Christmas In West Virginia

 I gave Mary a sweatshirt for Christmas that said, "Life is better with my boys".  I think she would agree that Christmas is better with her boys.  Jackson, Mark and the new little foster baby!  The baby's birth mother's parental rights were terminated a few weeks ago so it appears that he will become a permanent part of our family.  I couldn't be happier! Hopefully before too long we can share his cute face on social media.

Poor little guy had RSV for Christmas.  His fever finally broke and the meds helped so I think he did enjoy the excitement.

The Reynolds family has the tradition of going out to eat on Christmas Eve.  I love that these boys have so many Reynolds cousins plus a Nana and aunts and uncles on that side of the family.

Back at home Jackson carefully lined up carrots to lead Santa's reindeer to his house. Pretty smart!

And laid out more carrots and a cookie for the jolly old gentleman himself!

From the looks of their living room, the carrots worked and toys were in abundance!

Jackson is following in his Uncle Johnny's footsteps with a love of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Uncle Johnny even parted with his vintage hat from the 1st Turtle Movie.

That is quite a sacrifice.  Johnny's had that hat since he was 5 years old and went to see the movie - way back in 1990.

"HEROES IN A HALF-SHELL!  TURTLE POWER!"

Mary spends a lot of time playing games with Jackson.

I hope he enjoys the Mousetrap game and that it isn't too frustrating.

Mary reports that Jackson's favorite toy is his racetrack.

It does look amazing and like something he and Daddy will enjoy together.  

When we can't be together for Christmas, I am so thankful for a thoughtful son-in-law and daughter who share lots of photos.  And for Facetime so I can almost feel like I am there.

Giving Machines Come to Boise

In 2017, our church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, introduced the 'Light the World Giving Machines'.  They are essentially reverse vending machines.  Instead of receiving a can of pop or a bag of chips, you can swipe your card to choose an item to donate and the item is distributed to a local or an international nonprofit organization.  The Church covers all operating expenses, including credit card fees, so that the nonprofits receive 100% of the donations.

I've waited and hoped for several years and  finally they came to Boise!

We loved doing our part to help 'Light the World'.

Thinking of our horse loving Scott, I decided on supporting a vulnerable youth through 

EQUINE THERAPY.

Remembering how important goats are to the families we know and love in Kenya, George purchased a GOAT!

The Giving Machines have been a worldwide phenomena, with more than 2 million people donating over $32 million since 2017.  

Among the items you can buy are school supplies, groceries, clean water, meals, immunizations, blankets, hygiene kits, toys, books, even a toilet, livestock (like George's goat)....and the list goes on and on.

These machines give people a way to bring

light and hope to others this Christmas.

I am glad we could participate this year.

In 2024 the Giving Machines will be in 107 cities in 13 countries on five continents.

And for the first time ever there is one in Africa and it's in Nairobi, Kenya.

Such a joyful and memorable experience.

Merry Christmas!

Light the World!

Wicked

On Friday Isabella and I went to 'The Village', a very nice outdoor shopping mall, to see the movie version of 'Wicked'.  I had totally not taken into account that it was 'Black Friday' and 'The Village' is very popular. 

I am not exaggerating when I say that we spent 35 minutes, mostly stopped in traffic gridlock, looking for a spot.  Just about the time the movie was going to start, Isabella said, "There is a spot".  Unfortunately for me, it required parallel parking.  And I hate parallel parking. In fact I avoid parallel parking at all costs BUT the movie was about to start so I attempted it.  I admit that I was probably 3 feet from the curve and I spent the entire movie hoping my car wouldn't be towed or side swiped.  And it wasn't!  Isabella told me that her Daddy could park in the spot easily in one try and I don't doubt that.  Without comparing myself to John or to George, I was pretty proud of myself.  

And we loved the movie.  Isabella gave it a 10 out of 10.

I give any time spent with this girl at 10 out of 10 - even in traffic gridlock and with parallel parking.

 

Thanksgiving

 Our Thanksgiving was perfectly lovely! Truthfully I was thinking of taking the family to Chuck-A-Rama like we did a couple of years ago when only Monica, John and Isabella were joining us. The variety of foods was a big hit for everyone and the quality of the food was better than I remembered,  Chuck-A-Rama was one of George's Dad's favorite places. He made sure to get his money's worth by piling his plate high and even stuffing rolls in his pockets.

My original plan changed when Matt told us that he was not going to Wyoming with Cady to her Grandmother's 90th birthday because he knew we would be in Peru next Thanksgiving and he wanted to spend this one with us.  When I heard that I knew I had to fix a traditional meal with all the foods we love.

And that is what I did!

Turkey, dressing, gravy, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, fruit salad and rolls.

Followed by cherry and pumpkin pie with lots of whipped cream for dessert!

Served on the china my Daddy bought in Occupied Japan with the silver that was once my mother's, the water glasses that belonged to my great grandmother and George's mother's bread bowl. 

A multi generational table setting.

Isabella did the centerpiece and also helped with dinner preparations.

I googled 'best mashed potatoes' and found a recipe that called for a 2 sticks of butter for 5 pounds of potatoes.   Isabella cut them into small pieces and added them to the potatoes.  I told her to count to 20 between each addition and she very carefully did just that.

And the potatoes were definitely the best ever....tons of butter tends to make everything 'the best'.

I love these people more than I can adequately express.

Sure glad they are mine!

We followed this advice.

And we don't even feel guilty!