Movie Night!

Saturday night, we babysat Camden and Emily so Steve and Brooke could go out to dinner.  We popped popcorn and watched a movie.  Uncle Matt had a great time with these guys and he even

liked the  movie too.  We watched "UP"   

It is so fun having Matt home.  He just makes everything so much fun.  Wow!  can that kid clean.  He keeps my house in tip top shape.  He loads the dishwasher, vacuum's, and tidy ups all the time.  So fun having him around.  He hangs out with me all the time and it's great getting reacquainted again.  

Happy he just got a job but sad it is in Rexburg and he'll be moving up there and starting classes on the block in February.  Sometimes I feel like  my life is a roller coaster.  I wouldn't have it any other way!  

My Birthday. . .

I can't believe it is that time of year again.

I turned 53 on the 24th of January.

I love everyone else's birthday but I'm not

very fond of my own.

I guess I just don't really like the attention.

But, this year was fantastic!

My daughter and daughter-in-laws had a 

birthday party for me.

I was touched by their thoughtfulness.

They brought all the food, did all the clean up

and I loved it with all my heart!  

After work on Thursday, Wynn picked me up.  I was so surprised to

see him.  He took the afternoon off to be with  me.  Oh, so sweet.

He took me out to lunch and when we got home, this is what 

the house looked like. . . .

Matt had decorated the house with all these hearts.  There were over 70 of them.  He hung them from the ceiling and each one had a personality trait of mine (his opinion) on it.  He used pictures too.  Oh,

it was so cute.  It just made me feel so special.  He didn't have any money for a gift so this is what he did.  I thought it was so cute.  It is so fun having him around.  He makes life so fun.  

 That night is when the girls did the party.  Dessert wasn't quite done so Wynn put candles in the jello salad and had me blow out the candles.  Camden and Emily  had to each blow out a candle.

 Then the presents. . . Emily could hardly wait!  I got such fun stuff.  I even got some eye shadow that I have been wanting.  They just spoil me so much.

 Natalie game me this darling teddy bear to add to  my collection.   It's in a hoody and reminds me of her.  Nat loves hoodies.

 Sam and Hailey gave me all the fixings for cake pops.  I can hardly wait to try them.  We just might make them for  Activity Day next month. What a cute idea, I loved it.

Finally, the dessert is done.  Don't ask me to pronounce the name of this but Natalie made it.  It is a Finnish dessert.  Eggs, milk sugar. . . So yummy with strawberries and whipped cream.

Then, on Saturday, we went to Mom's and she fixed lunch for us to celebrate.  I just love  my Mom.  She always makes our birthday special.  I guess that is where I get it from because I always try to make each one of my kids birthdays special too.  I guess birthdays aren't that bad because I loved every minute of mine this year.  Makes getting older a little bit softer.  Thanks everyone for a wonderful day!

The Quilt. . .

This is pictures of Matt's quilt!

Isn't is so beautiful?

Our neighbor across the street made this quilt for Matt.

Before he left on his mission, Sis. Shewey promised

that a quilt would be waiting for him upon his arrival.

She wrote the cutest poem to go with it.

We feel so blessed to have such wonderful neighbors.

Family pictures. . .

Friday night we had a family game night.

We had pizza and just hung out.

Since we didn't get pictures at the airport,

We got some tonight.  

We are just loving have our Matt home.

So much fun just being together.

Getting settled in. . .

 Thursday was a busy day.

We went shopping to get some clothes and a few other errands.

Life just isn't complete without a cell phone.

Yup, one of the first stops. . .

Kind of sad.

 We visited Steven and Brooke and Matt got to meet Leasil. 

Emily was pretty smitten by Matt.

 Matt and Steven.

(figuring out the phone)

Brooke drew this picture for Matt.

Isn't it just beautiful?

What a thoughtful gift, one he will cherish for a life time.  

Under the picture it says:

Well done thy good and faithful servent.

Thursday evening we all went as a family to the temple.

I just love these dream days!

I had all my kids in the temple at the same time, together!

(Hailey couldn't be there because of their little baby)

But it still was a special time for us.

Something about standing in the celestial room and 

seeing my family there just warms my heart.

It just makes everything so worth it!  

I just felt so blessed and we could all feel

Heavenly Father's love for us.

Can't think of anything better than that.

HE'S HOME!!!!!

The banner is up and we are just waiting. . . . 

 At the airport waiting. . . 

 Still waiting but soooo ready. . . 

There he is. . . 

 There is nothing like that first hug when they come

through the door.  It just felt so good to hold

my son in my arms.  

 Dad gets the second hug.

 Still hugging me.

 Mobbed by the family!

 Everyone gets a hug!

Okay so only a few tears were shed but they

were happy tears!

 Adjusting. . . 

 Hugging Sis. Shewey.

 This is the bag Michelle King made Matt out of ties.

It is so cool!

A great memento from his mission.

I can't believe I didn't get a picture of Matt meeting Jenna for the first time.

It was so sweet.   It just felt so good to see him and feel of his

sweet spirit.  

I can't believe we didn't take a family picture!

Too much going on and we just didn't do it.

But we got some cute photo's anyway.

 G.G. with Camden.

Showing her the game on the iPhone.

 After Matt got home we came home and had 

chicken noodle soup.

So fun just having the family together and getting caught up.

Before everyone left, Matt gathered us all together and explained how we

didn't have the opportunity to know him as a full time 

missionary but what a wonderful experience it was.

He then lead us in a family prayer and we got to

once again feel of his sweet spirit as a

missionary.

At about 8:00 we went over to the church and meet President Jacobson there.

Oh, bitter sweet!  It was a great visit and it just felt so good!

I am so proud!

Emily's New Year. . .

Last Tuesday, I got to go to Emily's preschool

"Happy New Year"

Party!

They made hats and had noise makers.

The ball dropped and everyone cheered!

Then, we had a New year's toast with 7-Up.

It was so much fun!

Thank goodness for a darling little granddaughter

that let's me be part of her life.

I love you Em's

and

Happy New Year!