That was nice and yummy!

Saturday was a crazy busy one. I hit the stores pretty early to do some Christmas shopping. For as long as I was out shopping I didn't get as much done as I had hoped. But I went with the flow and tried not to let the crowds get to me. I got one package in the mail which was quite an accomplishment! Then Marcia and I went to see New Moon. It was actually pretty good! But of course it leaves you hanging for Eclipse, which doesn't come put until next June.

Today was church. Then I spent the rest of the day just getting caught up around the house. I'm not putting a tree up since I won't be here... but I put a few things out to remind myself that it's Christmas. I talked with Aunt Rosemary for a long time. I hope when I am 89 years old I still have my memory and sense of humor like she does! She is definitely the sweetest person I have ever known.

In 3 weeks I get to see my other granddaughters for Christmas! I have a lot to be thankful for. A lot of gratitude in my heart.

Being Thankful

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I'm not creative enough to come up with new unique things to talk about---- so in the spirit of Thanksgiving..... I want to let you all know how thankful I am for all that I am, all that I have, all that I know, and all whom that I know...... I truly have so much to be grateful for. My family is my whole life, my whole purpose for being. I am so grateful that in spite of all the mistakes I have made in my lifetime I am still so blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life. I worry that God is going to realize that my blessings really outweigh my adversities and he will think he needs to put more on the light side of the scale! So SSSSHHHHHH!

The older I get the more easily I cry, and the more easily I laugh. I have a different perspective to appreciate the small things. I find I am much more patient in my old age! Things that used to really frustrate me don't really anymore. I do admit though there are still a few things that push my buttons but for the most part I have really mellowed! I really appreciate the saying "If I knew then what I know now......" so true!!!

I am grateful for technology. I love that I can put two little buds in my ears and escape to a place where I can listen to my music and dream. I love that I can type on a keyboard and in an instant I can see my daughter's beautiful face and hear her voice from 7,000 miles away. I love the little box in my purse that rings while I am working at my desk- and I can talk to my granddaughter - changing my mood in a second to one that makes my day!

I am so grateful for my health. Since 1996 I have not taken my health for granted for ONE SECOND. I learned to be pro-active when it comes to my health. I am not afraid to ask for a second opinion, to insist on a test, to ask why or what if.

I am so very grateful for a Heavenly Father that has never left me alone- not for one minute. He has guided me, strengthened me, and encouraged me. He has blessed me with children that have far exceeded my every hope and expectation. He has blessed me with 2 son-in-laws and one daughter-in-law that I love very much. He has blessed me with the most precious granddaughters I could ever ask for. I look forward to more grandchildren to bless my life.

My life is far from perfect............ the list of things I wish I could change is a long one. But if I had to trade any one of my family members or friends to achieve that then I wouldn't do it. So I guess I will keep my wrinkly neck, my plus size, living in Sacramento, my out of date wardrobe, and my old car- and I will be thankful for it all!! Happy Thanksgiving!

Starting the countdown....

The past 2 weeks have been busy busy as usual... Last weekend I was with McKenzie and Brynn. Brooke and Evan were able to go to the temple during the day. So, I joined Chris and Bill with their grandson, MJ, and Brianna with her little one, Ivy (another of Chris and Bill's grandchildren). We all went to Super Franks! It is like a bigger and updated Chucky Cheese. Only more expensive!!!! But the kids had fun. By the time we got out of there I was exhausted. It was fun to watch the kids having fun. Saturday night after Brooke and Evan got home we ended up staying in. I love just being at their house and playing with the kids. Sunday after church I headed home and took MJ with me to get him back to his mom and dad's in Sacramento. That 2 year old can talk and sing!!! He kept me company the whole way home!


MJ and Kenzie having fun with the cars


Brynn loved the cars!!!


Bri and Ivy


MJ is such a serious kid- but he really had fun on this car!


Kenzie had fun with the puppets!


Short video of Brynn- she can only go backwards in this car!


Brooke and her girls before church

During the week I worked and also got my visiting teaching done! Usually I wait until the end of the month but with Thanksgiving coming I wanted to make sure I got it done early. I love having Robin as my partner for the visiting teaching. She is so fun. I have friends here in Sacramento but not too many reallllllly good friends. My closest friends are still in the Bay Area and Southern CA. That is really my fault. I need to make more of an effort with my friends here. But I am always gone! I am either working or in the Bay Area. Doesn't mean I don't appreciate my friends here.

This past weekend was one of the few where I really had time for myself. I had to prepare to teach my RS lesson Sunday. I had a great Skype conversation with Cami! I went downtown to the Capitol building for a project you will hear about later. Other than that I was able to get some Christmas shopping done. I always plan on getting it done early- maybe this will finally be the year. But somehow I doubt it! The crowds were already getting to me! And it isn't even after Thanksgiving yet. So I will continue to do it in small doses. 39 days and counting!

Here come the holidays.....

I never get too excited about Halloween. I did break down and go to a party a week ago! Friends from work dressed up soooo cute! I wanted to see everyone dressed up--- so I put a bunch of numbers on my sweater and went as "Someone you can count on". I know- I am a dork. But I'm not into the dress up thing at all! It was fun to be with friends and see everyone else though. For work we didn't do too much- we had a pot luck and a few brave souls dressed up- Yvonne was the best! There were lay-offs announced again at work but no one in my group was affected. I feel like the cat with nine lives and I am on number 7 or so!!

