Dinner and a Game of Cards

I don't know why the most important things can get so easily pushed to the back burner behind other demanding things that are not as important. This year we are going to take Betty and Joe dinner regularly and visit. Play a game of Shanghai perhaps. We had the best time and are looking forward to coming back soon. They are much loved and appreciated.

sledding

Best memory of sledding? Ransom wearing Joe's old snowmobile suit. A colorful blast from the past and it sure kept Ransom plenty warm. We could spot him anywhere! There is something mighty fine and lazy, being pulled up the mountain while sitting on a tube, but with this service comes a crowd. A quiet hill is still my favorite. We had fun and kept going and going until our 2 hours were up too soon. We were glad Nelson's joined us. It's a do again : )

christmas 2013

Christmas came and left so quickly this year. But, I do believe we watched every Hallmark Christmas movie and spent good time together. We ended up opening our presents on Christmas Eve... the only chunk of time we had altogether. I don't have to look too far to realize my blessings and this Christmas Eve I experienced a miracle that brought me such joy. I thank God each and every day for my family and friends and my faith. I have also prayed more than ever before to keep my heart softened during difficult times. It works, but only with the Lord's help.  For Christmas Eve dinner, Larry's Mom and Dad came over and we made Beef Tenderloin and Rosemary Scallop Potatoes. Fresh rolls with my sister Becky's Muscadine Grape Jelly. Heaven! It felt like she was right with us. Christmas morning, Abby and I watched a Hallmark movie, visited Katie and Ransom for Monkey Bread and I came home and ate nearly all of my See's Candy. Yes. Really. We met up with nearly everyone over at Larry's Mom and Dad's. I realize I have not been hungry since Halloween... 

birrell family christmas party

The Birrell Family Christmas Party was over at Scott and Jill's this year and we had a wonderful time.  It is always good to see everyone. With the grandkids, it is an explosion of noise and energy. But, boy they are sure fun! We played the candy bar game and a lifesaver relay. This year, we thought we would keep it simple and do only appetizers, but we left just as full as ever with all of our favorite treats. Thank you Scott & Jill!

happy 80

Larry's Mom is turning 80 and we celebrated her with a HUGE family party down at the Pizza Factory in Provo. Her seven kids and spouses came, along with nearly every grandchild and great-child. There are so many of us now that it can be hard to keep track, but she does so well and with so much love for everyone. We had a great time together playing our Price is Right game filled with Betty-isms and learned even more about her. Mike and Kathy brought the best frozen custard  from Milwaukee. Ashlee made her a special memory book filled with everyone's favorite memories and pictures. She is so very, very loved and appreciated by each one of us. She is the heart of the family and we wish her many more Happy Birthdays to come. We love you!

thanksgiving day

This Thanksgiving is extra special. All of Larry's siblings are here while we prepare to celebrate his Mom's 80th birthday the day after Thanksgiving. What a big group we have! We miss those that are unable to make it and also Austin and Tyler on their missions.We know we have so very much to be thankful for and we give thanks to God for everything. It was a nice day filled with non-stop visiting and more than plenty of good eating. We cooked the turkeys, dressing and gravy and mashed potatoes and took them over to Larry's Mom and Dads. Crazy as it sounds, I love the preparing of Thanksgiving dinner. The smell of the kitchen, nesting at home and listening to Christmas music... most especially the making of the dressing. I still follow my Mom's detailed instructions and think of her. Years ago, my Mom would always leave a container of unbaked dressing on the counter for me to nibble on. Mmmm! This year we sent dried leaves to Tennessee to Becky for her table, each signed by one of us. My heart is never far away from hers. Happy Thanksgiving!