On Christmas Day in the Morning

Our Christmas was unplanned.  We intended on visiting Nevada from Dec 21-Jan 6, but had to cancel.  It was a tough decision, but after prayer and consideration, we all agreed that we needed to stay home.  We were packed and had already spent time at the airport.  When the flight was canceled and there was little hope in getting a different flight before Christmas, we went home.  We rented a car and made plans to drive, but ultimately decided against that as well.  So-my parents hurried and shipped us all of the gifts that I had already shipped to them (yes-we paid for shipping twice-ugh!) and we got them just in time.  It was still great.  We enjoyed spending time together and had a really fun week.  Clay still has the time off, so it has been such a fun and relaxing week and will be next week too.  We still had snow from the snowstorm that we had a week before (20 inches!), so we have been playing in the snow.  The snow is almost gone now, though.  The kids were pretty worried about not getting gifts since there were no gifts under our tree.  They were extra excited on Christmas morning to see presents.  On Christmas eve Leah said that Santa was going to bring us a new car since we crashed our old one.  Boy do I wish that would have been true.  ha ha.
On Christmas eve, we enjoyed the festival of lights at the temple and even watched "Mr Kreuger's Christmas".  Boy, was that a cheesy movie.  I forgot.  Oh well, it was fun.  This year we are especially grateful for simple things like car heaters, a plate of cookies, generous ward members, considerate neighbors, phone calls, etc.  The list goes on.  On Christmas Day, I came down with the flu, but no worries, Clay takes great care of me.  I am doing better and am anxious to have another fun week with Clay home.  We missed family, but we were not sad...who could be sad this time of year?  We will plan a trip in the summer and will be better prepared for obstacles.
Sorry-no pictures.  I am frustrated that I didn't take the time to grab the camera.  Leah was hilarious when she woke up.  I had sat on her bed and told her that it was time to get up...she didn't move.  Then I said "it's Christmas" and she sat up so quick that it scared me.  She also said something so loud and it made Clay and I laugh.  We don't know what she said...it was probably something from her dream.  Funny!

Kasey is home!

We are so lucky to be close to Kasey's mission!  Kasey got released from his mission in Philadelphia on Dec7.  Mom and dad had the opportunity to pick him up and spend a few days with him.  We had intended to meet up with them in South Philly, but after a recent car accident, we weren't able to.  We are so thankful that they decided to come here!!!   It was so great to have company and see them for a little while.  We hadn't seen Kasey in 3 years.  Our kids hadn't seen the grandparents in 3 years either.  It was such a nice visit.  We really enjoyed each others company and also had a nice lunch.  We desperately tried to convert dad from In-N-Out to Five Guys. :)  Kasey was in shock a little bit from leaving the mission field, but that is understandable.  He's got some sinnin' to do.  Just kidding! They are on their way back to the hotel now and we are so anxious to see them and the rest of our family when we visit in a couple of weeks!

We gave them a tour of our mansion.

They are laughing at the story of when I slipped on the ice...I wrote about it in a previous post.

Ryan blocked the picture.  He was so good today and even spoke to mom & dad and Kasey.  He surprised us.

Leah loves her grandparents and Uncle!

I am so glad for the good example Kasey set for Dallan.

Clay was so happy to see his parents and brother.  He really misses his family a lot.  I do too, but I think Clay does more.

Out to lunch!  I am not sure if dad is a convert to five guys or not.  :)

Our first Snow

We love the snow here.  It is nothing like the few times we experienced snow as children.  We look forward to it every year.  This year we were not fully prepared.  Our 2 rear tires are in no shape to drive in snow or ice.  On my way home from a baptism, I lost control of my Yukon.  I slid into a telephone pole and snapped it in half!  Leah and I were in the car and for that moment there were no other cars around.  We are completely safe and feel fine.  We feel blessed that we were not hurt.  I know the Lord protected us. 
At this time we are thankful for our ward for helping us with rides and letting us borrow a vehicle until we figure out what to do about our Yukon.  We feel so blessed to have such a wonderful family that love us and uplift us.
Now-does anyone know a good body shop?

Leah was in the backseat behind the driver side.  Thank Heavens!

You can hardly notice it, right?

If you look close you can see where the telephone pole fell on the top/side of my hood.(in the first picture)

This is our home that we are selling and if everything goes well, we will be moving soon(we will move somewhere nearby).  We will be sad to leave-we have loved living here!

Despite the accident, it is just so beautiful and I still love the snow.  I can't see the snow as anything but beautiful and it gives me such a peaceful feeling...well except when I am crashing into telephone poles.