Emma performed in the school's Christmas choir this year. It was an ordeal, but absolutely worth her effort. I am extremely proud of her courage and talent! But don't tell that to her face or she'll go into pout mode. Regardless, Em enjoyed this and continues to amaze me with her desire to be involved in the arts. She is definitely dedicated to her craft!

Choir/Lighting Ceremony

I am sorry about the poor quality. I took this with my dinosaur of a camera. Enjoy!

Olivia - the Philanthropist

This year Em joined a Christmas choir. It requires her to be to school at 7:20!!! So O has been going to daycare in the morning with Ada (neighbor). David sent her over there yesterday with cold pizza for breakfast (that should be a whole new post) but Ada made her french toast and put the pizza in the fridge. Apparently O went in and grabbed it and took it to school. But not to eat. The school is doing a food drive for the Food Bank. She put the bag of pizza under the "holiday tree" at school for...and I quote "I put the pizza there for the poor people who don't have any food." She was distraught though because they then told her that she needed to bring cans. Way to go O - She didn't even tell us that she had a school project like that!
Today, O had shoved money in her pocket from her money jar. She and Emma were fighting about taking money to school. O wanted to "give it to the poor people." You have to love a kid with a heart like that! I love you Olivia!

Lighting Ceremony

Quit schmooshing my cheeks mom!

Our goofy and awesome family!

Me and Steph

I told you there would be a lot of posts....

On Saturday, we went to our city's annual lighting ceremony. We went with the youngest of David's brothers and his wife (one of my partner's-in-crime). It was really nice, mellow and we had a lot of fun just hanging out. We haven't done that in a while, so it was refreshing. The kids all loved the lights and the fireworks show.

I personally love the holidays - and not for the presents. I love the feeling of charity and hope. The hope that maybe next year will be better, less sadness and more joy. I also love celebrating the birth of Christ and the hope that gives us all.

Enjoy this season!

Grandma Marion

On Friday, November 28, 2008, Grandma Marion passed away. She was 80 years old. I will say that the best thing she ever did for my family was be kind to our daughter. It gave Em a chance to be close to an older person. And Grandma Marion was loving to her. She will forever be the Matriarch.

Black Friday

Happy mom and son!

Yummy Brazilian food and cousins!

You can't see this, but they are standing on the part of the train that shifts (think MUNI bus). They thought it was hilarious.

My nephew's first time on the train!

On Black Friday, I went to SLC with my oldest girl, my nephew, his mom, my niece and her dad to see Body Worlds. It was for my nephew's birthday. We rode the train down, saw the exhibit and then headed to the Gateway for a delicious Brazilian lunch. YUM! My nephew was so kind and cordial everywhere we went. It was really a treat for me to be able to spoil him! Thankfully, he didn't want to shop....So I bought myself some nice boots! It was a wonderful day for us all.

Thanksgiving

Cousins... Top pic is the redhead trio!

*sigh* brothers....

First, I must state that I am extremely blessed. David and I have be fortunate to have our jobs, our health and a wonderful family! God has given us much! I usually dread family gatherings - David is from a big family (and I from a small one). I get clausterphobic and a bit overwhelmed with all the cousins. However, this Thanksgiving was a great one! Not only did the kids all play well together, but the adults were all in good moods.

My "married" family - well, we were all just thrust together. While we each fell in love with one of them (our spouse), there is no law stating that you have to like or even get along with your inlaws. And don't get me wrong, there are days where I don't enjoy some of them. But Thanksgiving was perfect. The conversation was upbeat and fun!

But my favorite activity was when four of the sisters-in-law escaped! We cornered our husbands and told them we were going to the movies - and then vanished. No time for them to discuss it with us. And yes, we did go see Twilight (loved it) and yes we had all seen the movie before. Yes, we are twisted and weird, but that was why it was so much fun! For 2 1/2 hours, we girls were, well, just girls! Giggling and laughing, dissecting the movie and the novel. I appreciated the bond of sisterhood that night. And I must give the men credit. They were patient and kind with us (I mean, we left ALL the kids with them).

So, I say here that I am very Thankful for my family - ALL of them. NorCal, SoCal and Utah. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday!