Closing 2025

Neal and I ended the year of 2025 by going to a movie with Jeff, Annie, and Mallory.  We went to see Song Sung Blue.  Such a good movie.  After the movie we all headed home and Neal and I spent the rest of the evening finishing up a puzzle and watching the New Year come in.  

I have to say that I love Christmas with its celebrations with the family, good food, the merriment and the sounds of the Christmas music sounding through my house.  But, and I feel, that without the knowledge and remembrance of what Christmas is really about then the celebration is bare.  Faith, hope and love is what Christ's birth is really all about.  Faith, hope and love, which cannot be bought or sold, but only given away.  These gifts are without price and only discovered within oneself and therefore unique.  They are not always easy to come by; but they are in unlimited supply to all of us.

So maybe as we move from Christmas into the new year we could think about these priceless gifts and make use of them in 2026.  Maybe mend a quarrel or seek out a forgotten friend, write a special letter to a loved one, share some treasure, give a soft answer, etc.  So many possibilities.  Keep a promise, find the time, forgive an enemy, listen, apologize if you were wrong, try to understand.  Express gratitude, go to church, take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of this beautiful earth we live on.  

Let's all try and carry the true gifts of Christmas through 2026.  

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Jordyn Lyn, Lexi and Peyton

 Our three darling granddaughters from California came in to Salt Lake last Thursday evening.  I don't know all the events they were involved in but I do know that Tucker had things planned for every day they were here.  I did get a picture of them enjoying Luminary out at Thanksgiving Point.  I've never been there but they said it was beautiful and they loved it.

The funnest time for us was when they came in on Sunday to have dinner with us and then make candy and play games.  What a fun and totally amazing day spent with them.  Loved every moment.  I gave each one of them a Lladro figurine of a dancer.  I was so happy that I didn't have to mail them.  It will be up to them to get them home safely.  

And the other surprise was a book for Peyton from her grandfather.  Years ago she accidentally dropped a Christmas ornament and Neal over reacted in not a kind a loving way.  He has apologized many times for the way he reacted.  This year, while shopping, I spotted this book and just had to buy it for Neal to sign and give to Peyton.  

After dinner came the candy making event.  Lots of fun pictures as they made, cashew turtles, peanut clusters almond clusters and almond turtles and Caramels.  

Neals recipe that no one could read or figure out!

Getting clever with the caramel.  I think Jordyn Lyn shapped these.

Finished candy.

Goodbyes were said and a wave goodbye as they drove out of the driveway.  It just never fails.  I always shed a tear or many when my grandchildren leave because I know it will be a rather long time before I see my out of town grand children.  Emmi in Hawaii, Abby in California, Jordyn Lyn, Lexi and Peyton, in Fresno, and Brock back East.  

Emmi Brings Hawaii to us

 Emmi never comes from Hawaii that she doesn't bring wonderful gifts to Neal and I.  Of course, it is Emmi that we want see and be around as much as possible.  Here are some of the items she brought:

My favorite - Macadamia Nuts!  Love them.

Having Emmi and Abby with us for the holidays was the special of special Christmas gifts!  

Gifts from Abby

 Nice surprise from Abby.  She gave me some Christmas presents and also gave Sprout a new toy for Christmas.  She is very thoughtful.  She gave me two gorgeous angel tree ornaments.  They will go gorgeous on our white tree.  

Sprouts new Christmas toy that he loves!

And she also found these beautiful Spode small dishes to add to our Spode Christmas dishes.  I love them.

And we got this Dowdle puzzle.  This will take some time to put together, but will be fun.

Thank you Abby.  I'll send you a picture of the finished puzzle.