Count Down

Dec. 28th Steve and I were able to go to the JohnsonFiles at the Covey Art Center. 

An improv show that is hysterical. I always love a good laugh with my honey buns!

NEW YEAR'S EVE

Briant and his kiddos spent New year's eve at our house. 

The kids played and inevitably we ended 2022 with a full on kid vs. adult EPIC Nerf gun war. 

Goodbye 2022...HELLO 2023!

 

Christmas 2022

CHRISTMAS EVE

Well being the generous business owners that we are...hahaha

We decided to give ALL of the employees at HELM'S ACE HARDWARE the day OFF...

well everyone EXCEPT those with the last name HELM. 

Yes, that's right, The Helm family ran the show.

It may not have been the first place we wanted to be, 

BUT there was no one we would rather be with.

After work - we ate food, gathered with neighbors to sing a few songs to our sweet friend Jana Nate who would soon pass from cancer. 

We opened Pj's and went to bed to dream of what Christmas morning was to bring. 

MATCHING PAJAMA'S

This was a first, and possible not the last.

DA BOYZ!

La Little Ladies!

CHRISTMAS MORNING 2022!!!

Some highlights:

Paige painted Jamison Mandalorian saucers, Paige and Ava got toe shoes, 

Jamison got his scooter, Noah got some kicks, Reed got some clothes.

Overall, everyone was spoiled!

Reed had Paige and got her a rice bear and nail polish

Noah had Jamison and got him a movie pass

Christmas on the Sabbath

The girls with Bishop Helm (Vineyard 12th ward)

After gifts we got to spend our Christmas morning at church. 

Noah had the opportunity to speak and did a great job!

We spent the rest of the day, eating and playing on the new dart board and pool table.

Side note: Steve grew up with a pool table and has always liked the idea of having one. I didn't mind getting one, but I also knew we didn't have the funds to go buy a brand new one. And knowing Steve, I didn't want to be doing a "project" during the holidays. 

But I will never forget Steve's excitement as he backed up into the driveway ready to unload the pool table he had purchased from KSL classifieds. He pulled down the tail gate and to my surprise and  shock...I could NOT believe it! Somewhere amongst the pieces of wood and scraps, 

there was a pool table...or at least going to be one. 

I was mad, but my passive aggressive silence filled the space and I grudgingly hauled the pieces into the gym where WE would spend the next 5+ hours putting this "pool table" together. Not just putting it together, but LEARNING how to re-felt (via YouTube), cut wood, and paint the side panels. But one thing is for sure...We appreciate it more, learned something and made memories together. 

Even if I had a bad attitude, It was worth it. 

I'm officially 40!

40

December 21, 2022

Starting the celebration with a little chocolate muffin!

My boys spoiled and surprised me with a picture and some new shades.

They know me well.

Earlier in the week, my friend Catherine Bramble asked what my bday plans were. I didn't really have any other than taking the kids to the dentist. So she invited me to go to lunch. 

It was so sweet and  thoughtful.

She asked me where I wanted to eat. Even though decision making is not my strong suit, I knew I needed to make a choice and let this "planner" know asap. So I chose Costa Vida.

The big day arrived. She picked me up, and as I walked into the restaurant, I was overwhelmed as the room was FILLED with my friends and neighbors. I admit, I was overcome with appreciation and tears. I couldn't get over the surprise of having them all there to wish ME a Happy Birthday.

A INCREDIBLE SURPRISE!

Catherine Bramble - Diana Smith

Karen McWhorter - Christine Jenne

Laura Harris - Connie Allen

Sachiko Aldous - Natalie Smit

Sharon Saul - Christine Jeffs

Becky Steele - Karon May

Tetiana Ashley - Audra Call

CELEBRATING with THE FAM

for DINNER

Pamela and Steve created a beautiful charcuterie and dessert

My girls created a dance for me along with beautiful, sweet cards

And THIS woman is THE BEST mother in-law anyone could ask for.

She is hilarious and sweet!

I mean, how many MIL's surprise you with a roll of festive toilet paper in your bathroom?

It was ONE HECK of a day and a FABULOUS WAY to CELEBRATE turning 40!!!

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE who thought of me, and spoiled me special.

I LOVE YOU ALL

Evidence that we did indeed go to the dentist on my birthday. Hahaha