Happy New Years!

He finally asked her and I'm assuming she said yes. She sent this picture!
I just finished cleaning the carpet.
Happy New Years!

A finished bathroom and cuter.

I really wanted a picture from Ikea but Ikea is about an hour away and I just don't have time for that. I went to Walmart to get some other things for the Open House and look what I found!
I have a true funny/sad story about Walmart but it's not what you think!
Someone who was being very nice and obviously was shopping for clothes for kids in Africa asked Jeff last year (it could have been the year before) if Walmart clothes would be good enough to buy for kids in Africa. I laughed the second he told me this.
First, this guy had never been in Walmart. Is anyone too good for Walmart. I think not! Second, if I have on occasion bought an article of clothing for me or for any of my own kids at Walmart I think it would be good enough for some kid in Africa.
It's one of the silliest things I ever heard! Would he be appalled that I have bought decorations for my own home there? Silly!
He was trying to be nice to those poor kids in Africa.
It still makes me laugh.

I had this in the bathroom downstairs. We replaced that mirror with a larger simpler one so I moved this one upstairs. It's plastic and I got it for $5.00 a few years ago.

I wanted simple and cheap. This was already in this bathroom.

Turned out great and yes, the towels are from Walmart too.

Just a few more.

They are the reason we are doing so much work in the house, after all. The Open House is Saturday. The by-product is that we get a much cleaner and nicer house so it's win/win!

Painting in bathroom done.

I finished painting the bathroom!

Texture done!

Ceiling done!
I just need to have Jeff put up the mirror tonight!
One more thing off my list!

I know it's rediculous but...

I couldn't have an old cartoon on my wall without the spouses now, could I?

Merry Christmas!

We've always made our kids wait downstairs (or somewhere else) before they can come and see the tree and open presents. The ones that are home are 16 and 22 and we still made them wait. Thus, the pout. Silly girl.

One view of our tree in the morning. Still no skirt. Oh well. I'm lucky there are gifts (there are more on the other side)!

There have been 6 stocking for 16 years. This year there are 9.

Opening presents is the funnest part!
My Dad has a rotating list for us to alternate our Christmas giving from year to year. Last year my second youngest sister made us the cutest felt ornaments that were so cute and thoughtful. This year my youngest sister had our name. She was so thoughtful and sweet in what she gave each person. She even gave couple gifts to the kids that are married.. She reads my blog and developed pictures that she put in a photo album and a photo in a frame for me. I am so touched by her gifts and the fact that she reads my blog!
I gave my parents two gift cards.

Jeff got our stove in! It works fantastic! The counters are in (they have to replace a piece near the sink because there is a large gap). Parts of the walls are banged up which means more work!
But I LOVE my new countertops!

All the kids came for dinner. It made me very happy. I missed them terribly today but understand that's the way of married kids and life.
We all went to Temple Square tonight to see the lights.
Note to self: Don't go to Temple Square on Christmas night. 1. There is no place to get warm because all buildings are closed.  2. There are no available bathrooms. 3. There is nowhere to get hot chocolate!
It still was a GREAT Christmas!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

I took this picture the other night. I'm so grateful that Britni and Adam put up the tree.

Several years ago I made stockings for the family. Britni made hers and Davis told me what he wanted, green buttons. Everyone else didn't care. This year I need to add two more (and soon a third one--actually, I bought Sheyla's soon to be fiance one anyway).

It's beginning to snow today.

Even though most of the house is torn up and soon to be put back together (I have most of my new countertops---awaiting the third installation time because they made a mistake---the stove is almost put into place---with a visit from an electrician and Jeff working hard to get things together---yes, no stove for three weeks) and life has been a series of hectic and long car rides this last week it has also been filled with some fun, family, the temple, celebration, love (a little angst), a BYU football game and bits of Christmas.

I love the Faith Hill song:

Where are you Christmas

Do you remember the one you used to know

I'm not the same one

See what the time's done
Is that why you have let me go

Christmas is here

Everywhere, oh

Christmas is here

If you care, oh

If there is love in your heart and your mind

You will feel like Christmas all the time

I feel you Chrismas

I know I've found you

You never fade away

The joy of Christmas

Stays here inside us

Fills each and every heart with love

Another before and after.

I think I'm going to make two more pillows. Just don't tell Jeff.

It was bitter cold but it was a great day to get married!

This is one of my MOST favorite pictures! They just came out of the temple. They are walking towards their family and friends. They look SO happy!

I saw "Tuck Everlasting" last night. Years ago I read the book and loved it!  "Do not fear death, but rather the unlived life. You don't have to live forever. You just have to LIVE!"
Although, I do believe in living forever.
My advice to them is to LIVE!

He's getting married tomorrow.

It's hard to believe that this sweet, active and rambunctious boy has grown up and is getting married tomorrow!
Where has the time gone!

Chair and Addie Before and After.

Chair before. 
There is Addie again.

Addie and chair after.

Three more days!

Three more days till these cute kids get married!