CHRISTMAS 2009

I look back at this month and I am amazed at what a person can accomplish while being sick. Between you and me, that is probably why it has taken so long to recover.  If nothing else the stress can kill you.  You think you are not under any stress but it creeps up on you in the night and when you are lying there lamenting over family dynamites that you can do nothing about and you find yourself writing on your blog at three in the morning. And for all the stress and worry you find that prayers can be answered and in the end HIS birth and atonement is all that matters.  We ARE family and nothing can ever change that.

Christmas Eve was wonderful. Every minute of it. The family gathering, scrumptious food, laughter, and yes the presents were enjoyed, especially the gifts from the heart, of course they all were.  The late night reunion with long lost family was pure and sweet. 

Ryan spent hours making the most incredible marble game. The kids, as well as the adults loved it. I thought he just brought it to play with but when he was leaving I tried to send it home with him when he informed me that it wasn’t much, but it was for Grandma and Grandpa’s house….ooooh!

 

The hours of service I was able to render to my darling daughter and the rest of my family were well spent. Christmas morning blessed us with treasured moments of glee and excitement as Joshua, Lukas, Noah (especially Noah and his sweet tears of joy) and Amanda experienced the excitment of Santa. Thank you Kami and Joe for allowing us to share these precious times with your family through the years.

Karl generously gifted me with a Nikon 5000 camera.  As you can see by the pictures that were taken I have a lot to learn.  The ones at Kami’s are blurry while the ones Sami took look great. It’s good it comes with eighteen classes from Inkley’s.

  

Kort was truly my hero  this Christmas season.  He seemed to be everywhere, either fixing my car (more to come about that happening), spending late hours at Kami and Joe’s helping with the remodel or finding the snow blade for his dad’s 4-wheeler and making sure it was installed and ready to surprise his Pop. And not to mention the great prime-rib and amazing dinner he and Shelly prepared Christmas night.

Kay where are you?  With all the pictures that were taken I couldn’t find one of your cute face. Were you hiding?

The sweet matriarchic of our family was feeling well enough to be with us this year. At the age of 90 we are not sure just how many Christmas Eve’s we will be able to share with her but for the moment this one was special.  She has spent hour after hour in her younger years hand embroidering the most beautiful cloth dolls.  I have always treasured them knowing the art of hand work myself and appreciating the time it takes.  Luella brought me to tears this year as she presented me with the bride and groom that have adorned her curio cabinet for more than two decades. “THANK YOU” from the bottom of my heart. I will treasure them for the rest of my life. 

 MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT! 

2009 GRANDKIDS CHRISTMAS PARTY

Well, if you have been keeping track of my writings you will know by now that this year instead of spending hundreds of dollars and totally blowing the kids away with some magical event we went to St. Ann’s in Ogden, a homeless shelter. Cleaning, preparing and serving lunch for the homeless as well as donating quilts. Kay had spent time the week after getting home from her vacation making additional quilts so all together we had two single quilts, one baby and twelve tied fleece blankets. A “BIG” shout out for Kay and her special talent and generosity.  Also, to the Achievement Day girls of the Poplar Ward for their donations. Amanda and Kay’s granddaughter also helped in tying some fleece blankets.

The kids met at our house at 8:30 A.M. Heather was first to arrive.  She is almost so prompt and seemed excited even though I think she knew before hand what we were doing. She is such a sweet girl. Joshua, Lukas, Noah and Amanda then followed by Ryan and Samantha. Jenny came this year, which was a real treat. She brought Makay and Tayson, Michelle had to work and Jenny was babysitting.

I was so very proud of the magnificent job those kids did. The little ones, Noah, Tayson and Amanda helped me sort the hundreds of loves of bread, some were moldy and some were just hard as bricks.

