Odds and Ends

Because Jaycee's visit home was so short, we packed a lot of activity into the weekend.  Saturday morning we went to see Maddox (my brother, Jason's son) play soccer.  MD (we affectionately call him Maddo Daddo) has to be one of the sweetest kids around. 

Saturday night, Jonah attended the Kappa Formal with his sweetheart, Lauren.

Sunday, we spent the afternoon celebrating Jenna and Mitch who share November birthdays.  It was a treat to have my mom come up from Bakersfield to celebrate with us.  She hadn't met Cristiano yet.

We can't have a family celebration and not take a picture of the Great Grammies with the babies.  TREASURES!

Next stop....Thanksgiving.....I CAN'T WAIT!

 

Favorite Tradition

November is one of my favorite months. The season finally changes (at least that's when it happens in Fresno).  We go from 101 degrees to 75, overnight!  The time changes and the air has a  distinct smell to it.  And, it signals the Holidays are coming which means lots of family time!

Jenna was born in November and I remember what a beautiful day it was when we took her home from the hospital.  She is now 27!  I can't believe that many years have passed.  Time truly does fly.  (I know that's not a news bulletin to most of you!)

November, is the continuation of a family tradition that is very meaningful to me....our annual Christmas picture for the letter that goes out to our friends and family.  My mom began this tradition when I was one and I have carried it on. 

 

 

 

 

 

My mom would spend hours handwriting her letters (individually), and in the mail they went.  Even though I type one letter and copy it, make address labels and return address labels, stamp my cards, my 250 plus card project takes several hours to complete!

 

This year presented me with my first real challenge!  Jaycee lives out of town now (stinker).  Thankfully, she decided to come home (for the 1st time since June) the weekend of Jenna's birthday.  I just had to pray that Trenton would be here since he works out of town as a firefighter.  Sunday, November 17th (Jenna's birthday) was the day!  Mary Kate Mannino (MKM Photography) was available and off we went! 

 

Trenton and Jenna suggested that we do football jerseys as our theme this year.  Sounded good to me!  Of course, they were the only one's to have jerseys in their possession, so the rest were borrowed! 

 

Below are a few of my favorites.  I haven't picked out the one I will use for our Christmas card, yet.

As you can see, it was a wonderful family day!  I know as our family grows, it will be hard to get everyone together for our picture.  So, we take it one year at a time.....right?

 

 

Road Trip

It has been hard having my mom live 2 hours away.  I know, I am whining, but when you grow up living in the same town as your family, you get spoiled.  Many kids move away from their hometown.  Sometimes, a job takes them away, but many times, they choose to live apart from their loved ones.  I can't imagine my kids and grandkids moving away, but I know it's a real possibility.

My mom's husband, Lee, is from Bakersfield.  When they got married, my mom moved there and that's where they have lived for 20 years.  It's actually not too bad because it's only a 2 hour drive. But it's not the same as having her live here, in Fresno with us.  Wa Wa Wa.

It had been a few months since mom has come up to visit, so I thought a few of us could go her way and drop in on her (unannounced) for OPERATION SURPRISE GRAN SUKA.  Jason (my younger brother), Heidi (his wife), Maddox (their son), Jonah, and I hopped in Jason's car and headed down the road. 

Operation Surprise Gran in Action

We just had such a nice day visiting. 

And then, back to reality and a new week!