The Week Before Christmas.....Sunday Six

Wow here we are the week before Christmas.....What a fun, busy, festive and blessed week I have had. The season in and of itself is such a highlight of the year for me. But I'm especially excited because ALL of my family will be here for Christmas Eve and Christmas this year. Twenty-one of us will gather together . I've been busy trying to get everything ready for when they start arriving on Tuesday. These were the best of the best for my week. . . . .
MY SUNDAY SIX

1. The greatest relief is that we had to talk in church today and it's OVER! The Bishop asked us last week if we would talk and I've been stressing ever since. It's bad enough to have to talk, but the week before Christmas is way too much pressure!

2. We took Lucy to see Santa. She was not sure she wanted to be there. You can't really tell but she was crying out loud while she pasted that fake smile on her face. We were all cracking up including Santa.

3. I had my third annual cookie exchange on Thurs. We all get together and sample each others cookies, drink some hot cider and have a good visit. It works out well as we ended up with 6 different kinds of cookies. (Shanel was also there, but she was taking the picture.)

Lucy's snowman that her Daddy and her made in front of their house.


4. It snowed and it snowed and it snowed this week! It was just beautiful. It was the most it has snowed since we moved here. We actually got 3 inches at one time. They even had to close the schools as we don't have snow plows here to clear the streets for the buses to get in. Anyway I loved it, it was so festive for the Christmas season.
5.We went to Parowan and helped Grandma Bev make fudge. Every year she makes her famous peanut butter fudge, but this year she said she just couldn't do it. So rather than break the tradition we went up and helped her. It was fun for her as well as us and we think we have all her secrets now on how to have a successful batch!

Before
After

6. My dining room table had become my wrapping station and when we left for Parowan I left the table piled high with unwrapped gifts. Bless Shanel, while we were gone she came over and must of sensed that I was in over my head, literally! When I got home to my surprise she had beautifully wrapped all my presents. This sweet act of kindness is a gift I'll never forget. Thank you Shanel.

6+.This is Reg typing our Christmas letter. It's been his turn the last 2 years and he actually did it this year. Thanks honey.

Sherrie's Simple Sunday This week took us up north, so most of my favorites of the week took place there with family. It was Brittney and Mitchells' B-Days and Jen was doing her Christmas show so away we went, Reg and I with Lucy and Shanel in the back seat.
These are the things I want to remember. . . .

1. Friday night we went and saw Jen perform in "It's a Wonderful Life." This is Jen and Lance after the performance, they are so cute together. I am so grateful that they found each other . The show was really good and Jen just gets so into character with her animation and of course her wonderful dancing. Afterwords Jen, Lance, Shanel, Wendy, Reg and I went to the Little America and had a yummy late dinner. The food is always so good there especially the rolls, but I was good I only had one when usually I would probably of had three. We all had a good laugh as our little Vietnamese was waitress was a crack up. It was a fun night.
2. I really was happy to be reminded of the message from It's A Wonderful Life. Poor George Bailey thought he was a failure because his life did not go as he had "planned," had hoped for and had dreamed of. But how often does that actually happen? We need to make the best of the current situation were in and try to help others along the way. Then when this mortal probation is over hopefully we to can look back on our lives and see what positive difference we have made, just like George.
3. Brittney, my oldest granddaughter turned 12 on the 4th of December. She has evolved from a darling little girl to a beautiful young woman with beautiful Snow White skin and and the most beautiful "shinny"dark hair. She loves lime green and hot pink and has a darling room with those colors. She has much better computer skills than I do, is a good student, a great babysitter to her little brothers and is kind and patient to all her younger cousins.


She got to choose where to eat on her birthday so we all headed to the Brick Oven, which is also one of my favorite places in Provo. She has loved pizza her whole life so I think that one of the reasons she wanted to go there, not to mention the yummy home made root beer. We all had a fun time and Reg and I were so happy we could be there for the party!


