True Meaning of Christmas

This year, after visiting Der's work, we realized how fortunate we are. Our family decided to visit D's work and bring his client's and co-workers some Christmas Cheer. And as usual, I think we got more out of it than they did. Sara played her guitar and Shelb sang carols. I brought my beads and they made their own jewelry. Mom brought shaving kits for the men. We all raised enough money to give each of D's co-workers some cash, which was so deserved and needed.... Thanks to all the family who took the time, even on their lunch breaks to bring some joy to some who can't even speak but the music brought tears to their eyes, which D's boss said are tears of happiness since they can't express themselves verbally...

Jake was very confident with the clients since at school he has kids with special needs integrated into his classroom, so awesome:). Jonah went around and passed out cookies. Ash was a little hesitant and Alex didn't know what to think- nevertheless, I hope the kids will always remember this day.

Glenda (above) just had surgery and was so excited to make jewelry for her friend. These people don't expect much at all and have huge hearts.

Doug, Ann, Ondy, Je, went around and helped the ones that couldn't bead and made their jewelry for them with their favorite colors.

Ondy even brought some of her clothing that she thought some would like-

Chad's been so busy at work and it meant a lot to me that he'd take some time off to come. I think he was touched. The workers, like Derek, amaze me that they don't get paid much but work so hard- often very laborious work like changing diapers, etc. and do it with a smile.

Then, on the Twenty-Third is Roger's side Quiet Party for Christmas- a tradition we love where we have a candlelit dinner (steak and the whole bit) the cousins get soooo excited

There are Ten of the cousins now- Ashley has a girl cousin now- Chels and Jeff's Eden. Of course, the boys are all so close in age they love being together even if it does get a bit crazy. This year, I was impressed how well they minded Nana. Thanks to Nana and Papa for all their hard work.

We do a Toast with our wine glasses.....

This year the older two Jonah and Jake, moved up to the "Adult Table" Big Step in the family:)

Of course we have the Manger Scene- Ashley and Max make the most adorable "Mary" and "Joseph"- last pics before my camera died...

Prince is into everything and tries to cause havoc on the manger scene here....all the cousins yell at him to stop but he is already a tease kinda like his papa and daddy.

So cute, right?

This year, Marsha gave Chad and his sisters a scrapbook she'd been working on for the entire year with all their pictures from baby on...It was crazy to look at pictures of my hubby when he was just a babe and how much my Alex looks like him. there were even pics of Chad and I on a trip when we were eight in California and we were standing next to each other at Disneyland and to think some day.....pretty crazy. tonight we are off to Jones' side for more festivities.

Wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas and happy holidays.

Jonah's Eight- parties, weddings...Tis the Season

First of all, Happy EIGHTH Birthday to our Jonah:) What a fun kid he is: loyal, friendly, helpful, loving, sensitive and silly. Jo wanted a small b-day party this year, which was fine with his parents, so a few buddies came over for cake and ice cream, then off to "Yogi Bear"- Although the movie was "so so", the boys had a blast together. Jonah is excited to get baptized in a few weeks now that "he isn't afraid of the water" and "Is excited to have his dad baptize him". Right now, Jo is enjoying playing Jr. Jazz with his buddies and loves school. He is a great friend and brother- always thinking of the other person. For a gift, Jonah gave me a "hug card", which means I get to hug him WHENEVER (Best gift EVER) and I just hope that hug card never expires. Dad got a "Golf Card", which I do hope expires ha ha. Happy B-day Jonah, we love you with all our hearts. THis is an exciting year:) We are so proud of the person you are. xoxo Yahoo. Jonah is Eight. (trying to be Wolverine here)

Eat it all- before we are off to the movie for more junk food...

And then, off to our annual friends party, which is always a blast. We have the best group of friends (we missed you Brette) and chad bought some great white elephants this year (Go Walgreens) And Go Oly ninety-five (btw- can you tell my numbers don't work on this computer)

Next morning, My niece, Lindsay (Mark's oldest) got married. Bountiful Temple ceremony was beyond beautiful, especially this time of year. The reception was too cute- my sister in law, jerilee is so creative (MOB) and she had a photo booth, ice cream bar, fishing pond for the kids, dancing, and accents galore- Martha Stewart would be threatened...so fun. Best wishes to this happy couple

Mark held it together pretty well for having his baby girl getting married- congrats Linds-Jake

We love our family and friends, that is what life is all about. Even though this time of year can be hectic and rushed, today was one of those days when realization of what matters most comes flooding back.

Happiness:) xoxo

DECEMBER is here...

Such a busy but fun time of year- Jacob has been working with his Fourth Grade class for months on this performance and did a fantastic job with the music and speaking part. He is growing up so quickly. Chad and I took the older boys out tonight to play basketball, which Jonah and Jacob are now in Jr. Jazz and loving it. It was so much fun to spend some time with them and laugh....how time flies.

Great job on your performance, Jake. You are one amazing kid and we love you. yesterday, we got our family pictures done- finally. It is quite the ordeal as you all know. Luckily, we got a few good ones, which I will post soon.

This morning, however, a special visitor came to Nana and Papa Rogers house....Jolly Ole St. Nick awaited the kids. However, this year, instead of giving gifts to each kiddo, they gave the gifts to some needy families where we all drove to a special family's home and handed over some well deserved basic gifts: it was touching

I was suprised what Ash asked for this year: a cotton candy maker- good thing Santa has a few weeks to make that one:)

Jake wants and I-Touch as does Jonah- WHAT? "Santa can make pretty much anything" but my response, "Yeah, but he is on a budget this year.:" Good thing Alex just likes the wrapping paper right now...

Jonah had a blast with his cousins and friends. He is the social guy right now, enjoying his Jr. Jazz team and helping out around here as well. He and Jake are great buddies and I love that. Jonah has a tender heart- Love these kids.

The whole gang- all the Rogers cousins with a little family who comes each year

Always one kid who has the meltdown:)

Had to get a pic with the Big Guy- We still believe:) What a fun, rewarding day.

As we loaded up the gifts to take to the cute family- a single mom with four kids

Who just asked for the very basics

And they were thrilled with the extra toy they recieved. Which reminded our kids (and us adults) what Christmas is all about- Thanks Marsh and Al

For we are truly so blessed.