Dear Kids,
Sunday night, Dad and I went to a party for my brothers and sisters at Bonnie’s house, and as we were walking up the front steps, I looked in the side window and saw Mark with Heather, his ex-wife. Only it wasn’t Heather, I saw, as we came in, but a girl who looked a lot like her. They were going over the family list and deciding what number she would be. I said, “You mean you’re engaged?!!” They were. They had been talking on the internet, but just met in person on Thursday. On Saturday they were engaged. She’s a graduate student at USU in psychology and family science, and her name’s Kate Sorensen. Or, I should say, her name used to be Kate Sorensen. Because now they’re married. That happened on Tuesday. I saw Mark at Grandma and Grandpa’s today, and he filled in some details. He said that in the five days before their marriage, they spent 123 hours talking to each other, which was the equivalent of 41 three-hour dates. So now she’s Kate Allen, and she’s #176 in the family. Mark said she fixed him breakfast this morning, which is the only time he’s ever had a wife fix him breakfast. Now Kate’s back in Logan, and Mark was back doing jigsaw puzzles at Grandma and Grandpa’s. They’ll have a commuter marriage until May, when she’s done with school. Can you believe all this?
Now, on to something more serious. You’ve probably all heard rumors about Monica having M.S. She recently had a lot more tests, including a new MRI and a blood test, and it’s pretty positive. They compared her new MRI with the one she had in 2004, when she was here in Utah, and there are new lesions on her brain. Her vision test showed symptoms of M.S., too. Remember when she moved into the cabin, and she woke up one morning with double vision? John checked her eyes then, and discovered a certain kind of palsy (of course I don’t remember the name) that is usually associated with M.S. The news isn’t all bad, of course. There’s a lot they can do now to slow it down, and there’s a Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, and a good neurology clinic, too. I know we’ll all be remembering Monica in our prayers. I’m glad she finally knows what she’s dealing with. You can face almost anything, when you know what it is.
If you look on our web site, scroll down to Paul, and click under his name, there are two new pictures, one of him standing inside his igloo, and one outside. They built it on the quad outside their apartment, and Paul has slept in it for at least three nights. He said the newspaper came and took pictures of it, I guess for an article about how much snow they’ve had, but when the article came out, there was a picture of a snowman instead. I would be outraged. Snowmen are a dime a dozen, but an igloo? Especially one that college guys are sleeping in! They could have had a great article about these new “low rent” units. Oh, well.
Now that it’s so cold, it’s a good time to look forward to our upcoming family reunion on July 28th. I know it’s a Monday, but hopefully there’s enough time that everybody can get the day off and be there. We’re going to Lava Hot Springs, and it’s a zoo on Saturdays. At least on a Monday, we can have a spot for our canopies and blankets and the pool won’t be jammed with people. We’re hoping everybody can drive to Idaho on Sunday afternoon, the 27th, (John’s birthday!) and we’ll do something that night, probably at Vanessa’s house. We’ll keep you posted as it gets closer.
What a family! I love you all! Mom
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Dear Kids,
Yesterday I was surfing around people’s blogs, looking for news, when I checked in on Tom’s, not expecting to find anything new. But what a surprise! Kim is now adding to the blog, and there’s all kinds of information and new posts. You’ll get a kick out of “sledding with goats.” There are even pictures of the goats looking into the windows of the cabin. By the way, I’m enjoying everybody’s blogs. Even if you don’t write that often, it’s a great way to keep us up on your family news. I didn’t even know that Nora got her new couch, until I looked on her blog. I thought it was lost forever in the Bassett warehouse.
Friday night Sharon and I went snowboarding on Chickadee, the free bunny hill at Snowbird. Only it’s not free any more. It costs $7.00. Which was fine with us, since there weren’t so many kids. After all the freeloaders were kicked off the hill, we practically had the place to ourselves. It was snowing the whole time, and the snow was really tacky, so we never fell down! This was pretty much Sharon’s first time, and she did great! She learned to turn in both directions, and pretty soon she was carving down the hill like a pro. I’m amazed at the abilities you kids have. Tomorrow Dad and I are going to Brighton, and even Dad amazes me. If he’d been out on a snowboard as many times as I have, he’d be doing the half-pipe. But tomorrow we’ll probably be sticking to the green runs. I persuaded him to get the whole day off work, so we should have a blast.
