Christmas Day 2008

Christmas day here at my place was a great one. It was fun to watch the kids come down the stairs to see what Santa bought them for being so good this year. The kids really enjoyed it as well as the adults. Hope you Christmas was a great one!

My brother in law Jeff pulling a face.

Christmas Eve 2008

This year for Christmas Eve, my sister and her little family were able to spend Christmas Eve with me and my mother. It was such a joy to have them for the holiday. Each year, my mother buys all of her grandkids a pair of pajamas for Christmas and the kids are allowed to open them and wear them on Christmas Eve. And to make sure that Santa came to our house instead of going to theirs to drop off their presents, Granda Hendricks gave them a Santa beacon. That way, Santa could find them from the sky and give them their presents here instead of at their home.

Ben, Jeston, and Kyle making a pyramid.

Jeston in her new pajamas.

Kyle in his new pajamas.

Ben in his new pajamas.



The Santa becon that Granda Hendricks gave to the kids for Santa to find them.

Christmas Gathering with the Immediate Family 2008

I love geting together wih my family as much as I can, especially during the holidays. And as our family gets bigger, it gets even harder for me and my family to get together and spend time with one another. So, this year, our family celebrated Christmas together on the 26th for a Christmas dinner and then exchange presents and played games. Connect Four was the popular game. My mother cooked a turkey with all of the fixings and everyone enjoyed it, especially my sister and I. We ate ourselves sick. But, all in all everyone had a great time as a family.

AnnMarie reading to little Jeremy and Kyle.

Little Jeremy caught in the act touching the buttons on the TV when he was told to not touch it.

Christmas Day Night 2008

Christmas evening was a little different this year. Usually my mother and I will watch a movie at home or go to the movie theatre and see a movie on Christmas night. Well, since my sister and her pack were in town, Santa brought them a puppet show kit. And they wanted to try it out. Unfortunately, Santa forgot to leave the poles that support the curtain, so Toni and Jeff had to hold the curtain and we decided to try out the puppet show. The kids acted out the puppets and performed for me and mom how Christmas came to be. Mom helped by reading the story from the scriptures and I of course took the pictures. The kids did an awesome job of performing with the puppets for the first time, and we as adults luaghed and got a kick out of it. Enclosed is a picture from that night.

Miracle of Christmas 2008

Each year the Richmond Zoo along with other religious organizatons and churches put on a production of the Miracle of Christmas in which they use animals from the Zoo to re-create the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. For me, it is such a great way to appreciate this beautiful and sacred holiday and it maks me realize that the holiday is just so much more than expensive presents. It is remembering the love that our Savior has for each and every one of us and what he did for us. I hope that all of you have a wonderful and great Christmas!

My friend Arianne singing a Christmas song before the production.

Joseph and Mary walking towards the manger.

After the production, we were allowed to walk up and see the animals and talk with the actors.

Thanksgiving Weekend with the Family 2008

This past weekend our family was able to get together on Saturday evening and have our families Thanksgiving together. My mother opted to not have the traditional dinner, so instead we order pasta from Pizza Hut with plenty of breadsticks. Even though we all live in different parts of the state, we always make sure to sepnd time with each other. I am so grateful for my family and the tight relationship we have.

My mother with the grandkids. From left, Jeton, Kyle, Jeremy, and Ben. Missing are Kimberly, Suzanne, Ryan, and Alex.

Ben's first "Big Movie"

My sister and her husband came down for the Thanksgiving weekend. They arrived on Thanksgiving night and are staying with me an mom until Sunday evening. Today, my sister and her husband decided to attend the temple in Washington DC for the day. Well, me and my mother thought that Ben was old enough to see his first "Big Movie." So, we took my neice and nephews to see Madagascar II. Needless to say, the moie was a hit for all. And Ben did very well sitting through the movie. Note: Having popcorn and a drinks helped.

Jeston, Kyle, and Ben posing in front of the movie marquee.

Driving for a cure....

Today, I had the chance to drive BMW's to rasie money for cancer research. This event is called the "Ultimate Drive for a cure..." What this fundraiser does is every person that drives a BMW on a designated course (12 miles). And for every mile that people drive on this course, BMW donates $1.00 towards the Susan G. Komen foundation for breast cancer research. Both of my grndmothers died from breast cancer, so this is something that hits close to home. So, I recruited my friend Shanna and we drove and rode in 4 different BMW models and together between the two of us, we raised $48.00 for cancer research. After driving these magnificent vehicles, we autographed a 2008 X6. We had an awesome time.

Me and Shanna driving in a 2008 760i.
Me autographing the X6 after driving for the fundraiser.

Shanna's and my signature.

The X6 that every person signs after driving for the fundraiser.

"Time to Rally!'

I love politics. Especially in this presidential election. By far, in my opinion this election will be one of, or the closest elections ever in this nations history. Well, I had the chance of a lifetime on November 1st to attend a campaign rally in Richmond. I had the chance to hear and see Governor Sarah Palin speak. What an opportunity! I also had the chance to meet former Governor, Presidential Nominee, Republican Senator nominee Jim Gilmore, and General Rowe who is in charge of all the veterans hospitals in our nation. I am so grateful to live in such a wonderful country and to have chances like this to express my political opinions and to rally for someone who I think will be the best for our country.

Me at the rally.

GOP bus that Governor Palin and others from the Republican Party arrived in.

Governor Palin as she was leaving the rally.

Me and Jim Gilmore.

Halloween Time!!!

I love Halloween. This is the time of year that I really enjoy. To dress up and be someone or something else for just a short time is such a great stress reliever. I ended up going to a singles activity in Richmond and hanging out with some of my dearest friends.