Gus is Growing ~

Don't you just love this little scrunched up face? I do! It is hard to get him to hold his head up for pictures. If he doesn't then all of his skin ends up over his eyes and you can't see them. It makes him look kind of grumpy doesn't it? But he is not a grumpy dog. He is so full of puppy energy, ready to play or just snuggle on the couch with you. We are doing our best to spoil him and having fun teaching him how to be a good boy at the same time. A couple of days ago, he went to the back door and "knocked" to go out. How's that for a smart little puppy!?!

Sledding in Arco ~

Today was such a fun family day. We loaded up Kristine and Gus and went out to Arco to see Michelle and Alex and the girls. Alex found a sledding hill that had enough snow and we were off. Thank goodness Grandma's have cameras so we don't have to ride the sleds, and son-in-laws that will 4-wheel drive us into the middle of the action. Kymber was such a brave sledder and it was so cute how she held onto Sydni for their own ride down the hill. I love family days like this, life just doesn't get much better.

Yes, we took Gus. Isn't he growing. I'll post more of him tomorrow.

"I Heard the Bells..." ~

I love this Christmas Hymn. It is a sentimental favorite that always reminds me of sitting in Church at Christmastime with my family. I would always sing alto, and I remember my Dad singing bass. It was such a favorite wherever we were living. This year it hadn't been on any of the programs throughout December and last Sunday when we got to church I looked at the bulletin and it wasn't scheduled that day either. I figured I would just miss out on that memory this year, but as they were closing the meeting they announced a change and "I Heard the Bells On Christmas Day" was the closing hymn. I was thrilled, but as they started the prelude I got so choked up with memories, that I couldn't sing. Yeah, I sat there in tears listening and remembering so many wonderful years of memories with my family. So to my dear family, I hope all of you enjoyed your holidays as you were literally spread from one corner of this country to the other. You were thought of, remembered and missed.

Cute puppy picture ~

I'm sure you all have been waiting to see how Gus is growing. He is almost 3 months old now.

Dinnertime ~

It is time to start cooking dinner. Today I am doing Enchilladas. It is a family favorite and something that I know everyone enjoys. I'd add the recipe, but I think all three of my blog readers all ready have it. It takes a while to make, but is worth when you get everyone around the dinner table. Today, however it is much more fun to cook. I've got Gus running around the kitchen "helping" me. He will sit on my feet when I'm standing still, or run to his bag of food when he sees the pantry door open. More than once, he has gotten stepped on too. Those big puppy feet and long ears are always in the way.

Just wanted to add that it has been worth the frequent trips out to the freezing cold backyard to have a little friend again. We all are enjoying him.

Raisin Pie ~

I've found over the years that people have strong opinions about Raisin Pie. Rod loves it, and I don't. But I have learned to make a pretty good one, or so I've been told. When I started making them, less than a month after we were married, Rod would eat the whole pie. Now, I just make them on special occasions like Church Dinners when they ask for pot luck desserts. This way Rod can have his piece and the other 5 people who love Raisin Pie can get their fix too. I have go back to my old, old from the '50s Betty Crocker Cookbook for the recipe. So here is your notice, if you are one of the handful of people that love Raisin Pie, be sure and make it to the Pioneer Ward Christmas Dinner tonight. I'm sure they will be lining up to get their Raisin Pie, or maybe the line will be for the Prime Rib?

Getting caught up ~

It feels like the merry-go-round is finally slowing down so I can jump off. We have managed to accomplish quite a bit in the past couple of months, updating my blog frequently hasn't been one of those things though. If a picture says a thousand words, then that is probably the best way to go.

We had a fun Bridal Shower for Jennifer. Lots of good food, family and friends. Thanks to all who came and helped make it such a fun afternoon. Kymber was a great little hostess, she greeted everyone at the door, passed out jelly beans and helped with presents.

We are still waiting for pictures from the wedding photographer, so until then, this is what I have to share. Thanks to Leslie, there are more than just the two I took. Our little family is growing!

We were so glad that so many of our family could come and celebrate with us.These are the bridesmaid dresses that I made. The girls looked so pretty. Walking down the stairs in high heels and down the aisle gracefully was a challenge, but they pulled it off and looked amazing. Michelle made her little girls dresses. And the best test of all, the dresses have all ready been worn again. Not just a one party dress. Brad and Alex looked so nice in their matching ties.The little girls did really well during the long event. This is one of my favorite pictures of when Sydni had finallyhad enough. Thanks, Uncle Brad.

A week after the wedding we added this little guy to the family. Jennifer and Trever stopped in Boise on their way home from Seattle and picked him up for us. It has been fun getting to know him and to teach him the rules. Basset Hounds are very smart, but quite stubborn. Gus is learning fast what he should and shouldn't do. We are learning that he will do anything for a treat, even in freezing cold weather. Good Boy!

Then Rod's Dad who has been battling Cancer for 7 years passed away the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Here is a picture of him from a few years ago. He was a great man who raised a good family. It was so nice to be there and hear from so many who he has taught and influenced over the years. Our nephew Derrick played "Amazing Grace" on the bagpipes up at the cemetary. It was something Max wanted and such a nice memory for those of us who were there to listen. (I did video it on my camera, so when I figure out how to share it I will.)

Since we had just got Gus four days before, he had to take the trip too. He was a good little traveler and even enjoyed the motel. We did take his little kennel, so he didn't have free fun of the place.

Well, now you are caught up on what has been going on here. And we have just 24 days ready to get ready for the next big event.