4. On Saturday the 6th it was Mitchell's 10th birthday. He is our oldest grandson who also has grown up way too fast also. He was the cutest baby, with the biggest blue eye and the chubbiest legs you ever saw. He is no longer chubby just getting taller each time I see him, but he still has amazing eyes. In a few years the girls are going to be swarming I'm afraid. Mitchell is an avid reader like his mother, as well as a good student. He has always been a deep thinker and makes us all laugh with his "Big" words. He loves BYU football and is excited to start playing basketball in January. He even got new basketball shoes for his B-Day.
He wanted to go to Cheesecake Factory as they have his favorite omelette's there. Then we returned to his house to have chocolate lava cakes which he requested and open presents. Again we were so blessed to be there for the celebration and for darling grandchildren that bring us such joy.

5. I am so grateful that we found our "missing Cade!" On Sat. after 15 of us left the Cheesecake Factory we ventured through the terrible crowd to Nordstrom . Everyone kind of went there own separate ways, the cousins here and there with different adults up and down escalators etc. Suddenly I got this thought, "Cade is not here, I haven't seen him since the restaurant." After checking in with everyone sure enough he was missing. The store went in lock down mode, and thy started announcing our little 4 year olds description on the loud speaker. It was a panicked moment and we were all praying frantically. Jason sprinted back to the Cheesecake Factory and there was little Cade in tears with a manager. We all felt so bad.....and were grateful he was safe and not out in the parking lot looking for us. Lesson, never try and go to the mall with 15 people on a Sat. in December with all the Christmas shoppers.
6. I am so grateful we don't have traffic in St. George! Friday night we were on the freeway for 2 hours trying to get from Lehi to Salt Lake. It was a terrible flashback from all the years we spent in stop and go traffic in Calif. I can be anywhere in St. George in 15 min. That makes me happy.

Fun in the Sun with the SARAGERS'

Last night we returned from spending (almost) a week with John, Shenise and Lane. This was our "off" year for Thanksgiving, so instead of Reg, Mom and myself hanging out by ourselves we hopped on a plane and spent a wonderful holiday in Arizona. Shenise had the house perfect in every way. She knows how Grandma Shirley doesn't miss a thing, as she manages to look in every drawer, cupboard, closet, etc. John even went out and bought a second refrigerator for all the food they bought. The sad thing is that both refrigerators were so full when we got there and when we left they were almost empty. We ate so-o-o-o much and it was all so good. The best thing is that I think this is the first time in maybe 30 years that I didn't have to stay home and cook. Thanks Shenise for taking over, it was wonderful......

The table was very beautiful. We all know decorating is Shenise's specialty.
We actually got Grandma out to the mall a little,
to dinner and she even went to see Twilight with Shenise and I. Did she like it, "Heavens No"!

Whenever we go to Shenise's she has projects for her Dad. This time he put together an advent calendar made out of barn wood that Eric had to go rip off his Grandpa old shed. Then we had to haul it in a suitcase along with the wire and nails. He also did a little wallpapering, and hung a picture or two. He acts like these are dreaded chores, but truthfully he loves being needed.

Little Lane was just delightful. We really enjoyed spending some one on one time with him. He is talking very well now, fast of course like he does everything else. He is very polite. When he doesn't want to do do something or eat something or go somewhere, he always says "No, no thanks!" Like at night I would take him upstairs read him a story, sing a song or two and when I would actually try to put him in bed he would say "No, no thanks!"

He also has a very vivid imagination. Every time you see him he has a different kind of hat on. His favorite is to be a pirate and you have to wear a pirate hat as well. Grandma Shirley made a pretty good pirate too, don't you think.


Normally I would be really sad to leave our family in Arizona, but not this time as they will be here for CHRISTMAS and we're excited!

We are a blessed people. . . .

Even though we won't all be at the same Thanksgivng table together, you're always with us in our hearts. We're off to Arizonia and we are so excited to spend time with Shenise and her family. See you in a week!

