Christmas Morn

This was the year for pajamas. We got matching ones for the girls and matching ones for the boys because we were having a big family sleep over Christmas eve night. We were all going to sleep in until Alfie woke up, but he woke up pretty early so we were opening presents by about 8:30.

Laila and Alfie burst into the living room breaking the wrapping paper open. Alfie didn't like it too much. But he was excited to see toys on the other side.

It was fun announcing the cruise that we're going on to Ft Lauderdale, Cancun, Grand Cayman and the Florida keys as a whole family Jan 18-24. They all were so excited about it. 

We all got wonderful presents but it was just good being together. 

I got the big Guatemalan  bag I wanted and an amazing watercolor print that Addison did of all the family. 

Alfie got many cars including a remote  control one from or for poppa  Wayne. His favorite gift was probably the giant giraffe pillow pet stuffed animal that is bigger than him.

Alex and Landin treated us all to Mexican Hot chocolate !

One of the highlights of the morning  was our Christmas dance wars that Tru put together. We drew teams and music then we had to do choreography and videotape what we came up. It was a hoot. 

Merry Christmas from Us

Annual Jingle Cole Bowl

We had Christine, Adam, Jenna, Rachel, Becca, Casey, Fernando

Preston, Paula, Tru, Alf, Landin, Addison

Angela, Bre, Wayne and Laila 

Landon and Momma Melinda just cuddled and played with this little guy while the others bowled 

Addina, Aunt Laura, Breyonce, Whayne and Skiggles all bowled beautifully. We like to make up new bowling names to help us bowl better. The best throw down the alley was Laila going into the splits while her ball sailed down and got a Strike!  We all cheered 

It's a Wonderful Life

I just watched It's A Wonderful Life  for the umpteenth time...and fell in love with this movie all over again.  It just speaks to me and tugs at my heart each year.  It's my favorite. Christmas movie.
I appreciate the ordinariness of it.

I can relate to the family life, struggles and putting off what you think you want.

I get the sacrifice made for others....and where true happiness is found.

Here are some things I like about it:
I love how the movie starts with prayers going up to heaven on someone else's behalf.  All of the prayers are from players in George's story...all people who care about him....worry about him...pray for him.

I appreciate how upbeat George is...most of his life.  He looks at the sunny side of his situations and doesn't grumble, but is practical and postive.  He sees a need and fills it, everytime, putting his own wants on the back burner. 

When George and Mary get married on a rainy day...as they drive out of town, there is a run on the bank, and I yell at them, "to keep driving....Don't turn around....Stay in your car"...but George gets out every time, and helps every demanding person. George gives out his own honeymoon money to keep the people happy. He asks them to take just what they need but many are angry and are demanding all of their money. A woman finally understands how to help and asks only for $17.50. George reaches across the counter, grabs her and kisses her forehead. George makes it through that day and is so happy when he has only 2 dollars left as he dances and sings it into the vault.
A couple of scenes make me cry every time.... when George is falling apart and yelling at his kids...he goes over and destroys his model bridge and work area in a fit of rage...then turns around in horror and sees what he has done, and the scared looks and tears on his children's faces and he apologizes to them all.   And when George is crying and praying at the bar it's just so heart wrenching. 

 

And then there's the end when everyone comes in and gives what money they have to "save" a friend, because beautiful, Mary, the patient, practical, supportive wife  puts out the call that George is in trouble.  

The message of the movie is pretty obvious.  It's actually written down in the book that is placed on the money pile in the end.........it's not hard to miss.
"Dear George, remember no man is a failure who has friends." - Clarence
What a wonderful message and one all of us need to continue to remember.  To have a friend you have to be a friend.

I feel so blessed for my Wonderful LIfe.  I'm so grateful I married my best friend.  I'm so grateful to have so many sister friends, and couple friends, theatre friends and ward friends and family as friends who love on me,  care about me ....and who pray for me.

Christmas activity round up

This week has been a whirlwind of Christmas fun!!!

We trekked to see the lights at Temple Square for family night.  We were waiting for the snow to come, because it just makes it that much more magical, but alas, we are still in no snowville.  Lexi was a good sport and came even with her bronchitis and lack of breathing ability...and Monson walked around almost shoeless because of his burned top of his foot. We ended up at Hire's for rootbeer, fries and burgers.

We took the kids to see Juanito Bandito's Chrismas Carol.  It was so funny.  We love the schtik and improv in this show. All on stage are so talented and it's just low brow humor...but we love it!  

Welch Family Pajama Party at Terry and Cyrrena's home.  We had Breakfast then did a drawing for prizes for those who came in their jammies.

We played bingo with breakfast cereal for prizes and then acted out, read scripture and sange hymns for the Nativity.  This was Alfie's year to be a baby Jesus!

 Holly and Wanee came in twin jammies.

I got these Rudolph pj's for Wayne, but they were too little, so I ended up wearing them.  Now we have a Santa outfit and a Rudolph one.... who know's what "reindeer games" we can play?!?

a year later....

It's been one year since my family was turned upside down with Truman's "I'm gay" announcement.
We were blind sided by this, having not seen any "clues" along the way.
So a year later we have reached a new normal and this is what I know....
I know I love my Tru and all of my children...no matter what
I know I'm a momma bear and I'll protect and stand up for my boys!
I know day to day family life is pretty much the same
I know I find peace and added amounts of love by going to the temple
I know I will be okay when Tru starts bringing a boyfriend around
I know having children who are gay gets easier and easier to talk about
I know God is good and merciful to all of his children...no matter the sexual orientation
I know LDS church meetings are not equipped to take in gay members....yet
I know my Wayne is the best husband and father and I'm so happy to be going through life with him.
I know my faith has it's ups and downs...but I would rather be in the church than out...and I'm all in.

Cookie Exchange -3

We had a delicious holiday cookie exchange. 21 different cookies were shared along with a lot of gabbing and friendship.  

Si and Di helped a ton with a wonderful salad and hot homemade rolls. Such great friends 

This years cookie makers were Kathleen Newman, Jessica Barlow, Angie Smith, Christina Barlow, Amber Crane, Mel Evans , Jo Cash, Diane Lake, Si, Me, Joanne Murdock, Nan Briske, Cindy Brown, Candy Madsen and daughter Dani, Sarah Porter, Karen Smith, Barbara Schwartz, Jill Allsop and Peggy Rinehart

We enjoyed Cookies of every type and had enough left over to share with neighbors.