Merry Christmas!

A little late but here's our Christmas card for this year.  Thanks, Niece Mallorie, for the picture taking!  I posted this on Facebook on Christmas Day:

Had all our family minus 1 grand (who had to work) last night for our annual Snicky Snack dinner. jammies and gifts. Already had a Christmas miracle. No.1 son called at 8:30 a.m. this morning (left our house last night at 11p.m.)- he had just gotten home (he lives about 40 minutes away.) Many near-death experiences traveling in white out conditions- he got almost home and but got calls from people stranded and needing help. Words cannot express thanks for his protection and for his service.  (Marci and the kids had left earlier as well as all the other kids.)

On the other hand- these trees behind David and I are on our tree farm. They were the size of pencils when planted...and now tower above us. What a beautiful world we live in. Now that our family is safe, life is good- and we are blessed with a snowed in Christmas.

Merry Christmas family and friends!!! We love the Savior and celebrate his Birth and Life!

Parties and Service

 I'm getting so far behind again in journaling.  Lots going on during the holidays but it has been kind of calm for me (and I'm not complaining!)  Last week was our GNO- hosted by Terri and Brendalyn.  Terri's home is over the top Christmas and the meal was perfect as well.  Great conversation, lots of LOUD laughter and a new Funny Kathy story we've never heard (Kathy represses them and suddenly something jogs her memory.)  Several people were talking about a recent BYU football game where they honored Elaine's dad who recently attended his 70th West Point Academy reunion.  He is quite a remarkable man....was the engineer who was in charge of shutting down Niagara Falls in the 70's- to repair some things, plus he was in charge of temple affairs over in Europe for many years.
The band director played a rousing Sousa March while they honored him on the field with a big screen showing clips from his life.

The Sousa March was the trigger.

Kathy remembered why she gets uncomfortable when the Sousa March is played.

Sometime in the 70's as well, Kathy and Greg were young marrieds and living in Chicago.  It was during the church's big bicentennial celebrations and a huge hall was rented where thousands could attend this pageant of sorts.  There was a band to play the Sousa march...and Kathy was asked with many other young girls to be the marching core.  They had red spandex outfits and glittery gold belts and shoulder thingies.  The evening went well.

About a month later, Kathy received an invitation to a "thank you" luncheon for all those participating.  Kathy then said, "So, let me ask  you, IF you were to read the invitation and at the end it said, "You might want to wear your red spandex costume- would you take that seriously or would you read that sarcastically?" 

Apparently Kathy was the only one who read it seriously....what a grand entrance Kathy made in her red spandex!   We laughed our heads off again, over that one!

We had such a good time- love these friends of mine!

Young Women's-

Our Young Women's activity last week was awesome.  one of my Laurels, Maddie Pardoe planned it.  We went to their house and they had fleece for us to cut and tie for quilts for Primary Children's Hospital.  We were able to make 20 quilts!  We also made dozens of these cute reindeer treats to take to the children as well.  Great activity!

 

Yeah!  We've had some great snowstorms and guess whose darling husband went outside and made ME a snowman!!!!!  It's truly a gift of love.

Snowmen just melt me.......

Little Gifts

Above are a few little favors for Christmas.  They hold 3 nuggets of candy in them.  Just cute.

I love these peppermint spoons for stirring in hot chocolate.  (purchase at Zuchers)

Each year I do the very same gift for all my neighbors and visiting teaching friends.  I wrap up 2 sizes of paper plates and napkins to help with their December dishes. Hobby Lobby is the best!   Who doesn't like paper plates?



For a few special gifts I have purchased these beautiful nativity plates made by a local potter, Ben Behunin.  I love his funky artwork and I think it is a fine addition to my and friend's nativities.

I also gave them this new Christmas book.  You can buy it at Amazon or Deseret Book.  Sam Beeson teaches at a Utah High School (Lone Peak)- and is also on Studio 5- a fun local show with great guests and cooking and projects.  They featured this book so I promptly went out to check it out.  I could not see where this book was going...but oh.....soooo beautiful.  If you're looking for a wonderful book for your Christmas collection, this book is it!

It's wonderful to have a husband again and not just because we've had a GIANT two-day snowstorm.  He has spent MUCH time on the Polaris (his favorite machine) plowing our long driveways and road to his beloved barns and horses. And the sidewalk to the front door.  And the  driveway so I can get out of the garage.  He's awesome like that!  Easily a foot and a half of snow at our house.

