All Hearts Come Home!

So, so grateful to have big and little people with us over the holidays to see the magic of Christmas through their eyes!





We had everybody home at some point through the holidays and the kids got sibling time to catch up on each others lives. You take for granted the days everyone lives in the same house and time together seems like too much.
Now, its rare and precious to group gather.

In fact, we all had a sleepover and our traditional fondue party on New Years and was so fun to wake up with little people feet scurring about in the early hours!


Many of us made gifts this year which was fun to share in the labor of love. Since most projects don't go off as planned, we each had unexpected disasters to murmur about ... confirming they are 'priceless'.
This is mine - the Be Still family books. This was a two year in concept project and full time the last few months to complete 6 of them. Happy to reclaim my life back but great peace knowing all families have one and it won't be another unfinished symphony in my closet.
Ash made little snuggly lambs for the babies each complete with its own unique identity.
Instant friends ... Cash and Haley are cuddlin up

Todd and Abby made these block puzzles with pictures on all sides - amazing! and adult challenging! This is one of six pics and we all have different pics in our set.

Lindsay made Heather's scarf and several cute cross stitch pics

Heather framed some of her amazing pictures from Italy and Peru

Ash made pillows for the big kids and scarves for Heather and I
and Emma made the yearly calendars.

It's fun to see the fruits of our labors and leave a part of your heart. That's Christmas! xo

34 years of 'Adventures'!

The morning of December 14, 1974 gave light to 3' of snow on the ground from a freak snowstorm that hit Utah. Our wedding was at high noon ... the first of our many adventures!

We were hippies! Check out the styles of the bridal party ... especially the hair! My hair was always hippie straight-NEVER curly, Steve HAS hair - curly and brillo! I don't remember Gma Gloria with a bouffant and Bob never left home without 2-3 cans of hairspray (seriously!) Candy is 6 months pregnant and my mom got skinny for the wedding. Oh boy! These were the days!

We committed to grow old and be together forever, but honestly, 34 years ago, the 'grow old' part faded out and you think you will be exempt from that (the innocence of youth!) Now that phrase is coming into focus as wrinkles join the party, joints creak and body parts go on strike.
Though I protest the aging process, these souvenirs tell stories and reflect 34 years of laughter/tears, joys/sorrows, failures and successes, and must admit, we've done well to suck the life out of our days! We've much to be grateful for as it's been an 'adventure' being with my sweetheart, and since real love stories never have endings, looking forward to an eternity of more!
I love you and happy anniversary Steve! xo

Music Friends

We were happy to connect with a few of our music friends while in town. Dan Beck kicked off his new CD with a concert we were thrilled to be in town for. (Highly recommend the CD - Love Like That - by Daniel Beck!)

This pic also shows Jimmy Funk on keyboard and Michael Dowdle on guitar. So fun!
We were lucky enough to see Jessie and Jim's brand new tiny baby boy, Jackson, and Janessa! So exciting to see their growing family and catch up on the news. We missed our music friends annual trip this last October and truly have felt the void that aches the heart. They bring such a sweet spirit that lingers in our home and makes us grateful for the many gifts we each have been given to share, and grateful for those that do. I continue to be impressed with the Lord's intricate networking as He threads us together to unite in rolling the stone forth.


It was a full holiday, and in counting blessings one by one this Thanksgiving season, we find riches beyond the counting! xo

Thanksgiving on the Farm

Something we don't normally do, hang out on a farm. It was great fun to go for a walk and check on all the attention starved animals - they were eager for friends.


Note Heather's farm attire ... such a city girl!



Russ and Bobby cranked up this antique apple press for fresh juice right off the tree!

While the boys were outside shooting, we knocked out the wedding favors. Emma got the biggest kick out of Nuts on Line - she thinks we're nuts enough!

(However, chocolate covered sunflower seeds are worth the search!)

Heather made great gravy!
A great meal, crisp air, crackling fire, family gathers ... much to be grateful for!

Happy Birthday Bobby!

Bobby was happy to greet this day so he would resume the older role between he and Ash. (She is delighted they are the same age for exactly one month!)

This is Bobby's new gun (he got early for his Bday) and doing what he loves. We put away a case and a half of skeet and boxes and boxes of ammo. Such a boy morning!



Heard they went skeet shooting again today! Love ya and happy birthday! xo

Bowling Highlights

Nothing like a pre-wedding bowl to show the in-laws the wacky Hick-Lee side!

Traveling with Toddlers

Lots of luggage, car seats, snacks, many hands, activities and a double dose of patience.

Andy got snagged at the ID checker when they questioned the validity of a Texas DL with the top cut off (seriously, why DOES Texas do that?) ... which sent him to the puffer machine when he got snippy. You get some sympathy in Texas with a baby on your hip, but not in Utah!


However, Utah does have the kid thing going on with play corrals in the terminal! You really need to run the wiggles out when you get off the plane and then back again before you get on. Who cares about germs at this point ... just peace!

Does this violate Child Labor Laws?
A tough travel day warrants luggage cart rides down those long hotel halls!