Totally Random

Franz, sporting Steve's tie and white shirt...
April and John (who had just sliced his finger with the electric knife and was holding out side the photo frame).
Steve and Mom dig in!
Mason prepares for blast off!
Amber and Patrick sharing a good joke.
Nikki, Me and Michele doing the TG clean up.
MaCall and Eloise stuffing in Pastries - the back seat was covered with flaky bits!
Johnny and Amanda being dang cute.

Brother Bill talking with his hands, ensconced by admirers, Addi and Grace.

Okay, I am behind in my posting and now there is just too much to cover! I'll try to make it short. Last week we were in Salt Lake for the Holiday. Franz did an amazing job of throwing a surprise party for my 40th. I truly had no clue. I understand he had help from Michele and my Mom. On arriving back at my mom's, after going out to eat, I discovered a pack of people hiding in the dark dining room - family and good friends, Heather and Glen Fuller, and Krista Cullimore. The table was set with two lovely cakes, and the cheese cake Michele and I made earlier. It was great. Franz and his mom also gave me a gift cert. to a local spa for a Swedish massage and European Facial. I had never had either and they were fantastic! I too could look like Nicole Kidman if I could have those once a week. Good job Franz.

Thanks Giving Day the guys and a few gals met for a soccer meet. Most of us girls and kids walked over to Johnny and Amanda's to hang out, and see the remodeled house. Unfortunately my kids left there very dissatisfied with our own house. Eloise says "Grace's house is futuristic" and that is really cool. Ah well. They will just have to be happy with our old fashioned cottage!

Later that day we did a dinner at mom's - each family sort of doing their own thing. We were having an okay dinner, good ham and funeral potatoes, but a bit quiet and stiff. Then Amanda and Johnny came with the girls and all that changed. It was great fun from there on out - and we started a puzzle.

Thanksgiving was spent at April and John's church building. We needed room for all 40 people. The dinner was great. Nikki and Julio blessed Sylvie. We played games and the kids gave us a talent show. Kudos to Eloise who played Simple Gifts on the viola - she had not performed for quite some time and did a great job. MaCall gave an encore performance - though was a little shy in her playing - family can be intimidating. We also took time for each person to tell something they were grateful for that year. It seems out family has been blessed.

Oh, and well done Julio for passing the California State Bar the first time around!

Next time on the Potter Paraphernalia:

The uber healthy diet I am on - ick. Six pounds down since Monday though, and have more energy.

A report on the Nutcracker and Eloise's performance.

A report on MaCall's Christmas gigs - including the Blue Jay Parade and a private party (paid, woo hoo!).