Seth arrived last Tuesday, and right now he and Sharon and the kids have gone to Upalco. Mike and Collette (Seth’s sister) are having their little adopted baby girl sealed to them in the Vernal temple, and Friday night they’re coming back to West Jordan for her blessing, which they’re having at their house. The baby’s birth mother is coming, which I think is really cool. In fact, the sealing and baby blessing were the main reasons for Sharon and Seth’s trip to Utah. They have to go home next Tuesday, so if you want one last visit with them, you can come to dinner here at 4:30 this Sunday. Just let me know. Also, they might be going sledding at the cabin on Saturday.
Does anybody in our family have smelly hair? I hope it’s not common. Anyway, if you do, don’t look for help in the shampoo section of Walmat. There isn’t anything. I even asked the pharmacist, and she frowned at me and told me no, there’s nothing. But I found a cure. If you want to know, ask me. I’m not about to write it in the family letter. Why would I put such sensitive information out there, for everybody to read?
Love you lots! Hope you’re all doin’ great and lovin’ it! Mom
Yesterday I was surfing around people’s blogs, looking for news, when I checked in on Tom’s, not expecting to find anything new. But what a surprise! Kim is now adding to the blog, and there’s all kinds of information and new posts. You’ll get a kick out of “sledding with goats.” There are even pictures of the goats looking into the windows of the cabin. By the way, I’m enjoying everybody’s blogs. Even if you don’t write that often, it’s a great way to keep us up on your family news. I didn’t even know that Nora got her new couch, until I looked on her blog. I thought it was lost forever in the Bassett warehouse.
Friday night Sharon and I went snowboarding on Chickadee, the free bunny hill at Snowbird. Only it’s not free any more. It costs $7.00. Which was fine with us, since there weren’t so many kids. After all the freeloaders were kicked off the hill, we practically had the place to ourselves. It was snowing the whole time, and the snow was really tacky, so we never fell down! This was pretty much Sharon’s first time, and she did great! She learned to turn in both directions, and pretty soon she was carving down the hill like a pro. I’m amazed at the abilities you kids have. Tomorrow Dad and I are going to Brighton, and even Dad amazes me. If he’d been out on a snowboard as many times as I have, he’d be doing the half-pipe. But tomorrow we’ll probably be sticking to the green runs. I persuaded him to get the whole day off work, so we should have a blast.
Seth arrived last Tuesday, and right now he and Sharon and the kids have gone to Upalco. Mike and Collette (Seth’s sister) are having their little adopted baby girl sealed to them in the Vernal temple, and Friday night they’re coming back to West Jordan for her blessing, which they’re having at their house. The baby’s birth mother is coming, which I think is really cool. In fact, the sealing and baby blessing were the main reasons for Sharon and Seth’s trip to Utah. They have to go home next Tuesday, so if you want one last visit with them, you can come to dinner here at 4:30 this Sunday. Just let me know. Also, they might be going sledding at the cabin on Saturday.
Does anybody in our family have smelly hair? I hope it’s not common. Anyway, if you do, don’t look for help in the shampoo section of Walmat. There isn’t anything. I even asked the pharmacist, and she frowned at me and told me no, there’s nothing. But I found a cure. If you want to know, ask me. I’m not about to write it in the family letter. Why would I put such sensitive information out there, for everybody to read?
Love you lots! Hope you’re all doin’ great and lovin’ it! Mom
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Dear Kids,
Sharon arrived on Tuesday with Charlie and Matthew, so it’s been nonstop fun ever since. Well, her arrival wasn’t exactly fun. Matthew was bare-bellied, wrapped in an airline blanket, because he had thrown up on both his shirts. Sharon was hauling him on one arm, a 40-pound car seat with the other arm, and Charlie was trailing along behind. (Their stroller had been packed with the luggage.) We finally got all their baggage and other stuff, and hauled it to our house, and got everybody settled in. The boys were delighted with Simba, and Charlie followed her around. We got out lots of toys and lots of cheerios, and we’ve used lots of wipes. Charlie had an accident on the bathroom rug, so we threw it into the washing machine, along with Matthew’s clothes from the flight. Matthew threw up on the living room sofa and carpet, so I got the scrub brush and a bowl of soapy water, and cleaned it all up. Simba had an accident on the kitchen floor, so I cleaned that up too. But really, it’s been lots of fun. Sharon and Nora and all the kids have gone to Pocatello to visit Vanessa, but they’re supposed to be home tonight.
