Christmas 2013

For the Christmas music program at school the 1st graders did a number about how Santa used a zebra to pull his sleigh when he went to deliver toys in Africa (or something to that effect). Each 1st grader was supposed to sign up to come up with a costume for the number. Alex had his heart set on being a lion, and this is what I came up with, with Steph's help. I thought he looked pretty cute.

Even though he is now 6 1/2 years old, I still love finding cute outfits for Alex for the holidays. I thought he looked quite dapper in his plaid bow tie.

On Christmas Eve, we all got together at my brother's house for a Mexican fiesta of epic proportions. Sooo delicious!

We finally got a good picture of our family! Unfortunately, when said picture is taken on Christmas Eve, it's a little too late to use it for Christmas cards :(

I'm sure all the older nieces and nephews were simply thrilled that my sister and I insisted on our traditional re-enactment of the nativity. We don't want our youngest to miss out, so we make the older ones play along. Apparently, the wise man in the crimson is a little camera shy. I wonder if he was paranoid that his aunt just might post these pictures on facebook?!

A 44 year old Joseph and a 17 year old Mary may in other circumstances seem a tad creepy, but in our family whomever is willing to take the starring roles... we just go with it.

The whole cast.

This little stinker hopped out of bed and ran into the family room before we had a chance to get in there and get the camera and video camera poised and ready to capture that magic moment. Oh well. Alex got a cool light saber that lights up and has sound effects. Also, a new scooter that is blending in with the Christmas tree in this picture.

He still loves koalas, and asked Santa for one (meaning a live one), but Australia was fresh out of live koalas, so this one will have to do.

Grandma made Alex this adorable pillow case. He also got a really nice koala book. It was a great Christmas!

Alpha Phi Formal

Steph went to her sorority's formal this fall with an old friend, Tim. He's a great guy and it sounds like they had a good time. As usual, Steph was rushing out the door and didn't give me any mommy time to take pictures of the two of them. So, I had to steal this one off facebook. It's not the best quality but it's a cute picture.

I think of myself as a farely humble person, but one aspect of my life that I'm not too modest about is the fact that I make some dang beautiful babies... who grow up to be a beautiful young lady

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanksgiving 2013

Following our usual Thanksgiving tradition, we went to my sister Lorna's house for dinner, preceded by the usual "hurry up and try to take some family photos for Christmas cards before dinner is ready". Unfortunately, the two oldest decided it would be fun to do an "ugly sweater" look that day, while Steve, Alex and I all looked very nicely coordinated. Hence, no Christmas cards from the Lillys for the first time in years. Oh well...

 

Dinner was delicious, and we loved being able to meet my cousin's granddaughter, Norah who came down from Idaho to join us.

Before the Thanksgiving break, I got to go help serve a "Thanksgiving feast" to the first graders. This is my little Native American, apparently deep in meditation.

Our family has the greatest cousins. They made a plan over the Thanksgiving break to carry on the tradition of their childhood and have a "cousins sleepover". We had cousins ranging in age from 6 all the way up to 22. I was so happy, not only to see that as teens and young adults that they still want to hang out together, but that my little Alex, being so much younger, was able to experience a cousin's sleepover as well. It sounds like they had a great time. I sent my camera with Steph, hoping to get some great group pictures, but the camera came back mostly with silly selfies and such.

Over the next few years as these cousins start to get married, maybe they can talk their future spouses into a big joint cousins sleepover. Or maybe that's a bit much to hope for...

Brother Stephen

Steve received quite a surprise a few weeks ago when he was asked to be the second counselor in our bishopric. He was very flattered, but also feeling a bit overwhelmed and wondered if he would be able to do it. But, as we are often hear, the Lord qualifies those that He calls and so Steve constantly has to exercise faith that Heavenly Father knows what He is doing. So far, of course it has been very busy with various meetings, home visits, etc. but he is learning so much. It has been almost exactly 4 years since he was baptized. He has grown so much in the church, and I know that his growth will continue to multiply immensely as he serves in this calling. We have a wonderful, patient bishop who will be perfect in guiding and training Steve to do all he needs to know how to do. I have gained a new appreciation for how much time the bishopric puts in for their ward. Everyone always says that the blessings outweigh the sacrifices and I can already see that.

There are two things that I have been quite tickled  by as I reflect on these changes. First, my husband is a leisurely Southern bred man who takes his time getting ready to go places. Sunday mornings were often a source of irritation for me as he would wait until almost the last minute to get ready, often resulting in being late. The joy I feel now as I wake up Sunday morning knowing that Steve has already been at the church for a half hour for early meetings. It is sweet.

