Christmas Day

We woke up this morning to new snow on the ground and more falling.  We debated whether we were going to brave the storm but decided to go ahead and see just how bad the roads were.  We knew we could always turn back.  Our first stop was Maren's.  We got there about 9:45.  The roads were horrible but if you took your time, they were okay.  Maren's family was all up and from the looks of things they had a merry Christmas.  Santa was good to them.  Because of the snow, Greg had to go to work early that morning so we didn't get to see him.  Maren and the kids were getting ready to go over to Sylvia and Dan's home for brunch so Neal and I left there about 10:30 and headed toward Jeff and Mindy's.  I called Mindy and she seemed a bit frustrated.  I don't know the whole story but from what I could gather, her family ended up wanted her to host the brunch at her home instead of going over to her mom's, which is the tradition.  Mindy was trying to get ready for that event and so I asked her if she would prefer if we didn't barge in on an already large group descending on her place and she seemed happy that I recognized her stress.  So we skipped that stop and went to Lyndsy and James home to see what Santa had left their little family.  Again, it was quite a haul.  Lots of toys and fun stuff for the kids and James and Lyndsy faired well themselves.  James informed Neal that Lyndsy had given him a home brewery for making beer.  Neal made some comment, I didn't bother to respond.  When we left and got in the car we both busted up laughing.  I think laughing at the absurdity of the gift and James making sure we knew about it and trying to cover up the saddness we really felt at how far they have withdrawn from the gospel and for some reason found it necessary to throw that in our face yet again.

But, we shook that news off and merrily headed our way out to Stansbury.  On the way, we stopped at a Starbucks and got some hot chocolate and for Neal to make a pit stop!  By this time the roads were pretty much cleared and just a few flakes of snow falling.  Early afternoon found us pulling up in front of Jeff and Annies.  Jeff was out shoveling the driveway.  The kids were happy to see us and were waiting for us to show us what they got and to play games.  Both of which we did.

Here are a few more pictures.  This one of the boys building their Legos.

 This was the main Christmas that we gave to each family with their names on it.  This one if of all the grandchildren.  Lynda Ann helped me do all of them.  We spent one whole day working on them. Not an easy project and I couldn't have done them with out Annie's expert help.  It was this project that generated her project of doing the quilt.

 Some time ago, Tucker found this counted cross stitch and asked me to do it for him.  He also wanted me to put the saying, "Do Not Quit" along the bottom.  I spent every extra moment that I had hoping to get this done for Christmas.  Actually the hardest part was figuring out the lettering and trying to make the "Q" look like a que ball.  I must have sewn, unpicked, sewn and unpicked that crazy "Q" a dozen times until Neal and I felt like it was as close as I could get it.  Neal took it to get ir framed, again hoping that it would be done in time for Christmas.  We didn't get it back until the Monday before Christmas and Neal put it in mail that afternoon with no promise from the post office that he would get it by Christmas Eve.  We were thrilled when we got this picture Christmas morning and even more happy that Tucker was pleased with it.

Jamie sent me this next picture telling me that she was very happy with the gum balls.  It has almost become a tradition to send her gum balls for Christmas and for her birthday.

Christmas Eve Family Gathering

This Christmas is the first in a long time where we have actually had snow on the ground and more predicted during the holidays.  I was grateful that we didn't get any snow on Christmas Eve until early Christmas morning.  With all the children coming over for dinner and the Christmas Eve festivities, it is always a worry if they are traveling in on snowy roads.

We planned on dinner at 4:00.  Neal and I set up all the tables that morning.  I spent the rest of the morning getting all the side dishes prepared and ready to be put in the oven and on the stove at just the right time to have everything ready to go on the tables at 4:00.  This year we had a rib roast and ham along with funeral potatoes, fruit and veggies.  Maren brought a delicious fruit salad that complimented the dinner perfectly.

Just a little before 4:00 I got a call from Mindy telling me that Jeff had a swollen cheek and the inside of his mouth was sore and swollen so she was sending the kids over and she was taken Jeff to Insta Care.  I was sorry to hear that.  Everyone arrived on time and we were able to have prayer and all be sitting down at the table by a little after 4:00.  We all had a wonderful time eating and visiting with each other.  Lynda Ann and Lyndsy helped clear the tables, get the first load of dishes in the dish washer and prepare for the next activity of the real reason why we were all there together.

