We went over to John's today to help out after he injured his shoulder. We decided to make Nachos and play a few games with him and the kids. Amy invited Danae and Dillon over so we had more of a party than we expected. Dad and I left around 10:30 because neither one of us were feeling too well. Laura and Nigel turned up about 11:15 and I wondered why so early until Laura explained that they decided to do an early countdown and celebrate on Alabama time. Why didn't I ever think of that years ago. I wouldn't have felt so guilty going to bed early and missing the ushering in of the New Year. Tonight I am still up and so perhaps I will witness 2011... Nigel likes to watch the time square entertainment... so perhaps we can all jump around together or something.
Tomorrow will be Grandma's casserole which will be well worth waking up for. I hope to set some New Years Resolutions and be more diligent in achieving them. I know we have already decided on an early morning scripture and prayer. We also want to be sure and pay our tithing every month without fail rather than trying to catch up at the end of the year.
This year will be a good one - I can just feel it. We are starting a new decade and we are hoping to make it one full of new experiences and opportunities. I truly am excited about the chance to run the LBH and make it grow. It is a pleasure every day to be in that little shop. I appreciate everyone's willingness to share ideas and help to make things work.
It has been a fun Holiday Season this year with most of the kids here at one time or the other. What a blessing they each are in our lives. As they grow and mature in their own lives they set such an example to me. It is also wonderful to see them with their own families, to witness their testimonies and feel their devotion to the Lord. I am so grateful as I reflect on past years and coming years that I have the true gospel in my life. I am indeed blessed both with a husband who is my best friend and a family who I adore.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Oh Crap...
Several times since she has been here I have heard Shey exclaim: "Oh Crap!" She just said it when she noticed that she had forgotten to take the oranges to share with her cousins earlier to day. Laura says she takes responsibility for it... I remember one day when I was about seven, we were driving to a wedding celebration and my parents were talking about someone being late. Without missing a beat I said: "Here he comes like a bat out of _ _ _ _. Never said that again but my mom had to admit that she knew where it had come from.
It is freezing today with snow on the ground. Last night we went to Dave Pace's reception and got caught in a major snow storm on the way home. We didn't have a white Christmas this year but we are having a very white "after Christmas" for sure. The reception was nice... they even served shrimp with dipping sauce and it was delicious. It was fun to see all the Paces and Talonie and her folks! If we hadn't been so late we would have seen more New Harmony-ites but we had a nice visit with folks that were there.
It has been great to have had Mike around these extra days since Christmas. My he has rotated my tires and changed my oil. I guess he takes seriously the "taking care" of me. We have had some fun playing games and he tells me tonight he is going to teach me Cribbage.
Laura and Nigel and the kids are fun to have as well. Right now Shey is singing some tunes for me. Christmas and otherwise... not sure if she is making them up or not. She is also playing the harmonica. I also have to laugh as she watches herself in the window while she is talking or singing...
Donovan is a sweet baby. He is sure a mover... watching everything and trying not to miss a thing. He is also smiling now and although he isn't real generous with his smiles, he is darling when he does share them. I can tell he is also trying to talk and expect that he'll soon be laughing as well.
One of the fun things is that when the other kids are here to visit, more of the family comes over. We have had some fun games and talk sessions. Right now we are headed to John's to take care of the kids while he has a date with Heidi. Hope they have a good time. I think he is hoping so too.
It is freezing today with snow on the ground. Last night we went to Dave Pace's reception and got caught in a major snow storm on the way home. We didn't have a white Christmas this year but we are having a very white "after Christmas" for sure. The reception was nice... they even served shrimp with dipping sauce and it was delicious. It was fun to see all the Paces and Talonie and her folks! If we hadn't been so late we would have seen more New Harmony-ites but we had a nice visit with folks that were there.
It has been great to have had Mike around these extra days since Christmas. My he has rotated my tires and changed my oil. I guess he takes seriously the "taking care" of me. We have had some fun playing games and he tells me tonight he is going to teach me Cribbage.
Laura and Nigel and the kids are fun to have as well. Right now Shey is singing some tunes for me. Christmas and otherwise... not sure if she is making them up or not. She is also playing the harmonica. I also have to laugh as she watches herself in the window while she is talking or singing...
