Twas' the week before Christmas....

....and what a busy week it was! On Monday night we took Alma and Carole out for a Christmas dinner and what a fun night it was! On Wednesday Carole was feeling a little down so off we went shopping because there is nothing better to lift the spirit. Then on Thursday night I went to dinner with my Persian friend, Roshan and the waiter commented that we did not touch our food because all we did was talk, talk, talk! Friday Jared and Cassidy officially moved into their new home - it was exciting for them, but sad for me because now my house is so very quiet! But to make up for the loneliness my sweet husband took me to see Neil Diamond in concert (and to see me strut my moves as I danced along to his tunes). Saturday I got to spend some time with Brandy while the boys helped Jared and Cassidy get settled. Then to top off the evening we went to dinner with all our kids (that includes Chris, Sarah & Dawson) to enjoy some Mexican cuisine. Did I mention that I worked three days this past week - how I found the time I have no idea!

We forgot to take the camera so these pictures are taken with Dave's iPhone.

Jared does not like it when I take pictures at a restaurant - he thinks we look like tourist!

But Brandy is always up to having her picture taken!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ONE AND ALL!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOB

Today is Rob's Dad's 74th Birthday. Sunday night all of the family got together to shower him with gifts, heavy, heavy hang over (it's a Robert E. Olsen thing) and birthday wishes. We hope he has a wonderful birthday and knows how much we love him!!



P.S. We really appreciate him for raising such a great son too!!!!

Christmas with my Peeps

This past week I got to spend a few hours with my peeps and it was so much fun! We ate some great food, exchanged Christmas gifts and did alot of laughing. Whenever I am depressed all I have to do is spend a little time with these sweet ladies and I always come away with a big smile on my face!



Can you believe that most of these women have gotten together once a month for lunch for the past forty years? Oh the stories they have to tell!!! (The girl on the front row with the long hair is the daughter of one of our Peeps who past away a few years ago.)


We didn't have anyone to take a group shot of all of us so Maria and I took turns being the photographer.

Boot Scootin' Christmas

I have the best job in the world. For the past almost four years I have worked part time for Alta View Internal Medicine with some amazing women and men. Everyone in the office (besides the doctors) are part time so we all look forward to going to work to socialize and eat the yummy lunches that are brought in each day by the drug reps - and it doesn't hurt that we get paid to do this! Last Saturday was our work Christmas party and it had a western theme so we were ask to come dressed in our cowboy attire and do the boot scootin' boggie for Santa.

You can't tell but I do have on my denim skirt and red cowboy boots - yee haw!

Darla and Jared were party poopers because the only thing they wore western was denim jeans - bah humbug!

This big burly cowboy is the "chief" doctor in our practice - the beard is real!

If any of you know my cousin Derrick Thompson, don't you think this cowboy looks just like him?

Tis the Season...

...to be neighborly! We have such an awesome neighborhood! Friday night we gathered for our annual neighborhood Christmas Party.

We have lived across the street from Kenny and Marie for the past 22 years. They are the best neighbors and friends anyone could every have!

A party would never be complete without Mama Carole!

It was so much fun having Jared and Cassidy join us. We are going to miss them when they move.

Don't I have the cutest son (even with his mouth full)!

This wonderful family lives directly behind us. When we moved in 22 years ago the lady to the left and the one in the middle were 9 and 7 so we use to hear them practicing their violins in their backyards - it was a delightful sound to hear. Today the girls are married, moved away and each has three kids, all of whom play the violin. But we still occasionally catch the sound of the violin drifting from their home as their Mom (the lady to the right) gives violin lessons in her home.

Decking the Halls

There is a sweet little couple in our neighborhood that over the years have become like parents to Rob and I and grandparents to our kids. Alma was diagnosed with Alzheimer's a little over a year ago and that leaves Carole to have to take care of everything since she does not have any children near by. Brandy, Dave, Jared, Cassidy, Rob and I decided it would be fun for Family Home Evening to put their Christmas Tree up and decorate their home for Christmas. Of course Carole would never allow us to do this without feeding us dinner before hand and we weren't about to turn down her wonderful cooking!

Jared enjoying the delicious pecan pie Carole made for him (actually she made it because she knew Cassidy loved pecan pie).

The three WISE women!

We decided the tree was worthy of being in the Festival of Trees!

What a cute family!

Oh no - the kids caught Mommy kissing Santa Claus!