Christmas 2009

I know every year I say that it was the best Christmas ever but it really was a good year! We decided to have Cafe Rio, Steph and Mom style for Chrustmas Eve. I know . . . we sort of broke away from the tradition of going out on Christmas Eve but the family is getting too big for us to all go some where. The dinner turned out as good as the real thing. Craig and Diana came up Christmas Eve so they were able to join us for dinner but Lynne and Bryan could't make it until the day after. There was plenty left so we ate it again on Sunday. It was still just as good!

It was such a relaxing morning on Christmas Day. The kids used to get up anywhere between 3:00 a.m. and 5:00. I used to tell them that they had to wait to open presents until at least 5:00. Sinse they have gotten older we have been able to sleep in later and later. This year it was agreed that we would all meet here at 9:00. How nice was that?!!! We had hot cocoa while we opened presents then Stephanie made eggs Bennidict for breakfast. They were soooo good. Everyone sort of went to their own corner of the house afterwards. The "boys" all gathered in David's room because he has an x-box.

The day after Christmas we went shopping. None of us really bought very much but I had gotten a gift certificate for Wal-mart! I bought make-up! That doesn't sound very exciting to some of you but to me it was like . . . well . . . it was like Christmas! I needed it so badly but didn't have the money. That stuff can be expensive!

I have to tell you what Steve and Katherine did. They went and bought us some wood for Christmas. I don't know who all went in on it but I think they paid the most. I have enjoyed the warm house very much! There is nothing like a warm fire.

I also got gift cards for Lowes and a ZUNE. I have listened to the Zune so much that my ears hurt! I can't wait to go to Lowes to get a new light for my kitchen. Wow! I know it sounds like a lot! That isn't all but there was so much.

I am very grateful for all my children. Not just because our Christmas was full of gifts but because I really loved being with them. I loved having Lynne and Bryan and Craig and Diana here from Utah and all the kids that live here. There was a feeling of joyand love, and it was just alot of FUN!




Grandma Cray got these Christmas pajamas for Gabrielle. They fit her just right.

I had to throw this picture in of Ty. Look at the feet on his P.J.'s. They are the cutest ever!

Thanksgiving!

Everyone was here but Craig and Diana and we sure missed them! Every family has their traditions and we have ours. First of all we don't eat at the traditional 12:00 to 2:00 Thanksgiving time. All the married kids' inlaws eat early so we have always eaten at our regular dinner time at 5:30.

Some of kids go and play a game of football while the turkey and potatoes are getting cooked and of course they have to wear a jersey.

I think the tradition in our family is to see if I can come up with a new tradition every year! Not really but I did think of another one this year that will be fun. Every year I have given the kids a Christmas ornament. It started with my mother giving one to all of her grandchildren when they were young. This year I wrapped them up and put them on their plates at Thanksgiving. It was fun to see each of the grandkids come in and wonder what the surprise was. Joelle got to our house first and it almost killed her to wait until all her cousins were there so they could open them all together.

I also set a card on the grownups' plates for their Christmas list that I asked them to do before they left the table. Then I emailed the list to everyone so it gave them some ideas for Christmas.
Those will be two things I'll continue to do from now on. I love my family and feel so blessed. Not just at Thanksgiving when we are suppose to be thankful but I am so very grateful for our family all year long.


Not only do they play football but they do the broad jump and run around a lot! I think this is David.
Brian punting the ball.

I love Jeff's jersey. I think he's a BSU fan.

Joelle wanted to go with thme to play football this year too!

Joelle and Emma opening up their ornaments.

We were so happy that Lucas and Lynne, Bryan, and Ty could come up this year. They usually do but I'm always happy to see them!

Addie and Mary. And Grant is off to the side.