Thankful Day 15

I am thankful for Christa's phone call this afternoon. Rinnnnng..."Hi Matt". [The phone showed Matt] "Grandma, this isn't Matt, it Christa". Christa told us that the whole family, except Nate, had been sick this past week with the flu...the throw up kind, yuk! And she continued to tell me about an exciting time they had had Saturday visiting a farm where they were able to pick lots of veggies: potatoes, beets, onions, carrots.
Then Jenna told me that she cut her finger and there is no school this next week. Nate told me he was dehydrating potatoes they had dug up at the farm to make potatoe chips...and also some banana chips. He also gave a talk in Primary today and rehersed the whole entire talk including using his scriptures. Awesome talk! And then Jordan giggled.

Later talked to Marylyn who told us about the fun time they had with Santa on Saturday getting children's pictures taken...check her blog, very cute! Children had fallen asleep on their way home tonight from Grandma-Greats home. Talked with Dave and he said the family had so much fun digging and picking veggies along with Matt's family on Saturday. Becki said "it's lots more fun that watching TV".

Tomorrow is Marylyn and Becki's birthdays! HAPPY BIRTHDAY GIRLS

Thankful Day 14

Tonight, after a busy day, we are thankful for popcorn and a movie! Hallmark station has great movies, tonight is "A Season for Miracles". Every night during the holidays they have promised a 'holiday' movie. It is so refreshing to watch a movie that has family values. And Marv makes a great bowl of popcorn!

Thankful Day 13

Thankful for example and friendships at the temple. During our breaks tonight Brother Adams's family brought in a large chocolate cake to celebrate his '80th' birthday. He and his sweet wife are an inspiration to us all. They live over 2 hours away from the temple and come faithfully every Friday night. After the last session I saw one of our faithful volunteers who had to resign last April after giving birth to a sweet little boy. And then to visit a few minutes with Andrea and her husband [Marrianne's sister]. What a great couple!

Thankful Day 12

We are both thankful today for Diddy Riese. Danny's work is just around the corner and since we had to pick something up from Lisa, and there was a parking spot right in front of Diddy Riese...well, we just had to stop and get our 'cookies ice cream sandwich'. Hmmmmmm it was a great dinner.

Thankful Day 11

Sandra and I had a wonderful reunion in the temple tonight with our dear friend, Layne Waise, who had moved to another state, remarried, and had not seen since 1978. And found out that she is sister to a friend and member of our Stake...who would know? Got updates on the family and all 8 of their children are doing fabulous. Do our boys remember Tyler and Todd? Todd was the one with the miracle recovery from cancer when he was just five years old. So I am thankful today for 'friends from the past'! We participated in a temple session with one of her nieces who will be married tomorrow. We had fun talking about past memories. Remember, boys, when your mom was in a singing group: Layne, Elaine, Maaika, Jan, and me...we won the Regional Road Show Entree' Act with Brother Lee blowing bubbles for us...Layne and I were pregnant. Elaine played the piano while singing, I was on the drums and Layne climbed up and sat on the piano...our costuming, hair and teeth were really crazy...sure wish we had a picture. "Jesus Love's the Little Children.....Everything is Beautiful"

Thankful Day 10

I am thankful for friends and family. A big thank you to Lisa for finding my 'reindeer' pattern since I had already bought the whoppers. Thankful for a phone conversation this morning from a dear friend of 30 years ago, Layne Waise Serr who we will get to see and visit with this week. She and her family live in WA and are going to be here for the 'Skinner' sealing in the LA temple Thursday. Thankful for our friends at the temple both full time and patrons who come from NP. Enjoyed lunch with Sisters Depp and Simons and three temple workers. And very thankful today for our freedom we enjoy here in the USA and hope others will not be a means of taking that freedom away. Marv and I went out to dinner with the Friebels to a wonderful mexican food restaurant "El Coyote" in Beverly Hills which has been in existence for 75 years, owned and operated by family. We told them we were here because one of their employees had the nerve to support yes on prop 8 even though the restaurant was boycotted by the no on prop people. We were introduced to the owners daughter who was the one that we have heard so much about on the news. Turns out she is an active member of the church and has been overwhelmed by the support of so many. The restaurant was full by 8:00 and more people coming. There was a wonderful spirit there and the food was the best!

Thankful Day 9

Chelsea is always giving HUGS to her cousins and other family members. I am thankful today for the Hugs and Snuggles I got in our rocking chair before I headed for the dentist today. I am thankful for each of these sweet grandchildren who are anxious to show love and give hugs freely.

Thankful Day 8

Thankful for family! Today we went to Upland to visit Sharlene and John, attend church with them, and enjoy dinner. They are doing very well and truly blessed.

I'm thankful for phone calls to hear how family is doing. Annika was making cookies with her daddy and I told her I wanted one. She reminded me that she was coming Christmas and I told her we would make cookies then...Trees, "oh goodie" she would say; and stars "pink stars?" Also thankful to have a call from Aunt Dale and GG to tell us they are coming for Christmas.

And happy to know Ashley is sitting on her potty...now she just needs to learn what to use it for. And to know that John has arrived safely on his trip to Sweden...but sad their little Maddy is home sick. Guess I am really thankful for family blogs, cell phones, facebook and e-mail...to keep us close!

Thankful Day 7

Tonight I am grateful for the 'dentist' which is where I am going to have to go on Monday. Just lost my gold crown on one of my back teeth....guess what my Christmas gift will be this year?

Thanksgiving Day 6

I am thankful for Seagull Book and Costco where we were able to get some Christmas shopping done this morning. I love Christmas, I love decorating the house, I love the smell of pumpkin pie and fresh rolls, and I especially love being together as family and the phone calls from them who are far away. The first thing that goes up is the Nativity Scene...I am so grateful for the birth of Jesus, for his example of love and obedience. I love walking through the stores and smelling pine cones and Christmas trees. And yes, I do love shopping this time of year. I am very thankful to live in the USA where we can enjoy all these traditions of Christmas.