Grandma's Birthday

Today would have been my Grandma's 95th birthday. So up to Forest Lawn I went for a visit. I also needed to pick up the Christmas trees that decorated her's and my mom's resting place. Today was an unseasonably warm day, with blue skies and a slight breeze.

The Chapel is beautiful!

As we drove past on our way to see mom and grandma we notices a horse trailer just around the corner from the chapel. We were wondering what a horse trailer would be doing at a cemetery. We went about our business and as we were driving past the chapel on our way out I could not believe what I was seeing. I have NEVER seen this except maybe in movies in and around New Orleans. There on the side of the chapel, waiting, was a horse drawn carriage with two drivers up top. There was also a nine person Mariachi band just behind the carriage.

  

I can honestly say the sight of this gave me goose bumps. I was hesitant to even take a picture. We kept a respectable distance away, and I used the zoom to get as close a picture as I could. This last picture I cropped to make it larger so you can see just how beautiful this was.

 All the family members and friends walked just behind the Mariachi band to the final resting place of this very loved person!

Dawn's Early Light

This morning, as the sun is just beginning to rise, 

I sit here in the quiet of my little home. I am thankful for it's shelter, warmth, and coziness. As I sit here sipping coffee I am somewhat saddened that Christmas is next weekend. Don't get me wrong, I'm all ready for it, I just want to enjoy more quiet mornings like today.

The sun is just waking 

The clouds are heavy with the threat of showers

I am warm

 I have so much to be thankful for...

Today 

I am thankful for my tree 

It is so calming to just sit

and slowly take it all in...

And anticipate all our kids faces when gifts are opened

To look at all the ornaments hanging on the tree
remembering who and where they came from

...and to remember the fun
one little girl had making this newest ornament with her Boppa.


Anticipation? 

I get pulled in, anxious for our newest little girls arrival.

Yes, I have much to be thankful for in this morning.

This Weekend

This weekend we had plans. 

Plans to keep Duncan so his family could get away overnight.

Duncan

Plans to keep the Rogina three so their parents could do a little last minute shopping 

and attend an adult Christmas party

Quinn

Jace

Mackenzi

Saturday both of the girls brought their families over for breakfast. 

We had Juice, bacon, sausage, fresh fruit, and pancakes made by Boppa.

I have the best kids 

EVER!

Weekend Surprise

This idea started back in October. Jerry and I set out on a Sunday drive, This is where we went. 

Tickets bought, we were excited for December 3rd to arrive. 

Flash forward...

The day had finally arrived. 

The secret had been kept from the kids. 

The preparations had been accomplished. 

I invited the kids families over for lunch. 

On the menu, 

Nana Noodles

turkey bacon avacado sandwiches

veggie tray 

chips and dip

After we finished lunch I gathered the kids to tell them we had a surprise planned. 

To find out what was happening I was going to give them 3 clues, and they had to wait until all 3 were shown to tell what and where they thought was going to happen.

Clue # 1

Matching Christmas pajama's for all

(these are the girls, we had a boy version too)

After they were given their Pj's, and pictures were taken, 

we came back to the couch for more clues.

Clue # 2

Cookies with a compass on the wrapper

Clue # 3

A magic bell

We started with the youngest, asking each child until we were at the oldest, what they thought the clues meant we were doing.

Quinn said we were going to go see some fun 

Jace said we going to a party

Mackenzi thought we were going to the Polar Express

 Kelsea said we were going to see Santa

Braeden said Santa as well

It was time to drive to our destination!

The Families

 We were given our seat assignments

Finally the train pulled out of the station for our quick trip to the North
Pole. We all had our tickets ready when the Conductor came around to punch them. Our helper Elf handed out cookies and chocolate milk,

 she also read 

T'was The Night Before Christmas to everyone in our box car. 

Then we sang Christmas carols on the trip back home.
We finished the night with pizza and salad at
Nick-N-Willy's
FYI
we did not see Old St. Nick eating pizza!

A great big

  Thank You 

to our kids for spending your Saturday with us!

We had a fabulous time,and made some great memories!

Elf on the Shelf... aka, Braekel

 A few years back I went on a search for a few Elves.

 Do you remember? 

No, well look here. 

So, Dana remembered to tell their Elf, (his name is Braekel), that they would be gone on Thanksgiving night. She also left direction as to just where his family would be.
Lo and behold, Friday morning who was spotted sitting on the shelf above the fridge?

Yep...Braekel!

I think he loved the fresh mountain air 

and warm sun....

...and hanging out with his Gnome buddies. 

He was very busy! 

Secretly flying here and there without anyone seeing him.

After dark he was spotted checking out the temperature. 

It was still warmer than the North Pole!

I don't think he knows this train never leaves the station...

however, it is 

"On a Shelf" 

On Friday night the kids got their blankets and pillows out and made themselves cozy. 

Elf on the Shelf was going to be on TV!

Kelsea let out the cutest squeal/giggle when she spotted Braekel watching all his friends on TV.

We all had a great time visiting my parents beautiful home. This is what the back side of the house looks like.

Saturday morning it was time for everyone to load up the cars for the drive home. 

 Perhaps Braekel was tired from all his activities. 

He decided to ride home with his family, 

he NEVER fly's long distance in the daylight!

My Camera Was Hijacked!

 I think Laci took most of the above pictures of the boys.

I tried to get them both to smile at the same time.

 Nope, ain't gonna happen today!

What?

 Lookie me

                                                                   

That's better...

\

Bribery works every time!

 Kelsea calls this her angry face. I caught her at the big mirror holding her breath until she was very red. When I asked her what she was doing she said she was making her angry face.
Silly girl!

Dana and Jerry

 Camden

Mackenzi

Mackenzi hiding from the paparazzi,
Kelsea doesn't care if her picture is taken.

Look at those eyes, at least she isn't angry any more!