Remember in Miss Congeniality the one question for the judges in the beauty pageant, "If you could have a wish- what would it be?" and the one gal said "Peace on earth."  It was like the perfect, pat (and they treated it as sappy) answer.  Last night in bed, I thought, "Peace is everything.  Peace in our families.  Peace in the lives of people we love.  Peace in the world- all the shootings and terrorists and now today all the schools in LA (and maybe New York) were closed for terrorists threats.  David has spent days and days working on IRS/Social Security issues from the hackers to our accounts that mess up our lives with false tax returns, etc. "

Thankful for the Prince of Peace.....who is, sometimes, our only comfort.

I celebrate his birth and spirit.

Almost "stayed" out!

Even though I've been doing wonderful things the past two days....

it's like eating dessert non-stop.

I'm soooo ready for my husband to come home.

I'm starting to talk to myself.

I'll even share the bed.  (One friend called it "starfish" sleeping when her husband is out of town!)

Yesterday I was able to deliver some encouragement packages.  Also a lovely lunch with Elsa and Gayle at McGraths.  Then meeting niece Mallorie and little Gehrig at the Dicken's Festival.  This is our second year going (together.  I've gone for a million years)- to get Gehrig's picture with their Old World Santa.  The picture turned out hysterical!!!  Talk about a crusty!  But isn't Santa joyful!  Love this little guy. (Gehrig, not Santa...although I do love Santa too!)

Mallorie and Sam and Gehrig come almost every day because Mallorie takes (wonderful) outdoor photo shoots.  The tree farm makes a beautiful family portrait backdrop.  Almost every day I have someone come, photographers and drive-bys that want to take pictures here.  Today a (beautiful) gal with long pink hair and totally fru-fru coat that looked like a million bucks stopped.  She is a fashion-blogger.....   http://www.alternativeindigo.com/ and wanted her photographer to take pictures of her in the trees.  I can't wait to see her shoot.  Never a dull moment.

Today was a make-up art class.  Love my time there (but you know I can't sit for 3 hours.  I MAKE myself stay for at least 2 and today I made it 2 3/4 hours!  Maybe I'll grow up yet....)  My goal for next year is to "concentrate" in art class.  That might help.

Okay, did I mention I'm ready for my husband to come home?  I think I did.  Tomorrow....

Shtik Naches

Today- trying to again concentrate on the Christmas Spirit, I re-read all of my Christmas journal entries.  The messages of Christmas' past are warm bursts to my heart.

Several years ago, my friend, J. shared the Yiddish word with me- 'Shtik Naches' or 'piece of joy'.  She said that each day she is going to look more for the "Shtik Naches" in her life. Me too!

I forgot about Shtik Naches but during this Stay-cation, I've had some great reflective time....recognizing  shtik naches in little ways.

Yes, I miss my husband.  But to have him call or send me a text and say "I love you.  I miss you."  is a piece of joy to me.  I love him and miss him too.

This is such a season of feeling blessed by friendship.  As I wrap a gift or receive a gift from a friend, I feel such love of the sanctity of the love of women.  I always say that we, as friends, are actually witnesses of each other lives....and I love that responsibility and that gift.

I have read of many Christmases past with my parents and David's parents.  Reading them makes me cry.  I've been so happy my mom was finally home from rehab...when two weeks ago...the nurse at their retirement center actually was overdosing one of her meds 10 times the amount.  She kept telling me that she hated to complain but her kidneys were really hurting and I, telling her to drink lots of water and cranberry juice and also do lower back exercises....when in reality, her kidneys were killing!  She actually passed out and was unresponsive (giving my poor father a heart attack)- and rushed to the hospital and now rehab center.  Again.  4 medical mishaps by different entities in 4 1/2 months.  It has taken its toll.  It's one of the reason I needed this week to regroup and find my footing again.  I feel so blessed that I have parents I adore....but this stage of life, their stage of life, just hurts....

Twice this week, when I have passed a movie theater, I've gone in and just gotten popcorn to take home.  Talk about happiness!

When re-reading my Christmas posts, I suddenly had a vision (an ah-ha!)  where all my missing Christmas decor is!!!!  It has spent two years in the loft of the cabin!  Tomorrow I will drudge out and bring in my treasures.  Not that I am decorating.  Okay, maybe I will decorate. But after the carpet comes.   I do love Christmas....

