Christmas in Vancouver

Jim and I arrived just minutes apart on Sunday Dec. 23. He was coming from Mass. and I was coming from NC. Then we went to church where Jenn had written the Christmas program for her ward. It was so beautiful. It was spiritual and full of music and love. Then we went to Jenn's for dinner along with Katie's family, Aunt Barbara, Uncle Scott, Laura their daughter and Helaina's family. We ate played games and had a good evening. Jenn and Katie made a Turduckin. That is a turkey with a duck and chicken inside. It was amazing.
The next day was Christmas eve. Jenn and Eric open their gifts to each other on Christmas eve so Jim and I exchanged gifts to each other also. I received a camera and I gave him some cologne.

This is a picture of Jim with my new camera that he gave me for Christmas. My camera stopped working and he dropped his so we were without a camera. I am very glad to have one again. Isn't he so cute.








Here is him opening up the gift from Jenn it was a picture that says Dusty family is forever. He really liked it. I think he also had a great Christmas it was fun to have a man to buy stuff for and to spoil again.









Playing games was fun. Sarah took a little while to come to me but not to long. Hadley came right over and gave me some loving. It is so fun to be with children at this time of year.

Here we are in matching PJ's of course we stayed in them all of Christmas day and just played around the house. It snowed on Christmas. That was exciting because in NC it was 68 and sunny. It just seems wrong to have Christmas when it is that hot outside.








Here I am reading stories to the kids while we wait for everyone to get ready to go to OMSI on the 26th . We had so much fun there. Jenn really planned lots of fun things for us to do.

The special event

I had a great Christmas in Vancouver with Jenn's and Katie's families along with Jim. It is now official Jim and I are engaged. The date is March 8, 2008 here in NC, we would like all who can come to come.

This is the ring. It is just what I have always wanted. Didn't he do a great job. I think so!! I received it on Christmas eve. It was so neat and special the way he asked me. He was so excited and it is a day that I will never forget. I am so blessed to have someone like Jim in my life and to spend the rest of my life with him. I know that those of you that haven't meet him will love him just like I do. He is so kind and full of the spirit.

Jim's visit to Shallotte

Jim finally arrived. It was a great five days, we did so many things and finally with a lot of batteries and broken camera's we were able to get some pictures. He arrived on Thursday. Friday we went to the ward party and then on Saturday we drove to Raleigh Temple and went through a session with Brian and Michelle. We both enjoy being with Brian, Michelle, Austin and while we were there we spent some time with Clyde.

While he was here we went to the beach, played games, shopped, and most of all laughed until our faces hurt and then laughed some more.

We both love the beach so today we went to the beach for the second time. No one else was with us so we took a self portrait. It isn't the best but it is fun.
















It was a beautiful day at the beach even though it was only 57. As you can tell we had our coats on but no shoes. I had a great time and can't wait until Christmas.

The rest of the house

After four days and 20 boxes my home is ready for Christmas now I just wish I was. I love decorating and see all of the stuff that I have collected over the years. I have chosen a few pictures to share with you and maybe help get you into the spirit. So turn on some Christmas music and enjoy. If you want to play a game you can count the nativities.

This is taken from my kitchen area looking toward the front door. The nativity by the rocking horse is one that Austin can play with so that he leaves all of the other ones alone. He has so far made them line up like a parade and the loin couldn't join them because baby Jesus was afraid of him. Then it was bowling with Christ, at that point Michelle said that he was done for a while.





Here is a closer shot of the snowmen collection if I can't have real snow I might as well make my own .














I made this Santa when Julie was in Kindergarten he has been around all this time. Some of the grand babies had their picture taken with him. I have taken him to school for the kids and for several years a cabbage patch kid sat on his lap but Julie took her doll so now he just has a story book. The story book is the night before Christmas we read this story every Christmas eve. The mouse is one that Ron purchased because in the book he had the kids find the mouse on each page.



The entertainment center all changed from normal to Christmas. I have seven nativities on this if you are counting. I believe this year I put only 25 up in the house. The rest will be on display at the Stake center. So that is less than half.







My village is up over the counters. I didn't dare drill holes for the cords to plug them in because I have officially purchased the house yet. You can't tell very well but I have snow on the ground and a nativity in the village. Just one more. Can you tell that I love Christmas yet.








My nook I love the shelf it is a great spot for all of the small nativities. In the south people put candles in the window so I decided to do it this year. Even though it is in the back of the house. I sill love the look of them. I hope you have enjoyed seeing my home as much as I have enjoyed sharing it.

Merry Christmas!!

Christmas at the Nana's

Putting on the lights. This is the first time that I have done the lights in a very long time. I also did white lights like when I was a child. I think they are so pretty.










Austin helped me decorate the tree, after breaking a bulb he had to stay in the great room and I would bring out two and he would pick which one he would like to put up. I would put up the other one. I would do all of the high ones and he would do one or two branches, putting several on the branch. Then I would suggest that he go some where else and he would for the bulb and then right back to he favorite branch.





Here is a branch that Austin did. It was just like when my children where little. It was so fun to have him help with his excitement and he was so careful not to drop or break anymore. Children really bring out the joy of Christmas.



The end product but of course I am still moving bulbs around. I just can't seemed to get it right the first time. :-)

Thanksgiving

I want to tell all who see this email just how thankful I am for them, without all of your love and support this past year I don't think I would have made it. Marilyn asked me what I had learned this last year and I have been thinking about that subject every day since she asked. I would say the biggest thing that I learned is that Heavenly Father has a plan not just the general plan but a plan for each of us and when we are told by the Prophet that he know us; I know that he does. I am so grateful for this last year and the personal growth that I have had. I am also thankful for the life I had with Ron and the love that we shared. I am thankful for all of you and your support and love. Thanks again and Happy Thanksgiving!!



This is the appetizers before the dinner. Brian said that today was the national eat day. So we did. We started at 8:00 this morning and this was our 11:00 meal and then at 2:30 we had the real dinner. It was fun.









This picture is of Melanie, Michael and Michelle we were playing a game and eating of course.












"Oh I ate to much" Brian said and then I replied We haven't even had dinner yet. Austin is ready to go for anything. How about playing "Sorry" his favorite game.


Our Turkey was so juicy when we were carving it the juices ran down the front of the cabinet and onto the floor. Abby(the dog) was so excited she just stood right there and licked it up. What she didn't realize is that the juice was dripping onto her ears and side of her body. So even though she got a bath this morning now she has to have another one, but I really don't think she would care. She was in heaven.

Brian and Michelle wanted me to spread the news they are going to have a baby Boy. Logan Harlow Kruse he should be here around the end of February. Austin is so excited. He asked me the other day if Logan was going to be born crawling. I think he will be disappointed that he just lays around and cries. Brian and Michelle are excited to have another boy and I am excited to have nine grandchildren.