I Could Use Some Global Warming

A very snowy winter at my house.

Usually the deep snow passes me by because I live in the West Desert part of this 'Utah' County. Thus, we miss any of the lake effect that those Easterner Utah Countites usually get.
The weather man gave some explanations . . . I don't remember what they were.
Hmmmmm - I just don't see what all the fuss is about on this ol' Global Warming thing. Whose to say a slightly warmer temperature wouldn't be the better temperature?
Dang though! - so far, I don't see a whole bunch of it coming my way.


THE NEXT DAY

Ammon is Digging us out.
Notice the last vestige of a yellow wild flower.
Gosh those are hardy little flowers.
You can actually still tell it is a flower
on top of 4 feet of snow
in January!
Some people call them weeds
but I say, more power to them. I planted them!
Maybe it's part of the whole Global warming thing.


SIBLINGS

Becca went out to help Ammon shovel snow.
I think though, they mostly just ended up playing in it.
I stayed inside where it was warm - well, except
for the few minutes I left my warm place to take these photos.

"Polar Express" Merry Christmas Family Party 2008

I am finally getting around to posting the photos from our
"Polar Express" themed family Christmas party -
Christmas Eve 2008.

My grandson, Justice, showing off his Christmas bell.

My Sister is the party planner. I just do as I'm told, and I am quite happy with that arrangement. This year she planned a "Polar Express" themed party, so we were all supposed to wear pajamas. She also made everyone a little bell necklace, but I had to go rent the movie so I had any idea why we were wearing them. So you will notice in the photos from here on out, that nearly everyone is wearing one.

A good time was had by all (I think - at least a good time had by me taking photos) . . . minus the fact that Jon's new puppy bit Isabelle Yarro's leg . . . and also pooed on the floor. But the puppy is a baby dog, so he didn't know any better (the dog, not Jon - but that's another story).

Jon Holding his puppy, Mangus

That didn't help Isabelle feel the bite any less however. So Sorry my Sweet little Grand Niece.

"Isabelle"

Isabelle looks just like I remember her mother, Colett, at that age. Golly, it seems like just a few years ago. Oh, how and where do the years disappear? I am reminded of a funny story about Colett. This is not a Christmas story, but I'll tell it anyway. I was visiting my sister for the summer in Bountiful, Utah, (many years ago) and we had been out shopping for the day. Tired, and wanting to go home, my sister was just beginning to drive away from the K-Mart Parking lot. However, Colett had to to 'potty' right then, right there or else. Joan was a little put out, but didn't want her little daughter's training pants to . . . well, you know. Frustrated, my sister decided to hold Colett in a potty chair position just outside the car, hidden by the door, where Colett could 'wet' the pavement. Joan figured no one would see her and life would be dry.

However, Colett (being early in her potty training) didn't "wet" anything. Instead she did the 'number two' thing. Joan was absolutely mortified. The look on her face was distorted and blushed as she desperately looked around for some Fairy God Mother to rescue her. But none came, and I was lauging too hard. Joan did not want to pick up her daughters little baby logs, but didn't want to just leave them there either - the evidence so plainly in view. In desperation, Joan just decided to run over the little poo mess with her car. She figured if it was smashed flat and unrecognizable as belonging to her daughter, she could safely escape without notice. I laughed and laughed all the way home (just like am laughing right now remembering the whole thing) Oh my sides . . . lol. . . I hope whoever parked there next . . . lol . . . I guess you had to be there!

"My Sister's Daughter"
Colett

We also didn't do the nativity this year because we ended up not having enough time, and besides, our "Joseph and Mary" (supposed to be Holly and Matt Williams) didn't have costumes, nor could they have arrive on time because they had to go to his families family party first.

Matt Williams holding Gabrielle

The runner ups (Jason and Kristine and their new baby) didn't get notified to be runner ups either. But they were there with their new sweet baby. Since I am posting photos of fathers and babies, here is Jason with Derrick.

My Firstborn Son, holding my Sweet Son of my Son
(that's supposed to be poetic but I think it was just confusing)

So, Maybe next year we'll get to the important 'reason for the season' part of our celebration (like we do most years). But I guess this year was just Party time! Well, family time. We are not exactly partying it up here, unless you are talking about food.

Buffet Style pot luck Christmas Dinner.