Neal quoted, from memory, the scriptures in Luke of Christ's birth and we sang Silent Night.  Maren played the top hand and Neal the bottom hand on the piano.  They did pretty good.  We had hoped that Jeff and Mindy would be able to come but Jeff called and said they had been released but were going home.  Jeff had an infection of some kind and was given antibiotics and pain pills and sent home.  So we proceeded to hand out the presents and open them.  Neal and I were, as usual, spoiled by the kids.  I didn't take a picture of all the presents but had to take a picture of the quilt that Annie made for Neal and I.  It was a very teary moment for me knowing the hours and hours that she must have spent on putting this quilt together.  It is huge and if you read the words, it pretty much tells our life!  What an incredible gift!  Thank you Annie for the hours and hours of love that went into putting this gift together.  It shall be treasured always!!

 The next pictures are just random pictures of the family.

 The boys were all given legos and immediately went over to the table to put them together.  Fun that they are all about the same age and have close to the same interests.

All together I think it was a wonderful evening spent with the family.  Usually everyone stays and plays games but Christmas Eve adds another dimension to the activities knowing that Santa is getting ready to make and appearance and children need to be in bed for that coming event.  I would have to say that the day was perfect in every way except for missing Jeff and Mindy.  We were very sorry that they couldn't be with us, but very happy that Maddie, Ryan and Grayson came over to be apart of the festivities.

Off to Las Vegas Nevada for the Bowl Game

Neal worked with Craig Sorenson and got 3 tickets to the bowl game between Utah and BYU in Las Vegas.  Tucker was able to get a ticket from a friend and mentioned that he thought Jaden would really like to go so Neal offered the 3rd ticket to Maren for Jaden.  Maren said it could be part of Jaden's Christmas.

We left Friday afternoon about 3:00, picked up Jaden at 3:30 at the gas station just off of I-15 and Bangerter at 3:30.  We drove to St. George and stopped at In and Out Burger for dinner before settling in for the night at Ron and Judy's condo.

 We got up the next morning and stopped at McDonalds for some breakfast before we headed to Vegas.  It was nice to have the rest that night before.

We arrive in Vegas and with Sira's help found the stadium without a glitch.  We were there about 2 hours early, which was great, and found a perfect place to park.  We were on the front row facing the street and after the game were able to pull out over the curb and on our way!

As you know, the game was good for Utah fans and not so good for BYU fans.  Of course Tucker and I had a bet and I lost!  DANG!!!  I owe him a dinner at any restaurant of his choice.  We had a fun time at the game.  It was chilly for most and cold for me but we survived.  We headed home about 5:00.  We had heard of a storm that was supposed to be along the I-15 corridor but our prayers were answered and it didn't hit until about 5:00 a.m. Sunday morning.  The traffic wasn't too bad and moved smoothly all the way into Salt Lake.  Maren was at the gas station to pick up Jaden at 11:30 p.m.  We had a fun trip - fast, but fun.  It was exciting to have Tucker come and be with us. He is a good sport even when his team wins.  He did wonder if Jaden and I wanted to change allegiance but we  declined.  We are blue to the end!!

Our tickets were on the second row!  You could almost reach out and touch the field.

 My team warming up!

 We asked a policeman to take this picture and he kindly consented.

This picture below was the highlight of my whole experience down there.  This flag was rolled out while someone sang the National Anthem.  As they had just unrolled it two jets flew low across field.  They were so low and so loud that one had to cover their ears.  We watched bank and turn and come back.  I was brought to tears as the flew over and I looked at the flag.  How I love this great land of America and am proud to place my hand over my heart!  It was an amazing experience.  One that will not be forgotten for years to come!  God Bless America!!!!

Desmond turns 2!

This is a picture of Desmond in his jacket that Neal and I bought for him for his Birthday.  Also a picture of the cake Lyndsy made for him.  Happy Birthday Desmond!  We love you.

Annie's sub for Santa projects

Lynda Ann reminds me of her grandmother Ross.  Every year she gets herself involved with helping families who are less fortunate that she is.  Even though her kids won't get everything they want, that doesn't deter her from helping others.  This year, she and Abby made a bunch of quilts for some children.  She sent me these pictures of their finished projects.

You notice she doesn't just tie them she also borders them with ruffles or binding.  Lynda Ann teaches me and her children all the time what it is to share and give.

First beautiful snow storm of the year!

We woke up in the morning to our first big and beautiful snow storm of the year.  It was so gorgeous that we had to take a picture of Neal out shoveling and me standing underneath the our lighted snow caked tree.

A fun surprise!

