Prophecy Fulfilled

Yesterday Marianne had an orthodontist appointment. Usually I just drop her off at the office, but this time I decided to go inside. As I sat down and opened my Kindle, I felt uneasy. I couldn't quite figure out what was wrong. Why was I feeling so distracted?

Suddenly I knew.

To my right was a computer touchscreen for patient check in. To my left were three wall mounted TV screens, each on a different channel. In front of me was a large Nintendo 64 screen. Across the room sat two women, both busy with their iPhones and earbuds. I looked down at my own Kindle screen and back up again. I counted eight screens in the waiting room alone. I knew that the rest off the office was filled with computer monitors and a TV for each patient.

Sure enough, it was Fahrenheit 451!

Have you read Ray Bradbury's prophetic novel? Published in 1953, it tells of a futuristic society where homes have TV walls where they can watch and interact constantly. One character can't wait to have the fourth TV wall installed so she can be completely surrounded by her TV "family". Literature is outlawed and books are burned daily. Fortunately, it's okay because no one really wants to read anyway.

I thought about Fahrenheit 451 as I set aside my ebook and began watching the happy couple on "Minute to Win It." They knew the tune to Jingle Bells and could play it on water glasses. They even knew how to stack three golf balls in a tower!

It kind of reminds me of Beatty, the fire chief in charge of burning books. He says,

Give the people contests they win by remembering the words to more popular songs or the names of state capitals or how much corn Iowa grew last year. Cram them full of non-combustible data, chock them so damned full of 'facts' they feel stuffed, but absolutely 'brilliant' with information. Then they'll feel they're thinking, they'll get a sense of motion without moving. And they'll be happy, because facts of that sort don't change. Don't give them any slippery stuff like philosophy or sociology to tie things up with. That way lies melancholy.

He ends his explanation with the comment, "But I don't care. I just like solid entertainment."

Too bad he's never been to the orthodontist!

Better Than Tetris

Cleaning up Christmas always makes me feel a little sad. This year is worse than usual. Usually I am relieved to have all the "stuff" gone and simplify my surroundings. This year I'm not ready to let go. Maybe it's because I never felt completely satisfied this year. Something was missing from Christmas and it will never be the same.

Yesterday on our walk, my sister and I rehashed everything that happened at the hospital with my mom. While I am grateful for the time I had with my mom, it was a nightmarish experience. Once it was over, I tried not to think about it much. One of the ways I banished these traumatic thoughts was by playing Tetris. Now, I really dislike video games and we don't own a gaming system. But for some reason, Tetris felt therapeutic to me. Honestly, I have "used" it before when I was going through a traumatic experience and my mind needed a break.

Today, I found out that there is scientific proof that playing Tetris helps! There is a reason that a few minutes on freetetris.org makes me feel better.

I found another online source of comfort today. This one makes me feel better without any guilt that I'm wasting time. You may want to check out the Atonement Blog. He has a daily post that is even better than Tetris.

“Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people."
Luke 2:10

The Age of Wisdom

Aaron had all four wisdom teeth removed yesterday, but it felt like they extracted his pleasant, easy-going personality. After his surgery, the nurse and I helped him walk out to the car. On the way home he tried talking to me and was very frustrated that I couldn't understand him. He seemed to think I was really stupid or possibly deaf, but I patiently explained to him that his mouth was full of gauze and that made it difficult for him to talk.

At home, he sat down on the bed and then laid his head down with his feet still on the floor. He was annoyed that I wanted him to put his feet up on the bed. He couldn't understand why I wanted him to eat some yogurt and take a pain pill. He finally agreed, but insisted that he could take the pill lying flat on his back. After much coaxing, I finally got him to sit up a bit. When I put ice packs on his cheeks, he questioned my motives, but I assured him that I was just following the doctor's instructions. He kept saying, "Did the doctor tell you to do this?"

After several hours, he was still deathly pale and seemed groggy so I tried talking to him to see if the anesthesia was wearing off. He was clearheaded enough to grab his computer and type, "Will you stop asking me unnecessary questions?"

