Christmas Day

For the first time in 28 years, there were no "kids" at our house on Christmas morning--no one excited for their gifts, no one to line up in the hall, no oohs or aahs. It was a little sad and lonely. Donald and I opened our gifts and although I was thrilled with my gift (a new sewing machine!), I really do miss the "magic" of Christmas.

Around 9am we headed over to Devin and Sarah's for a Christmas breakfast. It was fun to see the girls and see what they had gotten fro Christmas and to spend some time with them over a yummy breakfast. Then we headed back home as everyone was coming to our house for Christmas lunch, gift opening and THE phone call.

Enjoying food and conversation

Cute Sallie's first Christmas

Cousins
Opening gifts

Lunch was delightful, gifts were opened, and THE phone call was amazing. Darin sounds so good. He has a little accent--and I expect that to get stronger over the next 19 months. Life has changed drastically for him and I don't think we realized how much until we talked to him. El Salvador is a much poorer country than I realized. For instance, he hasn't seen a washing machine since he got there. His clothes are washed by a lady from church in a bucket with a scrub brush. He's met and worked with many families that don't have running water or electricity in their homes. But he's doing what he wants to do and he's doing it where the Lord wants him to be. What better Christmas gift could he give?

Leading up to the Wedding

The week before the wedding was a crazy one. I was still teaching preschool, my piano students had a Christmas recital, my mom and Jim came in, food needed to be bought, rentals picked up, sashes for bridesmaid's dresses made, fabric flowers for flower girls made, the list seemingly went on for ever. I had lots and lots of help from friends and family and we made it through!! We were able to get into the Cultural Hall at the Stake Center on Friday night at 9:30 to do the decorating and I had some amazing men and women that came and we were able to be home by midnight. Saturday was awesome as we were able to witness Jamie and Will's sealing with family and friends. The weather was cold with some snow and hail mixed in, but nothing stopped us. The reception went extremely well--again with help from amazing friends. We don't have the pictures back from the professional photographer yet and we were all so busy that not many pictures were taken by family, but I've hijacked a couple of pictures to show until the "real" pictures get here.

Coming out of the temple

Talking to Delainey
Every Bride needs a flower girl to carry the train!
Sallie trying to stay warm
Cutting the cake
Leaving....

The wedding photographer has posted a few pictures of Jamie and Will on her blog. Go to crickettphotography.blogspot.com for a preview. :-)

(Three down, one to go--and that one won't be for awhile!!)

Jamie's Bridals

I am so far behind in posting--but maybe we can catch up a little today....

On December 10 (I think), Jamie had her bridals done. It had snowed on Thursday but as NC snow goes, by Friday there wasn't much left. Sarah took her pictures and they were amazing. It was COLD and Jamie was a trooper as she went about an hour and a half with just a coat on between shots. Here are some of my favorites:

Leaves!!

We got to keep Delainey a couple of weeks ago while Devin was having his hand surgery. She came to preschool with me and was great.

Donald came home at lunch time and she discovered the leaves that we had raked into a pile. She and Donald had a great time playing in the leaves. I LOVE having my family so close that we get to see them often.

Ballerina

Delainey has a favorite doll called "ballerina". (Yes, she looks like a ballerina.) Today when Donald and I were watching her, ballerina did many things with us. She sat on my lap while we read a book. We made sure that ballerina was warm by wrapping her in a blanket. She looked at the Christmas tree with us.

At one point, Delainey passed a little bit of gas. All was silent for a moment and then she said, "Ballerina pooted!" Donald and I could hardly keep the smiles off our faces. I said to Delainey, "Did ballerina say excuse me?" Delainey replied, "Excuse YOU, ballerina!!!"

(Donald and I are still laughing.....)

Best Birthday Ever!!

I LOVE other people's birthdays. I love watching them open presents, blow out candles and enjoy their day. However, I don't enjoy my birthday. I dislike the fact the I'm another year older--although the alternative isn't too appealing either! I would just rather the day pass without a lot of fanfare.This year was no different, but my family did an awesome job celebrating my birthday and making me feel loved without all the fanfare. On my actual birth date, I got to have a surprise photo shoot with two of my favorite people--Delainey and Sallie! Sarah did a fantastic job!! (Now if she would just use her photo shop to erase some of the wrinkles!!) Here are just a few of my favorites....




On Sunday we had a family dinner to celebrate all our October birthdays (Erik, Jamie and me). I received some great gifts but the evening was topped of by THE BEST BIRTHDAY GIFT EVER!!!

You don't know what it is?
Neither did I!!

Inside are memories that we have shared and items that each person remembers or likes about me. Some made me laugh, some made me cry, some were memories that I didn't even remember until reminded. I've read them all once, but every day I pull out a couple to look at them again. I love it!! I love that we all share some of the same memories and I love that there are some memories that only two of us share. I love that we have a bond and a connection that can never be broken. I love that my family thought to do this for me and that they put forth the time and effort to put it together. It is my precious physical possession. Now I can really say--"Thanks for the memories!"

Jamie's birthday

Lately I've just been extremely lax about taking pictures. We celebrated Jamie's birthday last week and I didn't take one single picture. However, this picture of Jamie was taken a few years ago.

As you can see, Jamie is a beautiful young woman. She is just as beautiful inside. She is smart and talented. She and I both share a love of reading and I have enjoyed reading the same books with her and discussing them. (I haven't loved not being able to find the book because she stole it away when my back was turned....) Jamie and I share many of the same qualities which can make for some fun moments together and some not-so-fun moments. Jamie has been the adventurous one in the family. She spent a semester during college in Spain and then traveled through Europe before returning home.


I have enjoyed watching her grow up and watching her use her many talents throughout the years. Happy (belated) Birthday, Jamie!!