Bevan’s parents have returned from their trip to Massachusetts, so I took Simba home today. Now I sort of miss her. How often do you find a cat who likes to sit on your lap and purr? She also liked to sleep on our bed. But one night I reached over and felt her next to me, and lifted her up to take her out. I was half asleep, and all I could think was, “Oh, Simba, we’ve been feeding you way too much!” Because she weighed a ton. Well, it was Xena, who was also in bed with us. I tossed them both out.
Sunday night Dad and I drove Paul back to Logan, where we helped him haul his stuff into his apartment, and we met a couple of his roommates. They seemed really nice, and the apartment was really clean! I was very impressed. On our drive back home, we stopped by Brigham City to visit Andy and Renae. They were home alone! Just like Dad and I usually are! They told us Gary is now engaged. Her name is Carly Benham, and she grew up in Illinois and Kansas. She and Gary are getting married May 3rd in the Nauvoo Temple. Andy says she looks like Jodie Foster, and talks like her, too. We also learned that Dan and Amanda are moving to Albuquerque, and they’re buying a house in Rachel’s ward! Dan has a job with Sandia Labs. Andrea and Dan Hill are loving St. George, but they’ve had a bit of culture shock, coming from China. I told Andy it would be easier for us to keep up with his kids of they had a family web page, and he said, “I wouldn’t dream of putting my letters to my kids on the internet, for everybody to read!” Maybe I shouldn’t be so daring either, but who’s going to be that interested in what our cats are doing?
Remember I’m fixing Sunday Dinner on January 20th. Let me know if you’re coming. We’ll eat at 4:30.
Lots of luck and love to everybody! Mom
Sharon arrived on Tuesday with Charlie and Matthew, so it’s been nonstop fun ever since. Well, her arrival wasn’t exactly fun. Matthew was bare-bellied, wrapped in an airline blanket, because he had thrown up on both his shirts. Sharon was hauling him on one arm, a 40-pound car seat with the other arm, and Charlie was trailing along behind. (Their stroller had been packed with the luggage.) We finally got all their baggage and other stuff, and hauled it to our house, and got everybody settled in. The boys were delighted with Simba, and Charlie followed her around. We got out lots of toys and lots of cheerios, and we’ve used lots of wipes. Charlie had an accident on the bathroom rug, so we threw it into the washing machine, along with Matthew’s clothes from the flight. Matthew threw up on the living room sofa and carpet, so I got the scrub brush and a bowl of soapy water, and cleaned it all up. Simba had an accident on the kitchen floor, so I cleaned that up too. But really, it’s been lots of fun. Sharon and Nora and all the kids have gone to Pocatello to visit Vanessa, but they’re supposed to be home tonight.
Bevan’s parents have returned from their trip to Massachusetts, so I took Simba home today. Now I sort of miss her. How often do you find a cat who likes to sit on your lap and purr? She also liked to sleep on our bed. But one night I reached over and felt her next to me, and lifted her up to take her out. I was half asleep, and all I could think was, “Oh, Simba, we’ve been feeding you way too much!” Because she weighed a ton. Well, it was Xena, who was also in bed with us. I tossed them both out.
Sunday night Dad and I drove Paul back to Logan, where we helped him haul his stuff into his apartment, and we met a couple of his roommates. They seemed really nice, and the apartment was really clean! I was very impressed. On our drive back home, we stopped by Brigham City to visit Andy and Renae. They were home alone! Just like Dad and I usually are! They told us Gary is now engaged. Her name is Carly Benham, and she grew up in Illinois and Kansas. She and Gary are getting married May 3rd in the Nauvoo Temple. Andy says she looks like Jodie Foster, and talks like her, too. We also learned that Dan and Amanda are moving to Albuquerque, and they’re buying a house in Rachel’s ward! Dan has a job with Sandia Labs. Andrea and Dan Hill are loving St. George, but they’ve had a bit of culture shock, coming from China. I told Andy it would be easier for us to keep up with his kids of they had a family web page, and he said, “I wouldn’t dream of putting my letters to my kids on the internet, for everybody to read!” Maybe I shouldn’t be so daring either, but who’s going to be that interested in what our cats are doing?
