Monday, January 16, 2006
Sunday Night Play Time
One of our favorite Christmas toys in this set of Princess Mega Blocks. The girls have a great time building castles ofr Cinderella, Snow White, and Belle. These photos were taken the night after we got home from AZ--everyone has bed head because we took long naps.
Friday, January 13, 2006
Back Track: December 30, 2005
Friday December 30th, we got up early and got dressed up to go to the Mesa Temple for my brother Sam’s wedding to Kristen Dever. We arrived at the stake center to drop off our kids at the family nursery at about 8:35am, then hustled across the street to the temple for the 9am ceremony.
Our former Stake President, AJ Busby, performed the sealing and it was really lovely. He talked a lot about the role of Jesus Christ in a marriage and family, and how a family fits into the Big Picture. As I mentioned before, Kris looked so pretty, I cried a little when she walked in. They really look great together. I think there is a special kind of magic at a wedding where everyone knows there is a good match being made and the union has been anticipated. I like to think it was that way at our wedding (although the celebration in no way rivaled that bash thrown by Kristen’s parents) because it seemed like people were just having fun and truly celebrating.
There was a luncheon at Matta’s just down the street form the temple in the barrio. Bad neighborhood but cute restaurant and great food. That was a good time. I think the highlight of the luncheon was my nephew Jake’s kilt-and-tam combo made by his mom. Sam is a Scotch/Irish-o-phile, and Jake looked like his little mascot.
I also talked about the nice reception at the Reflections place—the dinner, dancing, cake, décor, music, etc. was all wonderful and the new couple still looked great. Kristen’s bridesmaids greeted guests at the door and took digital pictures of them, which were quickly printed and put into a scrap-guest book in which you signed your picture as you left. That was a great idea and a really nice keepsake (and a security measure, too!).
I just wanted to write about two moments from the wedding day that still choke me up. The first was at Matta’s waiting for lunch. I was sitting across the room from Kristen’s mother, Susan, who was wrangling her granddaughter, Kyla. Kyla started touching some decorations and Susan started to reprimand her, “No, no—don’t touch, Krissy….,” and then she caught herself. “Oh, wait—you’re not Krissy! Krissy’s all grown up, silly grandma….” She picked up Kyla and her eyes welled up with tears. “Krissy’s all grown up and married….” She sort of rocked Kyla on her lap wistfully and wiped her tears and it made me cry, too. I think my grandma was sitting next to her, and Susan said to Gram, “They really do grow up too fast (sniffle)—thank heaven we get grandchildren!” Really, such a sweet little moment.
Let me preface the second moment by telling you that Sam does not dance. All his life he has made fun of people dancing. He would go to dances at the Institute in college to socialize, but he would sit in the back and mock people. Sam abhors dancing and board games as “stupid.” So I know he really, truly loves Kris because he danced with her at the reception! And not only did they look adorable out on the dance floor (well, Sam looked the whole day as if he were in a bit of a barbituate haze--mellow and happy), but Sam chose a beautiful, perfect song for her—“And I Love Her” by the Beatles. When the music began, the whole day and all the emotion caught up with me and I totally cried. And I don’t mean tear-and-sniffle-cry---it was turning into Ugly Cry. They were darling and dreamy out on the dance floor, and if I were Kristen, I would feel like a princess hearing those lyrics.
Our former Stake President, AJ Busby, performed the sealing and it was really lovely. He talked a lot about the role of Jesus Christ in a marriage and family, and how a family fits into the Big Picture. As I mentioned before, Kris looked so pretty, I cried a little when she walked in. They really look great together. I think there is a special kind of magic at a wedding where everyone knows there is a good match being made and the union has been anticipated. I like to think it was that way at our wedding (although the celebration in no way rivaled that bash thrown by Kristen’s parents) because it seemed like people were just having fun and truly celebrating.
There was a luncheon at Matta’s just down the street form the temple in the barrio. Bad neighborhood but cute restaurant and great food. That was a good time. I think the highlight of the luncheon was my nephew Jake’s kilt-and-tam combo made by his mom. Sam is a Scotch/Irish-o-phile, and Jake looked like his little mascot.
I also talked about the nice reception at the Reflections place—the dinner, dancing, cake, décor, music, etc. was all wonderful and the new couple still looked great. Kristen’s bridesmaids greeted guests at the door and took digital pictures of them, which were quickly printed and put into a scrap-guest book in which you signed your picture as you left. That was a great idea and a really nice keepsake (and a security measure, too!).
