Calianne got married this week!! What a beautiful bride! What a great party we had! What a momentous occasion in eternity!

Monday was our last day to prepare before the big day. We did last-minute things including cutting fresh pine branches from our tree out front, since we did a lot of nature decorating! Sarah and Mariah held a bridal shower for Calianne in the late afternoon, and she had a great turnout. Family had started to arrive, including Grandma Elton and Amy's family. Lots of Richmond's female cousins, aunts, and grandmas were there, too! We had a super fun time playing games and taking turns telling stories of Cali and Richmond. That night, Kevin made burgers for the family in town, including Grandpa Skinner! Afterwards, we did nails and face masks!

Tuesday was the BIG DAY! First, I took Cali to get her hair and makeup done and she looked so cute in her button-down shirt that we took pictures of her like that, too! Then Cali and I headed to the temple to meet Richmond and their photographer for some pictures before. Soon we were inside with so many family and friends and the ceremony was BEAUTIFUL! After we cheered them coming out and took some more pictures, we headed to the venue to set up and have some yummy food! At the luncheon, Cali and Richmond thanked everyone for coming and told their story. Then we had an open mic for friends and family to come up and wish them well. Soon it was time for more pictures in front of the lovely fireplace that Megan decorated (her decorations, fulfilling Cali's ideas, were so pretty!). While pictures were being taken, we reorganized the venue for the reception, which started at 6. Cali and Richmond talked to guests the first hour, then the sons-in-law sang my favorite song ("Married a Skinner! Feel like a winner!), Cali and Richmond cut the cake and played the shoe game, and the Flamingos (Cali and Richmond's high school friends) busted out with a prepared dance and started the dance party! Cali has always loved the dancing at wedding receptions, and she had the most fun at her own! We sent them off with sparklers and called the day a complete success. Yay marriage! Yay celebrations! Yay Cali and Richmond!

On Wednesday, my family went home and I enjoyed shutting off my brain for a little while! That night, Mariah and Kolby and Evelyn came to hang out with us. We watched a movie and then played half a game of Catan with Savannah before it was time to go upstairs, count down the New Year, and toast each other with Martinellis! Welcome 2026!

Thursday was my birthday! Kevin and I went out to lunch and watched a movie. My kids came over that night for pizza and presents. I'm glad they love me and want to be with me!

Friday I was willing to put things away from the wedding and Kevin and I went to the temple, but really Friday and Saturday were relaxing, as well. It's been a good, good week. What a beautiful life.

It was Christmas week!! We had Candlelight Dinner on December 23rd (which was Tuesday) because Cheyenne worked Christmas Eve night and Christmas Day night. On the 23rd, we got to eat at Grandma and Grandpa's with Ben, Beth, Cali, Chey, Mariah, Kolby, Evelyn, Megan, Ammon, Micah, Savannah, Kevin, and I! What a crew! It was the BEST having Cali and Chey back with us! They even played us a duet on the piano. Chey accompanied me on the violin. Ben played "Blackbird" on the guitar and Ben, Savannah, and Beth sang a song. We did the nativity. The kids made a dance to "All I Want for Christmas is You." We played chimes. And of course, we ate clam chowder and opened presents from Grandma and Grandpa. It was a lovely night and we all had a great time!

On Christmas Eve we watched some movies and played some games. Also, basketball was played as it was multiple times this week!

On Christmas Day, we let Chey sleep unitl 9:30, then we had French toast with Mariah and Megan's family driving to join us. Next we opened presents from Mom and Dad (Kevin and I) and Sarah joined us. The kids did multiple white elephant gift exchanges with different themes like books, accessories, and plants. It was so fun to watch. Later that day, Kevin and I took presents to Avery, Lyla, and Oliver and saw what they got for Christmas. Before Chey left for work again, we had a nice turkey dinner with Grandma and Grandpa and Mariah and Kolby. Afterwards, we enjoyed playing three stage charades and Chameleon. It was a really fun day surrounded by love and fun and we felt to say, "God Bless us Every One!"

Was that the end of our holiday celebrating? No Way! After Christmas, we always go to Barnes and Noble with gift cards from my mom and dad (Grandma and Grandpa Elton). Ben, Beth, Cali, Chey, Kevin, and I met Mariah, Kolby, and Megan there. We all picked out books and had so much fun!

On Saturday, I spent part of the day at the church helping with a funeral luncheon. It's good to see how the warmth of families and the love of friends in the ward help at those times. The rest of the fam watched the BYU bowl game and were so happy when they won! I got the news that the quilt we had been working on was done being edged. I picked it up and brought it to Naoma's so we could admire our hard work! It's just in time for the wedding!