Quiet Christmas....

Back to the parental units to eat again....way too much prepared for our small gathering the night before!

The Dodge's - their annual Christmas picture...

Preston in the midst of his gift orgy. He has so many people who love him!! Brian and his family sent gifts as well as all of us, so he was blessed with lots and lots and lots and lots of fun gifts.

More gifts!

The tree after Santa "delivered". Preston left his gingerbread house for a snack. Preston was happy that he had properly fed Santa. I told him I left Santa a big glass of wine at my house...
Quiet Day - we went home and all had naps. Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas full of fun and love.

Christmas Eve 2008

Note:
The photo of the Christmas tree on the header was taken by Vivi...while they were in town over the 15th. She did a really good job! Ho Ho Ho.....
Christmas Eve was a quiet affair this year...I'm so glad my Dad is up and feeling better. That was the best present of all.

Preston ate his dinner so he could open some presents from all his "Peeps" He is displaying the "clean" plate.

Aunt B - 'nuff said.

Yippee!!! Presents!!! Yippee!!!

A small but simple spread (NOT) Yummy dinner as always. Got home and watched "It's A Wonderful Life" ... will give some Christmas details tomorrow.

These Kids Make Me Laugh....

This is the end of the road...Preston loves to build things. Roads, buildings, carports, can towers, anything you can think of. I came over to give him his nightly "good night" kiss and he showed me what he had built.... a road, not just any road, take a careful look at this creation. I thought it was quite spectacular and creative.

This picture gives you an idea of the length - this is made of dominos, blocks, lincoln log type blocks with polished stones, plastic "jewels", magnets and rocks and whatever. Look closer, it is very detailed...

Note the different levels and colors, rocks, and jewels are very carefully laid out.

Here is an overhead view. He really worked hard on it. He makes me laugh.

Songie and her family came in Friday for her sister-in-law's wedding on Tuesday. I always get a big kick out of these kids. They went over to Hires for dinner after the wedding and Jayme, Preston, and I dropped in on them. Ian was tickled to see us. He makes me laugh.

Cady (looking very lovely in her wedding outfit) was busy having a fry - but she smiled and flirted with her cousins and us. She's so happy to hang out. She makes me laugh.

Earlier in the weekend. Dennis and Will went snowboarding. Will informed me that he walked down the hill because it was HUGE. I recall him saying my big toe was HUGE when he polished it for me once..... he makes me laugh.

These two were having some together time, both a little wacky but every so sincere.... they make me laugh too. They say it's good to laugh every day. I always do with these people hanging around! It was fun to have them visit.

View from Dad's Room...

This is the view from Dad's new hospital room (Regional Hosp) - He has the whole southern
wall with a huge window... Very nice!

Dr. Dodge is also a cosmetologist/stylist -- So many talents!! What would we do without her?

She is just freshening up Dad's "look"..

There he is - up and about. He was even making crude jokes which we don't appreciate, but we do appreciate that the man has his sense of humor back, sick as it is - no pun intended.

Another (earlier) view from the window. The new snow looked beautiful on the trees. Sue was supervising the walk, Jayme cutting the hair, Mom dishing up his hospital dinner and Carey and Preston also entertaining in the room - It was a party!

When it rains....

For some reason, when I blog from my work computer now I can't add any pictures so sorry about that... it has been a strange few weeks. My manager and friend at work, got hurt and has been in the hospital since before Thanksgiving - he will be out for at least 2 months recovering - causing a bit more work and anxiousness for us here, then today another work colleage's father passed away - he was 85, so not unexpected but still, with Dad's issues, too, it really hit us hard and also adds to the anxiousness. Dad is doing "better" but is still not functioning in a healing manner to return home or even to a snif (as David calls it) so is still kind of stuck in hospital land until they can figure out his underlying issues. He was better today after being forced to accept some blood (he initially refused and Jayme overrode him) and was even sitting up. He is really onery, which usually indicates healing with him, but the Dr said he can't go anywhere...more anxiousness this holiday season. I am looking forward to my Songie and family returning on the 12th.... Anyway, just updating a bit, hope everyone else is healthy and enjoying the holidays......hopefully we'll have no more problems and get some answers soon..... Love

Happy Thanksgiving

Sorry I missed writing on the actual day - with Dad in the hospital, and family visiting it was hard to find extra time. I am thankful for my family who mean so much. Clark, Corey and Danielle, Aaron all came to town and we almost had all of us together (except David - we missed you and your shadow, Smartalek) The Boise boys (& Danielle) did all the needed honey-do's at Mom and Dad's and Danielle cleaned and kept Mom company so that was much appreciated and helpful. Doctor Dodge has been, as usual, talking with the Doctors (as she is one of them) and keeping (trying to) Dad focused on his recovery. Sue got Mom and Dad's house decorated and Glen put up the lights so Mom can enjoy the spirit even if Dad isn't going to be home this holiday. We can hope for the next one, that he will be well. It is a strange reality to have to shift responsibilities and dynamics in our family. I'm thankful for Song and Dennis and my little gkids, who bring me so much joy. I'm thankful for my friends, Lana, Kandis and Roger who always check on me and make me laugh. I'm always extra thankful for my brother/non-husband Carey and my sweet sister Jayme, who gives too much of herself and keeps giving more-including all the free medical advise as well as sharing Preston with me. I just wish I could find someone who would clip my toe nails for me...they aren't as bad as they look....wait! Jayme said she'd take me for a pedicure - see how she is? Ever helpful. Happy Thanksgiving to all and I'll check in sooner....