Annual Ison Christmas FHE 2010

As is tradition, we had the Annual Ison Christmas FHE, the first Monday in December.

Sterling (Amber & Brinton's new baby) was fresh out of the NICU, but joined us at the family gathering. He kept his distance (as to not be "gifted" any cold/flu germs) but got a little loving in from Great-Grandma Ison.

We also did our traditional bell ringing, Christmas caroling, Christmas story from Luke 2, Santa visiting and adult (with a few older kids mixed in) white elephant gift exchange.

Funny gift Highlights; the RE-gifted "Light HER Fire" and "Light HIS Fire" cassette tapes AND a Justin Bieber poster.


PS- Have you seen Arielle's "proof" she and Justin's bangs look nothing alike?
Uh, huh.

Rylee Turns 14!

As a family, we celebrated Rylee's 14th birthday on Sunday, the day before.

I had sooo much going on before and after; Favorite Things party, Ward Christmas party, Ison FHE, R.S. Christmas dinner, going out-of-town and.... much , much more. Whew. She opened presents.

Jewelry was one of her favorite gifts.

We had a last-minute-use-what-you-have-on-hand "Dirt" cake.

Instead of OREOs I used brownies... it was ok, but I think I like the original version better.

I can't believe she's FOURTEEN!!!

I had been kind of prepping myself about having her turn 14 and being able to go to dances. But for some reason I was thrown off-guard when I realized that meant that she could go to the Stake S.N.D. THIS Saturday! What?!

I don't know exactly what I was shocked about, just couldn't believe that day was actually here I guess.

Next big milestone...... dating at 16!!! Oh boy.

A Favorite Things Party

You've probably heard of "Oprah's Favorite Things"... well, I did my own version this year.

Instead of our normal book club this month, I had a "Favorite Things Party".

I asked guests to bring one of their favorite treats or snacks to share.

We played a FAVORITES version of "What's Yours Like?" game.

I haven't actually played the real board game. Wonder if it's as fun as my made-up version. Anyone ever played it before?

Also, each guest brought one of their favorite THINGS to give. We shared about our favorite thing, then drew a name out of the bowl and gave it to the person we drew.

It was so cool to see all the favorite things and to hang out with "the girls".

I received tinted, minty lip gloss (Bath & Body Works) and bright red, metallic nail polish.

Can't wait to paint my toenails with it!

This was such a fun party to do. And shhhhh... WAY easy. :)

Anyone want to do it again next year?

SNoW DaY!!!

Busy December = No posts, until now. Doing a little catch up....

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We had a "sNoW dAy" the first of December!

Taylee, Treyson and Abree spent HOURS outside playing in the snow... but mostly Taylee.
Taylee LOVES to be outside!

Is the grass greener on the other side?

Last week, we had some strong winds and below freezing temperatures.

Brrrrrr...

Standing in the kitchen, Tuesday morning, I casually looked out the back window and subconsciously noticed I could see the neighbor's play structure. Then it dawned on me... that's not normal! What?

A section of our side fence had blown down during the night.

Nice!

Now the question is, do we brave the weather or do we wait until Spring?

So far, we're waiting.

Happy Thanksgiving!

The turkey was thawed, the herb/salt rub combined.

Next potatoes peeled,

it was almost time.

The pot set to boil,

when the turkey was done.

An M&M game ready,

for us to have fun.

Water pitchers filled,

as our guests arrived.

A little pre-dinner shopping,

a another "Black Friday" to survive.

We ate our dinner,

'til we couldn't no more.

Such a pleasant gathering,

right down to the core!

We had a quaint little gathering of only 17 people this year. We missed those of you who were not with us, but it was fun to have Karen's mom, Cheryl here. We truly have a lot to be thankful for and have been very blessed. We love our family and are so glad to be great friends.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!