New year

Dearest family,

It was so great to spend time with you either in Salt Lake or Illinois. What an amazing group of people you are. I will upload the photos and share our Christmas joy this weekend, but first I have to tell you that our sweet dog, Bart, passed away in his sleep last night. We actually think that he waited for us to return from Illinois. He was so bright, shiny, and happy when we got home Sunday evening. He looked better than he did when we left. He spent time with each of us, either under our feet or with his head in our lap. I think he needed to make sure that we were home safely and that we would keep him safe. (And protect his toys from small children and cats.)

I recently read a book titled, "The Art of Racing in the Rain," written from an old dog's perspective. The dog is at peace with his destiny because he is convinced that he will be reincarnated as a man. Based on Barty Boo's personality, we are convinced he will be reincarnated as a boy.

Lots of tears mixed with sweet memories and laughter in this house tonight.

*Please ignore random image of cat attacking Hannah's leg. I uploaded it by mistake and can't figure out how to remove it.

Christmas Wish

Hm, Christmas is only a couple weeks away and my shopping is only partially done. Due to an infected toe nail that was cut off on Tuesday(I'm thinking pedicures for the rest of my life), I may doing most of my online. Thanks to my wonderful Aunt Leslie for delivering Tylenol PM's and cheeseburger the other night. So, my wish list is really not that exciting, iTunes giftcard, Amazon giftcards are good as I enjoy my tunes and books. I plan on doing work on my bathroom and outside of my house next year so Menards, Home Depot or Lowes gift cards would be helpful as well. Wishing all of my family the Merriest of Christmas' and Happy New Years'.

Love ya!
Laurie

We're waiting for your wishes

Hi everyone hope you had a great Thanksgiving, and for those who braved the crowds on black Friday, did you get some great deals? Jen and I started our shopping at 2AM in Walmart, then it was time for Starbucks. We saw Leslie at Penneys, did a little damage there then headed to Mernards where Jen got hit in the face by an elderly man who told her she wasn't getting in his door. No he wasn't an employee. Oh what fun it is to run through Menards on Black Friday!!! we also hit Lowes, Bergners, Staples then Panera for breakfast. After refueling our bodies we hit the mall again for Bath and Body. Then it was time to head home. The van was full and the wallet was almost empty.
We still need a WISH LIST from Laurie, Sherry and Sara. We would rather get something you are wishing for if possible, but will surprize you if we don't get a list pretty soon. I know everyone is busy Tis the season. Does everyone still want Cinnamon Rolls? Let me know.
See you soon.
Val and Jen

Ladeau Wish List

Skyler- he wears 2t or 3t shirts and is 18 or 24 month pant. He would love any toy that he gets but please make sure it is fairly small our house is overflowing with stuff because I never got around to that garage sale I needed to have. The only thing I would not get him is the Elmo Kareokee thing because I got that one covered. He loves to try and sing and dance.

Sara- clothes are always good I wear medium or large top and 7 pant in juniors. I also need new shoes the slip on tennis shoes preferebly.

Chris- he wears XL short sleeve shirts likes gift cards for Harbor Freights or Home Depot.

Sorry Im a little late to post I sat down many times to but had a hard time coming up with the lists.

Skyler is saying more words now- bye-bye, thank you, mine, more, papa, oh man- those last two I haven't heard yet but Papa Eric and Monica say he was when they kept him on black friday. Now if we could only get him to cooperate with his therapist lol.

Julie's Christmas List

Howdy!

My list:
Books-Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan. It's a "Young Adult" series. I only have #1, so I need #2-#5. 100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Maruquez. A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking. Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe.

DVDs: Wizard of Oz, Sound of Music, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (the old one), Any season of the Office (I don't have any yet), and Season 2, 3, 4, 5 of Scrubs.

Gift Cards: Itunes/Borders/Starbucks

Is that good? I also love Harry Potter for those who didn't know.

:)

Julie

Christmas Lists

Bryan - Menards or Home Depot Gift Cards - Nice short and long sleeve shirts - not button down, and comfortable. We're going to be working on finishing the basement... slowly but hopefully surely so the home improvement items will be best.

Nikki - Menards, Walmart, Dress Barn, Kohls, or Best Buy gift cards are always good. Collage photo frame that says "Family" from Kohl's. If you can find one... a count down to Christmas lawn ornament. Can't find one that's larger than the snowman or child putting letter to santa in mailbox. =o\

If we think of more.... we'll post again. haha

Random Wishes

Sitting at the Thanksgiving table recording wishes:

Leslie- Omelette pan; sweaters or jackets XL; warm turtlenecks; one of those sweaters that drape

Eric-Chaps jeans from Kohls size 38X30; he'll keep thinking

Brady- Has a Wii, Ninteno DS & I-Touch; athletic gear (loves UnderArmor); size 12 in pants or Youth L or XL in shirts/ XL sweatshirts; fiction about sports; likes board & card games

Kenzie- Likes vampire books; shirts or hoodies (size girls XL or XS/S in juniors); loves warm & cozy clothes; has I-Touch; size 12 in jeans; earrings; nail polish or very subtle make up or perfume; Aeropostle sweats XS pants or S shirts; loves to draw, sew, scrapbook or crafts

Our love to all on this wonderful day!