Sherrie's Simple Sunday Six

Well here I am, another Sunday and another term paper due, not really. I am still trying to get a better attitude about blogging and about writing my Sunday. . . . So here we go. . . . 1. I really am grateful it was Sunday and I was able to attend church. In one of the talks today a young girl related a story about a well to do business man. He was driving through this neighborhood in his brand new fancy car going a little faster than he should of been. He was being careful to watch for children that might dart out between parked cars. All of a sudden he heard something hit the side of his car. He looked in his mirror and it was a brick. So he slammed on his breaks and backed up. There was a boy with a panicked look on his face. He got out and started screaming at him. The boy began to cry and said "I'm sorry sir but I didn't know what else to do. You see I was pushing my brother in his wheelchair and it tipped over. I can't get him up and you were going so fast that you didn't notice I needed help. So the only thing I could think of was to throw this brick to get your attention." The man never got his car fixed as a reminder to him that he shouldn't have to be hit with a brick to notice the needs of others. 2. BYU won again this week YEAH. Now we're set and ready to ruin Utah's "perfect season" on Sat. at 4:00 p.m. GO COUGARS!



3. I am so grateful for the knowledge I have that families can be together forever. This week our good friends Hal and Lynn Johnson lost their oldest daughter Holly. Lynn has suffered with MS for the last 20 years. About 6 years ago Holly was diagnosed with it as well. On Friday she passed away leaving behind her husband and a 5 year old little girl. No parent should ever have to bury a child. Our hearts go out to all of them, but they have a wonderful attitude and assurance they will be together again. 4. What is this? This is how it looks by 5:15 now that the time has changed. I usually go into a deep state of depression every year when we turn our clocks back. I feel like someone has taken away half of my day. I just hate it! But I'm here to say I coping much better this year, so I'm grateful. I even am liking the fact that we eat earlier because of it.

5. Some of you may know that Reg and I are the Webelos leaders in Cub Scouts. When the Bishop asked us to do it I thought he was kidding. I haven't been a scout leader since Reggie and Jason were 8 & 9. We have been doing it for about a year and a half now. Every week when I'm preparing for them to come I have really dreaded it. I would look around and think I can't believe I have a houseful of sweaty little boys. But guess what, we have come to love those boys and I can actually say they are a blessing in our lives. After church today one of the boys came rollerblading over with his book and reports in hand to show us what he had done so we could sign him off and he could get his Citizen badge at pack meeting this week. They are darling!

6. This week I was able to actually start exercising again. It was great. I have been having some trouble with my neck so I haven't been able to go for the last couple of months. But this week I went four out of fives days and I'm not feeling too bad. Do I like exercising? NO, it's hard and I don't think its fun at all like some people do, but at my age you've got to do what you you've got to do. Now I just have to get back into the routine of eating better, I've been such a slacker.

Well that's it for My Simple Sunday Six. . . . have a good week!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO REGGIE...#37

Reggie how did we get to this point so quickly? It doesn't seem like 37 years ago that I was ironing away when I thought hum my back ache, my legs ache, I'm not feeling very good. " Oh my gosh I think I'm having labor pains! " Well I'm glad I don't have to do that again. Today I am remembering my favorite things about you.....my eldest son. I love to look at you, you are still so handsome,I can say that cause I'm your Mom.

I like to watch you when your concentrating on a project. You used to get your tongue going back and forth, like when you would do your homework and you still do it when your intense. I admire your work ethic, you've always been a hard worker even as a little guy. You always have a beautiful yard and are so willing to help others with their projects and yards as well. I love the way you can talk to anyone and make them feel comfortable and important.

I really love watching you with your darling family. You are a natural hands on kind of guy. You can cook, clean, bathe the kids, do laundry, vacuum, grocery shop, and so on when needed. ( Although Wendy has things under control most of the time) The best thing is to to see you hugging and kissing your wife and kids as you laugh and play together.


Thanks for being the wonderful man that you have become. I am blessed to have an obedient, priesthood holder as my son who is willing to serve Heavenly Father where ever you are needed. Even as the young men's president out on a camp out in freezing weather on your birthday! I hope you get home safely. HAPPY BIRTHDAY

I LOVE YOU

Happy 30th Birthday Eric

Today is Eric's 30th Birthday and I want to say he is a GREAT son-in-law, husband to Shanel, father, priesthood holder, tile layer, handyman, soccer player, personal fixer upper for Grandma, and is just an all around GOOD GUY! He's patient, has a dry and witty sense of humor, he is always willing to help (especially his mother-in-law) and has been a great addition to our family. Can I also say I have never seen Eric lose his temper! Have a wonderful birthday Eric and here's to a fabulous year. May you realize all the true desires of your heart .
November 14th...Happy B-DayEaster



Hawaii




On the beach

WHAT A GUY!

