January 2009 Update

Okay so I'm going to at least post a monthly update for the So Cal Newbs

Doug - work could not be any busier - especially when the economy is so bad - thank you Jesus!
This Sunday the basketball league started up again - Go Fly Slama Jama Boys!
He is leading our small group in an awesome study of Revelations and tutors two nights a week to a young man from Iran learning english.

Kelly - work has been very busy with year end and I'm actually working most of the week - I like those paychecks though and can't complain since I work for a bank and still have a job.
I started working out with a personal trainer at the gym and he's killing me! It's a good killing though and I hope to continue to see good results.
I will start up Life Hurts God Heals next week for thirteen weeks. Hanging with teenagers on Friday nights - what could be better?

MacKenzie - started her last semester at Irvine Valley College and then it's off to Northern California. Still not sure which school.
She is nannying four days a week for two of the cutest little boys ever.

Hailey - started her last semester as a high school student - yahoo graduation in June! Working at Fantastic Sams and thankful to have a job - things are tough for teenagers around her. Still dating Donothan and anxious to see him start competing.

Okay that pretty well covers January! As we end the month let me just share that it was about 80 degrees today which is so nice! Sorry all of you that live where the ice storms are and the cold temperatures - we would share if we could!

SORRY FANS!

I must say I'm sorry for not paying more attention to the BLOG. I have to admit my latest addiction is to my FACEBOOK account. It has been so fun finding classmates from almost 30 years ago and trying to figure out who is who. One of the classmates uploaded several year book pictures which did help.

As for the BLOG - I do check it daily to see all the other updates from those that are good about updating. I do hope to continue to update occasionally.

We love the Groff's

Great big thank you to our dear friends Darrell, Dana, Kyle and Nate and let's not forget cute Molly! Dana the dinner was awesome ~ especially the cake!



Kyle - next time try and not be so serious okay?



Rockband was way too cool!





Don't tell but we stole the pictures from their Blog!

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009!

I guess I'm a real party pooper as I was in bed last night at 9:30 - no real big excitement at our house that's for sure.

The girls did go to the New Years Party at the church for high school and college kids - still sleeping so not sure how it went.

This is going to be an exciting year with many changes. With all change comes anxiety and stress but remember to always find the things to be thankful for and not let the changes get you down!

UPDATE!

Okay I'm not sure what happened to November but life is just passing by at an incredible pace.

Let me recap November for you all and hopefully I can get some pictures up for Christmas before January.

November 4th started off with MacKenzie turning 20. Wow ~ no longer a teenager.

November also brought Thanksgiving - one of my very favorite holidays. It's always wonderful to reflect on all the many Blessings we have received and just how thankful we are for everything. For dinner we invited Donothan's family - including grandma, mom, uncle, sister and nephews. Our friends Garry and Claire also joined us which is always a treat! We had a great day!

December is upon us, the house is decorated, the cards are out and I'm actually enjoying this year.

My 4th grade and 6th grade teachers, Paul and Sue Remaley visited Southern California from Idaho for the first time and came for dinner Saturday night. What amazing people that have no idea the impact they had on my life.

Our next visitors are my oldest brother Stan and Merlynn who are coming down on Sunday for the Boise State Poinsettia Bowl game. They have finally converted us to Bronco fans and we are so excited to cheer four the famous Blue and Orange! GO BRONCOS! We can only hope this years game is as exciting as last years.

I will update some pictures soon - I PROMISE!

Happy Halloween!

In our family you are never too old to Trick -Or-Treat or dress up. Even Taffy gets a costume each year.





I'm so embarassed!



Strawberry Shortcake ~ Our Dalmation Doggie ~ Our sweet Bee!


Strawberry Shortcake and Huckleberry Pie (Aren't they cute?)



Our Trick-Or-Treaters for Halloween 2008 (Oops got a real live Trick-or- Treater in there)

Apple Picking

Okay even though our girls are all grown up we can still go apple picking. We had a great time last Saturday with our dear friends the Moses and the Calahans and their sweet little ones. Our girls were working and on a date.






Mike, Kim, Katie and Michael



Sean, Michelle, Avery and Morgan