I just wanted to write about two moments from the wedding day that still choke me up. The first was at Matta’s waiting for lunch. I was sitting across the room from Kristen’s mother, Susan, who was wrangling her granddaughter, Kyla. Kyla started touching some decorations and Susan started to reprimand her, “No, no—don’t touch, Krissy….,” and then she caught herself. “Oh, wait—you’re not Krissy! Krissy’s all grown up, silly grandma….” She picked up Kyla and her eyes welled up with tears. “Krissy’s all grown up and married….” She sort of rocked Kyla on her lap wistfully and wiped her tears and it made me cry, too. I think my grandma was sitting next to her, and Susan said to Gram, “They really do grow up too fast (sniffle)—thank heaven we get grandchildren!” Really, such a sweet little moment.
Let me preface the second moment by telling you that Sam does not dance. All his life he has made fun of people dancing. He would go to dances at the Institute in college to socialize, but he would sit in the back and mock people. Sam abhors dancing and board games as “stupid.” So I know he really, truly loves Kris because he danced with her at the reception! And not only did they look adorable out on the dance floor (well, Sam looked the whole day as if he were in a bit of a barbituate haze--mellow and happy), but Sam chose a beautiful, perfect song for her—“And I Love Her” by the Beatles. When the music began, the whole day and all the emotion caught up with me and I totally cried. And I don’t mean tear-and-sniffle-cry---it was turning into Ugly Cry. They were darling and dreamy out on the dance floor, and if I were Kristen, I would feel like a princess hearing those lyrics.
I give her all my love
That's all I do
And if you saw my love
You'd love her too
I love her
She gives me everything
And tenderly
The kiss my lover brings
She brings to me
And I love her
A love like ours
Could never die
As long as I
Have you near me
Bright are the stars that shine
Dark is the sky
I know this love of mine
Will never die
And I love her
A beautiful song, a beautiful night, and –hopefully- the beginning of a really beautiful life. Congratulations, again, Sam & Kristen. I am really proud of you for finally taking the plunge, Sammy, and wish you both every blessing.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Neener, neener...
...Laura just posted about being jealous of Lisa's new log bed, so I thought I would brag on my husband a bit and post a picture of the log bed he made for Sam (one of three he made this fall).
You're right-- he IS amazing.
PS: Mom made the quilt as a wedding gift--isn't it lovely? Sam & Kris scored!
Holiday, Schmoliday
I am making some seasonal scrapbooks, looking up Christmas quotes, and I found this gem:
In the old days, it was not called the Holiday Season; the Christians called it 'Christmas' and went to church; the Jews called it 'Hanukkah' and went to synagogue; the atheists went to parties and drank. People passing each other on the street would say 'Merry Christmas!' or 'Happy Hanukkah!' or (to the atheists) 'Look out for the wall!'
~Dave Barry, "Christmas Shopping: A Survivor's Guide"
I LOVE IT!!! Too bad I didn't find it in time for my rant last month....
In the old days, it was not called the Holiday Season; the Christians called it 'Christmas' and went to church; the Jews called it 'Hanukkah' and went to synagogue; the atheists went to parties and drank. People passing each other on the street would say 'Merry Christmas!' or 'Happy Hanukkah!' or (to the atheists) 'Look out for the wall!'
~Dave Barry, "Christmas Shopping: A Survivor's Guide"
I LOVE IT!!! Too bad I didn't find it in time for my rant last month....
Monday, January 09, 2006
BACKTRACK: December 29th
I have decided that each day I will backtrack and record days or moments from our trip since I didn't blog as I went. Today we remember Thursday, December 29th, spent with the Holm Family in East Mesa. The previous day we arrived at their house around 1pm and they greeted us so warmly! It was so good to see them again! Their Mesa house is beautiful (like their Livingston House was) and spacious and it was such a comfortable place to stay. When we arrived, Debbie and her kids had planned an afternoon picnic and playtime at the park for our kids while we slept off our all-night drive. So we visited a bit, then ate a delicious pasta lunch Debbie made us, then showered and hit the hay around 3pm. When we woke up at 6pm, our kids were being bathed and we all got dressed and went to a receptionin Chandler for Emily & Ilene Parry (another post for another day). We returned to the Holm's in East Mesa around 9:30pm and put the tired girls to bed. Rich soon joined them, but I stayed up so Debbie could teach me how to bead bracelets. Of course we got to talking and we couldn't believe when we looked at the clock and it was 3:21 am! Yes, we are crazy, but as Debbie said, we had 18 months of chat to catch up on!