My Sunday Six.........This was a busy week. I had the usual work at the Temple on Tues. morning and Cub scouts on Wed. etc, etc. Add to that Mothers cataract surgery, Relief Society enrichment night, in which I had to make a pot of soup, decorate, a wedding, etc. Anyway it was all good, even though it sometimes starts out bad. Maybe I'll start doing a "Sunday Sucks"list . ( No I would never do that) Anyway these are the things that made me smile this week.

1. You are probably asking yourself "What is this?" Well it's a picture of Christmas decorations, my Christmas tree decorations(sideways that is because I don't know how to rotate the picture) to be exact. Yes I'm here to say that my decorating for the holidays is complete. Not because I usually do this SEVEN weeks before the event, but here's the story... A couple of months ago someone called us from Southern Utah's Home and Garden magazine and asked if we would be one of the "Twelve Homes of Christmas" for this years home tour on Nov. 21 & 22. At a weak moment I said yes and have been stressing about it ever since. So this week I started decorating and have had my whole house torn apart. To make a long story short I accidentally found out that the magazine has gone out of business and the home tour has been canceled. Unfortunately no one bothered to call us or any of the other 11 homes. Were we upset YES, but... we're ready for Christmas!

2. Eric was out of town working this week so Shanel and Lucy stayed with us. (Poor Shanel got in on all the decorating, once again my problems became hers) Lucy made us laugh all week. She is the happiest little girls who is smiling from the moment she wakes up in the morning till she goes to bed at night, which by the way is too late 10:00 or 10:30. She appreciates every little thing you do for her and LOVES everything. Here she is loving here new pajamas. We even had fun decorating because she LOVED every ball, light ,bow, etc.


She really LOVES Suki and I hope someday he will Love her in return. For now you can almost tell by the look on his face that he's just going "Oh no she's here again."

3. I'm grateful that Mother's eye surgery went well. She was so nervous about it. When her Dad had it done something went wrong and he ended up totally blind in that eye. But thanks to improvements in the procedure and a good doctor all went well. In 2 weeks she will have the other one done.

4. It's raining today, we're always grateful for rain in St. George. I do love the things associated with rain, sleeping in, curling up on the couch with a quilt in front of the fireplace, a good book to read and sipping hot chocolate and dipping my toast in it. It really doesn't take much to make me happy.
5. Reg brought me flowers for the second week in a row. Last week he said it was because I hadn't felt well and this week he said it was because he just loved me. Shanel said it's because he just likes the look of fresh flowers on the table! Whatever the reason, it makes me smile.
6. I finally am feeling better. I have not felt great in a long time. First I had a flair up with my neck and was in pain for several weeks. Then I got some kind of virus or flu and struggled with tat but this week I could just go about my daily routine without even thinking about how bad I felt.

6 1/2. Oh yea, I am so grateful I got to vote. That we have the right and responsibility to do so. I continue to pray for the leaders of our country, even though they are going to be Democrats, just kidding.

We're Home.... From Canada that is.