Remember I’m fixing Sunday Dinner on January 20th. Let me know if you’re coming. We’ll eat at 4:30.
Lots of luck and love to everybody! Mom
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Dear Kids,
I was a slacker last week and didn’t write my letter, but now I’m back on track. My new year’s resolution is that my life will be organized and purposeful, and so I’m sitting diligently at the keyboard, doing what I need to.
It was lots of fun seeing almost everybody at Christmas, and talking to the rest of you on the phone. It was a wild and fun holiday! We received a Christmas card from Ulrich’s that said, “We hope you have a wonderful season with your fun family.” Yep, we do have a fun family! Our sledding party the day after Christmas was a total success. Marla and Carla and Cathy came, along with Nick and Nichole. They raved about my sloppy jo mix, and after we ate, Cathy said, “Time to hit the slopes!” That was the sledding hill, of course. They did great! They had to leave early because Nicole was “meeting somebody” in Sugarhouse. But they want to keep having our Christmas get-togethers at the cabin.
Yesterday Dad and I were back there with the McGettigan kids, and Glen. (Jana was supposed to have a day of rest and recuperation at home.) There was new snow on the hill, so we tromped it down and did some great sledding. Later in the afternoon I was looking out an upstairs window, down to the backyard of the cabin, and it looked like an Eric Dowdle puzzle. Tom and Kim were working on an igloo. Bentley and Kara McGettican were sledding. A man was coming down the road on skis. Eric Dowdle would have added lots more, maybe people making a snowman, kids having a snowball fight, somebody bringing out hot chocolate for everybody, but you get the idea. Everybody was having fun. It’s the magic of the cabin.
We’re gearing up for Sharon’s arrival on January 8th (And also Charlie and Matthew. Seth is coming the next week.) She has lots of fun adventures planned while she’s here. I’ll be fixing Sunday dinner on January 20th, instead of the 13th, because that’s the day they’ll be here. So, let me know if you want to come. We’ll have room for everybody!
Simba is still living the good life, here at our house. But she’ll be returning to the Hawkins’ pretty soon. I would love to keep her, at least until Donna and Bevan have a house, but too many people are allergic to cats. And of course she can’t stay down in the basement–she has claimed the basket chair in the den as her own private lair. Paul almost sat down on her. Speaking of Paul, he’s living the good life at Deer Valley, working as a liftie, living at the cabin, going back and forth with Donna and Bevan. But next Monday he’ll be back in Logan going to classes again. I guess he’ll need to get a degree before he can become a permanent liftie, like Donna. (Just kidding.)
I hope you all have a wonderful new year! Love, Mom
I was a slacker last week and didn’t write my letter, but now I’m back on track. My new year’s resolution is that my life will be organized and purposeful, and so I’m sitting diligently at the keyboard, doing what I need to.
It was lots of fun seeing almost everybody at Christmas, and talking to the rest of you on the phone. It was a wild and fun holiday! We received a Christmas card from Ulrich’s that said, “We hope you have a wonderful season with your fun family.” Yep, we do have a fun family! Our sledding party the day after Christmas was a total success. Marla and Carla and Cathy came, along with Nick and Nichole. They raved about my sloppy jo mix, and after we ate, Cathy said, “Time to hit the slopes!” That was the sledding hill, of course. They did great! They had to leave early because Nicole was “meeting somebody” in Sugarhouse. But they want to keep having our Christmas get-togethers at the cabin.
Yesterday Dad and I were back there with the McGettigan kids, and Glen. (Jana was supposed to have a day of rest and recuperation at home.) There was new snow on the hill, so we tromped it down and did some great sledding. Later in the afternoon I was looking out an upstairs window, down to the backyard of the cabin, and it looked like an Eric Dowdle puzzle. Tom and Kim were working on an igloo. Bentley and Kara McGettican were sledding. A man was coming down the road on skis. Eric Dowdle would have added lots more, maybe people making a snowman, kids having a snowball fight, somebody bringing out hot chocolate for everybody, but you get the idea. Everybody was having fun. It’s the magic of the cabin.
We’re gearing up for Sharon’s arrival on January 8th (And also Charlie and Matthew. Seth is coming the next week.) She has lots of fun adventures planned while she’s here. I’ll be fixing Sunday dinner on January 20th, instead of the 13th, because that’s the day they’ll be here. So, let me know if you want to come. We’ll have room for everybody!