Have not stopped thinking about Emily Freeman's talk the other night on a Christ-Centered Christmas.  Today I went and bought several of her books (that come with its own nativity) to give to my kiddos.  I love the Lord.  Today I was able to go to the temple again and fill that peace.  It's been a heavenly week.

Penny gave me a White Barn candle called Christmas Spirit.  It smells so wonderful, I want to cry.  Does that make sense? It just brings out the season....

Several years ago, my girls and I made little appetizer cookbooks to give out to friends at Christmas.  On the front we put "Appetizer- a food or drink that prefaces the main meal.  Just as Christ's Birth is really just the appetizer to His wonderful life, example and atonement.

I'm making a list of little pieces of joy that I am experiencing this week.  A phone call from a friend I haven't talked to forever, a thank you, Christmas card/pictures, warm baths, movie popcorn, doing service for others, nativities, a facial, sparklie  nails, Christmas movies and music, laughing, sugar cookies, enjoying other's talents.  Last night our Young Women had a talent show.  It warmed my heart.  Syd was in charge (one of my Laurels) and I was so proud of her.  We got to see River dancing,  dancers doing their leaps and twirls, guitar and piano numbers, art work, a quilt, a hair cut, sewn formals...and all the leaders donned pig noses and ears and instruments for a special musical number.  You don't need the details on THAT one but I came home with a happy heart.  Love serving and those I serve with. 

Shtik Naches

Day Two

 I finally finished the last batch (of 3 batches!) of pool towels!  Can you believe it????  I do not know anyone that has more towels than us....and some are a hundred years old.  They get washed all summer long...and yes, into the winter... but they are now retired until May.  Whew!

Yesterday I got up and had a sugar cookie for breakfast.  Heaven.

Then I picked up my friend Penny and we spent the day together.  Wonderful therapy for both of us.  We went to lunch at California Pizza kitchen where we both got my favorite Thai Crunch salad and then ran a few errands then got pedi's.  Our friendship goes back to when we were neighbors and pregnant with our youngest babies.  We've been through wonderful times and the trenches together.  Unfortunately the trenches are her reality right now so we NEED to spend safe time together.  I love her like family.  I love her family like my own.  We are lucky to have each other.  And might I say, our toes look lovely!

When we got home, I hurried and changed and ran to the temple.  I stopped outside in the cool, crisp air to catch my breath.    I wanted some calm, reflective time as part of my stay-cation.  My soul was filled.  I love to go to the temple to worship.

Last night was also our Relief Society Christmas party at my Barbie friend, Rachel's incredible home.  (I call her our own personal Barbie with the most beautiful heart and soul.  I love her to death.)  We were so fortunate to have Emily Freeman, an author come and speak to us- specifically about bringing Christ into Christmas.  My heart was so touched by her insight and words.  She talks about each piece of the nativity and what we learn from each character.  One that stuck out for me was Joseph.  She told about how he must have felt, in the conditions that Mary would give birth...describing the poverty and lack of comfort surrounding that birth.  She imagined Joseph trying to clear things, find clean straw, make things better.  That is a wonderful message at Christmas as we look around at those who don't live in the best of conditions.  We can make a difference.  Make things better.  One other point that I loved about Joseph was the phrase "No room at the Inn."  How many times do we look at our December calendar and find No Room for the the things that matter most this season.  My heart was touched, touched, touched.  Blessed to be there with great women.  They served cheesecake for dessert...but I didn't eat a bite.  Because, you know, I AM watching my diet....

and I knew I had one more sugar cookie waiting at home for me!!!!

Day Two of my Stay-cation was delightful, uplifting and edifying.  I could get used to this....

Christmas Bucket

Last week was our Christmas Bucket group- one of my favorite events of the year- with some of my dearest friends.  It was at Karlin's home.  Karlin and her husband Mark just returned from presiding over the Baltimore Maryland Mission so it is so good to have her home.  I didn't take a picture of her main dining room where we ate and shared....but I did (of course) take a picture of these yummy sliders.  They had turkey and dressing and cranberries and cheese and the mixture I put on my funeral rolls.  They were delicious- served with a baked potato soup. 

I love the sharing that we do around the table.  Karlin actual shared a personal tragedy/triumph that was recently featured in our newspaper.  It was about her son overcoming addiction.  Read about it here:

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865642316/Why-Thanksgiving-is-special-for-this-Utah-father-entrepreneur-and-recovering-alcoholic.html?pg=al

We all had a good cry.....

