Things that make me smile...

Recently my Mom sent this little story to me...Made me smile... The Grandma Test: I was out walking with my four year old granddaughter when she picked something up off the ground and started to put it in her mouth. I took the item away from her and asked her not to do that. "Why" she asked.... "Because it's been on the ground, besides, you don't know where it's been, it's dirty, and probably has a lot of germs," I replied. At this point my granddaughter looked at me with total admiration and asked, "Grandma, how do you know all this stuff? You are so smart!" I was quick thinking and replied..."All Grandmas know this stuff, it's on the Grandma Test. You have to know this stuff or they don't let you be a Grandma." We walked along in silence for a minute or two, and she was evidently pondering all this new information. All at once she beamed! "Oh...I get it! So if you don't pass the test, you have to be the Grandpa?" "Exactly!" I replied with a big smile on my face! (Here are 9 other little reasons I smile EACH DAY!)

4 Generations...

Last Sunday we had four generations in our home and to church with us...so when we got home, we had to take a picture. When Tanessa was young, we had a five generation picture with Grandma Lamoreaux and Grandma Ashton...that was awesome, and now here is the next generation with Addi and Brielle...momma Tanessa, gramma Kristi, and Great-Grandma Hamblin.

We also have Clinton and his son, Corgin with us which is another 4 generation line.
This may not be a TRUE 4 generation picture, with Great-Grandpa Hamblin, and Grandpa Brent...but it is a future Priesthood line of Authority. My dad, Ray Hamblin ordained Brent a High Priest, and he in turn ordained Clinton an Elder...so in 10 more years...Corgin will recieve that same Priesthood.

Christmas aftermath!!

We were excited to have some of our family with us this year for Christmas. Danny and Trisha and Clinton and Katie were here for our traditional Christmas Eve, candelight dinner.

After our dinner, we played some games and got the stockings ready to hang, and then "Jack" the elf magically showed up just in time for jamma time, and the kids were excited to get their new PJ's on and head off to bed for Santa to come!

Time for a closer inspection of all the goodies Santa brought us! Grant got a "Car Show" race track. Ali got a new ipod shuffle and some small speakers to play it on. Corgin got a new CAT Loader. Santa filled all our stockings with care with lots of treats and toys...even Mommies and Daddies got a few goodies!

Then it was time to unwrap presents! Everyone seemed to get everything they wanted! Lots of smiles and happy faces! Thanks everyone...we had a great Christmas!

I got especially spoiled...Brent bought me a new iMac computer, which I LOVE!!

Brent and Kristi

Clinton, Katie and Corgin

On Christmas Night, Tanessa, Jake, Addi and Brielle flew in from Florida!

Danny, Trisha, Ali, and Grant

Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday...

December brings a special feeling...Christmas excitement, Love and good cheer, Hustle and Bustle of crowds of people...most of all it brings the Love of our Savior and the rememberance of His birth. It is a sacred feeling, the love that the world shares at this special time. My wish is that you all will have a very Merry Christmas, filled with love and family, and good times. Our family is quite spread out these days...from Washington, to Pennsylvania, to Florida, to Belgium...we miss them all, and wish we could all be together, but since that's impossible, we will take what we can get, and at least be united in heart. For our oldest, Jaron and family...we will miss you all so much this year, and for our youngest, Jacob...we are so glad he is serving well and we will be excited to talk to him on Christmas day. Merry Christmas to all of our friends and family. We send our love...

On the 14th of December I celebrated my ?? birthday. I think I am too old to still be having birthdays!! I just want to thank everyone for their phone calls and birthday wishes! I have the greatest family, and they made my day very special.

Happy Birthday on December 30th to Heather...my daughter in law and mother to four of my grandchildren!! Heather is pursuing her dreams of becoming a PA, in PA!! She is a busy mom with her small family, her studies, and Jaron working so very much. I'm not sure where she finds the energy to keep up with it all, but she does! She is a happy, enthusiastic young woman...and we send our love and wish her the very happiest of days...good luck, Heather with all your classes!

Last year with all the Holiday frenzy...I missed posting two very special birthdays! They aren't in December, but might as well be...they sneak up on you very quickly once Christmas is over! Corgin Ray, our grandson will turn 2 on New Year's Day! He is one crazy little kid!! His feet never slow down from sun up til sun down...always on the go, and always keeping us in stitches...he loves to give 'hugs' and is the funniest little guy. Such a smart cookie in a little body!! Happy Birthday Corgie Porgie...we love you so very much!

And our little Lillian Kristi (Lilly) will celebrate her 2nd birthday just a few days after Corgin's. On January 6th, to be exact...We miss little Lilly, she is such a sweetheart, and we have not gotten to be around her very much, but when we do see her, she is always there for a big hug and a huge smile! She's such a cutie pie, and we wish we could be closer so that we could see her growing up! Happy Birthday Lilly....we love you!!!

Corgin and Lilly last year just after their 1st birthdays...(the one I forgot to post!! Sorry!)

Campaign for WRITE JAKE...

All of you who look every week to Jacob's Mission Blog...this is just a reminder that this is the last week before Christmas that you all can write him and wish him Merry Christmas and let him know what's been going on in your life! If you are sending it by mail (address is on his blog)...it will have to be in the mail by the first of the week, like MONDAY...if you want it to reach him by Christmas. If you are emailing him (jvonsimonson@myldsmail.net)...it has to be sent by FRIDAY evening so that he can recieve it by his P-Day on Saturday (he is 8 hours ahead of us!) So PLEASE, everyone...send him something, let him know how much you love and miss him...send him updates on your family and a picture or so...he would love that! Thanks!

New Grandbaby

I arrived in Orlando about midnight on Sunday. Monday morning, Nov. 30th, we were up bright and early and decided to go to Walmart for a few groceries and things. While we were there, Tanessa started having some contractions, and by noon, she had called and was on her way to the hospital. They admitted her and got her all 'hooked up' and she progressed rather quickly. By 6:17, she delivered a beautiful little baby girl...Brielle Lynn Larsen. She weighed 7 lbs. 6 oz. and was 19 1/2 inches long. She has lots of black hair and big brown eyes. Such a cutie pie...glad I could be here in time for her to come, and spend some time with her and her little family!

A Birthday and a safe arrival...

Happy Birthday today to our sweet grandson, Carter Jaron! He is 7 years old today. We are missing our grandkids that are living in Pennsylvania...Carter especially on his special day! He is such a sweetheart...kinda quiet and softer spoken, and such a big heart! He loves to just sit and cuddle with you when you visit, he loves to play pool with his Grandpa, he always likes to come to Grandma's house and play the fishy game and he has a tender place in our hearts. Carter loves to play soccer, and video games and is such a loving boy. We wish you the Happiest Birthday, Car-Car...and we love you so very much!!

We are also grateful for the safe arrival of my parents...back from their Mission in Palmyra, New York. They arrived Wednesday afternoon, with a huge carful of stuff! We have enjoyed seeing them again and being able to hug them and talk with them. It has been a fun weekend of unpacking, rearranging, helping them move back into their home and visiting with all the family that came for their Homecoming. Welcome home Mom and Dad...we love you!