Simba is still living the good life, here at our house. But she’ll be returning to the Hawkins’ pretty soon. I would love to keep her, at least until Donna and Bevan have a house, but too many people are allergic to cats. And of course she can’t stay down in the basement–she has claimed the basket chair in the den as her own private lair. Paul almost sat down on her. Speaking of Paul, he’s living the good life at Deer Valley, working as a liftie, living at the cabin, going back and forth with Donna and Bevan. But next Monday he’ll be back in Logan going to classes again. I guess he’ll need to get a degree before he can become a permanent liftie, like Donna. (Just kidding.)
I hope you all have a wonderful new year! Love, Mom
Friday, December 21, 2007
Dear Kids,
I just came in from shoveling snow, about 10 inches of it, off our walk and driveway. I was happy to do it. I’m still delighted with every snowstorm we get. It blew in last night, just before my Christmas music open house, but people came anyway. The kids played their music, and sang (including James and Nora’s kids, who sang a cute song), and then they romped around and played with the cat while the grownups ate cookies and looked outside at the snowstorm. It was so totally Christmas, with the snow falling and the music playing. We’re going to do it every year.
And who is this cat they were playing with? Simba! The Hawkins’ cat! I think she’s supposed to be Bevan’s cat, but they can’t have her at the cabin, and Lloyd and Beverly have gone away for three weeks, so she’s here. She’s an African cat, and she loves to purr, talk to people, and lick their faces. And she’s obsessed with Lizzette. No kidding–we received a Christmas letter from Lizzette and Theral, with a picture of both of them, and Simba went crazy over the picture. She did starfish paws on Lizzette’s face, and licked it, and sat on the photo. Then she chewed the edges. When I put the picture on the counter, Simba jumped up and got it again. Maybe Lizzette reminds her of Trisha, Bevan’s sister, who brought her home from Africa. Who knows.
Christmas Eve, Dad and I will be going down to the Seville to visit Grandpa and Grandma, but we’ll be back at our house by about 7:30 pm, maybe sooner, for the hike to Ensign Peak. I know those of you with little kids probably can’t come on the hike, but if you want to hang out at our house anyway, we’ll probably have some Christmas Eve goodies. At least we’ll be having hot chocolate when we got back from the hike. I’m not sure of our plans for Christmas Day, but we’ll definitely be going to the cabin that night. And there will be great sledding on the 26th, with all this snow! Maybe Tom will have an igloo built by then! We’ll probably be eating in the early afternoon, when Dad’s cousins get there. Let me know if you want to bring something. I’m thinking of making sloppy jo’s. Who can believe Christmas is going to be over with so soon? Actually, it feels sort of over with already, with all the present unwrapping that went on Saturday night at Nora’s house. But at least Dad and I got to see the kids unwrap the presents we gave them! I vote we do it that way every year!
Since it feels like Christmas is practically over with, I’m making new year’s resolutions. This will be the best year yet! One of my resolutions is that I’m going to fix Sunday dinner on a regular schedule, probably the second Sunday of each month, and everybody is invited. I’ve been a slacker this year.
Dad and I wish you all the merriest of Christmases! Love, Mom
I just came in from shoveling snow, about 10 inches of it, off our walk and driveway. I was happy to do it. I’m still delighted with every snowstorm we get. It blew in last night, just before my Christmas music open house, but people came anyway. The kids played their music, and sang (including James and Nora’s kids, who sang a cute song), and then they romped around and played with the cat while the grownups ate cookies and looked outside at the snowstorm. It was so totally Christmas, with the snow falling and the music playing. We’re going to do it every year.
And who is this cat they were playing with? Simba! The Hawkins’ cat! I think she’s supposed to be Bevan’s cat, but they can’t have her at the cabin, and Lloyd and Beverly have gone away for three weeks, so she’s here. She’s an African cat, and she loves to purr, talk to people, and lick their faces. And she’s obsessed with Lizzette. No kidding–we received a Christmas letter from Lizzette and Theral, with a picture of both of them, and Simba went crazy over the picture. She did starfish paws on Lizzette’s face, and licked it, and sat on the photo. Then she chewed the edges. When I put the picture on the counter, Simba jumped up and got it again. Maybe Lizzette reminds her of Trisha, Bevan’s sister, who brought her home from Africa. Who knows.
