Merry Christmas 2013

Christmas 2013

Santa found our house and I hope and pray that the boys were delighted when they woke up.  Santa left G everything he would need to learn how to snowboard so he and Wes could hit the slopes when he gets home.  And Santa outfitted Colton with two new suits ~ boy will he look sharp.   I have to share a special moment just because I don't ever want to forget….Santa brought Colton season 1 of the series GRIMM; when C saw the DVD he immediately hugged me so tight and told me he loved me and thanked me for remembering.  That hug meant the world to me.  If I could have stopped time I would have and just huggd him for days.  C thank you for loving me and for always making me feel proud to me your momma.

The boys spoiled me this year.  

Yep, they got me my Orange set of Rachel Ray pans.  I love them and the color orange is exactly what I wanted.  Feeling loved beyond measure.

Colton got G not one but two new basketballs

Garett got Colton a Duck Dynasty board and everything he would need for a date; gift cert to Chili's, gum to have the fresh breath and of couse some candy to sneak into the theater.  

The boys got Tom some new jeans and a new razor since his fell off the counter and ended up in the toilet…ooops….

But if no presents had been opened, if no presents had been bought this Chrimas would still have been the BEST Christmas by far, Why?  Because we got to chat and SEE Elder Weston ~ we were lucky and were given 2 full hours to chat with him.  He looks and sounds amazing.  We shed lots of tears and loved listening to him bear his testimony.  

I was dreading having to say good bye again but you what I was OK.  I have felt the love of my Father in Heaven around me daily and saying good bye was not hard.  I know without a doubt that Wes is exactly where he is supposed to be; serving the wonderful people of El Savaldor.  

After we enjoyed a nice brunch we all dressed and headed out to visit a few grandparents.  Take a peek at my handsome boys…

Am I lucky or what?  :)

We also woke up to a water leak under the kitchen sink.  We thought we would have to let it leak as not too many hardware stores are open on Christmas Day but Dale and Doug Evans saved the day.  Thank you Dale and Logan for helping Tom and Colton fix our leak.  Once again Family comes thru in a big way.  

From our family to yours Merry Christmas and may 2014 bring you happiness, health and many many opportunites to share the gospel and to be surrounded by family.

Love the Leatherows

Christmas Eve with the Leatherows

As in years past we celebrate and spend Christmas Eve with the Leatherows.  We all gather at Dale and Eileen's home and enjoy some great grub, we laugh and we are hopefully creating memories that will last thru generations.

We once again did the white elephant gift exchange and as always there are some "great" gifts.  I believe Tom ended up with a sprig of Kegan's hair.  Too funny.
This year we had a special vistor, Santa Thomas.  We didn't fool the kids this year but we had fun nonetheless.  Sorry abou the quality of the photos….hopefully better ones to come in the years ahead.

This year Tom wanted to start a family tradition of sharing a Leatherow story with the group.  He is hoping to compile a book of memories.  Not too many participated but hoping that as the years go more and more will participate and we can all laugh at the many adventures of the Leatherows.  This year Tom, myself, Shon, Logan, Garett and Josh all shared a story.

It was fun to laugh and to shake our heads in complete awe that us Leatherows are still alive and kicking after our many mishaps.  But we are and we are all closer because of them.
The little kids exchanged their gifts and it was a delight to see the look on their faces.

Of course no Christmas Eve is complete without a picture of the Christmas PJs

I love this bunch of little peeps more than words can express.  We are missing little Timber and Kye but hopefully next year they will get to celebrate with us.  Merry Christmas 2013.

Celebrating the Christmas Season

I have to admit this year I was dragging my feet a bit to put up the Christmas tree and to decorate the house.  It seemed that there was always an excuse.  The boys, Tom included, wanted to get the season going and to make the house feel Christmasy.  But I was secretly not wanting the holiday to come, I was afraid it would be sad without Weston to celebrate with us.  There I said it.  But I also knew that I needed to celebrate the Reason for Season; after all that is why Weston was not with us.  He was serving other families and bringing them unto Christ.
My friend from work visited temple square and shared this photo ~ she titled it PERFECTION.  I believe she is right.

We celebrated with the Heil side of the family first ~ we gathered at Heil Hill on December 20th.  This was also Grandma Heil's 90th birthday so we of course celebrated with her.  Doesn't she look amazing?

Joanne bought this jacket and added 90 and Fabulous ~ Happy Birthday Grandma, We love YOU!
Of course the Heil party is filled with laughs, food and traditions.
Let's eat:

Next up ~ a friendly game of Family Feud ~ this was the game of choice to decide the order us kids would select our prizes.  It was a lot of fun and of couse Tom and I were not winners but truly with the gifts that Dad and Jo give there are NO losers ~ we are simply playing for bragging rights.

The kids are for the most part so patient as us adults play and make fools of ourselves

Next we head upstairs to exchange gifts and enjoy eachothers company

A new tradition?  this year….A few manly men getting their nails painted; glitter and all

 I believe these two win UNCLE of the YEAR

My dad, Grandpa Kevin was giving Garett a hard time about his hat.  He says that kids who wear beanies have attitude…I love the attitude that I caught on my dad's face and Garett's laugh is priceless.   I truly believe this is a picture that will be cherished.  Garett says it is his favorite.

I asked one of the boys to snap a few photos when us adults exchanged gifts and they literally took 10 pictures of me!  ARE you kidding me?  I guess they think I need to be seen so enjoy the many sides of Shar

 Yep, we all got gifts…finally some photos of someone else….

 Breeze..say what?

and you have to love Uncle Nate's expressions

Finally gifts for my wonderful parents

Grandpa Kevin asked Matt and Garett to open the bucket. we watched the twist for several minutes before we finally let them in on the secret …you pull it open.
Great night had by all…I missed Weston and Kaelton but it was a great party and the love that our family has for one another is undeniable.  Feeling blessed.