And Basketball games . . . (I have no idea what they called this game)
but they are using a basketball - so, basketball games

Joan was annoyed with me for taking her pic while she was eating . . . she has a point, but I think the next picture of her is actually cute . . . Now seriously, if I had cut out the part where her fork is in the deviled egg, wouldn't it would look like she was just . . . well - singing! So pretend Joan is here singing an aria from Madam Butterfly or something and tell her she is beautiful when she sings.

Joan said "Don't you Dare"
(then a lecture about taking "eating" photos)

Group Photos:

Joan . . . Becca . . . Jim

Colett and Matt Yarro, Isobelle Yarrow and Ammon Hardie, Jeremy Hardie and his Friend, Justice Krein and Amelia (Milli) Yarrow . . .

Wayne Ostler and Matt Yarro,







and Kristine and Carter Krein







And More . . . .









Millie Dancing for me - check out the concentration ---------->

























The only picture I got of Emerson (My grand nephew) where he was not running away. This time he was running toward. This boy is constant motion!

Emerson Holmes

Holly working on crafts and Becca Playing Ball - Typical of these two.

Just Amy

Nick Yarro taking a breather and Joan taking a picture of me

T.J. holding his brother

Jamie and Matt Jensen were too late coming from his parents & family party and Jamie didn't feel like she could stay awake any longer (she was soooo tired - 3 months expecting) so they went home and missed the fun. So did Valerie (my cousin) and her family. Well, next year! We love you all so much, and those who could not be here because they live out in the Nether Lands (or it is we who live in the Nether Lands) I love you! Happy New Year.

and "I" in my Pajamas
(but I came from work, so my work clothes are underneath)
So there!

Announcing Derrick Dieder Krein and a whole bunch of things past

This is Derrick Deider Krein,
our 13th (among my whole crew) and
(I say a lucky numbered) grandchild.

Derrick is my 4th genetically infused grandchild, but don't hold that against him. He will inherit some wonderful traits from my forefathers, I'm quite sure, and he will be the most wonderful child. Derrick was born on December 17th, 2008, just after midnight and is my son 'Jason's' 4th son . . . not a rose numbered among his whole bunch. Jason apparently has no 'X' chromosomes to give what soever - which leaves poor Kristine surrounded by a gaggle of rowdy boys to keep in line. Jason had to upgrade to a Suburban just to keep his children in tow! Our sweet Derrick was a surprise baby - fortunately, that happens every now and again. Good thing too, or a lot of wonderful people would still be waiting to come to earth . . .

Speaking of coming to earth, we have a whole bunch of birthdays that I have missed listing here. Especially in October, November and December. I am going to post photos of my grandchildren later, since I missed including many of them in my blog before i.e. Isabelle, Cooper, Hunter, Justice, and Carter who all celebrated birthdays in the few months past. Well, I did eat cake and give hugs and kisses - at least to those close by. But I always miss all the East Coast kids celebrations. I just have to read about theirs on their mom's blog, and realize how much I am missing. But I digress . . .

We had a twosome party for Jeremy and Jamie's birthdays which are both in November. However, I just have to post two picture versions of this birthday celebration. This first one looks so light and happy birthdayish

. . . . then . . . .

Oh! SCARY -
This one which is supposed to give us 'ambiance' -
. . . but it looks rather like we are celebrating some type
of seance or something with old Scratch and his minions.
Well, we weren't. This IS a happy occasion.

Then . . .

We also celebrated Matthew and Holly (Hardie) William's birthdays as another "two for one".
Their birthdays are only a week apart. But guess who robbed the cradle?
Matt's quite a few years younger than our sweet Holly!

Did you notice we have been substituting a lot of Pies for cakes? Most of us prefer pie, or at least I prefer pie and since I am the one buying (or making) them . . .

Not Jon, however, He likes deep, dark devil's chocolate cake. Jon has the last birthday of the year in our family. Don't look so excited here . . . .

Hey Jon, Smile a little would ya!
He always feels like his birthday is short sheeted.
His presents are always wrapped in Christmas paper!

Whew! Christmas is over, but sadly, my tree and decorations are still up and it is January 10th. I don't know when they are coming down, but I have not posted ANY Christmas stuff yet. So be excited Family! Your photos and faces will be here soon.

P.S. For Christmas, Jamie gave me another surprise . . .

Baby number 14 is coming in July.
Jamie, you still look like my baby girl to me!
How is this possible?