Christmas tree skirt

Kathleen had a Christmas tree skirt made for me in China. It is made from red and green silk. It has the Chinese knots down the front and scalloped around the edges. The colors are vivid and brilliant and it is gorgeous. Thanks Kathleen!

Craft day

Once a month, Melissa plans a craft day and the girls all congregate at my house. We had craft day Friday and Saturday and Kathleen was able to join us! Papa was flying to Logan from Georgia on Friday but Saturday morning,he took Liam and Tyler to breakfast at Angie's (a Logan hang-out), bought dart guns and soldiers to shoot, and roasted marshmallows in the wood burning stove. He had a great time with the boys!

As anyone who knows me, my girls' craftiness was inherited from their grandmother (it skipped a generation) and anyway, I had better things to do!

Trip from China

Kathleen, Liam and Collin arrived in the States Wednesday evening, after an interesting adventure. They had tickets for Sunday, Dec. 9, but when they got to the airport Collin didn't have an exit visa. After pulling a favor, Jeff was able to get him a visa and they arrived at the airport Wednesday morning. While getting their luggage out of the car (from Jeff's company) the car locked with Collin inside. In order for Kathleen and the boys to make their flight, Jeff had to break the car window. The plane ride from China to Los Angeles was uneventful, although very long. Their flight from LA to SLC was delayed 45 minutes and then when they did take off, a passenger had a seizure and the plane had to turn around. We are very, very happy to have them here and safe.

Mission Call!!

This morning at 7:30 am, our postman called and told us Jen's mission call was here and we could come and get it. We went to the back of the Post Office and got her big white envelope. When we got home, she opened it and while we were messing with the camera, she saw the place. Then she read it - "Minneapolis Minnesota." She was happy to have her call, then she read further and it said "Spanish speaking" and she freaked out! She has always wanted to learn a language. It is a perfect place for her.

The mission covers most of Minnesota, except a small part in the west, about 1/3 of Wisconsin, and up into Ontario, Canada. The first order of business is a passport!

It makes it all seem much more real!

New Arrival

Growing up, Jeff was outnumbered by sisters. He would have loved a brother to play with. Instead he had to settle for G.I. Joe harassing Barbie :). The balance has changed!

Collin Jeffrey Reece was born at 5:49 p.m. today (November 19) weighing 3,525 (7.77 lbs) and is 51 centimeters (20 inches) long. Jeff reports that Kathleen and Collin are doing well. I can hardly wait to hold him!

Six things

1. I miss living with Daryl. I'm not picky about where we live, although close to the grandkids is preferable, as well as warmth.
2. I hate cold weather. It isn't just a dislike where you can put up with it until spring - I truly despise it. I don't know why we live in Logan. There aren't even grandchildren in town anymore. Daryl agrees and has threatened not to come home (It has been in the mid 30's at night; mid to high 50's during the day).
3. I love it when the grandkids call. It is the highlight of my life (and Daryl's, too). It is amazing and wonderful that technology allows us to call from places like China so easily. Please keep calling - as often as possible! I would endure the cold for the phone calls.
   
4. I love the ocean, any ocean. Unless it is cold. I'm not a fan of swimming pools unless it involves the grandbabies :).
5. I am not a fan of vegetables - fresh, frozen or canned. I eat them because Weight Watchers insists that I do. Jen is disgusted at my dislike of vegetables. Fresh broccoli is the worst.
6. It is my goal to be "the favorite aunt." I have succeeded with the first generation. Either that or they just humor me. I am now working on the grandnieces and nephews!
   

I tag Tami (get a gmail account and start a blog); Katie (maybe their favorite aunt will start seeing photos of the cute boys); Jake and AJ (two of my favorite nephews)!

Baltimore

On Tuesday I went to Baltimore to an advising conference with other advisors from my office. We spent Wednesday in Washington DC. One of the advisors in the office grew up in the DC area and her dad is a "big wig". He was able to get a tour of the White House and they drove us all over town, dropping us off and picking us up at each site. We had a tour of the Beaureau of Printing and Engraving where they make money. It was an amazing process. We also saw the Declaration of Independence , Bill of Rights and the Constitution. I had not seen them before.

When I was in Dallas with Liam, we watched "Night at the Museum" several times. I went to the Museum of Natural History and had my picture taken with the dinosaur! It made me really miss Liam.

The conference started Thursday night with the awards ceremony and Daryl few in to be there with me. It was really nice to have him there. The conference was really good as was all the fresh seafood!

While I was in Baltimore, I drove to Philadelphia and visited with Ana and family. It was SO nice to see them and the kids have grown so much. I can't believe how grown up Ali is. She will be 10 in January, she comes to my shoulder and is turning into a little lady. Parker ran and jumped in my arms when I got there. He is a sweet, sensitive little guy. Put simply, Paige runs the show! Ana is working in a dental office and Kenny is doing well in school.