As we talked, we realized that everyone around the table has lived through some very difficult things and we've been so grateful for a support group of friends...and also our understanding of life and our purpose and to be able to turn to the Savior for comfort and enabling power.

We all did little gifts for each other.  I gave a little nativity with my favorite Christmas story (a friend's personal experience-http://constantgrowingamazement.blogspot.com/2010/12/stealing-baby-jesus.html  and some candies.

One friend makes homemade chokecherry jelly, another multigrain bread.  We get homemade turtles and almond fudge.  Funny Kathy gave us a mistletoe bag, with the legend AND breath mints and lip balm to put that mistletoe into action!  Karlin made us Christmas aprons like she's wearing above.  Of all of the gifts, I love our friendship.  Our dear friend, Gail, expressed her joy in this friendship with women that she can "just be herself with"- she said (because of her crazy busy life with boards and speaking engagements and sports franchises and car dealerships (over 100 businesses)-  "I just don't get to have this very often."  Funny Kathy retorted, "We know.  We're so sorry."  And we laughed because we realize how lucky we all are.

After lunch and sharing, we went into the kitchen where Karlin had prepared cookies for us to frost.  It was so Christmasie and festive.

I'm too attention deficit to frost cookies very well. (My frosted cookies look like the presents I try to wrap....  sad.)  But I DO know how to eat them!

Karlin also served a recipe that I  got from my daughter years ago  for White Chocolate Mint Cocoa.  It's a killer.

White Chocolate Mint Cocoa

8 oz. white chocolate, chopped (white chocolate chips work fine)
3 1/2 cups milk
6 hard peppermint candies, crushed fine
1/2 tsp. peppermint extract
2/3 cup whipping cream

Beat chilled cream with crushed mints until stiff peaks form.  Refrigerate  for about an hour.  Meanwhile, heat milk to a simmer, then mix in chocolate.  Whisk until chocolate is melted and smooth.  Add mint extract and stir thoroughly.  Pour into mugs and top with minty whipped cream.  Serves 4.

"Remember, if Christmas isn't found in your heart, you won't find it under a tree." ~ Charlotte Carpenter.

Stake President's Christmas Social

David and I were in charge of our Stake's annual Stake President's Christmas Social as part of our Stake Activity specialist callings.  But really it was friend Brendalyn and I that worked our little (her little/my bigger) buns off.  We've done so many projects together, I knew it would turn out wonderful...but it really did!

I wanted to Stake Presidency and all those invited to feel loved- and to enjoy a wonderful evening out.  The Stake Relief Society did the yummy meal- and after the invitation fiasco, then I got to worry about the entertainment that fell through.  It's one of those times when you try so hard to be on top of things and all of a sudden, it's crazy out of control.  But I put out an SOS to people I know (talented people) who sing and called our Stake Patriarch (who has a fabulous narrative voice) to do a reading...and heart be still.  The evening was perfect.  Two young violinist's (fabulous) played all during dessert- then Amelia H. (who has the llamas and did CPR on the snake from a few entries ago)- played the guitar and sang "Away in a Manger."  Okay, I could tell Amelia stories all day- but her family comes each year to cut down a Christmas tree.  Her mom and some other friends were with her.  I had met her mom before and said, "Oh, yes, you are the costume designer!"  She costumes for the movie industry and her latest story was whatever film she is working on, Blake Lively's dad is in it....so Blake's mom has been bustling around the set. She wanted a Christmas dress for Blake's new baby...so Amelia's mom is making it from old baby clothes of Blake's.  Really, my neighborhood is so interesting....)  I regress- back to the program.  My wonderful friend, Libby (that likes to tease I always wanted her to sing at my funeral but then I heard her daughter sing and changed my mind.)-  Libby sang a Capella- Do You Hear What I Hear?  soooo beautiful.  Then Libby's daughter sang, "Would I Know The Savior"- a Sally Deford song.  (find a rendition here-      

https://soundcloud.com/sally-deford-music/would-i-know-my-savior-bonnie-wixom

I had never heard it before...and truly, an angel sang.  It was a heart-be-still.  The reading, the food, the company, Brendalyn's support- (David tried to help.  He set the tables with the knives and spoons mixed and couldn't understand why I wanted them to be proper.....)  (Men.....)  (but he did all the heavy packing and unloading.  Heart!)