Hours later I asked him what he had been doing on his phone right after surgery. He explained that as soon as he woke up he took a picture of himself and posted it on Facebook. "Why did I do that?!" he wondered aloud.

Twelve hours after surgery, he finally seemed like himself and was able to eat and drink. I reminded him of the pre-op movie we had watched at the surgery center. The film explained that the third molars are commonly called "wisdom teeth"' because they usually come in around age 18. The narrator then explained that the age of 18 is often referred to as "the age of wisdom". I laughed out loud at that line and fortunately Aaron was wise enough to laugh too!

Homemade Christmas

The season of gift giving was in full force at our house. Many wonderful gifts were exchanged and my living room still hasn't recovered!

I loved choosing gifts for my family and I loved all that I received. Some of the most memorable gifts were ones homemade with love.

This jolly Santa and his cute sidekick were knitted by my 13 year old niece Emma.
I love 'em Em!

This gift made me cry. It shows 5 generations and was made by my sweet sister.
I hope she made one for herself too!


My sister-in-law Jean made this lovely family history photo book.
John hasn't put it down all weekend.
I love the hand colored photo of my father-in-law and his siblings.
The letter he wrote as a 12 year old is a real treasure!

I didn't make many gifts this year,
but I did put together a family calendar.
Here's the page showing the thumbnails of each month.

Most of my homemade creations this month were edible.
Special thanks to my sweet daughter who did tons of cooking, baking
decorating, wrapping and cleaning this month.
Her loving service was one of my favorite gifts!

But my favorite homemade gift is this little doll!

Hope you made lots of memories this Christmas!

Christmas Eve Eve

Today we got ready for Christmas with shopping, baking and wrapping

PLUS 4 bonus activities!

1. A visit to the cemetery

The placement of Mom's headstone was delayed because of the heavy rains,
but we hung one one her little apple ornaments on a tree branch near her grave.

2. Singing "Happy Birthday" to Brother Joseph

3. Admiring the tiny nativity scene Evan made for me
Joseph is about 2 inches tall

4. A session at the temple

It was a lovely day to share with my family.
I hope the coming days bring you lots of family time and most importantly, time with our elder brother and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The Perfect Gift

I have received some lovely responses to our family Christmas letter. For some of our friends, this was the first they had heard of my mom's passing. Several were thoughtful enough to send sympathy cards, and one friend even sent us a beautiful poinsettia. Today I got something in the mail that made me cry. It wasn't anything fancy. It was a letter. A handwritten 3 page letter.

That may not seems like much, but when was the last time someone wrote you a real letter? Letter writing has become a lost art.

The letter was from a high school friend. She offered her sympathy on the loss of my mom, congratulated me on becoming a grandma and told me I looked much too young to be one! I haven't seen or talked to this friend in quite awhile, so the rest of the letter told me about her life. She shared what was happening with her family and mentioned a few challenges was facing. I loved reading everything she shared, but it was more that the words. I was deeply touched that this very busy mom took the time to sit down and write me a real letter. It made me feel loved and I knew she truly cared about me.

A handwritten letter just might be the perfect gift.

I don't like my handwriting; I prefer using the computer where I can edit and perfect what I have to say. But a handwritten letter has sincerity and emotion that don't come thorough on the printed page no matter which font you choose!

Is there someone who needs a handwritten letter from you this Christmas? It is a real treasure and won't cost you anything other than a little time.

Don't Be Jealous

Guess what we got for the 6th day of Christmas? That's the day for "six geese a laying" and we actually received a flock of geese! Yes, real geese, but after reading this book last month, I'm grateful they weren't delivered to our house.


The geese will be delivered to a struggling family overseas. They were purchased by my brother and sister-in-law through Heifer International. Take a look at their gift catalog and see some of the cool gifts you can purchase. It would make a great last-minute gift!

We have really been spoiled this year with a gift every day for the 12 days of Christmas. All of them revolve around the theme of Christmas memories and remind us of our family and especially my Mom. One of my favorite gifts was this beautiful figurine called "The Real Meaning of Christmas." My mom has several of these Jim Shore figures appropriately adorned with quilt patterns.

May we all remember our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ at this Christmas season and always!

Sweet Sunday!

