HO-HO-HO-HOOOO From Elder Thompson

A special yuletide shout out from big fat ... 

holly jolly ... 

belly full of jelly ... 

ho-ho-ho ... 

(I miss him so much ... sniff ...)

festive Peruvian ... 

and truly cuter than a bugs ear ... 

Ryan!!!

A Day With Brennan

Brennan's the one in the middle!

Brennan got home from his mission a few days ago and I've missed him a ton. So I went and got him for the day and we all played ...  got a a juicy american hamburger and fries, had fun with the kids (especially his eager brother Shawn who was thrilled to have big-bro home), shared fond memories of the "mish" with us all, and then he jumped in with some fun family Christmas photos.

  We sure love that kid ... okay, MAN.

A 15-year-old MAN

Shawn next to very cool Pokeman Ball cake ... yes, he's still a kid inside

Shawn teetering a Codester on his shoulders

A photo shoot of the whole birthday gang

Dad scored huge points with this gift!

Kelly and Little Codes

Mom wins the whole game of SPOONS! Well, duh ... of course she did.

Waiting in line for roasted chicken ... hey, save some for the birthday boy!

Look who had a birthday?!! ... Shawnie!

Today ... December 13th ... is Shawn David's birthday. He's a 15-year-old boy stuck in a man's body. He stands over six feet tall and has all the signs of a boy trying to fit comfortably in a suit two sizes too big. Adorable ... and somewhat entertaining to watch.

We had a small family party at home (Shawn's request each year) where we ate a huge dinner, played games, opened presents and then cut into a very cool Pokeman ball cake (courtesy of Shawn's step-mom, Kelly). It was fun to have Brennan (Shawn's older brother) home from his mission to enjoy the evening with us.

This boy has been my "teddy bear" for years. I am so thankful to have been blessed to be his mother. He was a miracle child after years of not being able to stay pregnant after Ryan. Shawn was certainly well worth the battle and ... life without this adorable and quirky child would be very dull indeed.

Originals ... Art and Friends

ORIGINAL OWNERS

We've had fun this Christmas with some friends.

Two of the couples are original owners.

Dave and Randi Powell commissioned London about six months ago and have become wonderful friends. Bill and Nancee Madsen own the Festival of Trees. Ironically, it was a bidding battle between these two couples for the Festival of Trees painting as it was auctioned for the opening gala of the 2008 Festival of Trees in Salt Lake City (benefiting the Primary Children's Hospital).

We had a lovely casual visit with the Powell's in their beautiful home, complete with fireside chatting and home-made molten chocolate cake (Randi is the domestic goddess of our planet). They were so gracious.

The Madsen's hosted their 9th annual Christmas party in a home that rivals Temple Square in festive lights. The home was packed with an abundance of friends and ridiculously tasty foods. It was fun seeing Eric's beautiful painting amongst their extensive art collection. We look forward to a lasting friendship with these wonderful people.

We are so grateful for our original owners. And when we can call them "friend", we consider that a true gift.

BRENNAN'S HOME!!!!!!!

OH HAPPY DAY!!!!! SING A SONG OF JOY!!!!

Our Brennan is finally home from his mission!

Brennan is my step-son from my first marriage and I claim him as my own, even though I have to share him with his Dad, his Mom in heaven, his other Mom Kelly, his sister Caramie, the Watsons, the Thompsons ...  so many that adore him. 

He'll always be my boy ... my little "rolly-polly"

He came home Monday, Dec 8, at 2:00 p.m. at terminal One right into the arms of those who love him so much. He's been in Mexico and speaks Spanish like a native ... but certainly doesn't look Mexican at all. I think he grew another two inches on his mission and got more ruggedly handsome then the day we said goodbye.

 Ahhummm ... he's single and looking as of 5:00 pm on Monday 

where he was finally released from his mission. So "RM" of him ... 

see I know some Mormon acronyms too.

I'm so happy to have this son home. 

Now we'll continue to support Ryan until his return ... in like 100 years ... where we'll receive him with just as many family, friends, balloons, quirky posters and embarrassing pictures.

Good luck Brennan as you acclimate to a NORMAL world again. We love you!

Aunt Dinah had a Birthday

Look who turned 102!

Kidding ... of course. Dinah's just younger than me, which would make her ... uh ... like ... 23 ... right?

We had fun going to lunch with our little squishies, Lydia and Cody. And then we did girl stuff ... shopping of course. 

Happy Birthday D-Word! 

Have a fabulous year and play a whole bunch ... especially with sisters!

No Elbows On The Table

What fork do I use!?

A Christmas buffet gave us the perfect opportunity to have a manners night - where the kids could practice etiquette and enjoy some spectacular food (courtesy of our friend Nancy Wellar).

I was able to scare up only two of my own kids (Shawn and Cody) so had to snatch a few other rug-rats of my sister's ... Austin and Kaden ... who were fabulous and get an A+ on manners. I was so proud of these nephews of mine. All the kids were spectacular and learned a few social graces to-boot!