Marley and Me

Wow what a movie. I think I can honestly say this is the first movie that I thought was equal to the book. Larry and I made a date to see it today, while Grammi and Pop Pop graciously agreed to babysit, so we could have some couple time. He thought it'd be a "chick" flick, but at the end agreed it was a great family film that had you going from laughing to crying in minutes.

Note to one and all - take kleenex you'll need them. Best film I'd seen in over a year. I'd highly recommend.

New Years Eve a BUST

Well Larry and I had big plans to attend a Mardi Gras party on New Years Eve, but fate intervened. Joe started getting sick on the 30th and by the 31st we both had it. Larry, being the good husband, didn't even put up a fuss when I said I wasn't up to going out, and plus I didn't feel right about even considering it when Joe was so out of sorts. New Years Eve is one of our "Anniversaries" since that is when we had our official "1st Date", so we always try to do something special. Even being sick we tried this year.

Larry borrowed some DVD's from his sister and even watched a chick flick with me - Mamma Mia. Then Joe and I were both pretty much down for the count by 7:30. Pathetic isn't it.

Me being the good wife, encouraged him to go share a beer with our brother-in-law who lives just down the road and so he went and hung out for about an hour or so. It didn't interfere with their plans either as Mary is exhausted as I, trying to get Elsa on sleeping pattern, and so she hit the hay early too.

Even though it was low key, it turned out fine. And the most important thing was that we spent it together.

Jingle Bells....

Well up on the roof their arose such a clatter... seriously I'm glad Santa didn't come to our house this year because if he had there would have been no room under our tree for his gifts. I think we may have went a little overboard with gifts, books, and games for Joe this year. Not to mention clothes. And do you know what his favorite thing was??? The gift wrap paper. I guess the joke is on me. Next year I'll just buy him a few rolls of paper.

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve here at the house with all of my family plus Larry's parents, Uncle Brian and his sister Mary and her family. Plus a special appearance by my wonderful niece, Sarah and my great-niece Grace. Sarah, Grace and Joe made a wonderful gingerbread house for Grace's mom, Beth.

We all had a few appetizers, and then a dinner of roast beef, roast pork, roasted carrots, and roast potatoes. And some very overdone broccoli - Yuck! All in all it was very nice.

The next morning we awoke and opened our gifts and then headed over to Larry's folks for Christmas brunch. Grammi and Pop-pop put on a very good spread and as usual went way over our $20 gift limit. Oh well, how are we supposed to control the parents I ask ya.

We really missed seeing Santa this year - (hint hint Pop Pop) and hope he'll make an appearance next year.

All in all we had wondeful holiday celebrations and enjoyed spending the time with all our family.

It's Tulsa time!

My cousin Michelle (aka. Missy) came to visit for a few days before Christmas all the way from the great state of Oklahoma. We all had a very nice visit and Michelle kicked my butt in gear and got me started baking. We made Grandma Hill's famous finnish bread, Nissou, and it was a big hit with mom and my in-laws. Mom and I even sent a loaf in the mail to Uncle Jake and Uncle Armas. As usual Uncle Armas toasted his up and had it with a little butter - YUMMY!

Joe fell in love with Michelle. I think he's officially dubbed her his new girlfriend as he was constantly climbing in her lap and giving her tons of head butts (his way of giving kisses). I think the feeling was mutual as she was giving as much love as she was getting.

Our visit was way to short, only four days, but memorable. Missy thanks for making the trip. It was one of the highlights of our year. We love ya.

Happy Holidays

Larry, Joe, Mom and I would like to wish each and every one of you a joyous holiday and a New Year filled with love, laughter, and many adventures. We love you all.