Going to see the lights on Temple Square has been a tradition for as long as I can remember.  My Dad loved traditions and even though he is not here, we continue to pass these traditions down to our children.  I remember when I was very young piling into the family station wagon and heading to Salt Lake from Orem.  It was snowing.  We went to see the lights on Temple Square,then we went to Tampico (a mexican restaurant) for dinner.  On the way home I remember we had a flat tire.  My Dad got out on the freeway and changed the tire in the snow, but the following year we piled in the station wagon once again.  Tradition is tradition.  I have always loved Christmas, not for the gifts, but for the spirit of the season.  This I learned from my Dad.  Presents are nice, but the true meaning of Christmas means so much more!

On our way home from seeing the lights last night, I thought how nice it was to be warm after being outside.  It made me think of those who don't have a warm car, or a warm house to go to.  They said that the homeless population is at 110% this year because of the economy.  This year I am not taking anything for granted, I am so grateful for the things that I do have.  Christmas shouldn't be about the presents but about the true meaning of Christmas.  A child, born in a stable who gave his life for mankind.  I am so grateful for this gift to me, and the people that I love.   May we all remember what Christmas is truly all about.

Olympus View Dental Christmas Party!

For our office Christmas Party this year we went to the Jazz Game!  We had a catered dinner before the game in the "bowels" of the Energy Solutions Arena.  Some of us went exploring and ended up right on the court, watching the players warm up.  Very cool!  We had a great time even though the Jazz lost (most of their starters are out with injuries).  The highlight of Troy's night was meeting "Big T" Thurl Bailey and having his picture taken with him.  We had a great time, thanks to the Dr.'s and their wives for planning such a fun party! 

December Birthday Shoutout!!

Kaydee Tripp (friend) - December 2nd

Grandma Derr (need picture) - December 5th

Madison Derr (niece) - December 7th

Keyera Gibson (niece-need picture) - December 8th

Samantha McAdams (friend/co-worker) - December 14th

Sterling Sessions (uncle-need picture) - December 16th

Chuck Derr (brother) - December 19th

Charles Fisher "Pappa" - December 20th

Jillian Howick (friend/co-worker) - December 30th

Michaela Cevering (niece-need picture) - December 30th

Bella's 2nd Birthday!!

The day after Thanksgiving was our baby girl's birthday!  We were all sick of eating so we racked our brains for something to do to celebrate her special day without food!  We decided a day of bowling would be a riot!  There is a bowling alley by my Mom's house that caters to children.  The perfect place!  The kids all had a great time once they figured out that they have to take turns (bummer)!  The grown up "kids" also had a great time.  Bella got a strike, don't ask me how!  Bumper bowling and ramps are great for the babies!  Parker was the overall winner, however Chelsey gave him a run for his money!  I think everyone enjoyed themselves.  After bowling everyone, even those who couldn't go bowling met at Grandma's house for cake and ice cream and to open presents.  Bella has been such a joy in our lives and we thank Heavenly Father every day for the opportunity we have to be her family.  We love you Bella!!

Everyone came for cake and ice cream.

Bella and Kaydee tasting the frosting!

Make a wish and blow out the candles!

Bella opening her presents.

Max, on a "sugar high" thanks to Daddy!

Bella received so many nice gifts!  Thanks to all who celebrated with us!

Thanksgiving Day!

Thanksgiving is such a fun holiday!  It's all about family and food!  The big day usually starts the day before for Troy and I.  We usually brine our turkey so we have to be ready a day early for the turkey to soak for 24 hours.  We were hosting 18 people this year so we ordered a 26 lb. turkey from Peterson's Market.  When we went to pick it up they had a 30 lb. turkey reserved for us instead.  I don't know if you have ever dealth with that big of a bird, but it is a workout!  We didn't have anything big enough for the turkey to brine in, however Troy discovered that the "Luggable Loo" my Mom gave us for our emergency kits came in very handy!  Although, if we ever have an emergency, we will have to think of something else.  This wouldn't be something with multiple uses, if you get my drift!

Everyone pitched in and cooked so I didn't have too much to overwhelm me.  My only dilemma was fitting 18 people in my house for a sit-down dinner.  I never realized how small my house is until I tried to fit 2 tables in my kitchen/dining/family room area.  Thank heavens for Jenn and Troy, somehow they made it work!  All in all the day was a success!  Everyone had enough to eat and no one got food poisoning!  Hope all of your Thanksgivings were wonderful!

"Friend are quiet angels..." Play "Angels Among Us" by Alabama

"Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for a while and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never, ever the same."-- Anonymous

On the Sunday before Thanksgiving I received a phone call from one of my childhood friends.  She called to tell me that her baby sister had passed away.  I was broken hearted, her sister is a friend of my little sister Jenn and we pretty much all grew up together.   It meant so much to me that she called.  Carol is one of my friends who I don't always keep in touch with regularly, but when we do connect in our busy lives, it is as though we were never apart.  It made me really appreciate how precious it is to have a true friend.  I have been so blessed to have the most amazing friends.  I have had so many challenges in my life, but I have been blessed with quiet angels who have been there for me when I have truly needed them.  I want all my precious angel friends to know how much I love you and thank heaven for you every day of my life.  The fact that I don't have pictures of all of my special friends tells me I have some phone calls to make, but know that even if your picture isn't here, that you are still in my heart!

"Hold a true friend with both of your hands." -- Nigerian Proverb