Musings for the new year

Barrett is home.... Man was that a little stressful before Christmas. But all is well. It is good to have him home. He really hasn't changed a bit personality wise. It was very interesting to go with him to get released from the Stake President. I couldn't believe how he has the gift of gab....I couldn't believe the experiences that he had that we didn't know. Of course, he didn't really write a lot about his experiences so that was all news to us too. It was really exciting to see the growth and testimony of my baby boy. He was home 1 day before we left for the Domincan. But the Dominican was a great experience. We got to listen to stories for days and to observe Barrett as he leaves his mission life and the habits that he acquired. The first morning he told me that he made his bed, hung up his towel, and put his dirty clothes down the laundry shoot. I pretended to faint but I was really shocked. We tried for 19 years to get him to do this.

We got home from the Dominican to prepare for family to come to hear of Barrett's homecoming. Okay everyone, sit down...but I did cook. I made homemade chicken noodle soup, cream of brocolli soup and taco soup plus "funeral" potatoes, salad, and 7 layer dip and caramel popcorn. Yes I used Colleen's recipe and it is the best caramel popcorn I have ever eaten. My mother was shocked. She started talking to me like a cook and I had to stop her and say that was my cooking for a long time. I am starting to like cooking more just because I am getting pickier and want things cooked the way I want to eat them. But we will see how that goes.

We left on the Monday to take Barrett down to school. He didn't have a car and that was our job to find him one. Boy was that stressful. Glad that is done. You all will be glad to know that he has the one thing that is the most important for success in university. A CELL PHONE WITH UNLIMITED TEXTING. We took care of that too. I sure hope I can afford this child in university. I wish him all the best.

I am back on the diet. I lost 20 pounds before Christmas and as you can see from the pictures another 25 needs to go. I am back at work and feeling better about it. I think I needed a break from work too.

I got a new phone for Christmas and can I say that I love it????? It is the i phone and it is amazing and I can text really fast now. I am still learning all the tricks of the thing but is super cool. I can honestly say that learning to text was a New Years goal last year. check that one off. I am working on new ones for this year. I want to get my quilts all sewn up. The diet and exercise for sure. I am still thinking of what I really want to accomplish. I try to have very specific goals and ones that I can achieve but still are things that I want to accomplish.

Brooke has 7 weeks left..... I am getting excited for this new grandbaby. I love having grandbabies. She looks very cute pregnant.

Blood pressure is doing great. The new pills are working. Life is good so far. Everybody take care of yourselves and Have A great new Year.....

My favorite pictures from the Dominican

This is really my favorite picture not the next one but I don't know how to edit it and my children are not here to help me.

Greyson, Joel doesn't think he needs reading glasses....LOL He borrowed mine.

Greyson and I. What a handsome little boy. He makes my heart melt.

This is Prince Dash aka Harrison. He was our Prince on the trip. He loves to be the baby and we are actually happy to baby him. He was all wrapped up nice for his nap at the pool.

Brooke will hate this shot. But I made her do it. I figured she would regret it later on... Debbie said.....

Here is the family on Christmas. Aren't we a good looking bunch????? It was so much fun. I think I would go away again for Christmas. Very peaceful....