Let's face it. Some days are pretty rotten. So when a really good day comes along, I think it is important to notice and be thankful. Blogging about it helps me remember and have hope when I'm in the middle of a rotten day (or week or month.)

1:30 AM - Aaron is home from BYU! Before I went to bed around midnight, I decided to leave on all the Christmas lights: the tree, the garlands on our stairs and even the outside lights. I wake up when I hear Aaron downstairs and head down to see my boy. I give him a hug and he gives me a big smile saying, "It's Christmas!"

9:00 AM - Molly and Brianne join us for church. It is a special treat to have them at our ward!

9:30 AM - Evan and Marianne sing in the ward choir.

9:45 - Marianne accompanies the choir on her flute. It is lovely!

10:30 - Playing in the nursery. Is this really a calling?!

12:30 - At home with the family. Playing with cute Brianne.

1:30 - Realize we don't have dessert for our family party. Oops!

2:00 - A friend stops by with blond brownies and chocolate ganache. Yum!

2:30 - Our home teacher drops off a pumpkin roll. Double yum!

3:00 - I remember the chocolate covered cinnamon bears hidden in my closet.

4:00 - My dad and my sister and her family arrive.

5:00 - Dinner, (plenty of) dessert and visiting

6:30 - Ryan arrives after work! Our whole family is together.

7:00 - Carols, gifts and this Christmas story.

8:45 - Goodbyes, hugs and kisses

9:15 - Grab our umbrella and take a walk through the neighborhood to see Christmas lights.

10:00 - I blog while John & the kids watch Home Alone 2.

12:07 - It's now Monday morning and everyone is still awake. Must be Christmas vacation!

More Reasons to Celebrate

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
(1 Cor 15:55)

Believe in Jesus Christ, that he is the Son of God, that he was born as a babe in a manger, that he was slain by the Jews, and by the power of the Father he hath risen again, whereby he hath gained the victory over the grave; and also in him is the sting of death swallowed up in the hopes of glory!
(paraphrased Mormon 7:5)

We celebrate because of Him!
Because of His humble birth

and his victory over sin and death
we have hopes of glory.

Merry Christmas!

Reasons to Celebrate

This weekend we got to celebrate! Why?

Because Molly and Ryan were recently sealed
in the house of the Lord
and are building an eternal family

including this precious girl!

They were sealed on a dark, chilly evening a few weeks ago.
Fortunately, this weekend the skies were blue
and the weather was beautiful.
It was the perfect time for pictures!


We continued celebrating into the night
with food and dancing
(and a constant drool spot on Ryan's shoulder thanks to Brianne!)

and delicious cupcakes made by this girl!

It was a beautiful day to celebrate and to think of our Savior.
I am grateful He blesses us with families and the sacred, sealing ordinances of the temple.

The day was even more special because it was the birthday
of John's mother, Mary Alice who passed away twenty years ago.
When Ryan was about Brianne's age, we spent 10 days with her
just weeks before she became ill and passed away.

She loved the Savior, babies and the temple.
I know it was a birthday celebration she would love.
I feel she was there with us at the temple joining in our celebration.

"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!" Isaiah 52:7

My Memory Tree

I love my Christmas tree! I haven't always felt that way. For years I wished I had a designer tree with beautifully matched ribbons and ornaments. Now I realize that what I really have is a memory tree! I love looking at our hodge-podge of ornaments and remembering. Most of our ornaments fall into one of several categories. Here is a small sampling from our many ornaments.

1. Souvenirs from our trips

John and I love to travel. We even bring the kids along sometimes!
Clockwise: 2009 trip to Chicago w/John's sister and her husband, 1998 trip to New Orleans w/baby Evan who was an angel, Plimouth Plantation 2007, gilded leaf from Grand Canyon 2010, Paris 2000, bear from Yosemite, Bison from Yellowstone, Pinnochio from Italy 2000.

2. Ornaments made by my kids
Aaron seems to be our most prolific creator.
I absolutely love his handsewn yellow bird and the "E" he cut and carved from a tree branch for Evan. The white one with the blue ribbon is a sand dollar he found at the beach.

