Happy Birthday! Karencita, tan lindita!

"Hmmm, do you like my cake?"
"I don't need thirds, I had Parker's, too!"
"Wind, I need wind…"
"No fair, no help from the kids!"

Parker helping Uncle John frost the Schmidgens..

What are schmidgens? The part of the cake left behind when you dump it out. Usually paper thin, then frosted...Ummm, Ummm, delicious!

Just a quick post to share a great day. We started off with French toast, sugar free strawberries and cream for breakfast. Then, a busy day ending in a family dinner at Cafe Sabor! It was great. They honored the Birthday girl with a fried ice cream treat and a quicker than quick rendition of feliz cumpleaños a ti. So much fun. Then, after Daniel attended a team dinner/pep talk, and Kristina young women's, we had a full fledge celebration at our house. We honored Frank who had a birthday about a week ago with a Fat Free sugar cake (well, almost fat free, don't count the frosting) and Karen with a Sugar free version of the Chocolate cake. I think I actually liked the sugar free version better. Great cake, topped with sugar free whipped cream, strawberries nuked in the microwave and a special sugar free chocolate sauce. Yum, yum. You can see by the pictures that a grand time was had by all.
Karen, you are beautiful! Everyday more so!

May the year be sweet to your soul.

Roxy and Larry enjoying their corner of the sofa…
Twin Pea Coats... Very nice…
"okay, so I said I'd get you some more... on second thought, get it yourself, these are poison!"

"You are only taller because you are in front..."
"I've got them both beat...plus a shiner for sympathy from the girls"
lots and lots of gifts means lots and lots of love…
A hat to keep the ears toasty…

Happy Birthday, Karencita! We do love you!

Only A Prayer Away

Karen has been in the studio! Hurrah...
Countdown to CD begins... (be patient!)
This has always been one of my favorites.

Happy 2011 (click to enlarge)

QuickChristmas, unsorted, unspoken!

Merry Christmas to all! We had a great, great day. After a Christmas eve tradition of pajamas, (hand made by John with monograms!) Are Christmas day's have evolved into a day long event. We don't rush, and with a missionary call that lasts 2 hours in the middle, it is fabulous. Parents, as usual were tired, and the kids are patient. In fact, when John finally got up, instead of opening presents, we played a game that Roxanne and Larry had received on christmas eve. (They came down to have fun in the morning, also! What a treat.) So, stockings, playing a game, then eating Christmas Strata, then opening one by one... It was a delightful day. A few highlights in no specific order are Daniel with legos, Kristina with a new webkinz, other odds and ends, and the 12 year old highlight of my children's life, a custom quilt from the grandma Kenna. Kristina wanted a crocodile quilt, so the master crafted a piece of art. It is usually the last present opened, but Christopher wanted to see (he was skyping) so she opened it while he was online. So, here is a scattered montage of Christmas morning (with a christmas formal dance picture thrown in for good measure!) We love all of you who have made into our life in one path or another. We are greatful for each one of you. It slipped out while we were talking the other night, but I found it a wonderful thought…

"Traditions give focus to our life."

Thinking of the past…

While attending our ward party last night, Kristina leaned over and said, "Didn't we used to act out the nativity?". All of a sudden, a thousand memories flooded my mind. Thank you to all of you that have made an everlasting impression on my life. Those that know me, know that I went from hating december, to loving and looking forward to a special ward christmas party. That party had santa clause, music, children and parents acting out the nativity, an ornament tree, and memories that will never die. I can remember sitting in the bishop's office with santa clause and mrs santa clause, waiting for the moment to escort them into the party. Not many noticed, but it was an old cotton pillow case grabbed from the linen closet. Everything from that closet smelled so good. It was filled with goodies for the kids. Everyone had a chance to visit. I remember randomly passing out costumes for the nativity. I am grateful for a friend when entrusted me with her collection. No one hestitated. The angels, the donkeys, all were there. Then, the ornament tree, with each families name on it. The acts of service that would extend through the season. I will always remember those parties. We were surrounded by heavenly angels as we celebrated as one big family. Thank you to all of you. Merry Christmas!

2 Dates in 2 Days

Okay, the joys of parenting is taking photos of your children as they go on dates. We have two pictures for you. Number 1 is Girls Choice at LHS. Haley Wellings asked Daniel to be her date. Despite a cold, exhaustion, and a few other issues, it was reported that the date was great. This picture reminds me of a show I did almost thirty years ago. It was a two magician "show de magia". My partner was not as vertically blessed as I was so we played off the height difference through the entire show. We had placed an orange box at the front of the stage. During the entire show, the audience wondered what it was for. Finally, as we took our final bow, my partner stepped up so that we were the same height. I should have held on to that box. Maybe I'll get Daniel one for Christmas. Might come in handy for future dates. I can see conversations in the future... Date:"That was a great evening" Daniel:"Yes it was, I had a great time" (as he places the box at the doorstep.) Date: "What's the box for?"Daniel: "Well, if you'll step right up, I'll have a better chance of hitting my target instead of feeling like Father Pepscialla blessing your forhead."

There are advantages to the box. First and foremost, said date can't run as fast for fear of falling off of the box. Second, If said date steps up on the box, chances are she knows what's coming!

And finally, if she boots you in the rear with a swift kick while you are placing the box in position, you are absolutely sure that the pursuit of said goal is superfluous.

No Box Needed:

Ah, the military ball. Air Force meets Belle. "Que Bella!" As the Merket's attended their first Air Force Ball, they graced us with their debonair style. It, too, was a great evening.

Funny story #2

JODAC 11:50: mama says you left your mixer here

rjamilla 11:50:

my mixer?

JODAC 11:51: Mama doesn't remember that she wanted a hand mixer and I bought it for her last gift day

rjamilla 11:51:

ha ha ha

rjamilla 11:51:

its hers

rjamilla 11:51:

we didn't bring ours!

rjamilla 11:51:

has she used it?

JODAC 11:52: It's pretty, she's admiring it, she's delighted to know it's hers

rjamilla 11:52:

hahahahahaha

JODAC 11:52: It's snowing... she's a little goofy.