Lake Louise


Big Horn Sheep in Radium Hot Springs


Lake Louise


Banff


We just returned from a wonderful week in the Canadian Rockies. We went with our "traveling friends" Jim and Nancy and we determined this was trip # 9 for us. We flew into Calgary and rented a car and drove to Radium Hot Springs where we were staying. We were at a really nice 2 bedroom time share on a golf course. Every morning we woke up to Big Horn Sheep everywhere on the golf course. It was amazing. They actually close the course as this is their rutting season for about 2 weeks and then their gone again. Each day we took day trips to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore, and spent our last day back in Calgary. If you've never been to this part of the the country it definitely is a "must see". The crystal clear glacier water of the lakes and rivers is absolutely indescribable. Not to mention the fabulous mountains and forests. Calgary is a beautiful, clean, modern, yet quaint, big city with upscale shopping (which will have to wait for another trip, no time no money this time) It was a near flawless trip until my suitcase was not on our plane.... it seams as though it got held up by Homeland Security and did not come in till the next flight. Maybe it was the bottle of sand I had gathered from Bow Falls in Banff that threw them off, who knows? Anyway we always go threw the ritual of getting an"In and Out" for the trip home even if it was close to midnight. Once again it was an unforgettable trip with good company, good food, lots of laughs and great memories. Thanks Jim and Nancy and thanks Reg for driving us safely for hundreds of miles without hitting any wildlife along the way .
(See Nancy's blog for a day by day version and slide show)

A Hunting they did go...

The men in my family{incl. Mitchell, 1st time hunter} went D-E-E-R hunting after 8 years. When we lived in California it was almost a yearly event to pay a ridiculous out of state fee for a tag. But now that we live in Utah, and its so inexpensive for a tag, no one ever goes.

Reggie was the lucky one this year!

{Wendy will be so proud of you!}

Part of the reason is because if by some chance someone gets a deer they all fight over the meat...not who gets the most, but who gets the least! We really don't like it but someone needs to eat it after killing it for heaven's sake.

The fun of it all is really for the companionship, circling around the campfire, the yummy dutch oven dinners, the late nights, beautiful weather and for the love of family.

Thanks Uncle Larry for being such a great host. Larry talked Jeremy(Son-in-Law) and Tryston(Grandson) to come along for the weekend to help our men out. Larry and Jeremy didn't even have tags this year.

Now for the story of Mitchell and Tryston. These boys had a blast. After hiking the hills, as Mitchell said, "It was at least 15 miles Grandma," stirring the fire, watching Ironman and just talking each others ears off, it was so nice for them to hang out with boys....since they are both surrounded by girls. Uncle Larry even had them convinced that as 1st time hunters they had to take a bite out of the deer's heart. Larry showed them how it was done but that wasn't enough for Mitchell to follow through.

Sherrie's Simple Sunday Six

1. I cleaned and organized my closet. It makes me feel so good when I walk through it and everything is in it's place.

2. I am so happy that it is fall and I can sleep with my window open. We only have a short amount of time to enjoy this fabulous weather. I figure I only have two months out of the year to do this. The rest of the time we either have the heat or the air on.

3. I went up north and got to see Cade, Jason and Kristin's 4 year old, play soccer. Jason called last week and said that he had scored 3 goals, one for his team and 2 for the other team. I had to see it for myself. Sure enough he scored another fabulous goal this week...for the other team. As I walked on the soccer field it was just like going back 30 years when Jason played. There was Cade, a full head taller than anyone else on his team, with those long skinny legs. He was just happy to be there with his friends. The competitive spirit will come soon enough. I couldn't help but smile.

4. This is baby Jack! He is such a sweet baby and I love spending time with him. I feel like every time I see him we just get warmed up to each other and then I leave. But this weekend he even reached out for me and it made my heart warm.

5. Sat. night Wendy, Rylee,Grandma Shirley, Brittney and I went to see THRILLER . Jen, Lance's wife dances with Oddysey Dance Company based out of Salt Lake City. Every year they do this fabulous show all in the spirit of Halloween. It features the famous Halloween charactors, like Frankenstein, Frankenstein's Bride, Beetlejuice, Chucky, Jason.etc. Jen is one of the stars of the show. She is an amazing dancer and has traveled throughout Europe, Korea, Costa Rica, and all over the United Stated preforming. She has the perfect "dancers body" and beautiful technique. We had so much fun and always love to see her dance.

6. Shanel, my wonderful daughter is my "Blogger Lifesaver". She has had so much patience with me while I am trying to learn all there is to know about posting, editing, layouts, settings and so on. All I have to do is call her and she just says "I'll be right over Mom". I feel so sorry for her cause she is the only child here in St. George so she is my assistant in all the projects I get involved in. (Shenise it really isn't such a bad thing that you don't live here, just ask Shanel) Thanks again Shanel for all that you do!