Christmas, wrapped up!

It's been forever since I blogged!

Christmas, that wonderful, magical time of year.
We spend money, eat sugar, lose sleep, gain weight, complain, rejoice, feel the let down after and can't wait until next year.

Here's some of the highlights of the last three weeks:



We went to the Creche exhibit in Palo Alto. For over 20 years the members of our church put on an exhibit of creches from all over the world and from many different materials. Loved it, took pictures of a few I loved like this one made from Olive wood from Israel.
Then I saw this:


OOPS! Too bad I sneaked in a couple of more pictures.

I finished this Christmas tree skirt for the Newlyweds, got it to them just in time for them to leave for Texas.



Byron had two rounds of chemotherapy during break. The first went great, the second, not so great. Can you imagine getting hit by a semi-truck? That's how he felt, they gave him twice as much in half the time. Also, he has had very different side effects this time. But...whatever it takes!!!



We have an annual soup party. Usually the house is packed, 40 people, kids etc... this year it was the same night as Chemo. Only our very closest friends were invited and no kids and grandkids. It was quiet, peaceful and fun! These are five of my closest friends. They are amazing women with a whole heck of a lot of life experience between them. They are my reservoir of strength when I need it. (two wonderful friends are missing, they had the nerve to move far, far away...we missed you Rach & Kim!)


Marty, Vicki, Me, Pam, Margo & Maarti. Notice the tinsel on my tree!!!

This is the year that I let Jeffrey get on the roof and put up the Christmas lights. A rite of passage for my almost 15 year old. I am still recovering from my heart attack and meals would be welcome.





We went to the Oakland Temple to see the lights and an exhibit of bronze sculptures depicting scenes of the Savior's life. They were beautiful, (I followed the rules and didn't take pictures). The best part was that Jeff was excited that he knew the stories of the raising of Lazarus, the adulterous woman, Mary and Martha, Jesus walking on the water among others. The sculptures were awe inspiring. They leave here soon and will be on display at the Washington D.C. temple. GO and see them all you east coasters!!!




Our family loves Hanuakkah! This year we invited some friends and had a great time;
Celia wrote all about it for me!



Scotty was ordained a Deacon after turning twelve. Evil Jeni really wanted to take a picture of him passing the Sacrament, Good Jeni won this battle. Hate it when that happens.



This is my favorite part of my Christmas decorations, every one of them were handmade for me. One is Byron's dental office, one is Lolo's Cocoa Shop. This year they are really special as I won't be getting another, he had a stroke and is no longer able to make them. I love this little display.



Who wouldn't love this little Christmas Elf?



Happy Christmas present opening...



This is why I love my son-in-law, he loves Rachel.



We went to Bakersfield to see our cute little cousins (and Grammy, who I forgot to take a picture of)



One of the most exciting things that happened....



15" of hair gone, donated to Locks of Love.

Lauren looks adorable, we all love the haircut!!

Happy New Year!