Happy New Year Everybody!

We had a very casual New Years Eve dinner. Little smokies, hoagies, chips, veggie tray, fruit tray, and yes we used paper plates! Of course I had to use the fine crystal for the sparkling grape juice. We were happy that everyone could come. Becky and Looli stayed inside with the babies while the rest of us braved the brisk night air to light fireworks. We had a great time. I can't imagine my life without my family.

Isaac was mesmerized by the fireworks.

Papa was a great sparkler lighter.

Bay enjoyed writing her name with the sparkler.

Benz loves fireworks!

Of course I had to buy hats and noise makers.

This picture is evidence of who had the most fun of the evening. Jamie, Jarod still in his work clothes, Rick, and Joel (Becky's brother) all holding roman candles. (Brandon had Benson duty)

We live in a culdesac, pretty soon all the neighborhood children were out to join in the fun.

Happy 28th Birthday Fanny!!!!!!

We had Brianne's annual birthday dinner at Pappasitos tonight. It seems like yesterday I was holding her little nine and half pound body in my arms. She has grown up to be a beautiful daughter, wife and mother. We love you Bri.

We had a great time, the kids were great. We missed Looli, Benz, and Brynley as they were home after being out already today and last night.

PS. For all you Utahns we ate out on the patio at Pappa's, it was the most beautiful day today, 65 degrees.






A nice lady walking throuh the parking lot said she would take our picture.

Brynley's Special Day

Brynley Elizabeth Wallace


Brandon and Elizabeth, Elizabeth's parents Mel and Laura Leseberg, and little Brynley.

Elizabeth, Benz, Brandon and Bryn. I think Bay must have gone to Primary.

Rachel,my niece decided that it would be fun to have a get together and see the cousins and celebrate Brynley's blessing day. We have another great night of food, and just being together as family. Thanks for hosting again Becky and DJ. I get New Years at my house, but a lot of the family will be gone back to their homes.

We TRIED to get 10 great grandchildren together for a picture with Great Grandma Sowards.

And we tRiED...

And we TRiEd!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WE GAVE UP!!!!!!!!!!!


Who says baby's don't sMiLe!!!! Cute!!!!

We had three different kinds of soups, a green and a pasta salad, rolls and brownies, ice cream or cupcakes for a dessert. Everything was delicious.

Gavin eating on the run.

Becky's brother Joel is visiting from Utah he got to see what life is like with 10 kids under 7 running around.

Benson was enjoying three types of soup at one time.

A sweet ending to a perfect day.

So this is where it all starts.

Every guy needs his truck and tools.


Every girl needs a doll.

"Here Laynie let me fix your stroller with my tools."


Two cute little kids!

What do you do on Christmas Eve?

Spend time with friends and family?



Play with cousins?


Make lots of music?

Eat lots of goodies?

Take lots of pictures?

Reflect on the what Christ has done for you?

I hope so!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Great Grandma Visits Texas!

Nan or "Nanner Goat" as my Dad affectionately called my Mom, came to visit for Christmas. She went to visit Bailey, Benson, and new baby Brynley at their home on Monday. On Tuesday she went to watch Bailey sing at a nursing home, she thought Bay was the star of the show. (So did her Guggy!) I hope we aren't wearing her out.
Aunt Becky (my sis), Benson, Nan, Brynley, and Bailey.


Bay, Nan, and Brynley


Bay singing her heart out.

One of the PeRks of being a Guggy!

Today was my first go as a Grandma to see grandchild perform at a preschool program day. Bailey sang her heart out and both Grandmas got to attend. The best part of the program was when the big guy in the red suit showed up. Even Benz got in on the fun.

Bay getting ready to perform.

Benz and Guh Leseberg

Benz wasn't over joyed with Santa but he tolerated him.

Where is Jesus?

My Fisher Price Nativity was missing it's most important character, Baby Jesus. Isaac loves to find Baby Jesus and carry him around, so it was off to search for the baby. I looked in garbage cans, vases, shelves, drawers, under couches, under my bed, toy baskets, and everywhere I could think of down stairs. I called Brianne to see if she could think where he would be. She came over and started looking for him she found him under the end table in the living room. I quietly thought to myself that it was the most time I had spent in quite a while to find and seek out Christ in my life. How sad is that! I am going to do better!








On the lighter side... In my search for Baby Jesus, I looked in my Nativity to see if maybe he put it there. This is what I found. Notice anything suspicious?

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!