CHRISTMAS 2008

The holiday season always brings our family together. Richard, Julie and family arrived on Monday night before Christmas. Carrie and the kids (not to miss out on anything) came Tuesday. We spent the day finishing up last minute things and just hanging out together. The rest of the family came in on Wednesday. Scott and Samantha will not be here this year since Payton arrived just 2 weeks ago. (To many germs in this crowd to bring a new baby into).   

We always start Chistmas morning off with a big breakfast for everyone. The kids have already gone thru their stockings so they are occupied until breakfast is ready and we are ready to begin opening gifts.  Thank heavens for Scott, as he always jumps in and takes charge of eggs/bacon/sausage. It takes a ton of food to feed this hungry group. After we have eaten and everyone has rolled out of bed we begin with Jim  reading about the birth of the Savior.  It always feels good to remember the reason that we celebrate this holiday.  After the story the kids start passing out the gifts and we begin, youngest to oldest opening gifts. After a couple of rounds the anticipation is too great and they finish it off with the rest of the gifts. This year Blane, Tiffany, and Dason join the adults.  After we clear the little ones out and clean up their mess, we begin with the adults. It goes on forever oahing and ahing over everyones gifts. I think we finish about 1pm and then we start getting ready for dinner. Turkeys, hams, and all the fixings.(No pie this year-to many other goodies on the counters) Debbi has outdone herself with 2 cakes this year. Way to go and were they good. 

                 Who is this sweetie and Darth Vader??         

Christmas eve a rousing game of Yatzee and games

Family communication has taken on a new level with everyone on computers talking to each other. I think we had 4-5 going at the same time. Jim was worried about wireless overload. 

Our two youngest pumkins sat still for just a minute with Grandpa.

        Its always fun catching up with everyone.

Thanks Julie for the clean up. The family room finally reappeared from under all the wrappings and gifts. This has been a wonderful holiday and there is nothing better than being with everyone if even for a couple of days. The new year should bring lots of new adventures since Jim is retiring. 

GETTING READY FOR MY FAVORITE HOLIDAY

This has been a busy month, new baby, birthdays and getting ready for my favorite holiday. Long before my house was finished I knew where my Christmas trees were going. Its such fun getting everything out for the holiday and thinking about ways to treat friends and family. Jim just stands back and lets me go full steam ahead. I'm not sure he gets it, but he fully supports it. Not long and everyone, but our St. Louis bunch will be here to spend time together. Scott and Samantha didn't think they should travel with a newborn (there's always runny noses or flus going around with so many). After last year and Mark brought the flu and it hit 18 of us, we were tempted to hand out masks at the door. Instead we just got flu shots! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEB

Little Payton came along and we made a rush trip to St. Louis. Debbi thanked Samantha, because she missed out on her sushi dinner we had planned. Somehow babies just don't care what you have planned to make their appearance. We stopped on the way back back from St Louis to bring Deb her birthday gifts.  We bought her some soft, soft sweats from Gap and a snowman and heart cake pan. We expect to see a cake at Christmas. I'm sure you won't disappoint. 

RETIREMENT IS ONLY A CLICK AWAY

WHATEVER-Its "whatever I want to do" is his answer to the question "What are you going to do when you retire?". It seems so easy. There's a website on Abbott's webpage that allows you to click "Retire Now". Its quite a moment after 35 years with the same company. Its been a great run, but we're ready to start something new. So as of December 31st Jim is looking forward to doing whatever. Lets see, should we travel, go shopping together, or ... Oh yes, I'm reminded we're on limited income now.  That doesn't really work for me.  I guess we'll have to find a compromise. Lets see should I start that "Honey Do" list now. Congratulations on a job well done with a great company. 

                      It all starts with a click.

SCOTT AND SAMANTHA'S NEWEST ARRIVAL-PAYTON JONES

What an exciting day this turned out to be. We got a call from Scott at 1:30am to let us know that Samantha had gone into labor. Samantha had invited me into the labor room when little Payton was to be born. Only problem was that she came early and we were in Granbury, Texas  and they were in St Louis, Mo. Nice Samantha, invite me to the party and than start without me. We ran to pack the car and were off by 3am. We drove or let me put it this way, Jim drove I slept. We almost made it. We got there at 2:10pm and she came at 1:54pm. Samantha and Scott were trying for a regular birth, but Payton being an unpredictable girl had other plans. Samantha ended up having a C-Section. Payton was 8lb 13oz (a far cry from the size of the boys-who came in around 4lbs.) She was  21 1/2 inches long. Shes got the cutest little rolls around her legs and arms.  We spent some time with her and Scott and than went to pick up big brothers, Kaden and Lincoln from Samantha's friend Emily's house. They were so excited to see mom and baby sister.     

MORE FROM THE JONES HOUSEHOLD

Daddy and his gang.           Mom sharing the good news

                             Just a few hours old

                             Proud big brothers

Brand new and oh so sweet. Payton Jones, 21 1/2 inches long and 8lbs 13 oz

THE BIRTHDAYS KEEP MARCHING ON!

          A Bengals birthday (What about the Cowboys???)  
 

Whose the mouse that stopped by?? We stopped at Marks to celebrate his 31st birthday with him and his family. We took him a digital picture frame complete with pictures of all the kids. They couldn't stopped trying to see when their picture would pop up on the screen.  Debbi had surprised Mark with a Bengals football cake (his favorite team-a throw back from living in Cincinnati). It was fun seeing everyone and having cake and soda with the kids. Another year older and another year better!

A DAY OF THANKSGIVING

                    The master carver on the job


We enjoyed a quiet Thanksgiving with Carrie and Brad's family and my dad. The rest of the family had plans with their other families.  Instead of serving from the kitchen buffet style (which we do when the whole klan is here), we were able to gather together in the dining room.  When I think of all the things that I am thankful for, the numbers are so plentiful, that I couldn't possible name them all. I am most thankful for the wonderful family I have. At the top of the list is the husband that I spend every day with.  Of course, there are the little things that make life fun-sitting in the sun, floating in the pool, comfy pants, fudge (thats the reason for comfy pants), reading good books, lunch with friends (old and new), McDonald diet cokes, my nursing degree (which I use occasionally) and of course the gospel in my life.  

HERE COMES MICKEY!

          Let the show begin! M-I-C-K-E-Y  M-O-U-S-E. 

Jim and I and Grandpa Whisler joined Carrie, Brad and the kids for an evening of Disney On Ice the night before Thanksgiving. The weather was great for a trip into Fort Worth. It was fun joining everyone and, of course, the food-is cotton candy a food-was yummy. And only $10-Oh but you got an Incredible Mask with it. That makes it so much better. I should be thinking about Thanksgiving dinner, but this is more fun.

       Here comes Mickey and the Magic Castle