 |
| Jingle Bells |
 |
| Stepping into the day |
 |
| part of breakfast |
 |
| O Christmas Treadmill, Oh Christmas Treadmill, how lovely are thy... rollers? |
 |
| How it's done. |
Merry Christmas from the Sullivans!
Showing posts with label Sullivan Family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sullivan Family. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Scenes From Christmas
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Blessings
I woke up this morning next to the man I love (that would be my husband in case anyone is wondering) and couldn't help but be overwhelmed by the blessings that are a part of my life.
To start out with, have I mentioned how much I just love my in-laws? Well it's true. This Thanksgiving was held at our house. Usually we are at either my parents or David's parents, but it was a little different this year. We hosted it at our house and invited my in-laws and my parents. Ten adults were in our not so large house and the Thanksgiving feast fell to me.
I admit, at first I was a bit nervous but as assignments were made and the cooking was well underway I only semi fell apart a couple of times. Once was with the pies. Banana cream to be exact. First round (fortunately made on Wednesday), the crust decided to not cooperate and balloon up behind my back. Couldn't fill them if I wanted to. After a terse round of choice words, I sent my sister to the store to buy some frozen crusts. They baked up wonderfully so I made the filling. That wonderful home made banana cream pie filling which I have made several times before and has always turned out so very tasty and perfect and wonderful and this time decided not to set up... not even a little. We had banana cream soup. Tasty banana cream soup, but soup nonetheless.
Second almost tragedy was the yams. When doing a large amount of yams in the crock pot it is best to start them cooking several days before. Okay. Slight exaggeration. However, when the turkey was done and we were getting the last of the food all prepared, the yams were as hard as ever. Thanks to the genius of people who can think with a more level head than my pregnant self right now, into the microwave they went and turned out beautifully!
So, dinner was on the table a full 15 minutes before we had planned and it went beautifully! And my mother's mashed potatoes were so creamy. We all talked and laughed and laughed and talked and just enjoyed the day. And then my wonderful wonderful father-in-law did the best thing ever! He did the dishes! I mean it! How cool is that! The rest of the evening was spend playing games and laughing and talking, eating pie and enjoying each other's company. I was thrilled. Thrilled to have everyone there, thankful to hear people talking, and just overjoyed that my parents enjoyed it as much as everyone else seemed to.
Friday brought on a breakfast of Dutch pancakes and bacon and then a loading of the car as people traveled back home. David, Abby (my sister who is living with us now) and I then pretended to clean things up but really didn't. Sat in our pajamas, watched three movies, played board games, ate leftovers and stayed in pajamas the entire day! The most glorious Black Friday ever.
So today I am here. Overwhelmed a bit with thankfulness for all the wonderful people in my life. For my family on both sides. Both sides of which I just absolutely love. Words almost cannot express how much. Thankful for my home, for our neighbors, our ward family, our friends. Thankful for the incredible women of book club and the joy and laughter they bring to my life. Thankful for my friends at work and the support they are to me. Thankful for the bestest husband ever who makes me laugh and understands me when I go crazy. Who loves me. Thankful for the little guy that will be a part of our lives even more in February. Thankful for doctors who know what they are doing. Thankful for God. For his blessings, his tender mercies, his hand in all parts of our lives.
Today we will decorate for Christmas. Get a tree, put up lights, and start making our own magic of the season. That magic that comes because of this special time of year. When we think of others and how we can give to them. When it is a little easier to follow the teachings of Christ and put the needs of others before our own. To celebrate his birth and the miracle of his life. He is the reason for the season.
To start out with, have I mentioned how much I just love my in-laws? Well it's true. This Thanksgiving was held at our house. Usually we are at either my parents or David's parents, but it was a little different this year. We hosted it at our house and invited my in-laws and my parents. Ten adults were in our not so large house and the Thanksgiving feast fell to me.
