family time at the beach

Lunch at Mo's





Carousel ride,

Seaside Aquarium,

It may have only been a couple of days, but it was very nice to be together playing games, watching movies, journal writing, reading, sitting in the hot tub, swimming, playing pool, Lots of kissing, or walking the board walk along the beach. Even with it being in December the sun was out bright and beautiful and the sunsets were as usual amazing. Truly a bit of Heaven is what I experienced just watching everyone interact. I try to soak in as much as possible to carry me until we are together again.
I'm sure Heavenly Father looks down on us much of the time and feels that joy as he watches us make good choices, or show love and kindness to one another.

Christmas PJ's

I must admit it is getting more and more difficult to carry out this tradition of matching Christmas Pajamas since the family is getting larger and larger.
I think it is more meaningful to me than anyone else which makes it difficult for me to dissolve the tradition. I guess this is my way of feeling still connected as a family even though we are all living so far from one another. The hardest part of being a mother is letting go in many aspects of life.
I am so grateful for each of our children, and feel very blessed for the companions they have chosen to spend the eternities with. That also goes for JoAnna and Zack. He has been a big part of JoAnna's life for 5 years, so the news of an engagement was no big surprise, but a welcomed announcement.

Christmas Eve

We tend to carry out traditions during the holidays, one of which is to go to Mom DeRoest's on Christmas eve to spend it with the clan. This year was no different for Tony and I having dinner with all, then playing the pass along Christmas gift game. Everyone brought a simple gift that could be for a male or female, then we drew numbers to find out the order of who picks first. It was allot of fun. Even the dinner was kept simple with each bringing soup to share. I think it was nice to simplify all the stress, and more fully enjoy the time we have together. Rickie was the last to get his gift, so he could choose from any of the gifts. He chose the unopened package, and was thrilled to get a snuggie. I have never seen anyone so excited to receive such a gift. That was a great way to close the game, and the evening.

JoAnna was still in Arizona spending the Eve with the Donkin family, as well as starting a new memory, or traditions to come.
Zack Donkin asked JoAnna to marry him, and of course she said "Yes" ! So many decisions to make, as well as preparations in the 3 1/2 month time to work with. I know she has had allot of the preliminary decisions already done, but its amazing how many other decisions are still needed to make. Fun times lie ahead.
They have chosen to be married in the Portland Oregon Temple Friday April 16th 2010, with a reception following that evening, so please mark your calendars to come celebrate with us.

Santa Claus is coming to town

With Brenna and Ethan here in town we decided they both needed to make a trip to the North Pole to see Santa Claus. It just so happened it was both of their first time, so I wondered how they would react. As it worked out neither had a problem, though they showed very little emotion. Its always a fun time however, or fun memories anyway, especially with the adults.

While we were making the trip here in Portland, Naomi & Michael made the trip with Savannah & Lexi from Texas. Savannah had a hard time last year, and though she isn't crying this time, it really doesn't look like she is to excited to see the bearded guy again.

Christmas fun!

Its been such a long time since I have blogged, so hopefully all will go well.

This year 4 of the 5 children will be home for a visit during the Christmas season. Part of the time I didn't know who was coming, or who was going. It was a busy revolving door, but great fun. The real challenge was having to work full time while Brent & Randi were here which didn't leave much time to spend together.

Monday night the 21st we had the family together for dinner, gifts, and gingerbread houses, all crammed into a 3 hour spot. Grama DeRoest came over to join us, since that was the best time for her to see all the kids.

Tuesday night we had all the kids, but also the in-laws over for dinner, scripture reading of the birth of our Savior, then to close with singing Christmas carols. It was a great way to feel the spirit, and set the tone for the week.