Football, December, Wedding- Oh My!

What is it about blogging these days. I think with Facebook and Pinterest on the scene, those of us who were so into blogging are finding it hard to make time and to hold the interest. But I have to say, that I spent a few minutes looking back on past posts and I am so glad that I had them. Memories came flooding back, a few tears shed and a whole lot of joy swept through me. So I have decided to do better. I am not going to try to catch up but I am going to post some things that will be out of order but events that I want documented. So here goes.
We had a great time cheering on our Broncos! I figured we have been going to Bronco games for about 35 years. We are not BANDWAGONNEERS!!!! And we have been season ticket holders since Kevin was 6 years old. He is nearly 20! I think this qualifies us as TRUE BLUE and ORANGE FANS!!!!

We love going to the games with Sydnie and this year our good friends the Wards bought our other 2 tickets and have joined us. You can tell by our "GARB" that we don't care how we look, we LOVE our BRONCOS!
Andrea and Laura gave Valerie a bridal shower early in December. It was so fun and I think Valerie loved having her friends and family help her celebrate!

Michael will love having pancakes on that new griddle!
And of course we celebrated Christmas! I am so thankful for the holiday season. I watch White Christmas and/or Holiday Inn everyday! Pathetic you say? Why yes it is!!!! I love having our family around and this year was a special one having another missionary serving the Lord. Kevin sounded great when we talked to him. He loves his mission and the people of Indonesia. He even got to dress up as Santa and spread a little Christmas cheer in his area. Manado, is mostly Christian, which is unusual in Indonesia. But they had some pretty wild traditions and Kevin was able to experience some of them.

Somewhere in all the hub-bub of the holidays we had Luke and Jack over. I thought this was a cute picture of them. And of course the Cutler girls, not sure where Callie was, were looking adorable in the holiday headbands and hats. We missed the Joneses, this was their Christmas with the Jones family in Texas.

It was another successful holiday season and then came the event of the new year.

MICHAEL AND VALERIE'S WEDDING!!! January 7, 2012
It was a beautiful day. It snowed and the temple grounds were breath-taking. But the blushing bride stole the show. Valerie was so stunning and Michael was one happy groom. The sealing was one of the most beautiful I had ever witnessed and I have to say that I have never seen Michael so happy. The look on his face as he looked at his beautiful bride across the alter was PRICELESS!!! Although it was cold, we had some nice pictures taken and then had a delicious lunch at the Old Spaghetti Factory.
Words cannot express my feelings. Having my children in the temple, in that Holy place, was all I could ever ask for. I have to say that I am so excited for the day Kevin gets married. (not that I am rushing him- he is still on his mission for heaven's sakes) but I will then have ALL of my children in the House of the Lord. What more could a mother want. We also had all eight of our amazingly beautiful grandchildren with us. Papa George and I wanted a picture of them touching the doors of the temple. Our hope is that they will always remember the feelings they have when they are near a temple and want to go there someday!
Here are a few pictures of that wonderful day. Welcome to this crazy, but loving family Valerie Michelle JOHNSON!!!!! We love you!

I love this picture of Jack at the luncheon. He LOVES his Busketti!!!!!

A week later they had their reception. It was held at the Two Rivers Clubhouse and was a wonderful evening. Melissa and the boys were able to spend about 10 days with us and we LOVED it! The reception was lovely and we were so grateful to all our wonderful friends who took the time to share this joyous occasion with us.

I am so thankful for my growing family. My heart is full as I think of Andrea and Ryan with their beautiful girls. Madilyn 8, Mia 6, Carrie 4, and Callie 2. Melissa and David and their handsome boys. Trevor 5 and Spencer 2. Jeffrey and Laura and their adorable boys. Jack 3 and Luke 20 months.
The newest family. Michael and Valerie. And Kevin. My missionary.
There is a saying that goes something like this...
"All because two people fell in love." George is the love of my life. I am so blessed to have him as my friend, soul mate and eternal companion. As a mother I can only pray and hope that my children will find the same in their spouse. I think so far so good!
I love you all.