Ryan wasn’t feeling well but ended up in the walk in refrigerator along with Josh, Lukas, Noah and Tayson and Makay. They managed to transform a 12x12 room that you couldn’t move in to a perfectly organized work of art.  As they were cleaning they found pan after pan of food that was on the verge of being somewhat gross that was disposed.  Heather, Sami and I washed and dried about twenty large pans only to find out later that they had a huge dish washer in the other room. I didn’t mind, some of my most cherished moments have been behind the sink talking to the person drying the dishes, such was the case with Heather. Karl spent his time over the hot stove cooking hamburgers.

As we served the homeless I was impressed at how humble most of them were and so appreciative. Amanda stood on a stool next to me and would say, “Vegetables sir?”  It was so precious.  As we served approximately one hundred Heather, Sami and Makay kept the dish washers going so that when we were done there wasn’t a lot to do. The kids had also cleaned up the dinning room organizing the donated coats and washing all the table tops and chairs.  In the end Joshua and Ryan mopped the floor.  There is no doubt in my mind that we left St. Ann’s much cleaner than when we arrived.

While serving Lukas leaned near me and whispered; “ This has been great grandma, can we come back tomorrow?”

About 2 P.M. we headed for our home. I had set the tables ahead of time with fine linins and china. The dinner consisted of spare ribs, yummy potatoes and corn with Aunt Lynda’s rolls, cookies and cupcakes for desert. I was really disappoint to find the dinner overcooked but I hope I got an “E” for effort.  I read them a tear jerking story and we all watched “Night At The Museum.” When I mentioned that we ought to make it a yearly thing and replace the regular party the little ones didn’t act too excited. As far as the rest……..there have been no comments.

My hope and prayer is, if nothing else, they all appreciate how very much they are loved and blessed.

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL THANKSGIVING

Lindsay and Kay hosted the dinner this year. It is a perfect place to have such a large family gathering. I think there were about thirty there.

Most of the guys and some of the girls spent time skeet shooting in the back, they love it. After the wonderful meal some of us gals put a quilt on to tie.  They were the quilts that we would later donate at St. Ann’s the day of the Christmas Grandkid Party.

Lindsay and Kay’s place is warm and inviting. There is enough room that it really didn’t feel as though there were that many people. Unfortunately I didn’t take any pictures.

Here is a funny tidbit…….a few days later Karl noticed that he was missing one of his pistols. He couldn’t call Lindsay and Kay because by now they were lying on the beach in Jamaica so he called Ryan to see if he knew where it was. Ryan went over to Lindsay’s and look everywhere,  even in Lindsay’s gun safe thinking he might of found it and put it away. NOTHING! Then as he was checking out the area around the dog kennel he noticed some scraps of leather in the dirt. The further he checked the more he found and realized it was grandpa’s holster now in a hundred pieces.  As he further pursued his quest to find the gun he noticed a pile of dirt by the kennel.  Kicking at the mound his foot hit something hard and further inquiry turned up the soil and the gun. Yikes, the thing was loaded and now packed with enough dirt to plant a geranium.  Ryan, bless his heart, took the gun in to his dad’s work bench where Lindsay reloads and totally cleaned the pistol from stem to stern.  What a relief to know that the dogs didn’t shoot anyone.

CATCH UP

The past few months have been a blur and unfortunately I have been ill the past four weeks. Monday I finally went to my awesome Dr. Mansfield. He explained to me that this virus is a tough one and he would need to bring in the “Big Guns." After picking up the prescription at  Costco I knew what he meant. Without insurance the cost would have been $340, with insurance I only had to pay $40. I must be on it for a month. After that he has given me a order to have a cat-scan. Being ill sure takes the wind out of you.

This year for Halloween Karl, Amanda and I went as Lucille Ball and Desi Arnis. Karl was such a good sport about the whole thing…..but then what choice did he have after I spent a week sewing ruffles on one of his white shirts. We went to Amanda’s school and had lunch with her then that night to the ward’s Trunk or Treat.  We won “Best Adult” costumes.

BUSTED!