3. Ornaments I've given to my kids to commemorate a special event or interest
This year's additions are the bird for Evan and the cupcakes for Marianne.

4. Homemade ornaments from ornament exchanges over the years
Some of these friends I haven't seen in years, but it is fun to remember them when I see their ornaments.

5. Ornaments made by those who have passed away
The "Mel" ornament was made by our family friend Lynn. She actually made one for each member of our family, and my Mom used to hang them on the wall. My mom just gave this to me last year. The ice cream cone was made by my mother-in-law in 1987. We used to have a whole set, but some got broken and my boys actually ate a few of the cones. This is our last one and it is closely guarded. The "Dear Santa" ornament was made by my friend Linda who also made Marianne's blessing dress. The little reindeer was made by my Mom. We actually made a whole bunch of these together.

6. Ornaments that remind us of our Savior
We have numerous nativity scenes around the house, but it is fun to have some Christlike ornaments on the tree as well. The crystal heart is lovely, but the photo doesn't capture it. The shepherd and sheep are part of a beautiful set given to me by my sister. I love them!

What type of ornaments do you have on your tree?
I hope they make your heart sing!

Quilted Christmas Love

Christmas is about Christ, but for me it is also about family. In fact, I have spent every one of my 44 Christmases with my parents, so it is natural that many of my Christmas memories and traditions involve my Mom and Dad. This year I will not be with my parents or my brothers on Christmas and that makes me sad. I am grateful I will still be with my own family and my sister's family on Christmas. I am also grateful that there will be many reminders of my mom. We'll carry on many of the traditions she started and we'll feel her love as we touch and snuggle with her beautiful quilted creations.

This is my most recent Christmas quilt from my mom.
She gave it to me for my birthday last year because she
knew I was going through a hard time.
I spent many hours wrapped up in it, feeling her love for me.

I think these are from 2008.
Mom used her embroidery machine to decorate these cute reindeer pillows.
I just wish I had the other 6 reindeer plus Rudolph!

I love this quilted table runner mom gave me a few years ago.
The fabrics have lots of gold in them. It is beautiful.

In 2005 My Mom, my sister-in-law and sister all decided to make this adorable "rag" quilt with a Christmas tree pattern. As I non-quilter I requested they make me one too, but my mom insisted that I pay for my own fabric and come to help with the non-quilting parts of the project. It was actually fun to lay out all the squares to find just the right pattern.

For years I begged my mom to make me a Christmas tree skirt.
She finally did and I love it. The fabric is rich and vibrant.
The next year I told her I really needed a bigger one so that you could see it better
even when all the presents were under the tree.
She just laughed and I never was able to convince her to make me my tree skirt 2.0

These are the oldest quilts; they are from my mom's "pre-quilting" days.
She sewed and made baby blankets for years,
but didn't really start quilting until after her kids left home.
When my boys were very young, she asked them what they wanted for Christmas. They said they wanted Christmas blankets like their baby blankets. Mom tried to get them to choose another gift, but they insisted so she tied these quilts and put on the great triangle edging.

Mom worried that when she made a quilt for one person, someone else might feel bad that they didn't get one. She probably wouldn't like me posting pictures of these quilts on my blog. (Sorry mom!) Every time my mom made something, she wished she could make enough for all of her friends and family. She never wanted anyone to feel slighted or left out, especially at Christmas time. So if you have a quilt made my my mom or even by another special person, please snuggle up and feel the LOVE!

Everything you always wanted to know, but were afraid to ask

Getting ready for the big balloon release at the cemetery after Mom's funeral

I think death stinks! Do I just have a bad attitude?

Thomas S. Monson: Frequently death comes as an intruder. It is an enemy that suddenly appears in the midst of life’s feast, putting out its lights and gaiety. Death lays its heavy hand upon those dear to us and at times leaves us baffled and wondering. In certain situations, as in great suffering and illness, death comes as an angel of mercy. But for the most part, we think of it as the enemy of human happiness. ("May We So Live")

Do you know how awful it is to lose someone you love?