For as long as I can remember there hasn't been a time when a box left on the front porch or a package in the mail address to me hasn't been the highlight of my day.  And I have to admit, it hasn't changed.  I think that is half the reason I order stuff on line once in a while so that I can wait in anticipation for the package to arrive.  It doesn't matter if the contents are for someone else, it is just getting a package.  How funny is that.  I came home the other day and there on the front porch was this huge box.  I tried to remember what I might have ordered but couldn't come up with anything.  I hauled the heavy box in the house and saw that it was addressed to Jamie.  Then I remembered that in her 'thank you' note she had mentioned to watch for a box of 'this and that' items.  This was their families way of saying and extra thank you.  Well, it was just like Christmas when I opened the package and peered inside.  It was so much fun pulling out all the different items that Jamie had observed Neal and I using while they were here.

 This picture is what I saw looking down in the box.

 This picture is all the items lined up on the counter that I took out of the box.  I just kept pulling more and more items out.  It was all packed in there expertly, that is for sure.  I didn't know you could order groceries like this.  She even remembered Neal's favorite breakfast cereal and that I love pumpkin right out of the can!

Thank you Jamie and family for a very fun and delightful surprise.  You certainly didn't need to do this but I have to admit that it was a delightful surprise!  I've already had a diet coke, opened the pumpkin and ate some, made some cookies, opened the nuts, used a couple ziploc bags, had a couple cookies and Neal has been working on the M&M candy and the cereal.  Oh yes, I used the flour to make chocolate chip cookies Sunday evening!  And, of course, Neal and I take our Meta Mucil every single morning!  Thank you, thank you, thank you.  We love you!

Neal turns 72!

Neal's birthday was fun and rather uneventful.  No big party, no huge cake with 72 candles and no piles of presents.  However, he and I had a fun evening together.  We went to a movie of his choice, Spectre - James Bond.  Great movie!  Neal stayed awake through the whole thing.  I was amazed.  We went to the theaters at Sugar House that have the reclining chairs.  I thought sure he would get so comfortable he would be out.  Didn't happen.  We had lots of popcorn and lemonade.  Can't go to a movie without popcorn!

 After the movie we went to Market Street and bought some clam chowder and a cob salad.  We took it home to eat rather than eat at the market.

After dinner we had a piece of lemon pie.  One that Neal had bought earlier at Marie Calendars.  He does love lemon pie!

 We had a very fun evening and I'm so grateful that we enjoy spending time together.  We never lack for things to talk about and always enjoy a good laugh with each other.  I love this man and am so thankful for his commitment to the church to me, to our children and to our home.  Thank you Neal for your love and for making these past 25 years together.

This picture below was a cupcake that David (his hair dresser) gave him for his birthday.  Neal got his hair cut that morning after attending the temple.

Abbigail Jeannine receives her patriarchal blessing

Abby called me Saturday and invited me out to their home on Sunday afternoon to go with her and her parents to get her patriarchal blessing.  I was humbled and very happy that she wanted me to be a part of this special moment in her life.  I arrived at their home a little after 4.  We went to the patriarch's home only to find out that he had told her 4:30 but meant 5:30.  He wasn't home yet so we went back to their home and visited until a little before 5:30 and then headed back.  Nice that Gertsons only lived a few blocks from his home.  During the hour that we were waiting, Annie downed and apron and quickly made pumpkin cookies for us to eat and for Emmi to take back to the Y with her that night.

The blessing was beautiful.  I remember quite a bit of it but won't share any of it because it is Abby's blessing and is private to her.  The Patriarch shook my hand and said, "You must be a very special grandmother to be invited."  I teared up and certainly did feel very special.  Abby is not only my name sake but has a beautiful and very genuinely sweet personality and spirit.  She is far advanced spiritually than I was at her age.  I was touched by the blessing she was given from her Heavenly Father through the patriarch.  It was a tender evening for her, her mother and dad and for me.  The Patriarch asked Abby to give the opening prayer and after the blessing he asked Jeff to give a closing prayer.  First time I've ever experienced an opening and closing prayer in that kind of situation.  Both the prayers were beautiful and filled with much love and meaning.

I asked the Patriarch if I could take a picture of him and Abby.  He hesitated and then said, "Well, I guess there isn't anything in the handbook that says one shouldn't.  I just smiled and commented that I thought it was perfectly acceptable and that we weren't in the chapel, we were in a home.  He said no one had ever asked for a picture.  I just smiled and took it quick before he could change his mind.  I think he was a bit uncomfortable which I thought was kind of silly.  Picture of Abby and I and one of her and the Patriarch.  Wish I could remember his name but it has gone from my mind and it is too late to call Abby.  