I admit, at first I was a bit nervous but as assignments were made and the cooking was well underway I only semi fell apart a couple of times. Once was with the pies. Banana cream to be exact. First round (fortunately made on Wednesday), the crust decided to not cooperate and balloon up behind my back. Couldn't fill them if I wanted to. After a terse round of choice words, I sent my sister to the store to buy some frozen crusts. They baked up wonderfully so I made the filling. That wonderful home made banana cream pie filling which I have made several times before and has always turned out so very tasty and perfect and wonderful and this time decided not to set up... not even a little. We had banana cream soup. Tasty banana cream soup, but soup nonetheless.
Second almost tragedy was the yams. When doing a large amount of yams in the crock pot it is best to start them cooking several days before. Okay. Slight exaggeration. However, when the turkey was done and we were getting the last of the food all prepared, the yams were as hard as ever. Thanks to the genius of people who can think with a more level head than my pregnant self right now, into the microwave they went and turned out beautifully!
So, dinner was on the table a full 15 minutes before we had planned and it went beautifully! And my mother's mashed potatoes were so creamy. We all talked and laughed and laughed and talked and just enjoyed the day. And then my wonderful wonderful father-in-law did the best thing ever! He did the dishes! I mean it! How cool is that! The rest of the evening was spend playing games and laughing and talking, eating pie and enjoying each other's company. I was thrilled. Thrilled to have everyone there, thankful to hear people talking, and just overjoyed that my parents enjoyed it as much as everyone else seemed to.
Friday brought on a breakfast of Dutch pancakes and bacon and then a loading of the car as people traveled back home. David, Abby (my sister who is living with us now) and I then pretended to clean things up but really didn't. Sat in our pajamas, watched three movies, played board games, ate leftovers and stayed in pajamas the entire day! The most glorious Black Friday ever.
So today I am here. Overwhelmed a bit with thankfulness for all the wonderful people in my life. For my family on both sides. Both sides of which I just absolutely love. Words almost cannot express how much. Thankful for my home, for our neighbors, our ward family, our friends. Thankful for the incredible women of book club and the joy and laughter they bring to my life. Thankful for my friends at work and the support they are to me. Thankful for the bestest husband ever who makes me laugh and understands me when I go crazy. Who loves me. Thankful for the little guy that will be a part of our lives even more in February. Thankful for doctors who know what they are doing. Thankful for God. For his blessings, his tender mercies, his hand in all parts of our lives.
Today we will decorate for Christmas. Get a tree, put up lights, and start making our own magic of the season. That magic that comes because of this special time of year. When we think of others and how we can give to them. When it is a little easier to follow the teachings of Christ and put the needs of others before our own. To celebrate his birth and the miracle of his life. He is the reason for the season.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Thankful for..
1. Little Caesar's pizza at 9:30 pm. Felt pretty darn good this morning.
2. My husband's willingness to cook breakfast... banana pancakes.
3. 4 day weekend for my husband.
4. The fact that I work at home so I get a 4 day weekend too.
5. Wonderful family who has invited us for the 4th.
6. Friends who have so willingly put up with me.
7. The pitter-patter of kitten feet.
8. A/C to be installed on Thursday.
9. Good co-workers who also put up with me.
10. David's Family. I think they are awesome! All of them, extended and everything.
11. Good advice.
12. Good fences.
13. Restaurants so I don't have to cook.
14. Book Club women, past and present... sigh...
15. Life and all that it brings.
I feel a little overwhelmed at so much love and generosity and good feelings that have come our way these last few years. We'll we've always been blessed but we've been completed overwhelmed as of late. And Trish, I was so good to see you last Sunday, I was sad to have to leave so early! It was fun to chat and laugh and enjoy. One of the many perks of being down South last weekend.
It is time now to move on. Time to get over the shock of these blessings and become a participating member of society once again. To reciprocate the support that has been given. Time to clean the house, really clean the house. Time to get back into a work routine. To cook even if I don't feel like it. Time to be the responsible adult.
And you know what? It feels good. Really good. I feel like I've got my feet back under me again. Not so much tossing about with every wind or hormone injection. So thank you all again for everything. Here's to a new chapter.
2. My husband's willingness to cook breakfast... banana pancakes.
3. 4 day weekend for my husband.