 And the best part?  It's OVER!!!!  Let my slug Stay-cation begin.  (Actually today was Day 3 and I'm still in heaven....)

Young Women's

Had an awesome activity last week where the girls met early and we put together 8 large wicker baskets full of treats and cellophaned them-  they turned out so beautiful!  Then the guys came and divided into groups and went to 8 people in the neighborhood and sang Christmas carols and surprised them with a basket.  I made little Santa masks to enhance their caroling.  What great kids!

For me it was a good kick-off to the Christmas season.  I love this quote by Howard W. Hunter:


“This Christmas, mend a quarrel. Seek out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust. Write a letter. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Manifest your loyalty in word and deed. Keep a promise. Forgo a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Apologize. Try to understand. Examine your demands on others. Think first of someone else. Be kind. Be gentle. Laugh a little more. Express your gratitude. Welcome a stranger. Gladden the heart of a child. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth. Speak your love and then speak it again.”

Kiddo Fun

 I have to record here our final date of off-track schooling for Addi and Hallee.  We've had a fun three weeks but this week, their last (until 12 weeks until Christmas break- ha!) date, Hallee was babysitting for neighbors all day.  That is just the beginning of losing her....when they start doing that instead of hanging with Grandma....

Addi wanted to bring a friend and I love Sydney. (as soon as she got into the car, she asked, "remember that last time I was with you and a car ran into us?"  lol.  Then we have to bring up "Chick-a-fil"- my name for Chick Fil-A. )  

I told them I had errands and it was a game.  They had to guess where we were going:

"If you really like doing a craft or something- it would be called a blank.....and if you were naughty in Church, you might be taken into the blank...."

At Hobby Lobby they were allowed to pick one Christmas ornament each.  It took HOURS to decide....

"If you were practicing shooting a gun or a bow and arrow, you would shoot at a blank........."

At Target- they got to choose their treat for after lunch.  Okay, the pop suckers went into their mouths instantly.....

We voted on lunch.  Syd wanted Noodles and More and Addi wanted Teriyaki Chicken so we did both.  Picked up Syd's and took it to the mall with us.  The girls know the drill.  They go pick up Orange Julius for our drinks.  I love our traditions.



















Before heading home, we hit Deseret Book where they chose a nativity, then  home-and the crazy girls wanted to swim.  I said the temperature was going down and I didn't think they'd like it....but they did anyway.  76 degrees.  Addi tried to act like no big deal but Syd was shivering her head off.  They laughed and played but I turned on the sauna knowing they would not last long.  Cute, cute girls!

Love this Grandma time.  Love that my kiddos friends love to come to our home.  Happy day.  So sad for the girls to go back to school....

Oh, want to mention that kiddo Heidi was in the Hale Theater's Children's Production of A Christmas Carol in Orem.  We had tickets for Thursday and took Addi and Hallee and Gracie and Gracie's friend Macey (she went to Lake Powell with us this summer so she's like family too)- 

Heidi was darling in the play- the whole play was darling-  so proud of this girl who LOVES to speak in a cockney accent!  Another fun evening with the kiddos (and David even stayed awake for most of the play!)

“For it is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, when its mighty Founder was a child Himself.”
―  Charles Dickins, A Christmas Carol

Belated Thanksgiving

Life has been so busy with so many "have-to-do" projects....I am happy to report I am on a HUGE stay-vacation!

This week is National Rodeo Finals in Las Vegas.  My hubby's favorite place ever.  But he was going for a WHOLE week.  And tickets are so hard to get.  And did I mention a WHOLE week?  And as much as I love my husband (which I do)- I truly wanted a calm, at home Christmas. I want to go to the temple every day and have a Christ-centered feeling.  So I bid him farewell (actually he scared the daylights out of me when he kissed me goodbye at 5:30 a.m.!) and I am spending the week.  Here.  With no agenda other than what I want to do.  Which is be a slug bug.  And wrap neighbor gifts.  And deliver them all, this week, in the daylight.  Unstressed.  And I'm getting some self-pampering.  And I'm going to enjoy  being home without a huge project.  I'm not decorating because we're getting new carpeting in our main living room/dining room and it still isn't in yet...which means maybe next week.  I can't do the tree and all the décor because it would just have to be moved out.  It may seem bah-humbug, especially from one who used to do several trees and CHRISTMAS WAS MY THING!!!!- but actually I'm quite content with nothing at the moment.  Niece Mallorie came over to help me go through my Christmas closet and  (ha-ha)- she took home a couple of giant containers full of things and I put 3 boxes away for kids to look through and I'm going simple.  I've cellophaned 1 and 1/2 dozen treats for neighbors, I am estatic about a few friend gifts, I'm pulling teeth to get ideas from my kids and the kiddos just get Christmas jammies (which I ordered in the summer) and a book.  Okay, I'm still working on the Shutterfly book (our Lake Powell trip this summer) but this is what I have this week for! 