Well, I really blew this one without even trying.  While writing my last post something queer was happening with this program and I was unable to post what I had written, ANYWAY THAT IS WHAT I THOUGHT,  much less proof read it.  I had planned to save the post until “after” the grand kids Christmas party.  Tonight is the first time I have had a chance to look at my blog and there it was big as life.  My entire agenda for this Saturday and the party.  If that wasn’t bad enough I saw that I finally had someone read my postings.  And just guess who, none other than Miss Heather.  Knowing this sweet angel like I do I know that she won’t say a word and will play along to keep her grandma from utter disappointment and despair. 

Have you ever “Power Shopped?” Sometime come with me and see what a charge it is.  You go as fast as you can in as little time as possible. You must keep an eagle eye out for the coppers though.  Today I went to Costco, Quilted Bear, Bed Bath & Beyond, Michael’s, Sacco’s and Megaplex 13 in 93 minutes. That includes leaving  my home and ending up at my Optometrist on North Street. Whew……what a rush.  After the eye appointment  (contacts fit great) I went to the Heritage Fabric Store, Dollar Store and Wal-Mart. You would think by now I would be done but still have two more gifts to buy.  The trouble with early shopping is “Over Shopping.”  Guilty as charged……….

A Perfect Saturday

This morning at 7 A.M. we had a council meeting for the 2010 Youth Extravagangza. It was incredibly productive. We can feel the unity that is taking place. there was such a sweet spirit present. The thoughts of this production having 4000 youth is somewhat overwhelming. We could only do it under the direction the Lord. Rehearsals will being in January. That will be so thrilling.

This week has been very productive. With the grandson's bringing my Christmas boxes out of the crawl I have started decorating for Christmas. I know, there are those of you that thinking breathing even a note of a Christmas song before Thanksgiving is sacrilegious, however, the meaning and reason for celebrating resides deep in my soul. I love the Christmas season. I could celebrate it all year long. The giving, the lights and the music give me such joy. I am honored to celebrate my Saviors birth.

Each year for twenty-two years I have organized a "Grand Children's Christmas party." This year is no exception. We have done everything from renting a suite at a hotel, swimming in the pool to jumping on the bed and pillow fights. We have gone to Thanksgiving Point, Old Salt City Jail. Gone for rides in the horse and buggy at Temple Square in Salt Lake. Last year I rented a white stretch limo. We picked everyone up at their house, picked up pizzas and traveled from Willard to Layton getting out to enjoy the Christmas Lights.

This year will be different and similar to the year we took the money spent on the kids and bought Christmas for a single mom and her six kids. We took the gifts, including food for their Christmas dinner to them singing "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" on their front porch. When asked the kids have said that it was their favorite. This year we are having Thanksgiving at Lindsay and Kay's. We will be doing quilts to give to a charity. Of course the kids will want to help tie them. Then on December 19th we will meet here at 8:30 A.M. to head to St. Ann's Soup Kitchen. As a group we will prepare lunch and serve it to the homeless. After cleaning up Mary at the center will take us on a tour. At this time we will present them with the quilts we made. Spare ribs will be simmering in the oven at our home where we will then feed our sweet grandchildren. I am in hopes that the contrast will touch their hearts forever. Oh, and by the way, don't let the secret out. the kids never know where they are going until we are there.

GRANDSONS ARE AWESOME

Not wanting to do the traditional “Christmas Drama” with hubby, I made a request for my sweet grandsons to come and help me get the Christmas lights on the fence before it snows again.  They were so happy to help me, Lukas brought his friend Tyler.  Our crawl space is quite miserable for adults to walk hunched over in but with smaller people they are much younger and endure it well. Noah is always a willing worker but today didn’t relish his older brothers supervision.  As Joshua and I hung lights on the railings of the front porch he inquired of me if everything was alright? Mind you, this kid is fourteen, a teenagers.  They are not suppose to think outside the box, as they are usually the only one in that box.  I told him that I was sad about “Little Girl,” my 2001 PT Cruiser. Last Saturday I left her in the driveway for the snow to melt off.  Karl left to go help Joe and Joshua do the wiring in the basement when Karl backed into her. He felt terrible.  I knew the damage was serious but not enough to be totaled.  I’ll know tomorrow.  I know you shouldn’t place a lot of value and sentiment in material objects, however, I have love this car from the moment I saw the first prototype at the car show in 1999.  I bought Little Girl is January of 2000.  Eight months later on 9-11 I was t-boned and received $6,000 in damages. This is the third fender bender and I thought for sure that I would just get a new paint job and radiator and she would be good as new.  Anyway, Josh was so sad for me.  A few minutes later in asked me if I needed a hug.  Wow, how lucky can one person be. Thank you, thank you, thank you sweet boys for helping this “crazy in love with Christmas lady” out.  Kudos!

