Family Party

Thanks to Jill and Brandon for hosting our immediate family Christmas party on the 19th. We had a ham dinner with all the fixings and cookies and candies for dessert. Following the meal we were favored with a piano recital featuring Ashlyn (5), Natalie (10), Ashley (12), Hailey (12), and Courtney (14). Ashlyn recited the preamble to the constitution and Katelyn (3) gave the Pledge of Allegiance. Then we played bingo for prizes furnished by us and the Schvaneveldts. Most things were new but we did take a few used items such as a couple of backpacks and a breadmaker. The hot commodities that Jill bought were fleece throws and knitwear...toe socks, hats, etc. Each person got at least one gift. I didn't take any pictures. Robin, Andrew and girls stayed at Jill's that night. Candace, Jory and kids stayed at our house and went to Sacrament meeting with us the following morning. After church we watched a DVD, "Joy to the World," which is an account of the Savior's birth. Then we watched "Mr. Kreuger's Christmas." Meanwhile, back in Oklahoma, Owen (4) was giving his very first talk in Primary. He wrote the talk himself and even typed it out on the computer for printing. Owen told about the birth of Jesus and gave his own personal thoughts about Him. Owen gave the talk to me over the phone. Excellent job, Owen! We're proud of you!


Jory, Mason, Landon, Tanner and Candace putting a puzzle together to find out what we are giving their family for Christmas. Each puzzle piece had a word written on the back.


When Brooklyn (15 months) got up from her nap she entertained herself for a long time trying to position some teddy bears on a little sleigh and give them a ride.

Well today is the 23rd. We bought a 9 foot pre-lit slim Christmas tree to replace the enormous, full and bushy 12 foot tree we gave to the Burkhardts. At this late date we don't plan on putting it up. Yes, we're scrooges. We had our carpets cleaned rather late and couldn't have a tree until after that. Then we got too busy to be bothered. When Jill called to tell us the trees were on sale at Sams Club, we decided to go ahead and get one.

Because it is the end of the year and my medical deductible has been met, I decided to make a few doctor's appointments (eye doctor, podiatrist etc.) Every day it is a different one. Andrew completed his chemo and radiation on the 17th. In approximately 5 weeks he will have surgery.

Although we thoroughly enjoy birdwatching, we decided not to put the bird feeders out this winter. We will miss our feathered friends but will have to remind ourselves what a mess they are to clean up after.

We have been spending lots of time reading. I just finished reading Dan Brown's "The Lost Symbol" and Reed is reading it now. Great book! We enjoyed the movie, "The Blind Side." We got a movie at Redbox and it was so dumb we turned it off without finishing it.

We are thinking it is time to go ice fishing but is just so darn cold!

As if this blog isn't enough to keep me busy, I recently started four more blogs. They are family history blogs, two for Reed's family and two for mine:

http://www.myprigmorefamily.blogspot.com/

http://www.mymilliganfamily.blogspot.com/

http://www.myransomfamily.blogspot.com/

http://www.myconlinfamily.blogspot.com/