Christmas Eve, Dad and I will be going down to the Seville to visit Grandpa and Grandma, but we’ll be back at our house by about 7:30 pm, maybe sooner, for the hike to Ensign Peak. I know those of you with little kids probably can’t come on the hike, but if you want to hang out at our house anyway, we’ll probably have some Christmas Eve goodies. At least we’ll be having hot chocolate when we got back from the hike. I’m not sure of our plans for Christmas Day, but we’ll definitely be going to the cabin that night. And there will be great sledding on the 26th, with all this snow! Maybe Tom will have an igloo built by then! We’ll probably be eating in the early afternoon, when Dad’s cousins get there. Let me know if you want to bring something. I’m thinking of making sloppy jo’s. Who can believe Christmas is going to be over with so soon? Actually, it feels sort of over with already, with all the present unwrapping that went on Saturday night at Nora’s house. But at least Dad and I got to see the kids unwrap the presents we gave them! I vote we do it that way every year!
Since it feels like Christmas is practically over with, I’m making new year’s resolutions. This will be the best year yet! One of my resolutions is that I’m going to fix Sunday dinner on a regular schedule, probably the second Sunday of each month, and everybody is invited. I’ve been a slacker this year.
Dad and I wish you all the merriest of Christmases! Love, Mom
Friday, December 14, 2007
Dear Kids,
Whoa, even more snow! It has piled up in the ski resorts, and Deer Valley has all its runs open. Not that it’s a benefit to any of us snowboarders, but Paul has a chance of working there with Donna and Bevan during the Christmas break. He’ll probably be joining the “gang at the cabin” (as Grandma calls it), also known as “the squatters” (a term of unknown origin.) At any rate, we hope it all works out for him. He tried to get his job back at Migrant Glass, (oops, I mean Mygrant Glass), but they said they’re never very busy in the winter.
We’re looking forward to the gingerbread party tomorrow at Nora and James’s house. I’m planning to dole out lots of presents! This is the earliest I’ve ever been ready for Christmas. I’m grateful to all the publishers of toy catalogs and the fine UPS man, who carried those gigantic boxes to our door. It’s all been really fun.
Last Friday night was Nora and James’s ward Christmas dinner, and they did the “Journey to Bethlehem,” with Nora, James, and Stu as Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus. Dad and I were invited to come along and help with the other kids, which we were delighted to do. You know those little bags of play coins they use for the Roman money? I remember that when our ward did it, Gorden Shaw (who was a very scary centurion) handed out the money, and it was those chocolate coins, wrapped in gold foil. Nora’s ward had the fake American money from Oriental Trader, but it was still a hit with the kids. Paige was perfectly delighted to dump the coins from her little bag and then pick them up, one by one, and put them back in. That kept her occupied all while the pageant was going on. Nora and James wandered from one “inn” to the other, looking for a place to stay. James had one line that went, “I seek a room for the night for my wife and I.” Even though it was ungrammatical, he said it just like they wanted him to. Overall, it was great. Nora said while they were sitting in the stable, and she was holding Stuart, she realized what it must have been like for Mary and Joseph. We could feel it, too.
And meanwhile, outside, we were having this fabulous snowstorm. Huge flakes of cottony snow! The whole evening could have been Christmas eve, it was so perfect.
Speaking of which, Vanessa says that she was telling Sterling about our Christmases here at home, and how they only got one thing from each grandma, and also one thing from Santa. So Sterling wanted to know, “Why didn’t you just ask Santa to bring you more presents?” Now, how would you answer that one?
Jana McGettigan is going to have surgery again, just after Christmas, so could you all please remember her in your prayers? She and Kara are in “Christmas Carol” together this year, and we got to watch them last Wednesday night. It was great. I always love the end, where Scrooge says, “I’m not the man I used to be!” It’s Christmas and New Years rolled into one!
We’re looking forward to the sledding party on the 26th. Dad and I will probably come the night before, and the fun will go on all day. Also, don’t forget our Christmas Music Open House, here, on the 20th, from 7 to 9 pm. Even if you don’t want to perform, make your kids do it! It’ll be lots of fun.
