Guggy's Gossip: 2011

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Christmas Eve Antics

Christmas Eve Morning kept us busy finishing up last minute preparations. My sister Becky was hosting dinner that evening and we all had our food assignments. My assignment was to make a green salad and bring a treat to share. I hadn't done one thing in the treat department, so I rolled up my sleeves and got busy.
Fudge, cupcakes, ands popcorn balls were on my list of items to make.

We headed to the Morgan's house for dinner and Christmas traditions. We ate a great dinner and settled in for the Nativity, singing, and a little booty shaking.

Characters preparing for the performance.

Our Angel Brynley

Ike the other Wiseman

Our Wisewomen Katelyn

Our littlest shepherd Jake

Joseph was played by Benson

Bay was Mary, and she took her role seriously.

The Holy Family

And there were two "Wise persons

" one rode a donkey and the other a camel.

Then James got to act also and his role most important "Baby Jesus"

The "Best Christmas Pageant Ever"

Then there was "Jingle Bells" and singing our favorite Christmas songs.

What a wonderful evening with our families. I love the Savior and his love and sacrifice for us all. May we always strive to be worthy of "His Presence" in our lives.
Merry Christmas!

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR!

I don't know why,, but the motivation to get the house ready for Christmas this year has been lacking. Not that I don't want to decorate...I just tend to get overwhelmed. I never gain weight over the holidays because I am so stressed about getting it all accomplished. I still have shopping to do and packages to send, but I am starting to feel like I can breath. Yesterday, I found that if I wanted to do something bad enough, that I could do it by myself. Like lugging a 9 foot tree in from the garage, fluffing it out, wrapping it carefully with 900 twinkle lights and putting 300 Santa's on it branches, and topping it off with a big red bow. 9 hours later the tree was finished. Again this post is for my own fading memory.

New red bows for the tree and stairs this year.

Thanks to Cracker Barrel for the red, white, and green candies.

The Dickens"s Village

New garland for the stairs this year.

Temple Square

The flash provided the most beautiful star for the Nativity.

The old fashion bubble lights on the

piano garland remind me of Christmas's past.

A little cheer for game room upstairs.

It is really a wonderful time of year. Especially to be reminded of the best gift of all "His Presence" in our lives!

Monday, November 28, 2011

Magical Night at the Nutcracker

We were lucky to have Brianne's friend and Principal Ballerina, Sara, get us tickets for the "Nutcracker Ballet." Everyone decided to be brave and take the grand kids also. All but 2 year old Jakie dawned their festive apparel, and headed downtown to the "Wortham Theather." I had stuffed my purse with treats, and purchased small nutcrackers for each of the children.

What a magical night. Sara was wonderful as usual, and the night could not have been better. After the performance we took the children to meet some of the dancers, and get pictures and autographs. Benson was so cute. He would walk right up to the dancers and tell them his name, and give them his program to sign. Sara took us back stage again, where the children got to see behind the scenes. Sara then presented the little girls with a pair of her signed ballet slippers. Wow!

Saturday, November 5, 2011

ROAD TRIP

We are not people who plan out things. We seem to do things on the fly. Like buy and new car and plan a 3500 mile road trip 3 days before you are to leave. Rick hates my 4 Runner but loved his almost 11 year old Avalon. He really wanted to go on a road trip. To where you might ask...Nauvoo. I persuaded him to go to Virginia first. Crazy right? Well my wish, was his command. (this ended up being one of those hope for the best, prepare the worst moments) We rushed over to Toyota to look at cars on Monday we drove a few, and ended up with another 4 Runner. This years model is a lot bigger than mine and was a perfect fit for Rick. That took all day Monday we were suppose to leave Thursday morning. Helped Brianne out with the kids Tuesday for a while...less than two days to get ready to go. Finally, I just throw in some clothes. Forgot important things like socks, heavy coat, and sweaters. Ya know, I just thought the whole nation was 80 degrees like Houston. Thursday morning we leave my head is swimming trying to make sure we got everything we needed. By the way Rick doesn't pack or prepare, he drives. House wasn't as clean as I would have liked it. You know, I am one of those people who worry if something would have happened and people go into your home and say, "what a slob.". We take off.

We made it to Chattanooga, TN the first day. On to Virginia the second day. The drive was incredible. The Shenandoah Valley was a treat.. Made it just in time for Trunk or Treat. It was cold, so I stayed in the church with the baby. Kids had a good time. Saturday it SNOWED so we hung out at home and celebrated an early Birthday for Gavin. Gavin had a bad cough so we stayed with him on Sunday, while the rest of the family went to church. Monday we went to "Puss and Boots." and ordered take-out at Cafe Rio. Had a great time with the kids while we were there. Audrey is growing up too fast!

We left Monday and made it to Indianapolis, Indiana. The drive through Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, was absolutely beautiful! We made it to Nauvoo the next day in time to take pictures and visit the Visitors Center. We found out the Temple was closed for maintenance. We were so disappointed. It was pretty much down hill from there. The weather turned nasty. For those who know Illinois know what I am talking about. When we woke up to rain, wind, and cold, we threw in the towel and started for home a day early.

Made it home tired but glad we took the time off.

Rick has a new girl friend... He is in love with this!