"GRANDPA HANDSOME"

This is the name that Neeley has given Grandpa Holm. WHile sitting downstairs on the computer, looking at the screensaver which is of all the pics we have taken and saved, Neeley came across one of me......in sheer delight she exclaims..."hey there's Grandma DeAnn! A few pics later she saw Grandpa and also pronounced that it was her Grandpa. I asked "Grandpa Who"? And as if I should've already known, she says in her sweet little chipmunk voice..."Grandpa Handsome." And it has been Grandpa Handsome ever since. But....what I want to know is if he is Grandpa Handsome, what does that make me?

50 shmifty!

And I was worried about turning the big 5-0. Look at me. I am one HOT mama. I always say "if you got it - flaunt it". Don't be a hater;)

Sorry mom, I couldn't resist. I kept seeing these pictures and thought that they're way too funny not to share. You can thank me later. I'm totally aware that this could mean major BLOGGING WARS but it's SO worth it. XOXO.

Winter Picnic

Russell, Steph and the kids came to Milford for a much needed visit. Russell jr. and Russell Sr. spent a day out looking for ANtler sheds (They found some beauties), and spent some quality time together.

We played Guitar Hero, and pretty much just ate and played.

The weather was beautiful so we decided to go on a picnic. Dustin and Lynette came over with the boys, so we all headed up to the hills. We had a great time, hiking to the top of the mountain and riding the 4 wheelers and Jeep. Crystal made her famous HOBO Dinners.

All I can say is, summer can't get here fast enough for me. I love, love , love the sun.

Cupid or Stupid?

Sherry Yardley called and asked me if I would play CUPID in a skit for the Senior Citizens Thursday, and would I please dress the part. Well duh! If you know me at all, you know I am all into the acting like a weirdo thing. So this is the gettup that I came up with.

Margaret Miller wrote the poem about Valentines Day to the tune of Twas the Night Before Christmas, It was a lot of fun, and I was really enjoying myself.......

UNTIL

I realized, that I too would be old enough to attend these dinner and programs set up to give the "Older Generation something to do." SCARRRRRYYYYYY!!!!

Tubing Time!

What do you get when you put 2 or 3 feet of snow, a thermos of hot chocolate, a pot of chili and a truck load of sleds and inner tubes together? One heck of a lot of fun. And that is exactly what we had! Our ward called a snow party one Saturday, so we headed up the mountain and spent the whole day. The weather was so nice, we took off our coats, hats and gloves and played until almost dark. I think the adults had more fun than the kids. Thanks Bishop for such a great time.

Is your nose cold Daddy?

Tube hill patrol at your service. As long as we don't have to get up!

Please....just one more time?

I think we were going at least 90 mph!
Who IS that Sexy snow bunny?

Happy Birthday Debbie

Tonight we had a Birthday Party for my sister Debbie, who by the way is the same age as me. Nope, we are not twins. But... we are the same age every year for about 3 weeks.

Grandma & Grandpa Johnson, Debbie and her new hubby Craig, Nick and Crystal and Russell and myself enjoyed dinner, farkle and german poker. And we can't leave Kendra out. She was definately the life of the party!

O.K Debbie, so I didn't make the cake and I forgot the candles. But it was a good thing. We would have burned the house down with that many candles burning. Oh yea, did I mention my sister just turned 40 something.

Debbie moved back to Milford almost 2 years ago. I didn't realize how much I missed my sister until now. We have so much fun together. And I love it, because finally someone can dish it out and take it too. She is my Sister and my Friend!!! Happy Birthday Debbie!!! Luv ya...and am looking forward to spending many more birthdays with you.

A game of German poker is serious stuff at our house. This is what my hand looked like all night long. The competition was on and every one was out for blood. I didn't win, but I didn't take last place either.

I wonder what I can talk Great Grandma into getting for me?

Is dinner ready yet? I'm starving!

Christmas: Magical, Memories and More

The anticipation of the Christmas season starts the minute Thanksgiving dinner has been consumed and the dishes are done and put away. We check out the sale ads and make preparations for the crazy early morning extravaganza. Except for the first time in 30 years, I decided not to go that route. Yup, I slept in and it was great. Then later read the news to find out the craziness that went on throughout the U.S. in the different stores. It is so sad to think, that this is what Christmas has come to. Greed, selfishness, worldliness and in some cases pure evil. I for one am going to Keep Christ in my Christmas and Family close to my heart.

On a more upbeat note, I do have to say I love the decorations, and the smiles of Joy on the kids faces as they see them for the first time. Their eyes light up, and their smiles radiate the excitement they experience.

I was so excited to hear that Crystal was coming a month before Christmas. Especially, so she could put my decorations up for me. My girls all have the knack at decorating anything. I am so blessed to have such talented children. Too bad my mom couldn't say the same thing about me. Seriously, I am a train wreck when it comes to decorating my house, At Christmas or any other time.

Here are some pictures of the decorating Crystal did for me. She climbed above the stairs...scaaaarrrry, and did such an awesome job. I did it once and got stuck, and another time I fell off of the ladder. I should have been named Grace!

I have wanted a nine foot tree for a few years, so went out and got one half off after Christmas. I love it. Again, Crystal decorated it. I tried, but all the decorations ended up on the same branch. How do people do it, it is so stressful!!!! Melissa called and said she had the prettiest tree ever...I beg to differ sister.

Kendra's favorite decoration.....a lit up snowglobe with a ferris wheel.

When my girls were little they would go to Roberts and buy ceramic Chrismas village houses to paint. I thought I should give them each the ones they painted, but I couldn't. They are so special to me and have priceless memories that I am not ready to give up. Sorry Girls!! When the decorations have all been put up, and messes cleaned up---when it is time to turn all the lights on, it is truly magical and reminds us all what Christmas is all about. That light of Christ that illuminates our homes, our neighborhoods and our hearts. The joy of bringing our families together to celebrate the birth of our Savior.

The magic of Christmas is not in the presents, but in HIS presence.

Wishing all you bloggers out there the Merriest Christmas ever!!