Needless to say, we slept in on Thursday morning, but when I got up at 10am , our girls were beggin to swim n theHolm's VERY INVITING pool. Although it was around 70 degrees outside, it had been cold and the pool was only about 58 degrees, but the girls insisted so we let them put their feet in. SILLIES!
Addie & Heidi enjoy the sunshine out by the pool...
After hanging out for a while and making evening plans with my sister, Lisa, we decided to take the Holms up on their offer to take us to a fun play place (think jungle-themed Chuck E. Cheese, but less annoying) for lunch. We had a great time there, then headed over to my sister's house to deliver her Christmas gift--a custom log bed--and eat dinner and enjoy family. We spent one last night with the Holm family and said goodbye Friday morning as we headed to Sam's wedding at the Mesa Temple. We appreciated their hospitality so much--and Deb, it's been years since I had such a fun "Slumber party"--you are such a great girlfriend!
Needless to say, we slept in on Thursday morning, but when I got up at 10am , our girls were beggin to swim n theHolm's VERY INVITING pool. Although it was around 70 degrees outside, it had been cold and the pool was only about 58 degrees, but the girls insisted so we let them put their feet in. SILLIES!
Addie & Heidi enjoy the sunshine out by the pool...MISSING MONTANA--NOT!!
After hanging out for a while and making evening plans with my sister, Lisa, we decided to take the Holms up on their offer to take us to a fun play place (think jungle-themed Chuck E. Cheese, but less annoying) for lunch. We had a great time there, then headed over to my sister's house to deliver her Christmas gift--a custom log bed--and eat dinner and enjoy family. We spent one last night with the Holm family and said goodbye Friday morning as we headed to Sam's wedding at the Mesa Temple. We appreciated their hospitality so much--and Deb, it's been years since I had such a fun "Slumber party"--you are such a great girlfriend!
Makutu's Island, Tempe AZ
Even though Addie is crying in this picture (she was alredy getting really tired from traveling), we all had a great time at Makutu's Island on Thursday afternoon with the Holms. Haylee loves this place and couldn't wait to take Addie there, so after getting a late start, we went there to play on the enormous climbing equipment shaped like a big jungle tree, and all the slides, zip lines, and pizza, too! Again, Debbie treated us to a wonderful time and we sure appreciate it!
Tired Addie and Haylee Holm
Tired Addie and Haylee HolmFish Faces
Addie shows us her fish face...
Heidi & Addie loved the aquarium at Makutu's
Heidi couldn't tear herself away! Here she is looking with Daddy
...and here she is showing me what fishies say.
Sunday, January 08, 2006
Back Home
Happy New Year!
We arrived home in Montana, safe and sound, about 1:30am. We spent Thursday driving from Tucson to SLC, UT (with a little 2-hour lunch at Ikea Tempe). We stayed at my brother Will's in Herriman UT and hung out with his family and my sister Jill's in Sandy, UT on Friday & Saturday. We even had a short visit with Cousin Brent and Amanda over at Jill's, too. We finally left town at 6pm and our girls crashed shortly thereafter. They slept the rest of the way home and it was a sweet trip. I watched "A Mighty Wind" on the mini DVD player and took a nap, then drove home from Whitehall, MT to Livingston. It was a nice ending to an awesome trip, and we were so happy to sleep in our own bed! Although...it sure was nice visiting our AZ family and we'll gladly sleep on the airbed anytime if it means some quality Elrey / Mayberry time!
Enjoy this fine photo of my sweet grandpa (Papa Bill to my girls) rocking Heidi to sleep. They (Papa & Heidi) had a fun time together and started a little game of making faces at eachother--it was really super cute and I could kick myself for not video taping them (and for taking so few pictures! We were really l"iving in the moment" down there and we forgot about the future family history aspect of the visit!). Thanks to everyone who made our trip so nice---the Holm Family, My sister Lisa, Sam & Kris for getting married, and Kristin's parents, Jim & Susan, for the wonderful celebration, Gram & Gramp for the bed & breakfast & company & oranges, Mom & Mark for the Christmas gifts and fun agenda, Mayberrys for hosting New Years Eve, Elreys for hosting Family Night (complete with deep fried turkey and raspberry chipotle dip, and a little sore throat homeopathy), My old and dear friend Susan for a fun kid-filled day, and to my other sibs for making the trip and hosting us on the way home. It was a busy trip but so much fun and I feel so grateful for everything and everyone we got to enjoy.
More pictures coming soon--I am trying not to get sick, so I need to rest!
More pictures coming soon--I am trying not to get sick, so I need to rest!
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