Holiday Greetings from Spokane

Our Thanksgiving weekend began with the Brulotte family coming to visit. It was the first time the entire family had been together for Thanksgiving in 9 years. The activities included watching movies, playing games, getting schooled in billiards by George, horseback riding, work projects, and hunting wild turkey in our yard. The unlucky Turkey on the left was quite tasty!!!!

This was our magnificent feast where Jessica made her announcement about our little bun in the oven due Oh sometime this summer :o)

This is my little buddy Benjamin.

Evie, with her new best friend "Share" Bear!!! There were many reasons we gave her this new friend as an early Christmas gift!!!!!!

This is Jessica's latest project. As you can see 3 down 1 to go.

And finally this is our Christmas Tree. I wish the picture did it some justice but it is a very beautiful tree. Notice the lower level of ornaments, just outside the reach of Benny boy!!!!!!

Merry Christmas and Love everybody!!!!

Utah Thanksgiving

I forgot to take pictures of the dinner...but I did take pictures of the aftermath. Here is one load of dishes....


and here is the other.

We had Thanksgiving with Mike's parents and it was an enjoyable feast. Our turkey turned out so moist...I think it must have been because I didn't cook a monstrous bird.

We went to the Van Slooten's for pie and the raisin tradition to say what we are thankful for. I am most thankful this Thanksgiving to be able to walk and for Mike and all his patience.

Western Washington Thanksgiving

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving at the Richards' new home in Bonney Lake. There was lots of time to visit as the turkey was not cooperating and wasn't done when we thought it would be. We ate at 5 instead of 3. It was a wonderful gathering of family and we all had a great time.

Great Concert!

After a long drought, Alan and I were able to attend a really great concert. Emily joined the Puget Sound Symphony Orchestra, which is under the direction of Alan Shen (an acquaintance from Tacoma Youth Symphony days). She can't play with them too long, but will probably stay through the next concert due to #12 grandchild in the oven. They played exceptionally well and it was a thoroughly outstanding performance. I wish everyone could have been there, especially Andrew who was home babysitting due to some last minute changes. You can't really see Emily in the picture, but she was there when I started the shot!

Monitors Galore

Here is Mike's early Christmas/Birthday present to himself. He built himself a new computer and talked me into letting him get 3 monitors. He is in heaven and I don't think I'll be able to get him out of his office.

Great Movie

It is rare to find a movie these days that just leaves you with a great feeling and is clean for the whole family to watch. Mike and I watched "The Ultimate Gift" last night and we both really liked it. I recommend it to all.

This is a test of adding photos. This is cute BriAnn. Brigham said his goodbyes to Sharon Ford. He is wearing two hats. One from his good friend Dick Dilger and the round rain hat from Mrs. Ford. They are laughing about the cat not wanting his picture taken.

Notice the new wall. Alison is beginning to pouch out. Luke and Amelia are dressed in their nativity play costumes.

Trevor and Tyson carved their pumpkins on FHE. Their smiles match their pumpkins.

Amelia drew this picture for Marianne. Every day he still wears the bracelet that she made when Marianne was here.

Haven't moved yet

We are here at Mom's and reading Marianne's blog. Your leg is looking great. Amelia still prays for you every prayer.

We were supposed to be moving on Saturday but our buyers have to add a co-signer. The extension letter says we can close on Nov. 5th or sooner. We're hoping for sooner. We're going to our new ward this Sunday. I'm just glad we're still not showing the house. That about killed me, every time I'd have the house perfect and frantically leaving the house cause it was being shown, I'd be praying, Please let it sell, please let it seill, I can't do this again! I hope, I hope the sale will go through and we'll be settled in our new house for the holidays.

The names we like so far for the baby are: Eliza, Emmy, Anabell, Adalyn, Adelaide ( if Marianne says it's OK!), Sylvie.... any other suggestions? I got my blood work back and I do not test for Spina Bifida. So hopefully she's fine, even though the doctor said her head looks too oval. I get another Ultrasound in 3 weeks and we're hoping that one will be fine. If she has an odd shaped head, she can just wear hats until her hair grows in!

Life is good for the Richards. Pictures from Amelia will be sent here soon.

Marianne's leg update

Here is the update on my leg. Yesterday at therapy I was able to bend it to 115 degrees on my own and Charles (my therapist) got it to 125 degrees. I only have 3 more visits to get it at least 5 degrees more. Here is a picture of how it is healing.



I rub cocoa butter on it each morning and night and the scars are fading very nicely. It is still sore to walk on but that will probably take a couple more months. Here is my current help I use to walk...only 1 crutch.




And here is the best purchase we ever made.



The bike has been great in helping me get my leg bending in the mornings. I ride it throughout the day for about 1 1/2 hours total. It is so great.

I am so glad to be done with the wheelchair, walker, and elevated toilet seat. I'm starting to feel like a normal person again.