Friends are the best!

Thanks to a sweet friend who shares her talents,

we had a family photo shoot yesterday.

Here are a few teaser photos:

Kim calls this our first album cover

The results of the promise:

"If you sit for a few more pictures Nana will give you a chocolate kiss"

Jayson's sweet family

Kenny's little Nora

Merry Christmas to All!

Here are some of our favorite things to do on Christmas:

1. Write a note to Santa on Christmas Eve.

(If you look closely you can see that Elizabeth wrote "Ho Ho" all by herself!)

2. And leave Santa some cookies and milk.



3. We sing "Jingle Bells".
After waking everyone up EARLY on Christmas Morning
we gather by the tree and sing "Jingle Bells"...
but you see, this year, we opted to sing a song Elizabeth knows well: "The ABC's".

4. We open presents!


5. And the day always ends with a Sibling Monopoly Challenge!


Okay... there are many more traditions
(and ones closer to the true meaning of Christmas)
but I didn't take pictures of those. :-)

Merry Christmas to All!

Oh the Places You've Been!

Little Nora, you have been and seen lots of places in just one week.

First you started in Heaven.

You entered this earth in a nice hospital room.

Then you enjoyed a few days in Orem/Provo.

Next came your first airplane trip at only a week old!

Welcome to Arizona! You are a most wonderful Christmas present!

Introducing.... NORA!

Kenny and Jamie's little bundle of joy arrived

yesterday, Dec. 17th.

Here's my favorite poem (by Carol Lynn Pearson) in honor of Nora's 1st day here:

My day-old child lay in my arms.

With my lips against her ear

I whispered strongly, "How I wish--

I wish that you could hear.

"I've a hundred wonderful things to say

(A tiny cough and a nod)

Hurry, hurry, hurry, and grow

So I can tell you about God."

My day-old baby's mouth was still

And my words only tickler her ear.

But a kind of a light passed through her eyes

And I saw this thought appear:

"How I wish I had a voice and words,

I've a hundred things to say.

Before I forget I'd tell you of God --

I left Him yesterday."

Dear Nora,

Do you know how happy we are that you have arrived yesterday?! Well... I guess Mommy and Daddy might be more happy. You are the perfect size: 7 lbs 12 oz and 19" long.

You have been blessed with a very sweet family. Your Mommy and Daddy are going to take such good care for you. They have planned and prepared these long months for you, their precious little one. Daddy's finishing up his finals this week and Mommy finished her finals early for your arrival. I'm glad you like to sleep. After you move into your new apartment next week you will take your first road trip. I'm glad you like to sleep. Sleeping in the car will help the 9 hour drive seem shorter.

Grandpa and I think that having you here for Christmas one of the best presents ever. And guess what?! You can meet your Aunts and Uncles and your cousins! Maybe this year you won't feel like playing with them too much... but you will soon enough.

Just remember, Nana calls first dibs on holding you!

I love you Nora,

Nana

How I've been spending my time lately...

Sitting on the bench.

And loving it.

Last night was the High School Choral Concert. That was a biggie.

Now just the Joint Seminary Christmas lesson, the Orme (Private) School Candelight service, and a little organ and piano for this Sunday's Christmas Sacrament meeting.

After that, the only thing I'll be playing for the rest of the year ...

is the GRANDKIDS!

Two More Nights!

Dear Elizabeth and Madeline,

Only two more nights and then you'll be at our house! We've put lots of lights on the house so you can look out the airplane window and maybe see our house!

We are so excited to see you!

When you come we can play at the playground on a warm day....

and you can help us cook...

and we'll even read stories together.

We can't wait to give you both big hugs!

Love,

Nana and Grandpa

and Becka, Paul and Jennifer

2008 Christmas Piano Recital

Yesterday five of my piano students played their Christmas songs for a local assisted living home. The audience was very warm and inviting. And the kids did a great job!

For over 19 years I've taught piano and I always love the recitals. Seeing the fruition of the student's hard work. Seeing the nerves as their hands shake while they play. Seeing the deep conscentration on their faces. Seeing their eyes light up as they bow to their audience. Seeing their confidence wax strong. AND seeing the glowing faces of parents and grandparents alike. Recitals are the best!

Jennifer (is NOT a student, as she would quickly remind us all) is playing a duet "Good King Wenceslas" with her good friend Kristen (who is a student). (Photo, compliments of Kristen's talented Mom.)

I remember Jenna's older sibling being just as insistent that he was done taking lessons, too. :-) And boy, did I cry then. I thought he'd never touch the piano again. He had so much talent and ability. Then I watched as he taught himself and improved his skills (guitar and piano). Jenna's doing the same (well... not guitar, but same determination). She likes to play what SHE wants to play and not have assignments. I love her/their spunk and self-confidence and independence. And I love how they have found joy in their music.

Can't wait for Nora!

We can't wait to meet Nora! She's due to arrive anytime... however I hope she waits just a few more days (sorry Jamie) til I finish her blanket and get it in the mail.

Welcome to 8412 Rainbow Vista!

I've seen more

RAINBOWS

in the last year living in on Rainbow Vista,

than I have in my entire life.

This was our Thanksgiving tender mercy.