Donovan is a sweet baby. He is sure a mover... watching everything and trying not to miss a thing. He is also smiling now and although he isn't real generous with his smiles, he is darling when he does share them. I can tell he is also trying to talk and expect that he'll soon be laughing as well.
One of the fun things is that when the other kids are here to visit, more of the family comes over. We have had some fun games and talk sessions. Right now we are headed to John's to take care of the kids while he has a date with Heidi. Hope they have a good time. I think he is hoping so too.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
The Day After Christmas
Six of the YSA wards met together in one section of the building today. Most of the kids have gone home and just a few remained. Sister Davis talked about some of the tradition and history of the time of Christ which explained some of the reasons for the Christmas stories we hear... when they went to Bethlehem they took not only the donkey but all of their possessions including goats etc. The inns housed people body to body with no privacy at all - so hence the blessing of privacy in the stable. She talked about how poor the Jews were at this time and how mean Herod was - he even had 3 of his sons killed because of his jealousy. It was a great talk and helped in keeping a bit of the Christmas Spirit...
I also stayed for Sunday School where we discussed Zacharia and Malachi... it was a great lesson on prophecy of the last days and had many good points. I learned a lot.
Relief Society was about the talk by President Uchdorf which reminds us to be patient in adversity and to take the time to work out our problems with the Lord's help.
I enjoyed all of the lessons and I am so amazed by the insight of these young sisters and brethren as they teach with the spirit. I realize that it is not in age or wisdom that we learn and teach but it is through the spirit and that is why these young people can do such a wonderful job.
John goes back home tonight. I will miss him when he goes. It has been fun to have him here with Amy as well. Always some humor and fun going on. Mike and Liana brought a lot of fun with their visit for Christmas and it will be fun to have Mike here for the rest of the week. Laura and Nigel will be here on Tuesday. We are looking forward to that as well.
We are now going to play Phase 10 and I will get skunked. Oh well, it will be fun.
I also stayed for Sunday School where we discussed Zacharia and Malachi... it was a great lesson on prophecy of the last days and had many good points. I learned a lot.
Relief Society was about the talk by President Uchdorf which reminds us to be patient in adversity and to take the time to work out our problems with the Lord's help.
I enjoyed all of the lessons and I am so amazed by the insight of these young sisters and brethren as they teach with the spirit. I realize that it is not in age or wisdom that we learn and teach but it is through the spirit and that is why these young people can do such a wonderful job.
John goes back home tonight. I will miss him when he goes. It has been fun to have him here with Amy as well. Always some humor and fun going on. Mike and Liana brought a lot of fun with their visit for Christmas and it will be fun to have Mike here for the rest of the week. Laura and Nigel will be here on Tuesday. We are looking forward to that as well.
We are now going to play Phase 10 and I will get skunked. Oh well, it will be fun.
Joy to the World
Christmas came and went so fast this year that I wondered if I even felt the spirit of it. In reflecting I know that I have enjoyed Christmas after all. I certainly enjoyed decorating baskets for customers and helping them create gifts for their friends and family. Friday, Christmas Eve, we made $742 which was our biggest day ever. We were busy and we were creating most of the day. I also enjoyed having some of the family there to help out. It made it fun. I made a salsa and chips basket and a pasta basket for an order Jim took. They turned out very cute. Also I made a soup bowl basket for a fellow and thought it was cute. I find it interesting that work can be so fun. A challenge to create, to talk to people when you are busy trying to get things done, to dust and keep things looking orderly, It is a changing store. We are constantly moving items. John put in wire and attached music speakers on Thursday and Friday and they are going to be awesome. Just hearing the music piped in on Christmas Eve was so great. I like to have a candle burning and music going every day. People always mention that it smells good in here so we want to keep that feeling alive and welcoming.
So anyway, Christmas eve was the first I have ever worked. I didn't mind it as much as I thought I would. I think the benefit for me was to have some of the family helping me work. It is a joy to be together. There are also a lot of fun people out there. I met a gal named Chris last week and she is so cute. Tim from the radio thought she might be Dave's "friend" when she was in a few days ago and we all laughed since she is closer to my age than Dave's by a lot. Anyway, she came in since then and we just had a great time talking. She gave me some cellophane bags in exchange for a bit of ribbon and tissue since I had run out. I hope she comes in often. I remember that she is fairly new in town. She was a cutie and that is what makes doing what I do worthy it to me. You can't see it in the money but you can get so much value in other ways.