Chris and JD at Denise's Halloween party last week!


Bryan and Lisa at Denise's party! Bryan was Drew Brees and Lisa was Bumblebee!


Yvonne was a cute Raggedy Ann at work.


Judy was serenaded by Elvis!

Brooke and her family went to Fresno this weekend. I had a lot to do to catch up with at home. Talked to some good friends on the phone, went to get my flu shot, read a great book, and I even did some Christmas shopping!! They didn't need me at the church party after all so I went to the movies with Ronni-- and we saw Michael Jackson's "This Is It!" It was surprisingly really good!! I loved the music, I loved the dancing. He seemed almost normal in the movie! Such a sad story when you see all the work that went in to the concert and how close they were to the show. Then it didn't happen. Anyhow- the movie was great... I even cried at the end. What a surprise, I never cry at movies! =)

But today is the first day of November- and I am very nostalgic. The holidays are officially coming now. I miss my kids. I miss my grandkids. I miss my extended family. I just want to retire, so I can go be with them. I can't though. So I will get up and go to work tomorrow. I really am fortunate to work with people I care about. I just miss my family. I keep waiting to win the lottery. We play as a group at work. So whatever we win divided by 17 won't be a big fortune but it would sure help towards my retirement!! In the meantime- I will do my best to talk to my family and friends, and be mindful of how blessed I am. I will put my game face on.

October birthdays!!!

This month is a crazy month for birthdays....... As I have gotten older it becomes harder and harder to keep up with all of them! Seems I am always a day or two late and a dollar or two short!! So many birthdays this month- I wish I had the time to be with each of the birthday people and to do something special with each one.

The month started off with Kathy's birthday on the 6th. Kathy and I have been friends for 24 years..... She has been with me through thick and thin! It has been an amazing experience to watch our kids grow up and become grandmothers together. She has a lot more grandkids than I do..... (15 to my 4!!) I appreciate all she has done for me over the years- more than I could ever say.

Kathy and Dan came all the way to Sweden for Cami's wedding. This was taken in Sandviken, Sweden.

On October 12th my beautiful granddaughter, Jenna, turned 4!!!!!!!!! She is such a special sweet spirit. She idolizes her big sister, Reagan. She is so loving and fun. Whenever I talk with her on the phone she makes me laugh so much. She is very animated and gets excited about everything, I can't wait to see her when I go to Dallas for Christmas!

Here is Jenna enjoying a hot dog with her Aunt Heidi!

Nine days after Jenna turned 4, my beautiful daughter-in-law, Anayansi, will have her birthday! Anayansi is such an important part of my family. I am so grateful for our relationship. She is a great friend to me, a wonderful wife to my son and an amazing mother to my precious granddaughters! It was so fun to have her with us in Sweden for Cami's wedding. I love her and can't wait to see her at Christmas too!!

This is Anayansi in Sweden on the dinner boat we went on one night!

Also on the 21st is my friend, Lynn's, birthday. Lynn sits across from me in the office. We are definitely co-horts in crime together!! We whine, scream, and laugh together. Our job can be extremely frustrating. Many times we feel as though we are on an obstacle course. Without Lynn I wouldn't be able to navigate the course!!! She is a cat lover like I am, and she loves to travel like I do. She is French Canadian and speaks French and has a crazy sense of humor. I am so fortunate to have her to work with and to have her as a friend.

Here is Lynn in Prague last month!

Next weekend on the 25th is my son-in-law, Evan's birthday. Evan is such a special guy. He is pretty soft spoken and very patient! He is the only male in the house! He is the perfect person for Brooke, and I love watching him with McKenzie and Brynn- he is a great dad to them. I am over there quite a bit and he is patient with me being there and maybe being too involved at times!!

This is one of my favorite pictures- Evan and Brynn

Then the 26th is my sister, Patti's, birthday. She lives in Leavenworth, Kansas, so I don't see her much. When our kids were little we lived close to each other and I treasure those days so much! Patti has such a great outlook on life. She has a hilarious sense of humor- has raised 4 wonderful daughters... or should I say 3 and is still raising one!! She is like most other moms that totally puts everyone else's needs ahead of her own. She is so generous and loving. I wish so much I could spend more time with her but she and her husband are busy, busy, busy with children and grandchildren.

Patti and her husband, Larry, during my visit to Kansas last March.

On Halloween my friend, Tracy, has her birthday too!!! I have known Tracy since we were kids. She graduated from high school with my sister, Susie's, class. Her older brother was my first boyfriend (When we were in 7th grade!!). I am so fortunate to have Tracy and Rick (who I graduated with!) here in Sacramento. I don't see them very often. Tracy is busy being a school teacher while Rick is busy being retired!! But if I ever need anything I know I can call Tracy and Rick. Tracy is a great mom to two beautiful grown daughters. She knows my history and is still my friend!!!!! This year she will be on the road for her birthday driving up to the Northwest... hope she has a wonderful day!

This is Tracy at her daughter, Jamie's, wedding last year!

To my family and my friends that have October birthdays- Happy Birthday! I am so blessed to have each of you in my life!