Winter Wonderland

The beautiful icicles that hung from the Gardner home in Pinetop.The incredible ice flowers formed by ice crystals in the snow.
Do you see the fence and how high the snow is?

The majesty of nature's beauty.

The fence buried.

What an amazing sight the wonder of winter brings! I love the beauty of nature and enjoy that I don't have to scrape my windows every morning to drive, just visit and enjoy! As this year ends I am grateful for the love that my family has shown me. Spending time together is one of my favorite things to do. Memories of my family together growing up are still precious to me. Together, Forever, No Matter What! We have our differences, our share of contention and stress but through it all we know that we are loved and that is a blessing for which I will be eternally grateful. I love my sweet husband and feel he is so perfect for me. He is my perfect complement. He is calm when I'm a storm and keeps the tide of our home ever flowing towards our Heavenly Home as one eternal family. Family and friends are life's greatest blessings!

Snow Forts, Snowball Fights and Snowmen

Ben helping Grandpa stoke the fire! You wouldn't believe how heavy these snow balls get!Josh dug out this snow tunnel from the fort they built earlier for the snowball fight.

Josh built a whole city for his snowman!

Josh finishing his snowman!

Brennen's snowman smiled just like him!

Jarom in the tunnel

Brookly is part of the snowball fight.

The boys verses Brookly and Josh!

Ben helped Brennen build his snowman!

Josh's snow fort for protection from the onslaught of snowballs!

What fun snow play can be! The weather was beautiful so the kids played outside as much as possible! They built this snow fort the night we got there and had a hard time Sunday waiting! Whenever fingers or toes got too cold Grandpa's fire warmed them right back up!

Sledding by the Old Ski Run!

Monday, December 29th, 2008

Brennen and Ben for a bumpy ride!Samuel had a great time!
Josh climbs back up for another run!
Hold on Jar!

Brookly at the top!

Brennen always smiles!

Still smiling!

Jarom loves the snow!

Yes, even I went down with Ben.

Ben loved riding with his Daddy!

Sledding is a family favorite and we sure missed Dallin! Dallin was with Skyline Marching Band in Texas playing for the Alamo Bowl. We came home to AJ on New Years Eve to be home when he got home. Everyone hit the slopes and we had our cousin, Samuel, with us for added fun! I thought it would be freezing like the first day we got there so I really made the kids bundle up, but it was actually 50 degrees out and by the end we all took off our coats, just not the mittens!

Christmas Dessert at Myrna and Bill's

Jarom got a big hug from Grandma!Ben and I Jar and Brookly with cousins
Want some of my cookie?

On the way to Bill & Myrna Sheppard's for dessert we stopped by and gave our gift to Grandma Gurney and Aunt Karen who were at Genie's for Christmas. We only stopped a minute because we were so late from the pies! Always love from Grandma!

We had fun at Sheppard's and the kids love playing with all these 2nd cousins even though I don't know all their names! The highlight was the piano duet by Jacob and Devaun for Sleigh Ride. Greg, polish up, we're on for next year with Mom and Dad here! I'll get you the music early! Myrna had hurt her back and was not feeling well so I dropped by her room for a visit (until Wes had to come in from the car to get me:) Always fun to be with family!

Christmas Dinner with Friends

It's Christmas Day!
December 25th, 2008
The food was good! Dallin, Gabe and Brennen!

Tonya, Manuel, Denise, Shelby and Brookly

Alex, Tami, Caillou,Dallin, Gabe, Brennen, Wes
Double Trouble

Cera and Ben

Shelby and Brookly had fun on karaoke.It's been so long since I made a pumpkin pie that I forgot you need evaporated milk and that you need HOURS to make them. I agreed to make them for Aunt Myrna's for dessert later.

They turned out great thanks to lots of help from Tonya!Since we were going to be alone for dinner we suggested that any neighbors also alone come on over! We had fun hanging out and such yummy food was brought! A good time was had by all!

We Believe

Countdown to Santa!

I got my game system! Cool helicopter and stuff for Texas!
Jarom loves Christmas!
Brennen and Josh with their huge bumper ball!

Ben got his Mack truck and CARS!
Brookly loves her karaoke machine!

Fun for all boys!

Sweet presents from our children, thanks Brennen!
The big surprise for Dallin!
What precious memories Christmas morning brings! At our home we are believers in Santa! We believe in the goodness of giving and receiving the gifts of Christmas! We believe that childhood is a magical time that only comes once and should be enjoyed. We teach the true meaning of Christmas as well and tell many stories of Christ and His birth. We love the whole spirit the season brings! The light in the children's eyes makes all the planning and creative financing and late hours worth it! Each one was so grateful and they only got a few things this year but it was so much fun to be together. How blessed we are that Wes got time off and we had lots of family time! What a special day!

Christmas Eve

Sweet Shepherd Do they look naughty or nice?

Silly Shepherds

Angel Gabriel

The most mischievous shepherd ever!

For Christmas Eve we had the Buckpitt's come over. Originally it was supposed to be Peterson's, and Mom and Dad Gardner as well. Dad decided to drive back to Pinetop that morning because of the snow and another storm coming. We were all so sad to see them go! Kalli ended up sick so the Peterson's didn't come. So we had a Mexican dinner with Genie, William, Samuel and Andrew.

After they left we had our own little family nativity. The kids were so grouchy for this that we almost called off Christmas! I guess it has to do with being overtired and anxious at the same time! We did pull it together and put out cookies and eggnog for Santa and carrots for the reindeer before bed. Oh, the anticipation was great!