Love to you all, Mom
Whoa, even more snow! It has piled up in the ski resorts, and Deer Valley has all its runs open. Not that it’s a benefit to any of us snowboarders, but Paul has a chance of working there with Donna and Bevan during the Christmas break. He’ll probably be joining the “gang at the cabin” (as Grandma calls it), also known as “the squatters” (a term of unknown origin.) At any rate, we hope it all works out for him. He tried to get his job back at Migrant Glass, (oops, I mean Mygrant Glass), but they said they’re never very busy in the winter.
We’re looking forward to the gingerbread party tomorrow at Nora and James’s house. I’m planning to dole out lots of presents! This is the earliest I’ve ever been ready for Christmas. I’m grateful to all the publishers of toy catalogs and the fine UPS man, who carried those gigantic boxes to our door. It’s all been really fun.
Last Friday night was Nora and James’s ward Christmas dinner, and they did the “Journey to Bethlehem,” with Nora, James, and Stu as Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus. Dad and I were invited to come along and help with the other kids, which we were delighted to do. You know those little bags of play coins they use for the Roman money? I remember that when our ward did it, Gorden Shaw (who was a very scary centurion) handed out the money, and it was those chocolate coins, wrapped in gold foil. Nora’s ward had the fake American money from Oriental Trader, but it was still a hit with the kids. Paige was perfectly delighted to dump the coins from her little bag and then pick them up, one by one, and put them back in. That kept her occupied all while the pageant was going on. Nora and James wandered from one “inn” to the other, looking for a place to stay. James had one line that went, “I seek a room for the night for my wife and I.” Even though it was ungrammatical, he said it just like they wanted him to. Overall, it was great. Nora said while they were sitting in the stable, and she was holding Stuart, she realized what it must have been like for Mary and Joseph. We could feel it, too.
And meanwhile, outside, we were having this fabulous snowstorm. Huge flakes of cottony snow! The whole evening could have been Christmas eve, it was so perfect.
Speaking of which, Vanessa says that she was telling Sterling about our Christmases here at home, and how they only got one thing from each grandma, and also one thing from Santa. So Sterling wanted to know, “Why didn’t you just ask Santa to bring you more presents?” Now, how would you answer that one?
Jana McGettigan is going to have surgery again, just after Christmas, so could you all please remember her in your prayers? She and Kara are in “Christmas Carol” together this year, and we got to watch them last Wednesday night. It was great. I always love the end, where Scrooge says, “I’m not the man I used to be!” It’s Christmas and New Years rolled into one!
We’re looking forward to the sledding party on the 26th. Dad and I will probably come the night before, and the fun will go on all day. Also, don’t forget our Christmas Music Open House, here, on the 20th, from 7 to 9 pm. Even if you don’t want to perform, make your kids do it! It’ll be lots of fun.
Love to you all, Mom
Friday, December 7, 2007
Dear Kids,
Yay! Another storm is on the way. They’re promising more snow. I hope it’s as good as last week. Well, Dad and I didn’t think it was so good last Friday night, when we were stuck on Highway 40, along the Jordanelle Reservoir, in a blizzard. The traffic was crawling along about 5 mph. We were on our way to Midway to watch Julie’s clogging recital. We thought we had plenty of time, but at 5 mph, you only go five miles in an hour, duh. We were still stuck in the traffic when John called from the recital and said Julie’s group had just finished their act. But we got to watch it later on video. We drove to John’s house where they were having a birthday party for Aaron, and Tom’s family was there, too, so you can guess it was pretty lively. When the party was over it was still snowing. Dad and I had planned to drive to the cabin, but I said we were staying the night at John’s, because we still haven’t put the blizzak tires on our car. Tom’s van didn’t have its blizzak tires, either, so they all piled into his little car for the drive back to the cabin, and left their van at John’s. The next morning, it was still snowing. I watched it on weather.com, and as soon as it looked clear, Dad and I set out, with Dad driving Tom’s car. I was driving the van. Of course it started snowing again, and the road was as bad as I’ve ever seen it. At the cabin, we parked both cars at the bottom of the hill, and called Tom to come down and get us. But all that didn’t dampen my excitement about the snow! I couldn’t wait to tromp down the sledding hill! With the sod under the snow, it’s smooth and fast. Everybody can plan on lots of fun sledding now! It’ll be good till spring.
