19 !!!

Last Sunday, January 4th, our family was invited to the VIP Tour of the Draper Temple! It was a marvelous experience in every way, from the little ones crawling all over the alter in the sealing room, to the good questions from the older kids. Of course, I had to snap a photo, since all 19 grandkids were reunited during the holiday season.

THE THREE AMIGOS!

The boys are gaining on the girls! 2008 blessed us with three new grandsons, Bodie Dennis, Owen Howard and Redd William!!!!

Owen 3 months old!!!

Could he be any cuter? Loves those rolls ---and tiny feet!!! Owen has come into this world with own set of unique needs. Don't give him warm and fuzzy blankets! He enjoys hanging out in his Onsie, nothing on his feet with the cold air on his skin. I love it! Sara gets strange looks when she is walking outside in this cold winter with an uncovered Owen! But what they don't understand is that's the way he likes it!!! He is happy, healthy and growing at a rapid pace!! WE LOVE OWEN!!!!

December Birthdays!!

Since it is the last day of the month, I thought I better get my act together and get my final post for birthdays of 2008! I know you all understand what the month of December is like, so no need for explanation why this is so late!??
Happy New Year's Eve!!

10 Reasons Why I Love Adam Richard!!

1. He makes my life better whenever he is around me, either by conversation or helping!
2. His ability to never sit still when he tells a story!
3. How all young boys in the neighborhood, ours or his, are drawn to him! They love him!
4. He's a hands on daddy! His children are blessed!
5. His smile!!
6. His eye for detail--meticulous! (one of the reasons why he's a good dentist!)
7. His extreme intelligence and ability to retain what he learns! (It's a Van Leeuwen thing! Clay has it too!)
8. His testimony and the way he honors his Priestood. (always insists on wearing church clothes to give a blessing)
9. He makes a game out of every situation!!
10. He is a fantastic husband and loves his wife very much!

10 Reasons Why I Love Telisa Joan!!!

1. Still my best Christmas gift to this date!! Always will be!!
2. She is fantastic mommy! (learned from the best-Kim, Tiffany, Tara, Tristen, Sara)
3. Loves to play games!
4. Is very athletic!! (much like her mom-NOT!)
5. Always thoughtful to her family! We love her notes to this day!!
6. Very artistic and creative!
7. Her thirst for knowledge!
8. Her sweet and endearing testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ!
9. Her desire to be healthy, strong and an example to all girls!
10. Her love and devotion to Clay and Bodie!! (loves to cuddle with them)

10 Reason Why I Love Clay Mitchell!!

1. His tenderness with his wife and son!
2. His intelligence (mind like a steel trap!)
3. His determination to achieve worthy goals.
4. His letters... I like them, I love them..
5. His strength and wisdom, which is making him a great daddy!
6. His appetite for good food and life!
7. His thoughtful prayers and testimony
8. His sense of humor!
9. His love for dogs!
10. His affection and love to his wife!!

In Laws vs. the Out Laws!

The In-Laws WIN by one!!!

Siblings Christmas Gift!!!

Another addition to this years traditions. Instead of the adult kids drawing names and giving gifts to each other, they opted to have a night without their children and play games and eat!!! Their gift to each other would be paying a babysitter! Half of the couples slept over night and the other half left about midnight! It was a riot!! We played Catch Phrase, Mad Gab, Spoons, and Poker something? I can't remember. The kids filled me up with Diet Coke so I could stay awake! Since I already had Cold meds in me mixed with the Coke---wha, wha, wha!!!!

Christmas Program 2008

Christmas Program cont.

Christmas Program 2008 cont.

The highlight of our Christmas Eve for me was our Program this year. The adults dressed in costume and talked to the children as if they were important characters in the Savior's life. Each researched their part and gave a beautiful testimony to the children. Kim , Tiffany, Whitley and Kourtney shared their musical talents, which always adds to the Spirit in the room. The background was painted by Telisa, Sara and Tristen. It was a labor of love! Thanks to all that participated in the Program! Wonderful memories!!!
Elizabeth- played by Sara
John the Baptist-played by Stephen
Wiseman-played by Grandpa Stout
Angel- played by Telisa
Mary- played by Tristen
Jospeh- played by Travis
Shepherd- played by Chad

Time to eat!!

The Best Gifts of 2008!

Owen Howard Peters

Redd William VanLeeuwen

Bodie Dennis VanLeeuwen

Christmas Eve Dinner

Due to the increase of numbers in our family, we choose to have our Christmas Eve dinner and program at our Church this year. It worked our well. Since the building has a large supply of tables, chairs, pianos etc. we were all able to sit in one room and eat together. As requested, paper plates were used, so clean up was faster. We went with a Mexican themed meal and it turned out well, even though I burned the meat a little. Travis caught my error just in time!