New Traditions

I have a new "Grammy Date" tradition! On Christmas Eve, I took my little grand girls to Kangeroo Zoo! (Thank heavens J came, too--she was the one who ran up and down the slides carrying our littlest A girl!) It was the funnest place. There are 8 big bouncy blow-up toys that the kids can climb up, slide down, jump on to their heart's content. Big sister A thought she would be scared of the bigger toys, but she was soon jumping and sliding with the rest of the big kids. Little A thought she was pretty cool, too, but I think she liked the drinking fountain the best. This is a new tradition that I just love! Hopefully, it gives mommy and daddy a few hours on Christmas Eve day to get "things" in order, and the time to me was so precious. We spent two hours at the "zoo", then had lunch with French fries and ice cream cones, and then had some playing time at Grammy's house. The time sped by, and I could honestly say that I loved every second! My only regret was that my grand boy wasn't there, too. (He was on the road, on his way to my house!) Next time! Wheeee....

The Best Day of the Year...

Merry Christmas-Eve! This is my favorite day of the year. Now that I'm older, I just want the day to go on and on and on. The shopping is done, the family is gathering, everyone is excited and happy...it's simply the best. I like to imagine I'm there in Bethlehem, seeing the star and kneeling before the manger, to worship my Lord and King, the Holy Christ Child. God Bless Us Everyone!

It's That Time of Year...

Couldn't resist these adorable snowmen! And since we have real live icy-cold snow outside on our lawn, it must be the season! I wrapped presents today. I think J was wondering if there would be any to open or not. This year, I've had to be very creative with our gift-giving. The packages may be sparse, but I think they're going to be more specific to what everyone truly needs or wants. Above all, I hope family togetherness will be the best gift--I know that's all I want! Counting down...

Tribute

My dear father-in-law, Calvin, passed away November 29, 2008. He had suffered a stroke two days before Thanksgiving, and had come home early Saturday afternoon to spend his last hours in the place he had lived for over 50 years. He was a good, kind, gentle man, a bricklayer by trade, having put his handiwork into many, MANY buildings, homes, and churches in this valley. He loved his sweet wife, Janice, and couldn't wait to be with her again. He missed her so much. He and Janice raised four boys, and taught them to work hard and play even harder. They instilled a love of nature in their family, and spent many wonderful vacations at fishing holes, mountain campgrounds, spacious lakes, and blooming deserts. They loved to be with their friends, and had a schedule for dinners out, temple sessions, and game nights. (The day of the stroke, a dinner engagement had to be canceled.) They adored their grandchildren and great-grands. It was the highlight of their day to have a visit--watching the little ones play was more entertaining than any movie or television. We knew we were loved...and we hope they know now how much we will always love them.
I owe them both so much.
I will miss them.