The Adventures of Sam the Y.A.M.: December 2008

12.28.2008

Now that's better....

This is my mom and dad, Bud and Netta Ames, standing by the holly hocks along this same river. Near the same location as the winter picture.

Brrr...........it's cold

Winter cold along the Blacksmith Fork River, Cache County, Nibley, Utah. This is where I grew up. Sure glad I live in Arizona!

12.25.2008

12.20.2008

Ames Family 2008 Christmas Letter (Thanks to Allie!)

Dear Family and Friends, (from Allie, the dog)

“It’s a wonderful life” and I have it made here at the Ames residence in Peoria, Arizona. Life has been busy for them this year. I watch them come and go, they go, I stay. “Go to your kennel, Allie”, they say, and I obey. But, they are good to me.

Carl, the one that feeds me, and picks up after me, is doing pretty good. I follow him around and stay close to him. He goes to work, takes care of his church responsibilities, (he was released as bishop last March) and enjoys being at home with the family. He’s slowed down a bit this past year, and has enjoyed planting a winter garden. (Winter garden? Those of you that live in northern countries are jealous aren’t you?) He even has decorated some cakes for family and friends. I hope he makes me one someday, hopefully not some Christmas fruitcake though.

Leisa, bless her heart, I occasionally cause problems for her. I can be a little mischievous, and when she comes home after I have gotten into something I shouldn’t have, I usually have to go outside or to my kennel, and usually I know I am in trouble and show it when the door opens. (You better watch out, you better not cry} She is busy with the girls, being a missionary mom, trying to keep the household going, being a counselor, and looking forward to being a grandma!

McKelle and Casey are living in Provo, UT and are attending BYU. They are happily married and are about ready to celebrate their first anniversary. (I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus). I was able to see them at Thanksgiving and they will be here during the holidays. They are very excited for their new baby due in April 2009. I can hardly wait myself for a new little one to knock over!

Jordan, my favorite, is serving a mission for the church in New York City. He had an exciting senior year, performing in the choir, was Linus in the school musical, and taking 2nd place at National competition in Kansas City for the SKILLS USA Carpentry competition. I miss him, but he is doing really well, and is working hard to learn the Spanish language and to share the gospel. This will be his first Christmas away from home. (I’ll have a blue Christmas without you!) See the blanket I am snuggled up in? That is really his but I had to get my hair and scent on it before they sent it to him so that that he would know that I miss him. The family is very grateful for his missionary service and his great example.

Jacie turned 17 this month. She is a fun girl who loves to be goofy and have fun! She is selling jewelry with Leisa and enjoys that. She is a creative young lady and the family loves her. She is driving and running all over the place – (dashing through Peoria, in a GMC truck)

Kamrie just made the school softball team and enjoys that. She is 14. I never really liked playing ball but I am glad she does. (I broke my bat on Johnny’s head, somebody snitched on me) My fetch isn’t so good anyway. Kamrie has really grown tall lately and still sports the blonde hair. She was excited to get Jordan’s room when he left. She also sang the National Anthem at the school’s Veteran’s Day assembly and what a great job she did. She has a beautiful voice. The family is very proud of her.

Torie, what can I say about her? She is 9 and is a real live wire. She is one of my favorites because she likes to spend time with me. (Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens. Kittens? Grrrrrr………) The other day she was playing with me and I heard her say to Carl that I lost a couple pounds just in that short time we were playing. Boy, did that make me feel so good. You know how a dog feels about its weight. I’m lucky though that I have black & grey fur. You know how slimming black is. Anyway, enough of that, and more about Torie. She just broke her arm. She took a tumble at school and got a buckle break near her wrist. Poor little girl. But she is taking it well and shouldn’t have it on too long. She is a great student, she loves to read, and has beautiful handwriting. She loves to write to Jordan.

Well, I think I have told you all enough. I better go to sleep and wait for Santa to come. Merry Christmas to you from our home to yours!