4. The fact that I work at home so I get a 4 day weekend too.
5. Wonderful family who has invited us for the 4th.
6. Friends who have so willingly put up with me.
7. The pitter-patter of kitten feet.
8. A/C to be installed on Thursday.
9. Good co-workers who also put up with me.
10. David's Family. I think they are awesome! All of them, extended and everything.
11. Good advice.
12. Good fences.
13. Restaurants so I don't have to cook.
14. Book Club women, past and present... sigh...
15. Life and all that it brings.
I feel a little overwhelmed at so much love and generosity and good feelings that have come our way these last few years. We'll we've always been blessed but we've been completed overwhelmed as of late. And Trish, I was so good to see you last Sunday, I was sad to have to leave so early! It was fun to chat and laugh and enjoy. One of the many perks of being down South last weekend.
It is time now to move on. Time to get over the shock of these blessings and become a participating member of society once again. To reciprocate the support that has been given. Time to clean the house, really clean the house. Time to get back into a work routine. To cook even if I don't feel like it. Time to be the responsible adult.
And you know what? It feels good. Really good. I feel like I've got my feet back under me again. Not so much tossing about with every wind or hormone injection. So thank you all again for everything. Here's to a new chapter.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Our's was good...
It's time for some pictures. And for the record, I think I'm funny.
Hope your's was just as good!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
David's Family
Last weekend we attended George Clove's funeral in Hurricane, Utah. He is David's last grandparent to pass away. I may be a bit odd, but I really enjoy funerals sometimes. At least I do if it's someone that I am familiar with but not all that well. It's so interesting to me to hear about their lives. To get to know something of them that is pre-sickness or pre-worn out.
It was especially good to see all, or most of, David's extended family. It was only a year ago that Grandma Clove passed away and we followed similar pattern. As odd as it sounds, it was really good to see everyone that close in timing. I actually remembered who a lot of the people are and how they fit. And I was much more comfortable with them too. (It takes me a bit to get to know people or to let them know me. I have to warm up to the idea.) I found the whole thing surprisingly enjoyable. In fact, I absolutely loved seeing the family again! So many good, fun, mischievious people. Makes me feel priviledged to be a part of it.
The other extra special treat was getting to meet David's Great Aunt Marie. She come from Portland to her brother's funeral. Up to that point I had no knowledge at all of Grandpa Clove's siblings. I found her enchanting. Very well put together, very sharp, and a wealth of knowledge. I loved hearing stories about her childhood, her father, her experiences. I also enjoyed listening to my mother-in-law and her brothers and sisters talking and reminiscing.
So I pay tribute to all you wonderful cousins, aunts, and uncles out there who are just so dang cool and so much fun! Thanks for being you and thanks for making me feel such a part of everything. I can truly say my heart is full.
It was especially good to see all, or most of, David's extended family. It was only a year ago that Grandma Clove passed away and we followed similar pattern. As odd as it sounds, it was really good to see everyone that close in timing. I actually remembered who a lot of the people are and how they fit. And I was much more comfortable with them too. (It takes me a bit to get to know people or to let them know me. I have to warm up to the idea.) I found the whole thing surprisingly enjoyable. In fact, I absolutely loved seeing the family again! So many good, fun, mischievious people. Makes me feel priviledged to be a part of it.
The other extra special treat was getting to meet David's Great Aunt Marie. She come from Portland to her brother's funeral. Up to that point I had no knowledge at all of Grandpa Clove's siblings. I found her enchanting. Very well put together, very sharp, and a wealth of knowledge. I loved hearing stories about her childhood, her father, her experiences. I also enjoyed listening to my mother-in-law and her brothers and sisters talking and reminiscing.
So I pay tribute to all you wonderful cousins, aunts, and uncles out there who are just so dang cool and so much fun! Thanks for being you and thanks for making me feel such a part of everything. I can truly say my heart is full.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Almost done
K, so sorry about the long absence on the blog thing. For those who don't know, we've been in the process of moving and my oh my what a process it has been. We have yet to spend a weekend at the new place and it looks like we may not be doing that for awhile.
How about a recap:
May 7: We get the keys and actually bring one carload of stuff over because we can.