Speaking of sledding, we’re all still planning on the cabin party the day after Christmas. Dad’s cousins will be there, too, like last year. It should be riotous. We’ll probably have chili or soup bowls, good winter-weather comfort food. And also, speaking of Christmas parties, we’re looking forward to Nora’s gingerbread party on the 15th. She says to be there by 4 pm, and bring a bag of candies for decorating gingerbread houses, plus a potluck item for dinner. (Something that goes with potato soup.) Also, I think, your kids’ cousins presents, if you have them. My Christmas shopping is well underway, and the UPS truck has been bringing me giant boxes of toys. It couldn’t be more fun.
Jeanne was here last week, and I drove her to the airport Monday morning for her flight back to Canada. But just as I arrived back home, she called and said her flight had been changed to 3:30 in the afternoon. So of course I went and picked her up, and she did errands with me. We went to Walmart and Kohls and the post office, and to the Winder Dairy store. Then we came home and looked through toy catalogs. It was lots of fun to visit with her. She says it’s so cold in Calgary, some days it doesn’t even get above zero. (I gave her a pair of smartwool socks to take home.) She also says that Mike and Moka are having a baby girl, and they’re naming her Bentley.
At the Macey’s grocery store on 78th South, they put a grand piano in the entry way, and you can sign up to play Christmas music on it. So I did. I played for an hour on Tuesday morning, and I earned $2.00 in tips. Dad said I should donate it to the missionary fund.
Hope you’re all doin’ great and lovin’ it. We’ll see you all soon!
Mom
Yay! Another storm is on the way. They’re promising more snow. I hope it’s as good as last week. Well, Dad and I didn’t think it was so good last Friday night, when we were stuck on Highway 40, along the Jordanelle Reservoir, in a blizzard. The traffic was crawling along about 5 mph. We were on our way to Midway to watch Julie’s clogging recital. We thought we had plenty of time, but at 5 mph, you only go five miles in an hour, duh. We were still stuck in the traffic when John called from the recital and said Julie’s group had just finished their act. But we got to watch it later on video. We drove to John’s house where they were having a birthday party for Aaron, and Tom’s family was there, too, so you can guess it was pretty lively. When the party was over it was still snowing. Dad and I had planned to drive to the cabin, but I said we were staying the night at John’s, because we still haven’t put the blizzak tires on our car. Tom’s van didn’t have its blizzak tires, either, so they all piled into his little car for the drive back to the cabin, and left their van at John’s. The next morning, it was still snowing. I watched it on weather.com, and as soon as it looked clear, Dad and I set out, with Dad driving Tom’s car. I was driving the van. Of course it started snowing again, and the road was as bad as I’ve ever seen it. At the cabin, we parked both cars at the bottom of the hill, and called Tom to come down and get us. But all that didn’t dampen my excitement about the snow! I couldn’t wait to tromp down the sledding hill! With the sod under the snow, it’s smooth and fast. Everybody can plan on lots of fun sledding now! It’ll be good till spring.
Speaking of sledding, we’re all still planning on the cabin party the day after Christmas. Dad’s cousins will be there, too, like last year. It should be riotous. We’ll probably have chili or soup bowls, good winter-weather comfort food. And also, speaking of Christmas parties, we’re looking forward to Nora’s gingerbread party on the 15th. She says to be there by 4 pm, and bring a bag of candies for decorating gingerbread houses, plus a potluck item for dinner. (Something that goes with potato soup.) Also, I think, your kids’ cousins presents, if you have them. My Christmas shopping is well underway, and the UPS truck has been bringing me giant boxes of toys. It couldn’t be more fun.
Jeanne was here last week, and I drove her to the airport Monday morning for her flight back to Canada. But just as I arrived back home, she called and said her flight had been changed to 3:30 in the afternoon. So of course I went and picked her up, and she did errands with me. We went to Walmart and Kohls and the post office, and to the Winder Dairy store. Then we came home and looked through toy catalogs. It was lots of fun to visit with her. She says it’s so cold in Calgary, some days it doesn’t even get above zero. (I gave her a pair of smartwool socks to take home.) She also says that Mike and Moka are having a baby girl, and they’re naming her Bentley.
At the Macey’s grocery store on 78th South, they put a grand piano in the entry way, and you can sign up to play Christmas music on it. So I did. I played for an hour on Tuesday morning, and I earned $2.00 in tips. Dad said I should donate it to the missionary fund.
Hope you’re all doin’ great and lovin’ it. We’ll see you all soon!
Mom
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)