Retirement here we come!

Ray has been working hard at the Cougar House. The other night he went into the basement, tore out the old stairs, cleaned up a bit. Now he has another bedroom with a closet already there. Now that house will be a four bedroom, two bathroom house. He has a way of doing a good job. It seems that he has a way to see what it will look like with a few changes. He still has things left to do, but it is looking good.

The back bedroom has been repaired. He is at the texturing and painting stage now. Ray put insulation all around the window. Too bad, birds! He plans to put a new window in there as well.

We don't know how much our property is worth at this time, but we feel good that we still have them rather than money in the stock market that vanishes into thin air.

Time is really flying. January is on the down hill run. It has been pretty cold here the past few weeks. Ray is good to scrape my car as the garage is still off limits with storage. It was so good to have all of you here for the holidays. We were able to see everyone, including Michael, on the blog.

We are trying to line up our trip to Russia. Got tickets reserved and found out that they would not take our credit card for International. We have to go to the bank and up the amount on our regular credit card and then get them ordered. It is a good deal. So we must get things in line. Our invitation and visa is off limits until the first of March. Hopefully it will all come together. We will be thinking of all of you as we fly off into the skys.

Hope everyone is being good and getting on in life. Word is that the twins (Misty and John's) are sleeping through the night. Yea!

We are looking forward to the family reunion. Let's all support Erica and Cody and we'll have a great time.

Beginning a New Year

Today is New Years Day, 2009. I remember when we were concerned and looking forward to 2000. It is hard to believe that time has flown so quickly. We have had a wonderful holiday. During the Christmas week-end, we loved and kissed the babies along with Bryce, Desiree, Karly, Avery, and Gracie. For New Years we were able to love and kiss Desiree, Weston, Chace, and Tyler. What fun. It makes life worth while to have such wonderful children, their spouses, and the adorable grandchildren that we have been blessed with. We love and appreciate each and everyone of you. It was a great holiday.

It was nice to have beds to put most everyone in as they visited. The three bathrooms made a nice difference. Grandpa will have the sink fixed by the next visit.

Michael had a hard time hanging up after his visit with all of us. He commented that it was good that he is only able to call home every six months. It is too hard on him. Each visit makes him homesick. In May he will be home. It seems like a long time ago and yet the time has gone very quickly. It will be great to have the family back together again. It is a little bigger than when Michael left.

We wish all of you a wonderful New Year and the very best in all that life holds for you. May we all follow the Prophet and live as we know that we should.