Creeper Christmas

Jorja worked early this morning again. It meant she had the evening off though. She was able to meet her friend Ethan up in Salt Lake City. He went on the Taiwan adventure with her. I was worried about the roads, so I drove Jorja up there. They just wandered around City Creek mall. I did the same. Jorja said she is thinking about applying to go to Taiwan next year. Ethan might as well. I didn't know you could go twice. Ethan's sister did it two summers in a row. Interesting.

Ethan & Jorja

White Friday?

Mike survived another Black Friday. Things were pretty stable, so there wasn't much excitement. Also sales were down this year, so not as much fun. But, his stuff didn't break and that is what is most important. Jorja worked early this morning. She opened up a shift at Chick-Fil-A. She said it was boring and really slow. Black Friday and snow makes not a lot of people want to go out and eat chicken. Jorja asked if I would want to meet her at Walmart so we could finish the rest of Stockton's presents. I didn't want to leave the house. Jorja's car did pretty well getting home. She had a bit of trouble on Pepperwood Drive when she had to stop half way up the hill because the UPS truck in front of her got stuck. I helped her get up the hill of our driveway. How I wish we had a flat driveway! Even though the snow makes things difficult to drive in, it sure is beautiful!

Happy Thanksgiving!

We had a pretty low-key Thanksgiving. Yesterday I made cranberry sauce and banana cream pies, so today I just needed to make the rolls. I made them while I talked to Stockton. I talked to him for almost FIVE hours! It was the best! Some wonderful ward members picked Stockton and Elder Kelly up and shared their Thanksgiving dinner with them. That made me so happy!

We had Thanksgiving dinner at Steve and Shannon's house. It was our family, Steve's family, Shannon's mom and two nieces. Erica and their nephew Max were on the computer for a bit talking to their families from the mission field. I didn't take many pictures, but I love this picture of Jorja and Weston. They look so much alike here! Weston does look like Waldo though...must be the hat.

Jorja & Weston

The only other picture I got was of Preston. His belly was poking up a little, so I pulled his shirt down before I snapped the picture. Preston was too fast for me and pulled it up ridiculously high. Weirdo.

Preston and Oscar

We played games after dinner until it was time to go to Frozen 2. We met Sherry and her family there. Only got to connect with them for a second, but at least it was something! Maysen spent Thanksgiving in Logan. I hope she was happy. She's not a fan of big meals.

The Medlock's sent me this picture tonight and made me so happy! After dinner Stockton and Elder Kelly helped the Medlock's set up their Christmas tree. (I have a hard time referring to Stockton as Elder Smith.....so I'm not going to worry about it. He will always be Stockton to me.)

Brother Medlock, Stockton and Elder Kelly

Surviving

I am soooo glad we came home from Israel yesterday. The weather is awful today and flights are being disrupted everywhere. Glad to not be in that mess. The kids didn't have school today. Jorja worked. I cleaned the bathrooms and kept randomly falling asleep. Maysen met with her marketing advisor and things are looking better for her to be able to pull off a marketing minor. She will have to take 18 credits though. Ahhhh!!!! That girl is amazing!

And That's a Wrap...

We survived our twelve hour flight to JFK then had almost a six hour layover in New York. Our last family photo. Lots of the same picture here, but it was our last one. It has been so much fun to spend all day every day with my family. Especially since we aren't able to get together that often. I am so thankful Rachel and Jordyn were able to come on this trip with me. Made everything super fun! How did this end up happening? Last Thanksgiving Jordyn went to China. She posted pictures on Facebook and asked where she should go to next? I responded 'Israel!' I told her I was going next year. Jordyn immediately was in. The two of us (mostly her) were able to convince others to join us. Brett went to Israel last year with my dad. He wanted Rachel to go. This was the perfect time! Rachel felt guilty that she was going with all of Brett's family and kind of thought he should go again. Haha. Sharon made a comment that one of the best things about the trip was getting to know Rachel. I agree! I'm glad the rest of our family can see why she is loved and adored by us!

Renee, John, Jordyn, Stephanie, Steve, Sharon, Dad, Mark, Rachel

 We are tired

 Gordon's selfie with the big camera - haha

 Rachel left first...we could only follow her to the shuttle

 She made it back to Ohio safe and sound

Mike was waiting for us in the airport at Salt Lake. All of our luggage arrived on an earlier flight, so we had to find it in the back. I said goodbye to the rest of my family then Mike took my dad and me home. It was nice being home. I got to see Preston right away. Jorja was at work. We were planning on going out to ice-cream once she got off, but she didn't get home until it was too late. She had a hard day at work. She worked with her friend who has been mean to her for the first time since her mom texted Jorja. It did not go well. The friend was awful all day to Jorja. Teenage girls can be so cruel.

Caesarea