Junk Drawer - December 2023.

My mom and I took Danni out the ranch to meet her look alike.  They were adorable together.  I especially love the first picture, as I look like a legit farmer:)!

Sid and I bought Levi his first tail bag.

We took bets on how long it would stay on.  I though a day.  Sid thought 2 days.  I think it has been on for five days now, though it does need a good washing.

I found this beautiful Christmas puzzle at the thrift store and put it together.  I am happy to report that there were NO missing pieces!

I put ornaments on the tree this year.  So far the dogs have left them alone.  Yes!

We decided to put the nativity on top of the refrigerator this year, so we could look at it every day.  I think this was a great decision!

Random picture of my homemade steak nachos.  I just did not want to forget this deliciousness.

At first, I had no idea how I got this picture of Hannah on my phone.  Then, I recognized the background.  It is Hannah dressed as an elf at the HVR Christmas party.  This is too good to not include in the junk drawer.

Christmas Wreaths.

The girls and I made a trip to the cemetery to wish Kevin a Merry Christmas.  It is so beautiful this time of year with the Christmas wreaths.

My friend lost his wife January of this year.  He said the holidays were hard this year, but he hoped it would be easier next year.  I did tell him it does get easier, but it will never be the same.

A New Hip for Christmas.

Three days before Christmas, my dad turned a whopping 74 years old.  The morning after Christmas, he went in for his second new hip this year.  This time it was his right hip.  He was a little concerned that this one might delay his golf game a little more than the first one, since he is a leftie and puts more strain on his right hip.  Of course, he scheduled his surgery so as to not interfere with his golf season too much.

Due to his surgery, Dani stayed the night at our house on Christmas, since he and mom would be gone all day.  Sam went home, and we just let him out periodically.  Dani is such a smart, fun little doggo.  We took her through Dutch Bros while Kendall was working and Kendall made her a special little pup cup.

We went by the hospital, after the surgery, to check on my dad.  He was out walking the halls.  It is unbelievable how quickly they have people up after surgeries nowadays.  

He did great and was able to head home that afternoon.  He will be taking it easy the next couple of weeks.  Though they did instruct him to be up walking around in the house every two hours.

Christmas 2023.

I am typing this blog in my office with my new diffuser going.  My sister (aka Santa) surprised me with this lovely gift.  I feel so Zen and am looking forward to using it each and every Monday morning:).  For now, I will enjoy the lavender scent as I type.

It was such a nice Christmas this year.  It was low key, but awesome.  My mom rounded us up for the Christmas Eve candlelight service.  I have not been to one of these in years.  It was the most real, most beautiful thing I have done in quite some time.  I really had to hold back my tears a couple of times.  The pastor, Jeff, gave a brief message that held so much meaning.  

After the service, we went home and had an excellent steak dinner followed by an evening of bingo games.

My mom and I taking a nice picture before the games began!

I was having a pathetic first round with only one number being called for much of the game.  Please observe the beautiful pennies with their heads up looking in the same direction.  

Shortly after that picture was taken, I had all the stars align and I won the first bingo prize.  I drew a package from the table of lovely gifts.

I opened it with great excitement only to find the honey pot waiting inside.  How can that be?  It was a great laugh, for sure.  

Kendall did a marvelous job calling the numbers.  She confessed that being the bingo caller is one of her favorite things.

My dad has the touch, as he always picks the best bingo prizes.  He won the milk bone dog biscuits again this year.

I promise you that is sparkling cider in that wine glass!

Kendall won a smores kit in Bingo.  Her and Sid jumped right in to make them.

On Christmas morning my mom brought homemade cinnamon rolls for everyone.

Kendall worked Christmas Eve morning and put together Rebel kits for her and Sid to make Christmas morning.

My favorite bro-ista putting the morning Rebels together.  She certainly is adorable.

A few fun Christmas unwrapping pictures.

Kendall gifted the three of us matching necklaces that she had custom made.  I love it!  All of the gifts seemed so thoughtful.

Bailey and Bella enjoyed some extra special Christmas biscuits.  If you have never been to Northwest Pets, I hightly recommend it.  They have the most amazing things.  I good spend a fortune in there.

Sidney and I went and took a few Christmas Day pictures with the boys.

Let the Snowboarding Begin!

Rebecca and Hannah got Sidney hooked on snowboarding last year.  So much so that she bought herself a twilight lift ticket for this season.  They had their first adventure up the mountain last week.  Rebecca kicked off the evening by gifting them all matching base layers.  

Sidney said she has improved so much over last year.  

I am not sure exactly what she is doing here, but I would say 'having a good time' is a great explanation.

A little rest by the firepit and some french fries seem to be part of the experience.

I am so happy that she is able to enjoy this experience and so grateful to Rebecca for making this happen.  They are all hoping to get Kendall on the mountain at least one time this year.

Figure Skating, I Think?

Sid, Jayde and Hannah had their own little Christmas party.  They exchanged gifts, had dinner together then went ice skating.  I am just dying at these pictures.  I do not think they need a lot of commentary, only to say that these girls crack me up!

That's all folks!

A Surprise Visit!

I was so excited to get a text from my niece Kassi that she was in town for her sister's graduation from BSU.  She brought baby Clark by to see us.  It was so great to catch up and snuggle this little cutie.