Joseph B. Wirthlin: When President Hinckley spoke at Sister Wirthlin’s funeral, he said that it is a devastating, consuming thing to lose someone you love. It gnaws at your soul. He was right. ("Sunday Will Come")

Where exactly is heaven?

Brigham Young: Where is the spirit world? It is right here. Do the good and evil spirits go together? Yes they do. Do they go to the sun or some other planet? No. Do they go beyond the organized boundaries of this earth? No they do not. They are brought forth on this earth for the express purpose of inhabiting it to all eternity.

Umm, President Young, You are really good at answering a question with a question. I think I'm the one who is supposed to be asking the questions here!

But how does this "heaven on earth" thing work? Is it like a different dimension?

Parley P Pratt: The spirit world is here on the very planet where we were born, or, in other words, the earth and other planets of a like sphere have their inward or spiritual spheres and well as their outward, or temporal. The one is peopled by temporal tabernacles and the other by spirits. A veil is drawn between the one sphere and the other whereby all the objects in the spiritual sphere are rendered invisible to those in the temporal.

So those who have died are right here, nearby?

Ezra Taft Benson: Sometimes the veil between this life and the life beyond becomes very thin. Our loved ones who have passed on are not far from us. (Conference Report, Apr. 1971, 18)

Joseph F. Smith: I believe we move and have our beings in the presence of Heavenly messengers and of Heavenly beings. We are not separate from them and therefore I claim that we live in their presence. They see us. They are solicitous for our welfare. They love us now more than ever.

Do those who have died know what is happening in our lives?

Joseph F. Smith: They see the dangers that beset us; they can comprehend, better than before, the weaknesses that are liable to mislead us into dark and forbidden paths. They see the temptations and evils that beset us in life, and the pronesness of mortal beings to yield to temptation and wrong doing; hence their solicitude for us and their love for us and their desire for our well being must be greater than that which we feel for ourselves.”

But can they really do anything to help us?

Joseph F. Smith: When messengers are sent to minister to the inhabitants of this earth, they are not strangers, but from the ranks of our kindred and friends. In like manner, our mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters and friends who have passed away from this earth having been faithful and worthy to enjoy these rights and privileges, may have a mission given to them to visit their relatives and friends upon the earth again, bringing from the divine presence messages of love, warning or of reproof and instruction to those whom they had learned to love in the flesh.

Why does God allow someone to die when we really need them here?

Neal A. Maxwell: On the other side of the veil there are perhaps seventy billion people. They need the same gospel and releases occur here to aid the Lord’s work there. Each release of a mortal life here is also a call to new labors. A mortal life may need to be shortened by twenty years as we might view it. But if so, it may be done for special services to be rendered by that individual in the Spirit World. Those services will benefit thousands of neighbors. Therefore, though we miss the departed righteous so much here, hundreds may feel their touch there. One day those hundreds will thank the bereaved for gracefully foregoing the extended association with choice individuals here in order that they can help hundred there. In God’s ecology, talent and love are never wasted. Those who have true hope understand this.

Okay, I'm really trying to have "true hope." So, what can I learn from death?

Merrill J Bateman: Death teaches that we do not experience a fulness of joy in mortality and that everlasting joy can be achieved only with the assistance of the Master (see D & C 93:33-34). Just as the lame man at the pool of Bethesda needed someone stronger than himself to be healed (see John 5:1–9), so we are dependent on the miracles of Christ’s Atonement if our souls are to be made whole from grief, sorrow, and sin. If grieving parents and loved ones have faith in the Savior and His plan, death’s sting is softened as Jesus bears the believers’ grief and comforts them through the Holy Spirit. Through Christ, broken hearts are mended and peace replaces anxiety and sorrow. ("Power to Heal")

“I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left and my spirit shall be in your hearts. And mine angels round about you to bear you up.”

D & C 84:88

I know the name of at least one of those angels. I call her Mom.

Christmas Tapestry

"It will be very interesting one day to follow the pattern of our life as it is spread out like a beautiful tapestry. As long as we live here, we see only the reverse side of the weaving; and very often the pattern, with its threads running wildly, doesn't seem to make sense. Someday, however, we shall understand.

