Christmas week

We spent most of the week traveling and visiting with family...the way the holidays should be spent. We went to Lisa's parents on Christmas Eve. That morning my mom called to let us know my grandma had a mild stroke early that morning and that she was in the hospital. My mom headed to the hospital and we waited for an update. The doctors said she had a TIA (mini-stroke) and that no long-term damage was done. My mom said she was doing good, talking , and joking. My parents spent Christmas day at the hopital with her and she was released the next day. We did head down to my parents later on Christmas Eve. We ate some yummy home-made spaghetti and meatballs and opened gifts. We were excited to get a food dehydrator to make beef jerky, fruit leather, and other fun treats. We also got a programmable crock-pot and green Le Creuset pot. As you can see there was a food/cooking theme. We were also happy to get some gift certificates which we haven't decided on how to use yet. After filling our tummies and opening gifts we headed home to wait for Santa.

On Christmas morning we woke-up to find Santa had visited and filled our stockings. We got lots of yummy candy and some other gifts. This year we bought a new digital camera so that was our gift to each other. We did enjoy opening a gift from Rich's sister Anne and her family. Luca also had a stocking filled with goodies and toys. He destroyed several of the soft toys my parents gave him within minutes. Santa knowing Luca's desire to chew and destroy toys gave him things he could not destroy within minutes. He also got a small blue football and red snake. Luca will play with these toys sometimes, but prefers his old Kong toy to everything else.

We spent Christmas day with Rich's family. We had the traditional Christmas feast and of course I (Lisa) brought spaghetti with meatballs. The food was great and again we filled our tummies to the brink of explosion. It was great to see everyone and spend some time with our nieces and nephews. Nathan our 7 yr old nephew loved Luca and I am pretty sure Luca loved him.

The day after Christmas was sad for Rich because he had to go back to work. Luca and I were lucky to be able to relax at home. We were both pretty tired from all the traveling. Luca actually sleep the entire day away and I was nervous something was wrong because he didn't really want to play, but the next day he was back to normal.

Yesterday, we traveled back to my parents because my grandma is staying there for a little while. We had the Christmas dinner my family didn't have Christmas day because they were at the hospital. It was nice because we got to visit with my Aunt & Uncle and my cousin and his family. It was a nice day and great to see my grandma. She is an awesome lady with so much strength and talent. I admire and love her very much.

Today after church we are taking the time to rest. I have been getting a cold Rich is just getting over, so we plan to veg out on the couch and hang with Luca. Next week will also be a little crazy with the holiday but we are planning to stay home this time and do our own thing.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

The Nativity at the Sacramento Temple. The pictues don't do the scene justice. It was so beautiful and moving.

Almost Christmas

This week has gone by fast for us. We have been busy preparing for Christmas and enjoying the holiday season. We both had work Christmas parties. Lisa's work ate Round Table and cookies. Rich's work party was a bit more fancy. We enjoyed dining at Piati's Italian Restaurant. It was good and a great opportunity for the office to relax and enjoy each others company outside of work.
Luca is settling into his new home and more of his personality is coming out. He is hilarious and makes us laugh everyday. This week he was a little naughty and we've learned he can be a sneaky dog. Usually when we shower he sleeps on his dog bed or the couch, but one day this week he was a little too adventuresome. We had a box with unwrapped gifts under our tree and thought it would be fine because he didn't show any interest in them. But one day while Lisa was showering he got into the box. He got Jake's (mom's dog) Christmas present and ate the treat with it. He also got a package of hot chocolate, ripped it open, ate some, and spilled the rest. The third thing Luca got a hold of was his own toy. When I found him he was hiding in our exercise room chewing on his Stocking Stuffer toy. Needless to say Lisa was a little upset and put Luca in the cage for a time out. He knew he was in trouble because he went in the cage without whining. We have now moved all the unwrapped gifts up out of his reach and make sure we keep on eye on him. We also found him late one night trying to eat some of Rich's Mint M&M's. He snuck out to the family room while we were brushing our teeth and a few minutes later we found him trying to get at Rich's candy dish. The candy dish and our See's candy are now on the kitchen counter. We have learned Luca is a little piggy and will eat whatever is within reach.
Today Lisa's 10 year old Primary (Sunday School) class acted out the nativity story. My mom made the costumes...THANKS MOM...and the kids loved it. We only practiced for about 30 minutes before, so it wasn't the best production of the Christmas Story, but it was enjoyable and taught the children the true meaning of Christmas. My only regret is I forgot to take pictures of the kids in their costumes.

We are looking forward to this coming week and the opportunity to celebrate Christmas with family. We want to wish all of our family and friends a safe and Merry Christmas. We hope you will all feel the love and peace our Savior Jesus Christ has to offer. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Enjoying the Holiday Season

Last week we finally put up our Christmas tree and decorations. It made it feel a lot more like the Christmas season. We also watched the muscial "White Christmas" which is a family tradition. Lisa use to watch it every year with her mom while making making cookies or decorating the tree. We now continue the tradition.
This week we have started making Christmas goodies. We are planning to make 4-5 different kinds of cookies and other treats we can't mention because some of you will be receiving them as gifts. Rich and I enjoy cooking together, so this is a fun time of year for us. Luca has been a little more whinny because he wants to eat all the treats we are making. I feel bad so I think I will have to make some dog biscuists for him.
Today we enjoyed a nice walk on the river trail with Luca. He loves to sniff everything and track the scents. While walking we saw two woodpeckers and a hawk. We haven't seen the deer recently.

The Weekend

This past weekend was nice. We started out Saturday relaxing at home and watching a movie. In the afternoon we took Luca down to the river. We have walked on the river bike path a lot, but not down to the river. Luca really wanted to get in the water, but it was too cold and we didn't bring a towel. In the summer we will let him get in the water and see if he really likes it. That night we went to the Sacramento Temple. It was peaceful and a perfect way to end the day. There is a beautiful nativity scene on the temple grounds. It helps you to remember the real reason we celebrate Christmas.
After church on Sunday we took Luca for a short drive. He loves car rides, but he is use to roaming free in the backseat. We have decided that he needs to be belted in, so he will be safe and not be able to distract the driver. We bought him a special dog harness and decided to try it out yesterday. Luca did not like the harness and kept getting twisted in the seatbelt. We are trying to figure out a better way to keep him secure in the backseat. Lisa is visiting her parents tomorrow, so we will try the harness again with lots of treats and dog bones on the way.

Week in Review

The past week has been typical. We are busy, but not too busy. We are starting to feel the crunch of the holiday season. We have a lot to do before Christmas and we still have not put up our Christmas tree or decorations. We plan on doing that tomorrow. We are curious to see how Luca will react to the Christmas tree and ornaments. So far he has been a good boy and not destroyed anything in the house. He doesn't chew on anything that is not his toy...what a blessing.
When Rich took Luca for his first walk in the rain he did not seem to enjoy it. That night we bought Luca a blue raincoat. He wore it the next morning and seemed to do better. We never thought we would dress up our dog, but it is practical and we hate to admit it but Luca is so cute in his coat.
Yesterday was probably the most exciting day of the week. Rich had the opportunity to go the the exhibition, "Bodies Revealed". Since Rich is in the medical profession this exhibit fascinated him. Lisa of course had no desire to go since the sight of blood bothers her. Rich had a good time and said it was interesting. Lisa stayed home with Luca and bake apple coffee cake and apple muffins. Luca stayed right by her side hoping to get any crumbs that fell to the floor.