We had fondue for Christmas eve because we only had adults here. We had to wait for Amy to get home from Walmart but it took us from 5 to 8:45 to get everything ready: chopping veggies, meat, fish, bread. Jim made an incredible broth and he made some fantastic dips. I don't know if we'll do it again on New Years. If Jim and Clo are here besides Laura and Nigel it would be fun.
Cbristmas morning was certainly different. We slept in until 9:30 am and then just slowly opened our presents. It was fun to watch Mike and LIana interact with their gifts. They have a greatt time together with Mike constantly joking and Liana laughing. They are such a cute couple and it has been so fun to have them here with us this year. Something different for Liana as it has been her first Christmas away from her Parent's home. I am sure they were missing her as well and glad that they shared her with us. Liana will leave for home by herself tomorrow (well with Karcher) and Mike will stay until Friday. I am sure he will keep us laughing the whole week. It was also Dani's first Christmas away from home and we are so grateful that she gave us that time. She is fun to have here and I know how much Dave enjoys being with his siblings.
I talked to Jim and Clorinda and the kids for awhile tonight and then with Laura and Shey. Mike kept taking the phone and pretending he was either Dad or I... Shey thought he was hilarious. I guess the Jim Fontanos had fun in D-land with their friends from Provo even though it rained a good part of the time... we all know that rain means shorter lines though and as Clayton said he got on Space Mountain in lest than 5 minutes so that was all worth it.
I think everyone liked their gifts. We bought the boys rubberband guns from the shop and Clayton sounded like he was even enjoying his. The only one that didn't get one was Donny who is just a little too small. The girls got Grandma Vi's porcelain dolls that she earned at Avon. Particularly Sara's girls seemed so pleased with them... John is building them a shelf for their bedroom and they will keep them on. I didn't give one to Shey or Anna yet but I will. I didn't dare mail one to Abbie either but will take her one someday when I visit Houston.
So obviously I am not sleeping tonight. I have been up for over an hour reading John's blog and then working on mine. I am so grateful for John's example. I feel this is a good way to evaluate my days and although I am not as consistent or creative as John I like the idea he shared to looking over my day, on seeing how well I have served, of reviewing my attitude and making sure I am on track. I also must say that if Johnboy wonders if he has done any good in the world... he has certainly been a blessing in our lives since he has been here. His faith and obedience are amazing,. I pray everyday that he will find Joy as he works to complete his assignments here. And although his kids might not realize what a blessing he is in their lives and they might not know how to express gratitude for all he does for them... we notice and we are all so proud of all he does for his family and for us.
On that note don't want to forget Amy, my other children and their spouses and my grandchildren and my sweet husband. I love them all so much. I love to hear the "Grandma" sound whenever I see these little ones. It was so fun to share dinner with Jay and Sara and the kids tonight. The kids were so excited about their new toys. Jack, Andy and Natty came over in their new pj's that their Mom had helped them monogram and Andy wore his Ironman helmet and arm shooter and magnetic dial. Jack brought his Stinky garbage truck that is amazing and showed us how it worked. Natty was here with smiles and excitement as well. I loved talking to Marien, Clayton, Kathryn and Shey tonight on the phone. I also loved hearing Grandpa chat with Shey and wished I had suggested he talk to the other three. We will call Pete today and talk with his three darlings as well. That to me is what Christmas is about - the blessing of family and the fact that we have a common testimony of the Savior. I thank the Lord everyday for the faithfulness of my children and their children. I'd say that I do know "Joy in the World."
Life is good. Kathy
So anyway, Christmas eve was the first I have ever worked. I didn't mind it as much as I thought I would. I think the benefit for me was to have some of the family helping me work. It is a joy to be together. There are also a lot of fun people out there. I met a gal named Chris last week and she is so cute. Tim from the radio thought she might be Dave's "friend" when she was in a few days ago and we all laughed since she is closer to my age than Dave's by a lot. Anyway, she came in since then and we just had a great time talking. She gave me some cellophane bags in exchange for a bit of ribbon and tissue since I had run out. I hope she comes in often. I remember that she is fairly new in town. She was a cutie and that is what makes doing what I do worthy it to me. You can't see it in the money but you can get so much value in other ways.
