The Unveiling ---- FINALLY

Ok - here goes, I'm going to share the final outcome of our nearly "year long" bathroom renovation. I will say I am EXTREMELY pleased with the finished product -

I LOVE my new jetted tub!

Yes, those are "Dora" bubbles -

Here is the cabinet that Matt made for us - special, yes, just for US (also, the frame for the mirror)! We love it Matt -

This is our amazing "one flush" toilet, it is also actually very comfortable - who would have guessed?

THANK YOU CURT - I LOVE IT!

Have you tried these yet?

I have just recently discovered the lucious edamame (baby soy beans in the pod)! Have you tried them yet? Oh my - I LOVE these, they are packed with protein and actually are very good for you - they are now my most favorite treat.

If you haven't tried them yet - DO IT! Go to Pei Wei and order them (appetizer menu) to try them out. Costco sells a box of individual servings (freezer section) that you just throw in the microwave for 3 minutes and walah! Instant yummy!

Saturday with Santa

Today was the annual "Kids Christmas with Santa" at Varian. We have been so excited to have all of our grandkids with us this year. We hope they had as much fun as we did -

Never have been able to figure out WHAT exactly this is - a smiley face, an overgrown M&M - what??? The kids, on the other hand just enjoy the little goodie sack he gives out
They all picked out chocolate milk!
Miss Cate, waiting patiently to see Santa -

The older kids passing the time waiting to see Santa too -

Finally - Santa, with gifts

Next, on to the goodies

Berlynn and Annie each got a doll -

Ez, an Elmo building set

Cate, some stacking toys (but much more interested in eating her "snowman" treats)

Yummy treats for our tummies -

Not only did we get to see Santa, we even got to see Ben before he started his shift - SO glad you stopped by.

Then, off to Wendy's for some lunch -

Litte Cate has now discovered and LOVES fries -

Thanks Papa - it was a lot of fun!

Lookin out my front door

We bought a new front door a couple of months ago - however, it didn't come without it's own complications and frustrations - but we are SO happy to report it is FINALLY finished, and we absolutely LOVE it! I did have pictues of our old door I was going to use for "before and after" blogging - but taking as long as it did to finally get the darn thing in, I can't find them. Needless to say, we had that old door for about 15 years so, be creative and picture the old door in you minds eye and take a look at our new one -

A look at it from the inside -
On a side note - here are some of our favorites kiddies also looking out of their playhouse front door -

The Buffalo Hunters

***WARNING - PETER and others of like inclination, PLEASE don't read this post!***

Yesterday, Curt and Brandon headed off on a Buffalo hunt. Yes -- I did say a Buffalo hunt. Actually, we have wanted to eat more Buffalo meat than cattle and since it isn't that plentiful in the stores Curt searched around and found a "ranch" in central Utah that raise Buffalo for this very purpose. The catch is - you have to "slay" your own cow on their "ranch." So with rifles and ammunition in hand, they set out. One steady, expert shot and it was all over but the cleaning.

Here's the cleaning, she's HUGE -

Now, we wait for the curing and processing and in a few weeks we will have a freezer full of yummy, healthy Buffalo roasts, steaks and hamburger! Good going guys -

A Very Special Day

November 21st came and went. It was probably just another day for most people, but for us, it is a very special day. It is the day my parents chose to marry. They were high school sweethearts, Mom waited anxiously for Dad to return from his mission - and just 6 days after his return they went to the Salt Lake Temple, made sacred vows for eternity, and began their life together as an official family.

This year they celebrated their 57th anniversary. In 2002 it was their 50th (Golden) wedding anniversary - here was their announcement. I have always LOVED this wedding picture, particurly the expession of pride on my father's face - so much to look forward to in the upcoming years.

Here they are today, still showing us the greatest example of love, companionship and selfless service to each other, their family and anyone they come in contact with. I count myself so blessed to be their child, to have lived in their home and to have been taught by them. As we are entering into a new phase of life, it is comforting to know we have each other and the example of stalwart people who are secure in their knowledge and understanding of the gospel plan - why we are here and that we will all be together again, strong and confident.

Mom displaying her beautiful wedding dress. I'm sure she could still fit in it.
I love November 21st, the day my parents chose to marry. Thank you Dad and Mom for your wonderful example of what true love is, and should be!

Happy Thanksgiving

We had such a nice Thanksgiving this year - I hope you did too. This year, we reached a milestone - our little family officially qualified for a "church" Thanksgiving. We laughed for a while when we realized it, but it was great. Wendy was in charge of the decorations (thank goodness!), our meal was not only delicious to eat, but the decorations were also top notch!





After dinner, we watched - what else - those good ol' family movies from Lake Powell, Jackson Hole and reunions past on the big screen and laughed and laughed. Where does the time go ? One minute we were watching little Amanda and Whitney running around - now, they are both beautiful young mothers with little ones of their own! It's always fun to relive those fun times together. Then on to making little turkeys of a different type -

Tiffany treated us to the story of "The night before Thanksgiving" - complete with a magic school bus, saved turkeys and Grandpa Steven.
After the story, we confiscated the school bus for some adventures of our very own -

The Rogers -

The Rudd's -

The Bohn's -

Time for sibling pictures, how many does it take to get one decient one? Take 2 - Kathy, open your eyes
Take 3 - Kathy and Karen - PLEASE
I give up - now let's try the whole group - oops, still no success (we need photoshop!)
Ok - I'll take this one!
It was a great day to be together. I am so thankful for family and how we all love to be together. Special thanks to the Roger's who made an extra special effort to be there and we LOVED seeing you too!