Happy New Year

Well tomorrow it is back to reality as school resumes and Dad is off to Idaho Falls - hopefully feeling better and with good weather. Yes, the Richardson's greeted the New Year taking turns with the Stomach Flu. All I can say is YUCK! Every other day for the past week one of us had been stricken with the bug. Needless to say there was lots of laundry, Sprite and Pepto. Hopefully, we are on the mend.

We are looking forward to the new year and what it has in store. I can't wait to find out where we will live permanently. The suspense is driving me nuts and I am learning patience. I did get a calling at church last week - teaching the 7 year old primary class. They are a good group of kids and rather smart!

Here are some photos and highlights from the Holidays! We had a wonderful time and were certainly blessed. It was wonderful to spend time with family. But as much as I loved having a semi white Christmas - I miss the warm Arizona weather, family and friends.

We headed to Burley after Christmas to meet up with the extended family. It had been a long time since some of us 'Wood' cousins had been together. It was great seeing everyone and catching up on life.

Cris refers to the week after Christmas as "Jen week." As our anniversary is the 27th and my bday is the 29th! So for our family it is one festive week! Grandpa and Grandma kept the kids so we could go to dinner and shopping on our anniv. It is my favorite type of date. Aunt Fonda and Keri came from SLC to hang out and go skiing. We went with them and took advantage of the fresh snow and sledded down the hill. The kids loved it. Syd only enjoyed the first 15 min. We headed home to Boise to catch the BYU vs BSU Bball game. It was a great game and were only mildly disappointed in BYU's loss since we are now BSU fans. Jen week came to an end with a late dinner at Red Robin - the Richardson Birthday restaurant. All in all it was fantastic.

We didn't have a White Christmas morning but we did have a White Christmas Eve Morning. It was beautiful and then it melted away which was okay since many would be traveling. Grandma and Grandpa Wood bought Grandpa Johnson and we hosted Christmas Eve dinner. Very tasty. Darin, Nat, Rick and Arlene joined us too! I think Alex secretly has a crush on Nat. Sorry Darin! We had a fun night laughing at uncle Rick's jokes and playing Uno.

Christmas Day was mellow day - just the way we like it. We didn't even get up til 8:00 am. The kids loved their gifts. Syd is the new chef in the house with her pink retro kitchen. I am not sure who likes it more me or her! The boys had a football Christmas scoring not one, not two, but three jerseys. They were in heaven. Thank goodness Santa brought football shoulder pads. Alex had been stuffing his socks and underwear under his sleeve for protection. Grandma and Grandpa had fun watching the kids and Santa seemed to have visited them as well. It was a great relaxing day.

Yeah, I know the holidays are over but these were too cute to not post. Alex knew this was the real Santa as Santa's beard and hair were real. It was fun to see the magic of Christmas in the kids eyes! Syd looked ever so cute in her Christmas dress. She loved carrying around her purse and showing off her sparkly shoes.

Grandpa Yamamoto

Today is Grandpa "Moto's" Birthday. He recently passed on Oct. 20th at the age of 85. It is hard to believe he is no longer with us. He is Cris' grandfather on his mother's side. He was such a wonderful caring man. The first time I met Grandpa was when Cris and I were dating. I flew down to San Diego to meet up with Cris who was visiting family. It was the first time I was going to be meeting any of his family... thus I was a little nervous. Cris and Grandpa met me at luggage and I was welcomed with a big hug and kiss on the lips from this Japanese man whom I had never met. Needless to say it was love at first sight. I loved how Grandpa became a friend to all regardless of your age, race, income, etc. He was a wonderful storyteller and we loved to hearing his life's experiences. Alex's middle name, Henry, is named after Grandmpa Moto. Although one would never hear Grandpa call him Alex. He was referred to as, My boy A. Henry. They had a very special relationship.

There are many times I go to the computer and am greeted by a photo of Grandpa and my boys which rotates on my screen saver. It seems to be the time when I need a smile. I know he is still watching over each of us. Happy Birthday Grandpa! We love and miss you.

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

We are experiencing some very chilly weather in Boise this week. Low teens in the morning with highs in the upper 20's. Burrr! But it doesn't seem to stop the kids from wanting to play outside in the snow. Zach asks why all of the houses have sparkles on them in the morning. My explantion that Jack Frost visited wasn't what he was looking for.

Last Saturday, the boys rushed outside to take advantage of the fresh snow and build a snowman. Okay, so Frosty forgot to take his vitamins and was a little small, but the kids were proud of their creation. Hopefully, the next snowfall will allow Frosty to rise to his potential. We are hoping Santa brings some snow pants and boots for the kids to keep them warm. Off to make some hot chocolate -my new favorite drink of choice.

Made in China

My boys are fascinated with China. Why? Your guess is as good as mine. But it seems to keep coming up. Alex has noticed that their are many things that state, "Made in China." The other day Cris was driving in the Van with them and listened to their China conversation.

Alex: Yeah, Zach everything is made in China. Like houses, cars, toys, clothes you know everything.

Zach: But I thought God made everything.

Alex: Yes, Zach God did make everything. First He created China and now they make everything.

And with that response, Zach was content to know where all material goods come from.

It gave us a good laugh and hopefully gives you one as well.