We had fondue for Christmas eve because we only had adults here. We had to wait for Amy to get home from Walmart but it took us from 5 to 8:45 to get everything ready: chopping veggies, meat, fish, bread. Jim made an incredible broth and he made some fantastic dips. I don't know if we'll do it again on New Years. If Jim and Clo are here besides Laura and Nigel it would be fun.
Cbristmas morning was certainly different. We slept in until 9:30 am and then just slowly opened our presents. It was fun to watch Mike and LIana interact with their gifts. They have a greatt time together with Mike constantly joking and Liana laughing. They are such a cute couple and it has been so fun to have them here with us this year. Something different for Liana as it has been her first Christmas away from her Parent's home. I am sure they were missing her as well and glad that they shared her with us. Liana will leave for home by herself tomorrow (well with Karcher) and Mike will stay until Friday. I am sure he will keep us laughing the whole week. It was also Dani's first Christmas away from home and we are so grateful that she gave us that time. She is fun to have here and I know how much Dave enjoys being with his siblings.
I talked to Jim and Clorinda and the kids for awhile tonight and then with Laura and Shey. Mike kept taking the phone and pretending he was either Dad or I... Shey thought he was hilarious. I guess the Jim Fontanos had fun in D-land with their friends from Provo even though it rained a good part of the time... we all know that rain means shorter lines though and as Clayton said he got on Space Mountain in lest than 5 minutes so that was all worth it.
I think everyone liked their gifts. We bought the boys rubberband guns from the shop and Clayton sounded like he was even enjoying his. The only one that didn't get one was Donny who is just a little too small. The girls got Grandma Vi's porcelain dolls that she earned at Avon. Particularly Sara's girls seemed so pleased with them... John is building them a shelf for their bedroom and they will keep them on. I didn't give one to Shey or Anna yet but I will. I didn't dare mail one to Abbie either but will take her one someday when I visit Houston.
So obviously I am not sleeping tonight. I have been up for over an hour reading John's blog and then working on mine. I am so grateful for John's example. I feel this is a good way to evaluate my days and although I am not as consistent or creative as John I like the idea he shared to looking over my day, on seeing how well I have served, of reviewing my attitude and making sure I am on track. I also must say that if Johnboy wonders if he has done any good in the world... he has certainly been a blessing in our lives since he has been here. His faith and obedience are amazing,. I pray everyday that he will find Joy as he works to complete his assignments here. And although his kids might not realize what a blessing he is in their lives and they might not know how to express gratitude for all he does for them... we notice and we are all so proud of all he does for his family and for us.
On that note don't want to forget Amy, my other children and their spouses and my grandchildren and my sweet husband. I love them all so much. I love to hear the "Grandma" sound whenever I see these little ones. It was so fun to share dinner with Jay and Sara and the kids tonight. The kids were so excited about their new toys. Jack, Andy and Natty came over in their new pj's that their Mom had helped them monogram and Andy wore his Ironman helmet and arm shooter and magnetic dial. Jack brought his Stinky garbage truck that is amazing and showed us how it worked. Natty was here with smiles and excitement as well. I loved talking to Marien, Clayton, Kathryn and Shey tonight on the phone. I also loved hearing Grandpa chat with Shey and wished I had suggested he talk to the other three. We will call Pete today and talk with his three darlings as well. That to me is what Christmas is about - the blessing of family and the fact that we have a common testimony of the Savior. I thank the Lord everyday for the faithfulness of my children and their children. I'd say that I do know "Joy in the World."
Life is good. Kathy
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Twelve Days
After work tonight Jim brought out a movie... A Team. Twelve Days he said. I choose to believe him however I wonder weather he really bought the movie for twelve days or started twelve days because he needed an excuse for buying the movie - well I think I will hold him to it.