Secondly, as Steve was growing up he would spend HOURS at church each Sunday and at least a few evenings at church activities during the week. His dad is a Baptist preacher and it came with the territory of being a PK (preacher's kid). So, as a young adult Steve rationalized that he had "done his time" all those many hours spent at church growing up, so he didn't make it a priority to attend church each week. Without fail, every Sunday Steve's mother would beckon him to come to services. "Stevie, you comin' to church?" (Insert southern accent). Steve was quite an expert at dodging the bullet, and sometimes he would go, sometimes... not so much. That being said, I can't help but imagine that Steve's mom is looking down on him from heaven and just getting the biggest kick out of what has become of her little Stevie. Here he is.... every Sunday at church from sunup to sundown, and busy with various activities throughout the week.

I've been grateful for all the prayers and support of our family and friends, and also appreciate the well wishes and encouragement shown by ward members. I'm sure that their confidence in Steve does wonders for him.

Not even five years ago, I never could have fathomed that I would be sitting alone in church, not because I was truly alone as I did for so many years, but because my husband was sitting up on the stand as a member of the bishopric. It just goes to show that you never know what the future holds.

Andrew's Game

My nephew Andrew plays football for Southern Utah University which is about 3 hours from Salt Lake, but last weekend they played at Weber State in Ogden so we were able to go watch his game.

Andrew is #93. He's always been tall, but when you go to college to play they seriously bulk you up. He is huge! (In a good way, not in a fat, blobby way.)

A guy Steve coaches high school football with has tickets for up in the box (that you can see on the opposite side of the field). He had 3 extra tickets for Steve, Alex and I, so when we first got there we were up in the nice warm box where we dined on  free brownies and lemonade. But then I figured we'd better go mingle with the "little people" to show them that we still know how to keep it real. Totally kidding!

Stephenie and her cousins had a sleepover the night before and then went to the game together. I love that they are not just cousins, but also buddies.

 

I absolutely love this adorable picture of Andrew and Alex, I could just look at it all day.

It was nice that the team was able to visit with friends and family after the game before heading back.

Andrew and Uncle Steve have always had a special bond through their love of sports, topped off now by the commonality of both having played college football.

 My brother Eric and his gorgeous family.

We have a family joke that no matter where Steve goes, he will run into an old friend. It really made his day that he was able to watch 3 young men play that he coached back in his Kearns High days. Karl plays for Weber and Fatu and Toa play for SUU. He also coached Sa, the young lady in basketball at Kearns.

We're really proud of Andrew and all he's accomplished. He's really grown up to be a fine young man. (Wow, that statement just made me sound really old!!)

Halloween Twenty-Thirteen

This year I am the head room representative for Alex's 1st grade class, so I was in charge of planning the class Halloween party. Luckily, Alex has a willing big sister who came along and helped. I thought the party was a success. The kids were really cute and a lot of fun. All the first grade teachers dressed like Minions, it was super cute.

Alex has been completely obsessed with Sonic the Hedgehog for quite a while now. He would make a good actor, he gets very  much in character when he's wearing his costume. In his mind, he is Sonic.

Alex requested a Sonic jack-o-lantern. I have to confess I was kind of impressed with my mostly free-handed attempt.
Alex gets a little freaked out when he is trick or treating and comes across a scary looking house. So, after a couple blocks he had had his fill. No complaints here. Even better, within just a few days after Halloween he had already forgotten about his candy stash. His dentist would be so proud.

Girl's Weekend

Back in October my sister Lorna and I flew to California for a special "girls weekend" with my mom and other sister Lesley.

We had a wonderful trip. It was nice to just lounge around and relax.

 I hadn't been to Napa in the fall in many years. I loved seeing the vineyards in their harvest colors. My dad, Lorna and I took a walk early Saturday morning and saw probably 10 or so hot air balloons above as we walked along the vineyards. Heavenly.

We went to a production of "Pride and Prejudice" in Sacramento. Before the play, we went to Lesley's house for a "tea party" to be in the proper Jane Austen mood.

On Sunday all the California family got together for dinner. We sure do have some cute grandkids/great-grandkids in our family. I sure wish my Alex would eat like his cousin Abram. He loved his pumpkin pie.

Little Aila is one of the happiest, most smiley babies I've ever seen and I am totally in love.

 

Alexis rules the roost wherever she goes. With that red hair, crystal blue eyes and cheeks that you could sink your teeth into, I think she is already aware that she's got us all wrapped around her finger.

Lorna and I are hoping to make this trip a new tradition. (Not sure if our families know this yet!) Actually, they were all very good sports about being mommy-less for a few days. Only 11 months to go till our next trip!