I'm Late! I Know!

I know, I know, I was supposed to post on Saturday, but I figured I would wait until Christmas. Quite an eventful week for the Wortham girls.

Sammee and Katelyn actually had plans for Christmas Eve. They both worked early in the day, and then went to Christmas Eve services with my friend, Rebecca Pendarvis, then to her house for dinner. Becca's daughter, Brooklyn fell in love with the girls! I think Brooklyn is 9 or 10. She even asked if they could have a sleepover. Then to Midnight Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral. Sammee got her Christmas presents from us yesterday, and Mom got hers yesterday too. She loved all of her gifts! Through the generosity of a friend from church I was able to get her a Wii so she can watch Netflix streaming on her TV. Today they hung out and went to see a movie. Merry Christmas to my little Sammee Cheeks!

Here in good old Idaho, I had to work yesterday until 8 pm, so Christmas was delayed a day. Wandered up to mom and dad's mid morning. Opened presents, hung out, and ate a wonderful dinner, mostly courtesy of the Food Network's website. And, Kat got her Mac & Cheese! Thank you Alton Brown for the recipe. I got some wonderful gifts. A funny wire pig container, maybe for eggs or something. Debating about taking it to work. A pig calendar which is definitely going to work. Coffee and a grinder, a bag of those Hickory Farms mints, some cook books, a Marylhurst coffee mug, and new shoes! Tori got a new French Press coffee pot (hers shattered when she came home from Portland), cook books, and a Crock Pot! Kirk will be eating well next year! Kat got clothes, fuzzy slippers, cook books (do you see a theme here) and a McDonald's gift card! Sammee sent me a NYC hoodie, Tori a pretty cameo choker on a ribbon, and Kat a beautiful music box. You can actually watch it play. A wonderful Christmas was had by all, all over the country.

Merry Christmas to you and yours! I am so blessed to have the most amazing family, and lots of friends! I hope your day was as magical and fun filled as mine was. May you all enter 2013 with happy hearts and prosperity!

Christmas Bells Are Ringing!

Sorry this post is so late. I had to wait to talk to Sammee to get the weekly update.

She had a busy week. She was working the barista job, the light board job, and the stage managing job all week. And, she has come down with a cold. Poor baby. Sam, Derek, and Katelyn went downtown yesterday and had a blast. Christmas shopping and ending the day with a musical. After this weekend, Sammee will just be working at the coffee shop for a bit. She is now training new baristas, serving coffee, and hostessing. She won't be home for Christmas, but Mom is sending out her gifts on Monday. And we will Skype on Christmas. It will be weird not having her here, but she is well taken care of and has lots of friends in the City.

Tori has also been busy. She is working 6 days a week at the Popcorn Shop, and is doing a Christmas Variety show this week and next. I'm going to see it next Saturday night. Plus church, her hats, and just general cuteness! Had lunch with her and coffee later tonight. I love spending time with that girl. We put together Mom's Christmas present. I love Christmas! Even though our time together is limited due to our work schedules, I love having her home!

Kat is having a blast bowling for Poky High this year! I have to miss her meets, but it is fun watching her practice. School is still going well. We are preparing for Christmas. Oh, by the way, I hate shopping. I live by the words of the Jeff Dunham character, Walter (and apologies in advance for the profanity). "Git yer shit and get out!" I am not the type to go to the mall and wander for hours looking in every store. That sort of stuff is annoying. Okay, if I am visiting somewhere, I will wander and look around, but at home, just get in and get out. Mom and I are going shopping on Tuesday and I think it may take a half hour tops.

Now, for your viewing pleasure, a picture of Sammee and Derek in Manhattan yesterday. Such native New Yorkers!

Up To The Date!

So a short post this week.

Sammee is just plugging on with her jobs and such, living the NYC fast life. She and her friends are preparing for Christmas, and she is still working 2-3 jobs. If anyone wants to send her a card or anything I have her address. Toss me a Face Book message or email me wortandr@gmail,com.

Tori finished her fall trimester with astounding grades, again! She is on her way home right now. Made it to Boise with a small scare of snowy roads outside Pendleton, OR. Bobi and I will drive to Boise tomorrow to pick her up, and then she will jump right back into her routine. She will be at the Popcorn Shop every day working, and will go back to Praise Team on Tuesday! And she is still making and selling her crocheted items. I get her for a whole month! I foresee lots of coffee dates!

Kat has started High School bowling. She is playing for Pocatello High School this year. I got to watch her bowl on Tuesday, and even though she hasn't bowled since last spring, she still has it. She also took her ISAT tests on Wednesday. I really hate that students have to pass a standardized state test just to graduate from High School. But I digress. She has her first meet next Wednesday. I will be at work, but will get updates from her.

At work I am continuing to work towards a promotion. Two new departments are opening up the beginning of next year and Allstate is hiring more trainers, etc., to help with the new departments. So keep me in your good thoughts as I work towards this new goal.

There's only 2 weeks until Christmas. I am ready, and so are the girls! Until next Saturday, my friends.

Another Week!

Wow! It's December already! What a year! And now for the weekly update.

Sammee, Derek and Katelynn moved into their new apartment this week. They are still in Brooklyn, but a bit closer to Manhattan. Work and stage managing still going well. The kids are preparing for Christmas, and all that New York has to offer for the season. They have already been down to Rockefeller Center to see the Christmas tree. I am hoping for pictures, but they are so busy, who knows?

Tori had her last week of classes, and has finals next week. She will be home for Christmas break one week from tomorrow. A whole month of Tori!She is very excited to get back to work at the Popcorn Shop! She was going to bring home her paintings next week, but her professor wants to display them next term. I guess I can share with Marylhurst for a bit. Yesterday she did a craft show on campus that she organized. She sold $139 worth of crocheted stuff! Don't worry, if you still want a Tori original, she has more inventory, and will do custom orders.

I am still working at moving up at work. Still plugging along and helping whoever needs it. I still love my job and love the people I work with.

Since this is a short update, I thought I would share a video of Sammee and Derek waiting for their train. Enjoy the silliness!