We got snowed on!

That's about 18 inches of snow on the picnic table on the back patio. We've had some melting this week, so we've actually had more snow than this shows. Jonathan was too scared to drive himself to school after the "BIG" storm. (Which actually only dropped a couple of inches) He drove himself (and 2 friends) this morning. I texted him to ask how the drive was and his answer was; fun:). I guess he got used to the snow in the last few days.

Thanksgiving with the Ellises

I really missed being here for this gathering last year. I love this wonderful group of people I'm related to. I found myself wishing I could be in Houston and Denver also, though. With Josh and Meg in Las Vegas the Quincy clan had a small showing this year.. Of course half of the gym is kept open for basketball! Aunt Caitlyn showing off Dex to the the Ellis cousins. Jodi (the great babysitter) holding Scott and Kristi's little Isabel. Dex smiling for his great aunt Chris. Nancy and Erika passing out Christmas gifts. Our family has the tradition of bringing gifts to Thanksgiving dinner. Cute little Wes and his family. His momma is due 4 days before Meg. This was the table for the serious Black Friday planning! Grandpa enjoying one more piece of pie! The poor guy had kidney stone attacks the last 3 nights and was sleep deprived! My mom and Emily. When is this woman going to act her age? We went early to help set up. Usually the family before us leaves the tables up, but for some reason they had put them all away, and there was my 81 year old mother starting to pull the tables out. Thank goodness we got there when we did or she and Dad would have had it all done without us! And yes, Jonathan came and helped with the tables, played the piano, played some speed scrabble and of course ate lots of turkey. We were all happy when Jack and Steph made it!

Joni came to see the new Harry Potter with us earlier in the day and planned to make it for dessert, but since she had to work 2 jobs; a total of 15 hours on Black Friday, I guess she decided to crash after dinner with her roommate. I hope everyone had a great day! I am so blessed and thankful for my family and friends and for the gospel that gives deeper meaning to every aspect of my life!

Remembering Thanksgiving week in Houston and comparing to the approaching storm here

Last year I was in Houston for Thanksgiving. Jenny's baby came early, so I was a couple of weeks late getting there to help. I loved spending time with my Houston families! While I was there, something unheard of happened! SNOW! They closed everything. They cancelled the tree lighting ceremony. I thought it was hilarious how they over reacted to a little snow storm. Jason and I went to the store and no one was there! Some stores were closed, but the ones that were open were pretty empty. Well, the grocery stores were flooded with people stocking up for the storm.
Well, this year I'm here in Utah, and guess what? Another snow storm is expected tonight and everything is shutting down! Here! They called and cancelled our sealing session at the temple tonight. I hurried and went to an afternoon session and as I left heard they'll be closing the temple at 3:00 and not opening tomorrow!! So I went to the grocery store on the way home and....yup is was flooded with people stocking up! My checker said that it had been that way all day, ever since the news said a storm was coming. So I must apoligize to Houston and admit that if we get that crazy about a snow storm, they are certainly justified in doing the same!!

Some of the pictures Laura took at the shower

Meg's great gifts! Posing with Laura's quilt. My sweet sister, Laura. Kristi, Leah and Beth Some great ward members. Nina, Dan's mom. Linda and Bethany Mom, Pam and Amy; 3 great ladies! Debbie Peck, Nita and Patti hiding behind them. Meg admiring the cute bag of food from my sister Marianne. Stephanie The shower had a nursery in the basement, with Jodi taking charge! Thanks Jodi (she even cleaned up the blocks that had been out for 2 days)! thanks for the pictures Laura! You always did such a great job of capturing moments!

Meg's family & ward shower and the painted door

This is the beautiful quilt Laura made for Meg! Of course she loved it!

Meg getting sassed by Bethany and Leah.

Loving this sweet outfit!

Richard painted the front door for the occasion! On a sad side note; Dakota is in dog heaven. Richard took her to the Humane Society to have her put to sleep last week. She was just too old and miserable to make it through another winter! She lived through about 15 winters though.

Joni's new haircut

I should have taken one of the back. Its really cute on her, isn't it?

New Bishopric

The Primary kids made this for Richard;

The Young Women took this picture on Wednesday and gave it to Richard today. This is the old bishopric. They did it! Richard is officially released! The new bishop is Harold Cieslak ( 2 doors down), 1st Counselor is Dean Johnson (the ex-Young Men's President), and Matt Rollins ( a young guys who's wife is expecting their 2nd child). Jonathan realized that Richard will be sitting with us in Sacrament Meeting! Weird!