May 8: Official move day, spend entire day lifting and loaded and unloading and sweating. (thanks TONS to those who helped with manual labor as well as dinner!) Stay up till 1 trying to get things in some kind of order.
May 9: Head to Grace for Mother's Day, Alex's farewell, and family pictures.
May 10: I can't even remember what this day was...unpacking of some sort and cleaning I'm sure.
May 11: Head to Salt Lake with family to go to temple, do Ruby River dinner and hit the 10 pm movie (we left the hotel at 9:57 and still made it! Nothing like running around the Gateway after steak! ugh.)
May 12: See Alex off, go to Ikea for ideas, come home, David goes to work, I hit the cleaning of the old place hard.
May 13: Thoughts of going to the other house make me want to cry. Instead I put more things away in new house.
May 14: Renewed effort at going to old place still make me want to cry so we call it a day and vow to do better Saturday.
May 15: Saturday. We hit the 14th ward swap with all our old DIable stuff. Get breakfast. Clean out other place with a vengance, still don't get done. Buy a lawnmower. Take our old table for a ride around town before putting it back in the kitchen where we found it. Make two trips to the DI. Pick up new chairs (new to us) and table from Tawnya and Isaac. Mow lawn, buy groceries, think about dying with sheer tiredness.
May 16: Studiously avoiding our own messy house, we head to Grace for church and dinner with the parents who have found themselves incredibly bored without Alex around to shake things up.
May 17: Finish cleaning old house, get almost everything out of garage, wonder if it is even worth it.
That brings us to today. Looking forward to a nice weekend of not running around... but alas, tis not so. David's last Grandfather has passed away and his funeral is in Hurricane UT on Saturday. We will leave on Friday and come back on Monday. (This was a blessing and not entirely a surprise by the way.)
Week after that we are headed to Grace for Memorial day because that's what we do.
Week after that it's back to Hurricane and a lovely cabin on Mt. Kolob.
We may need to take a loan for gas money. sigh.
How have you been?
How about a recap:
May 7: We get the keys and actually bring one carload of stuff over because we can.
May 8: Official move day, spend entire day lifting and loaded and unloading and sweating. (thanks TONS to those who helped with manual labor as well as dinner!) Stay up till 1 trying to get things in some kind of order.
May 9: Head to Grace for Mother's Day, Alex's farewell, and family pictures.
May 10: I can't even remember what this day was...unpacking of some sort and cleaning I'm sure.
May 11: Head to Salt Lake with family to go to temple, do Ruby River dinner and hit the 10 pm movie (we left the hotel at 9:57 and still made it! Nothing like running around the Gateway after steak! ugh.)
May 12: See Alex off, go to Ikea for ideas, come home, David goes to work, I hit the cleaning of the old place hard.
May 13: Thoughts of going to the other house make me want to cry. Instead I put more things away in new house.
May 14: Renewed effort at going to old place still make me want to cry so we call it a day and vow to do better Saturday.
May 15: Saturday. We hit the 14th ward swap with all our old DIable stuff. Get breakfast. Clean out other place with a vengance, still don't get done. Buy a lawnmower. Take our old table for a ride around town before putting it back in the kitchen where we found it. Make two trips to the DI. Pick up new chairs (new to us) and table from Tawnya and Isaac. Mow lawn, buy groceries, think about dying with sheer tiredness.
May 16: Studiously avoiding our own messy house, we head to Grace for church and dinner with the parents who have found themselves incredibly bored without Alex around to shake things up.
May 17: Finish cleaning old house, get almost everything out of garage, wonder if it is even worth it.
That brings us to today. Looking forward to a nice weekend of not running around... but alas, tis not so. David's last Grandfather has passed away and his funeral is in Hurricane UT on Saturday. We will leave on Friday and come back on Monday. (This was a blessing and not entirely a surprise by the way.)
Week after that we are headed to Grace for Memorial day because that's what we do.
Week after that it's back to Hurricane and a lovely cabin on Mt. Kolob.
We may need to take a loan for gas money. sigh.
How have you been?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)