 

This Is A Keeper, Worth Every Minute…….

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Kami Henderson Seward i have the BEST mom in the world!! joe and i both had to be to work early this morning so she came down, got the kidos off to school and then spent the rest of the day DEEP cleaning my kitchen. yep, even took down all the foo-foo stuff above my cupboards/pantry and washed it ALL!! THANX MOM!!!!! thanx for filling in all the holes of my crazy life with love and support! LOVE YOU!!

When It come To Grandson’s, I have the Best!

This afternoon we were invited to Thatcher so that Karl could go pheasant hunting with Ryan, and his dad Lindsay, to celebrate Ryan’s birthday Monday.  He wanted me to go but my heart has never been into seeing any animal or fowl being killed.  I know they do it for food but I chose to stay at Lindsay’s house and read.  I just started Dan Brown’s “The Last Symbol.” It is proving to be thought provoking an as usual contains words far beyond my lack of phonic skills to pronounce.  Never the less I get the meaning and hang in there.  While reading I  received a call from Amanda wondering if she could come over and felt her dappointment when I told her where I wasn’t home.  Joshua asked to talk to me. He wanted to spend the night and of course the answer was yes.

I love my grandchildren with all my heart and saying no doesn’t happen too often. At this late hour I will say goodnight but it was worth it.  Just think, he would rather be cuddled on the couch with his grandma and grandpa than out with the boys. That is quite remarkable for a 14 year old.  He is such a love.

Want To Join the “Passionate Patriots?”

  Tonight Karl and I attended a home meeting with Mayor Matt Godfrey.  He taught us that it doesn’t take an army to make a difference.  In the ten years he has been mayor very few rational, prepare, civil adults have attend Ogden’s council meetings.  But  when they do they can change the course of history.

    For forty plus years I have been enthralled with politics.  It all stared in my early twenties with the reading of  W. Cleon Skousen’s book “The Naked Capitalist.”  At that time most people saw this man as a racial.  Now in this day you see his work nearly as prophesy.  Perhaps my small contribution to the cause will not change the events of the world, but in the grand scream of things, how can I not try.

    A few of us tonight vowed that we would ban together and pay attention to the governing body of our community.  We will support grass roots causes like home daycare and home schooling.  Things that women and mothers feels  passionate  about.  Please come join us.     

Today I have been doing the Can Can.....

It's been quite a day. My plans were to sit with Brother Clark for two hours, from eight thirty this morning until ten thirty. LaRae called with a nose bleed, so of course my day change right from the beginning. And if it hadn't I would not have been here when Kort showed up at my door sobbing. Who says men don't cry. I believe "Real" men do. And why not......he just got word that his dog Hans was dieing of cancer. I was so thankful that my plans were changed and grateful to be able to wrap my loving arms around my son, the Lord only knows that I know what loosing a son feels like. Hans was like a son to Kort.
I had plan to bottle grape juice but spent the day searching for my juicer. It wasn't until Karl came home that it was found right where he put it. Karl told me that a gal at works grandma just put the grapes in the bottles after taking them off the stems, add a bit of sugar and water. After a boiling water bath they were done. It's going on 1 a.m. but I am looking at 49 quarts. Yum! But now it is time to go to bed and start all over tomorrow. There are still tons of grapes on the vines, even though I gave Paula two 5 gallons buckets. I plan to do some for Kami as well.