December is finally here and I am so in the mood for the holidays! I have already decorated the house, except the tree, I want to do that closer to Christmas so that it is fresh. I start the holiday baking today and the first two things I am going to make are Pepper Nuts and Toffee. Thanks for the recipes Diane, these are my favorites!

We started the month with a huge snowstorm and it is so beautiful. We also went to the Billy Joel concert with some friends and it will be a night I will never forget. There just isn't anything like good music with good friends!

If you get a chance to reflect on the reason for the season, I promise you won't be sorry! I hope I get a chance to blog again this month but if not, Have a very Merry Christmas!!!

I am so thankful for my wonderful life. I have been truly blessed. I have a wonderful family, good health, incredible friends and live in a beautiful place.

I hope all of you have a peaceful Thanksgiving this year and find a quiet moment to reflect on all the things you are thankful for.

To you, my friend, I love you and I am thankful for you.

So fun! Grandpa and I went back East to his reunion and there just aren't words to express how thankful I am for the time and experience together. So, Grandpa, if you read this, THANK YOU!!!

Halloween was spooktacular at our house! First, our carving party was just as great as ever, and second, I made a new stew recipe that was out of this world! Lots of company and trick-or-treaters.

We are enjoying a fabulous fall and spending as much time with family and friends as is possible. We are so fortunate and blessed.

It's finally fall! I just love this time of year ~ The smells, colors and chill in the air ~ So wonderful!

We went to the circus with some of the family (and our good friends Marie and Taylor) and then went to our favorite restaurant, The Matador. Darrel, Erik, Jaymi and I then went up to Idaho for a quick overnighter. What a busy but totally great weekend! This picture is the best I had, kinda fuzzy but I think you get the idea!

We have been updating the garage and putting ceiling fans downstairs. Winter will be here soon so there is lots of work to be done in preparation of the cold weather. I will be sad when I don't have fresh tomatoes anymore. I guess it will just be something to look forward to next year!

I already made a turkey dinner and I think since there is a big storm coming in I will make some yummy chili. Or maybe chicken soup. Hmmm... the comfort foods of fall are taking over!

September 18

Well, it has been awhile. Darrel and I celebrated a victorious anniversary this year, WE MADE IT!!! I love being married and the best part is my wonderful family, which includes this cute doggy, JACK!

We have also added Erik to our home this year. Erik plays hockey and goes to school. He is from Sweden and is a perfect fit for our home. He is really nice and funny and gets along with everyone!

My parents came to visit on their way to the Reno Air Races and Jaymi got to go with them. They are so sweet, they brought me back several bags of what I call "Tarded Beans", so nicknamed by my friend Joanie. They are really called "Belly Flops", and they are the rejects from Jelly Belly. If you thought the regular beans were fun to eat, imagine how much fun the mishapen ones are! If you are ever having a not so great day, these will put a smile on your face!

I have really been missing my grandkids who don't live here, I just feel like I miss out on so much. I hope we get to visit with them sooner rather than later.

Hope all is well with all of you and remember, a life worth living is worth living right!

Dog days of summer. We have been busy, doing what? Let's see... Darrel asked me out on a date and we went to the drag races and had a blast! Our neighborhood block party was this last week and was a huge success thanks to neighbor Andy. We also had two of our neighbors over for dinner this last week and had such a great time; I am going to do that more often. We are so lucky, our neighbors are also our friends; I just love our little street! I just found out that I get to go to my Grandpa's bomb squadron reunion with him. I consider this a huge privilege and I am so proud and thankful for all he has done for our country. I hosted a bridal shower for my wonderful neice, Amanda. It was great fun and I am so happy that she has found the love of her life. Can I also just say that I have the most wonderful grandchildren - ever!!! Here are pictures of sweet Brooklyn and handsome Eli. Jaymi has started cheer practice and is taking it very seriously. One of my closest friends, Joan, is having a birthday this week. I have BIG plans for her!

July 22nd

What a great week we had! Darrel stepped down from management this month and is just a financial advisor now. Whew! We have had LOTS more time together and we are loving it! Joe, Darrel's new manager, had a surprise party honoring Darrel and his years of service, it was a great event. Darrel also had a birthday this week and got a new toy for his new garage! We have been watching the Tour De France and went to see the new Harry Potter movie. Jaymi came home from Denver so Jack is very happy that we are all home now. So are Darrel and I, we missed the little red head.

July 16th

We had a wonderful time at the Trost family reunion in Idaho. Great-Grandpa Reddout joined us and we were sad that Kayla, Jake and Jen couldn't be there. Lucky me, Grandpa and I did a road trip together to OKC. I am so lucky to have a Grandpa I love so much. As much fun as it was to be with family, Darrel and I have had a blissful few days alone together.