My dear Grandpa

Yesterday my Grandpa McDonald had a stroke and is in the hospital. My mom and dad both me called and said that my grandpa had had a stroke. My grandma called my Dad in the morning and told her that Grandpa was lying on the floor in the basement. Dad drove up there as fast as he could and said that he knew almost immediately what had happened. He called 911 and sat with Grandpa while he waited for the ambulance to arrive. It is a miracle that Grandma was able to find his number, let alone make the call and I am so proud of Dad for staying calm and handling it the way he did, because he isn't always good in those types situations. When they got Grandpa to the hospital the Dr. said that the stroke was massive, treatment options limited and chance of success almost non-existent. The best that could be hoped for would be that he would pass the in the next few days.

I went and saw him yesterday and it was so hard. I just sobbed and sobbed along with everyone else that came to visit. I wish that I had spoke with him more on Christmas Eve and that I had come up for Christmas Day. I love him very much and will miss him greatly. I have so many wonderful memories. I think of grandpa in his garden, his little tan truck, sleeping in a tent in his backyard, the fourth of July parties we would have, Christmas Eve's, summer and birthday meals on the patio. Him sitting in his chair reading the newspaper. He was a hard working man and took good care of his family. I appreciate the example of being a hard worker and being self reliant. I love you Grandpa!!!!

Christmas Day

Christmas day is always one of my favorite days. I always hate when it is over. This year I felt particularly sad. I love the feel of Christmas and the time we spend with family and friends and the activities. I guess it is a good thing it comes every year because I need it.

The kids woke us up at 6:30 and Liam was jumping up and down yelling "Santa and Rudolph came." We headed downstairs and the kids eyes were big as they looked around at the stocking and their Santa items. They looked in their stockings first and then they opened their Santa presents. Tucker got Lego Batman 3, The Scorch Trials movie, and a hoodie. Sawyer got Antman, Lego Jurassic World and Gravity Maze (board game). Aiden got Inside Out, A robot toy, and a lantern (it projects stars on the ceiling). Liam got the minion movie, playdoh set, and a puzzle. Here is the other things the kids got.

Tucker - BYU hoodie, guinness book, historical conquest, regular show season 1 and 2, Sonic and All-Stars Racing, wimpy kid book

Sawyer - BYU hoodie, Light bright/ dino refill, farm refill, darts, lego deminsions world

Aiden - BYU Hoodie, darkwing duck vol 1-2, wind up car, yoshi yarn, color wonder

Liam - BYU hoodie, puzzles, playdoh, playdoh set, duck tales vol 2

Grandma got Liam puzzles and a marble worker. Aiden got Ned's head and lego dimensions set. Sawyer got the lego dimensions game. Tucker got historical conquest, a book and a shirt. The boys got each other some kendama's, toys, shirts, and movies.


Blaine got a hoodie, knife sharpener, Josh Groban tickets, movies, cliff bars, workout band for his phone, a silicon ring, and cycling beanie.

I got nail polish, movies, coloring books and pencils, a silicone ring, workout phone holder, a portable charger from my parents, and a curling iron.

Later for dinner I cooked my first ever prime rib and it turned out pretty good. we played and laughed and spent time as a family. It was a nice day. Blaine had to work on Christmas which was crappy but it was still a nice day. I wish everyday could feel like Christmas.

Here there are playing with the marble worker.

Christmas Eve

On Christmas Eve the kids helped me clean and bake for the activities to come. We went and got McDonald's for lunch and I was loved having the day with just my kids. In the evening we went to my Aunt Lisa's house for Christmas Eve festivities. We had a nice dinner and the kids did the nativity and played. They also did an ugly Christmas sweater contest in which we did not participate. It was the second family event that did that and I had no Christmas attire. I guess I need to invest in some ugly Christmas sweaters. It was fun to see everyone and enjoy the Christmas spirit with those I care about. After the party was done we headed home and the kids opened their Christmas pj's and put put food for Santa's reindeer and milk and cookies for Santa. Then it was off to bed and mom and dad waited for Santa.

Liam wanted to be an angel and this was Liam doing his angel face. Ha ha! Not sure where he gets these things from.

Here is the kids doing the nativity.

Here is the kids doing and their Christmas pj's and robes.

Christmas party

On Tuesday Dec. 22nd we went up to my parents for a Christmas dinner and party. We had lasagna, bread, salad and ice cream. It is always nice to get together as a family. I enjoy it and think it is so important. The kids did the nativity and my dad read the story from the scriptures. We played a game where we put a paper plate on our heads and drew a Christmas tree. It was fun. Then later in the evening Tucker and Sawyer went with Uncle Robert to see the new Starwars movie. They had fun and loved the movie. The rest of us hung out at my mom and dads and the two little ones watched the minion's movie.