David and I (really Brendalyn and I- I always con her into helping me on my big stuff) had a giant Stake assignment this week....and it was over on Friday night...

so much work (I could hardly walk after) and crazy busy....

but now it is heaven.

I teach next Sunday and I already have it planned......and did I say I just am enjoying Day One of my stay-cation?

I have missed so many things not journaling that I hope I can do some events justice.  First of all, Thanksgiving.  Oh, I LOVE Thanksgiving and this was OUR year (meaning we have first dibs on the kids.)  We had all our kids but Travis and Tenillie and family who were in San Diego for a soccer tournament.  More about them later.

I love it when Aunt Pat (not my Aunt) and nephews Carter and Cousin Casey (not my cousin) come.  And this year Casey was bringing his girlfriend, Megan. SOOO happy about that.  Ben's Susie had to work (ER at the University hospital) and Carter's Amy had to work as well but the rest of us had a wonderful time.

Aunt Pat came early- since she was bringing appetizers.  Actually, she couldn't wait to show me her phone pictures. Thanksgiving Point has a big Turkey Trot 1/2 marathon, 5 k they do each Thanksgiving and Casey and Megan were running the 5 k.  They asked lots of friends to run but no one wanted to on Thanksgiving except Brooke and Tanner.  Good choice!  Cousin Casey proposed to Megan at the finish line.....a grand finale and Brooke and Tanner got to be in on it.  (He didn't tell the others he was proposing since they didn't want to run.)  It was so exciting....I love this boy like my own and he and Megan were just glowing.  Happy day.

I love love!!!!!!

Here was our Thanksgiving dinner-

appetizers-

crab dip

artichoke dip with bread and crackers

stuffed mushrooms

darling turkey cheese balls

turkey

dressing (this year I changed up my usual recipe and added mushrooms and sausage.  Nice for a change.)

mashed potatoes and gravy

killer candied yams

rolls (we had 27 people and I made 72 rolls and every roll was eaten....)

2 kinds of green salad

pumpkin pie squares

pumpkin pie

Huckleberry ice cream and Salted Caramel

cheesecake....etc.  I can't remember everything.  Let it suffice that we were all stuffed.

Played lots of games- turkey bingo and the turkey dice game.  I had a darling craft to make but I changed my mind and we'll do it another day.  I didn't want to make the day too busy.  Lots of the people swam....that weekend was our last hurrah in the pool.  We will close it for the winter.

Loved being with our family.  Little Summer is so precious...I hardly ever get to see her (that's how busy things have been.)  

I loved the kiddos helping me make favors.  I love our crazy family pilgrim people that so make me laugh.  I love our traditions and the noise and the bustle.  I don't love footballs/soccer balls/baseballs being thrown overhead, constantly...but that is life with David and my boys and their boys.

Thanks, Ben, for the flowers...

And Brooke and Tanner for our precious baby Summer! (with her turkey hat on.)

Don't you just want to eat her?  I put this picture here because she seldom cries....

 Loved the turkey cheese balls that Peyton and Ryker helped Brooke with.

Loved the engagement!

Loved Sadie's turkey drawing they left as a surprise on our door as they sailed out of town to San Diego.  (metaphorically- they drove.  Our race horse, SamBamAJammin' was racing at Del Mar racetrack Thanksgiving Day so the kids headed there for part of their day.  They had fun turkey trot activities for the family (the kids all ran out of the horse shoots for a race!)- and got lots of fun things.  We watched the race on t.v.   So exciting because it was running 1-3rd then 1st again and we were all cheering.  Then we could see the jockey pull her up....back, back, back.  She ended in last place.  Bummer.  (The jockey could tell something was wrong with the horse and pulled her up.  I think he just wanted to get home to dinner early!)  That made for an exciting mealtime.  Crazy, crazy horse thing....

Love my family.

(no , I am not going to turn this upside down.  I've done it 10 times and it keeps flipping!)

Whew!