In looking back over the years, we can discover how a red thread goes through the pattern of our life; the will of God." (Maria Augusta Trapp)

Won't it be wonderful to see the finished tapestry some day? One of my favorite Christmas picture books gives us a glimpse of the final product. Sometimes we are given the gift of seeing how everything fits together. We know that God has worked miracles to weave something perfectly lovely.

Christmas Tapestry by Patricia Polacco is the story of a young boy, Jonathan, who can't understand why he and his family are experiencing trials. It takes a move to a strange city, a blizzard and a dead car battery to get things started. The discovery of an antique tapestry, the kindness of an old woman and a visit from an elderly craftsman lead to a sweet reunion. In the end, Jonathan realizes that God's work is "seamless, woven so perfectly."

Christmas Tapestry is the perfect story for your family to read together. To help us remember that God does answer prayers, but that his time is not our time. To remind us that Christmas is a time of miracles. That God is always there and he will make our lives a work of beauty.

God can take what is broken or ugly . . .

. . . and make it perfect and beautiful.

"Be not afraid, only believe." Mark 5:36

“Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: … and with his stripes we are healed”
Isaiah 53:4-5

Christmas Shopping

Today I went to Costco and Urgent Care.

One trip was very quick with helpful, smiling employees. The other was stressful, crowded and I came home full of complaints. Can you guess which was which?

Surprisingly, the trip to Urgent Care was the pleasant one. We were in and out in about 15 minutes. Sadly, Evan has strep throat. But I can't imagine a nicer way to get the diagnosis!

Costco was a madhouse. First, the girl at the photo counter wanted to charge me for cards that that had been processed incorrectly. I had to insist that she check with her manager. Then I got stuck behind an elderly gentleman who kept stopping every few feet for no apparent reason.

So if you're looking for a calm, peaceful afternoon this holiday season, you might want to check out Urgent Care. I guess everyone has so much Christmas shopping to do that they don't have time to get sick!

The Gift of Peace

Tonight I went to a science fair at our commonwealth school. Marianne had a display and did a fabulous job. When I got home I realized what a nice evening it had been. I got to visit with friends, see some very creative projects, learn something new and taste homemade fudge and ice cream.

That may not sound like much, but for me it was monumental. I realized it was the first time in 3 months that I was able to go out for the evening and completely relax and enjoy myself.

When my mom was admitted to the hospital 3 months ago everything changed. From that moment on, there has always been worry, tears or sadness--especially when I am away from home.

I have gone out and had fun since then, but I really had to work at it. And always, in the back of my mind there was part of me that was miserable. Tonight, it was easy. I didn't have to hold back the tears or put on a happy face. Everything just flowed. I am grateful for that gift.

My Version of The Container Store

Recently, a friend confessed to me that her dresser was a mess. "I just cleaned it off" she admitted, "and I even had Christmas earrings out from last year!"

I wasn't too shocked by her revelation since my dresser is usually a mix of jewelry, dust and loose change that wanders over from John's side.

However, I recently found a cute chest for my earrings. I justified the purchase as an organizational improvement, but really I just love how it looks. The drawers are ceramic and large enough to hold 2-3 pairs of earrings.

It got me thinking about my other "jewelry boxes". They're not really boxes and I'm very sentimental about all of them.

When Evan was in Cub Scouts he came home from den meeting proudly holding his mug holder. His excitement dwindled when he realized that we had very few mugs and no need for a holder. It sat in his closet for awhile until one day he came to me with a suggestion.

"Mom you really need a place to hang your necklaces and bracelets. Would you like to use my mug holder?"

This tree holds now hold most of my necklaces and bracelets. It may not be fancy, but it works like a charm. Best of all, it was made by my very own Cub Scout.

Nine years ago John won an award at work. A big award. For lots of hard work. Back in the days when companies actually had a budget for such things.

We were thrilled at the chance to visit Australia and my Mom was kind enough to babysit all four kids. In a moment of insanity, we decided to test my parents' devotion by extending our trip for another week. John thought it would be fun to visit New Zealand. Besides, the flight would only cost us a little extra.