Those cherished 'thank you' notes

When the towels and sheets came out of the dryer, I went downstairs to make the bed and put the towels back in the bathroom.  I was greeted by 'thank you' notes laying on the table.  I read them, each one, with tears.  Tears that represented happiness from having this family with us for a week and tears of saddness of having them on their way home and that we wouldn't see them again until June.  That seems so far away.

 I love that Peyton loves Neals jokes!

Anxiously awaiting this surprise package.  Neal and I are the ones who should be doing something fun for them!  Thank you all for a wonderful visit, midnight talks, midnight games and just enjoying every single minute with you!  Love you all.  Gam and Pa

Like Father like Son

Jamie took this picture of Tucker and sent it to Neal and I.  Tucker is always taking pictures of Neal asleep and Jamie thought this would be a good pay back.  It is perfect!!

Saying "goodbye" once again.

This is the hardest time for me and for Peyton.  I could say that some day she and I will grow out of it, but I'm already 71 and haven't grown out of it yet so, Peyton, I don't think there is much hope for you.  Goodbyes are just always going to be a bit harder for you and me.  Tucker and Jamie had decided to leave about 9:00 but reality was more like 10:30.  They were well ready to leave by 9:00 but Jamie always leaves the basement immaculate and that can only happen when everything is packed and out to the car.  It just takes extra time to pack, get three girls moving, clean the bathroom, haul laundry upstairs and start a load of wash and then vacuum everywhere.  Thank you Jamie for always leaving me with nothing to do but put clean towels back and make the bed.

We all sat around the kitchen table chatting and for me, avoiding the inevitable.  Jamie finally said, that we needed to have family prayer and be on the road.  Tucker asked Neal to say the prayer and then we slowly made our way to the car.  Lots of hugs and held back tears, waves goodbye and a car driving out of sight.  We love having them come and enjoy every minutes they are here which makes it even harder to say goodbye.
There always has to be a selfie of the group.

 This is a picture of Lexi saying goodbye to her birthday balloons.  Funny story here.  Tucker told me that Peyton wanted to such in some helium to make her voice go higher.  Apparently she sucked in too much and she passed out!  Scary but kind of funny.  She wanted to do it again (not pass out) and promised Tucker she would only suck in a little, but Tucker told her absolutely not.  Lexi wanted to take the smiley face home with her but both parents said that was not an option to have that balloon floating around in the car for 12+ hours.

 All piled in after hugs.

 Pulling out on a snowy morning.  The first snow of the winter.

It is hard to see but all the windows were rolled down and everyone had their arms out waving their final goodbye.  My heart ached.

 I wanted to add here that Tucker was having a problem with his foot and then his leg.  We were concerned that he might have a blood clot so Neal took him to the ER on Friday morning.  They ran all kinds of tests and did an ultra sound on his leg but could find nothing wrong.  They were actually going to leave on Friday and go by way of Lake Tahoe. Jamie wanted to attend a guide dog graduation for one of her clients that she had enjoyed working with.  However because of weather issues and the concern about Tucker's leg they decided to wait and leave Saturday morning and go straight home through Southern Utah.   We did get a text from them that they arrived home at 12:45 in the morning.  I'm sure they were happy to be home after a long drive.  

Decorating for Christmas

The tree goes up Thanksgiving night and the next day is pretty much devoted to getting it decorated.  This year went quickly and smoothly.  Neal jumped in and helped along with Peyton.  It was fun to watch her as she determined where each ornament should go on the tree.  We had the whole tree done in a little over an hour and it is gorgeous.  Decorating the tree is certainly one project that I'm glad is over and done with.  Of course there is always one or two or more accidents of dropping a Christmas ornament.  This year the first person to break one was Pa.  Peyton, with her hand on her hip, pointed to the mess Pa had made.  It was all in remembrance of a few years back when Peyton accidentally dropped a glass bulb and it shattered on the floor.  You all know the rest of the story.

One of the harder things that I sometimes choose not to bother with is the nativity.  I have a beautiful one that Lila Mae made for me when Jeff and Annie were little.  It is the arranging and figuring out where and how the scene should be set up.  So, this year, I put Jordyn Lyn and Lexi in charge.  They did a beautiful job!  Thanks girls.

 I had Peyton set up the wood nativity.  That one is fun to set up as well because there are so many ways you can arrange it.

 The finished Nativity.  I'm happy to have it set up.  Isn't this what Christmas is all about anyway?  It is a beautiful reminder to me every time I look at it.

All I have left to do is the garland on the banister and I should be done.  Feels good to have most of the decorating already completed.