Christmas 2017... Christmas and traditions go together like Santa and cookies

It's the holiday season. Sugar cookies are baking. A fire is roaring and your favorite Christmas music is playing.

These and more are traditions we embrace around the holidays. For me, none stand out more than my husband reading 'The Night Before Christmas' by Tasha Tudor. Decades later he still reads to my children and now my grandchildren.

We had a very relaxing time. Christmas Eve was nothing fancy just finger foods, tamales, and lots of games. For the past few years, Travis buys prime rib for our Christmas dinner. 

This year Brianna and I requested brisket.

Giselle brought her good friend, Beth and her boyfriend, Philip. Anson and Brooklyn showed up, and last but not least, Aubrey arrived on Christmas Eve. 

This year Richie, Chrislynn, and their family spent Christmas with Chrislynn's family in Utah and were greatly missed.

Mom and Dad's bed

 will always be the most popular place in our home.

These two make delicious cookies and frosting!

Travis and Aubrey mixed up their pajamas to be funny.

It's around this time in the evening - 11 p.m. or so since my family is mainly filled with night owls. Dick settles into his corner on the couch in the front living room by the fire that him or Anson stoked through the evening.

The book that he reads from is no ordinary book. It's 'The Night Before Christmas' that is about 42 years old according to the copyright date. Dick's mother gave it to us the first year we were married in 1979. That's 38 years ago! Our children sit around him and listen to him as he reads the poem. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL

 AND TO ALL A GOODNIGHT!

Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle (PART 2)

P-R-E-T-T-Y  W-I-L-D!!!

Let Christmas break begin!

Unicorn Evening of Theater (PART 1)

We went to Logan for The Unicorn Evening of Theater.

 When we got there we helped Giselle pick up the programs and the desserts from so many restaurants who donated them. 

Her students did an excellent job!

It was great to see a large audience and a great support to her program. What a wonderful evening!

Then we went to Richie and Chrislynn’s house and gave the grandchildren their Christmas gifts.
This year I chose a gift for Josie and Grace. 
Dick was very insistent on getting Sophie and Richie’s present.

I can't believe how much they've grown!

Next morning before we left, Dad Call fixed us breakfast.

He is so cute!

 I love it when he fixes us his special breakfast.

 He shared his Royal Riviera Pears with us. 

On our way to the car we noticed 5 deer in his backyard.

They are so beautiful!

On our way back to Idaho, I was thinking that Christmas is only 2 days away and I'm not even close to being ready!

Our tree is up but with no ornaments yet!

First immune therapy infusion and Brooklyn's birthday

"Immunotherapy is really a new revolution."

 -Dr. Goetz Kloecker

Today Dick signed his consent and received his first infusion of this immune therapy.

"Cancer cells hide from the immune system and put a cloak over them so the body can't detect them. The new systems take this invisible cloak away so the cells become evident and the immune system now knows how to fight it."

Immune therapy is a treatment that helps boost your body's immune system to fight cancer, unlike chemotherapy and radiation which try to kill the disease. It's also said to have fewer harsh side effects.

These past three weeks have been an emotional roller coaster. First we found out that his tumors are not only growing but the cancer is spreading. The chemo is no longer working. Then they tell us about this immune therapy but since it's not approved by the FDA, our insurance will not pay. Dick's medical team contacted the company that makes the drug to see if they would give him financial assistance and allow him to get on this new treatment. 

They told us we should hear from the company in a week but it ended up being two weeks before we heard anything.

 The answer was yes.

There were many happy tears. He has been through so much and has always remained positive and so full of faith. I hope and pray that this will be the answer to our prayers.

 We feel so blessed! Merry Christmas!!!

Today was also Brooklyn's birthday!

Happy Birthday beautiful!

 I hope you have a fabulous day. When our son married you, I knew I'd never have to worry about him again because he found you. You are always so positive, so kind, so generous, and so happy. You bring out the best in those around you because of your precious spirit. I love you!

Home again...

We are gone so much!

Always on the road!

It's so good to be home!

Brianna took this photo of Deacon and I. 

I love it!

Sophia, Grace, Josie and their Christmas program and Gibbons Farm

We had the opportunity to go to a wonderful Christmas program where all three of my granddaughters performed in Utah. It was a very enjoyable concert. Sophia, our oldest granddaughter had the honor to MC the night for the whole school. She did a professional job! Sophie played her violin. Her and Grace also received awards for The Reflections Arts Program. Great job girls!

Next day Giselle took us to the farm for brunch.

I love that place!