It sounds like this story might end badly, but in fact it was a dream come true. The time we spent in Australia with John's company was great, but our time in New Zealand was heavenly. It is the most gorgeous place on earth and we had a fabulous time together. Best of all, the kids didn't drive grandma and grandpa crazy. In fact, my Mom accused me of exaggerating how hard they were. "Your kids were no trouble at all," I remember her saying. They were 3, 5, 9 & 11 at the time, so I found that hard to believe!

As a bonus, I found the perfect souvenir. These cool little drawers are made from some of New Zealand's lovely wood. The top drawer is perfect for long earrings and the bottom one is great for larger items.

Finally, I have my ring holder. This little gem was given to me by my mother-in-law the first Christmas we were married. She was a champion bargain shopper. She found the best deals throughout the year, usually at Mervyn's, and stocked her closet with birthday, Christmas and baby gifts. When she passed away in August her closet was full of gifts. Many of them wrapped and/or labelled. For years, I couldn't set foot in Mervyn's without crying a bit. When they finally went out of business, I felt like I'd lost a connection to her. I'm certain Mary Alice didn't intend for this to become a family heirloom, but I love it because it reminds me of her.

Oftentimes, we hang onto useless stuff because we are sentimental. Nothing's wrong with that, until it crowds our space. It's a beautiful thing when an item is functional and dear to our heart!

Good News

Boring (but good) news: I am finally over the flu!

Exciting news: Marianne has a fun giveaway on her blog. Check it out and leave a comment here. Hurry it ends tomorrow!

Thankidsgiving

Thanksgiving was rough for me this year and then I got the flu over the weekend.
Thank goodness for the great kids in our family!

They always bring a smile to my face.

Here are a few of my favorite moments:

This guy not only loved the dogs, he gave me a love! Heath was sadly looking around for his grandma and when he found me in her usual place in the kitchen, I got a big hug from him. He generally will give me a hug only when I ask for one. I wish he hadn't been sad, but I'm grateful for his spontaneous hug!

Thanks to this girl for having a Thanksgiving birthday, so we got to have a pinata!
Doesn't Alyssa look great in her high heeled pinata?
Happy 11th sweet Alyssa!
I like to tease her mom that Alyssa looks like she should have been my baby, don't you agree?

Thanks to this girl for helping her mom make these cute pilgrim hat place settings.
Jenna also made me laugh when I gave her a gift bag with her early birthday present. I told her she could open it and she replied, "Well, I already know what it is Aunt Melanie. You always give me and Alyssa the same thing."
I do? I guess I do ;)

This girl always makes me smile, but she was especially cute at Thanksgiving. I let her try some sweet potatoes and she loved them. The funniest part was when her daddy scolded me for giving her something with lots of sugar. I almost laughed out loud because he LOVES his sugar. And just so you know, I wasn't being a bad grandma. I was able to tell him that it was an all natural sweet potato casserole with no sugar!

This little sweetie won the best dressed award in her lovely, long white dress.
Brooke did wear her cute Thanksgiving outfit for most of the day, but changed into her dress just in time to receive a name and a blessing from her daddy. It was wonderful to have so many priesthood holders in our family participate in the ordinance.
I believe it was Aaron's first time to help bless a baby.

Emma was in heaven with two baby cousins to love!
When she wasn't holding a baby, she kept busy with her knitting. She is an amazing self-taught knitter. She does absolutely beautiful work and even has her first "for pay" project.

This girl is always in charge! Cammi doesn't like anyone telling her what to do.
But she melted like butter for her little cousin. She had a fabulous time letting him pull her around by the hand and doing whatever he wanted!

And Riley certainly enjoyed his cousins. He loved sharing a cardboard box with Cammi.
He also had his mind made up about the pinata. He wanted to wear a blindfold like all the other kids, but he didn't want it covering his eyes.

This little guy also loved the pinata. Strictly speaking, he isn't one of the kids, but he is a puppy so I think that counts. Dutch helped himself to the treats and had to have both a Laffy Taffy and a Slinky removed from his mouth. And he wasn't happy about losing either one!

Finally, thanks to the sweet girl who took all these pictures and let me post them even when she wasn't thrilled with my choice of photos or editing. I love you Marianne!