Just finishing up on A Team. Funny movie. Movies are an important part of twelve days. We usually get a DVD and go to a movie during Christmas time. Twelve days is always a great thing. I will miss it this year because we haven't started it and so now we are too late. Good memories of past Twelve Days. They will have to suffice this year.
No running around tonight... headed for bed.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Fog here, fog there
This morning we went to the temple - in the FOG. I have never liked fog. Growing up in California on the coast we often had fog. Castro Valley had fog. Fremont sometimes had fog. I came to hate mornings and was glad when we moved to Yerington and the mornings were most often sunny and bright. Jim tells me he loves fog... he is a bit foggy himself so no doubt. I seldom wake up to fog anymore except perhaps on a grey snowy day. The nice thing about a snowy drab day is that usually within a few days the sun will come through and shine on the snow and look spectacular. Gotta love it.
The fog burned off while we were in the temple. Being in the temple began a great day. Newport Beach temple is very lovely. A small temple but each detail is lovely. It was a great session. I was one of the first ones through the temple and Jim was the last one through. I was able to sit in the Celestial room for quite a while and enjoy the peace and the beauty. Nothing foggy about being there and feeling the spirit.
The fog burned off while we were in the temple. Being in the temple began a great day. Newport Beach temple is very lovely. A small temple but each detail is lovely. It was a great session. I was one of the first ones through the temple and Jim was the last one through. I was able to sit in the Celestial room for quite a while and enjoy the peace and the beauty. Nothing foggy about being there and feeling the spirit.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Santa Catalina
Today we took a boat to and from Catalina Island. We landed in Avalon and walked around the village. Many people ride around in little golf carts on the island. It is a fun thing to watch. We had hoped to have had fish tacos on the pier but it is closed for the winter. We went instead to the Lobster Shack and had fish tacos and clam chowder there. It is supposed to be the same owners but somehow it just wasn't as good as the first time - perhaps eating in the sunshiine on the pier made it better.
Tonight we had BLT's and soup. We watched Robin Hood with Russell Crowe and we are now headed for bed. Each day has been simple but entertaining. Always good to be with the Jensens.
Tonight we had BLT's and soup. We watched Robin Hood with Russell Crowe and we are now headed for bed. Each day has been simple but entertaining. Always good to be with the Jensens.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Newport Beach
We arrived in Newport Beach about 2pm today. It is so beautiful here and although the weather is not too warm it is warm for us coming from Utah. We have a beautiful condo and we have filled it up with some goodies. Tonight we played some Hearts and I lost... such a surprise! Earlier we went to Balboa Pier and ate at Ruby's Diner at the end of the pier. We took the ferry across estuary and Richard is excited to take us all out on a sail boat some day this week... I'm sure we'll do it even though it looks a little small for all of us. Hoping to go south tomorrow - maybe even as far as San Diego.
I'm hoping to read some Christmas stories this week. I am looking forward to Leo Buscaglia's book - it brings the Christmas Spirit everytime I read his short stories about his boyhood Christmas.
I'm hoping to read some Christmas stories this week. I am looking forward to Leo Buscaglia's book - it brings the Christmas Spirit everytime I read his short stories about his boyhood Christmas.
For Such a Time as This
Today our Sunday School lesson was on Daniel and then on Esther. I love the story of Esther but unfortunately her part in the lesson came close to the end and the message of her choice to step up and save her people was not even discussed. She is such an example to me and I wish I could have shared my testimony of her greatness with the other students... I am thinking that I will use her message as the theme for our Stake Relief Society Meeting in February... it would be such a great message for these young sisters. I know they are here, now for a righteous purpose and they need to step up to a very huge responsibility.
I have a new testimony of journals. I have written in my journal off and on over the years. When I have a missionary in the field I write weekly to him and copy it for my journal. It worked pretty well but now I have no missionaries out and won't until Clayton goes. John has started blogging his journal entries and I am so enjoying them. It has motivated me to write on my blog more often as well. I feel his tender spirit and he shares his struggles and his new found joys in raising these three children as a single parent. He is a strength to me. I see three very happy children in his home and I know that his stress and worry is to their benefit. There is a good spirit and growing testimony in that home...
I must say that I am also very proud of all my grandchildren and the fact that they bear their testimonies. Kathryn sent me a copy of her testimony that she bore last month and I was proud to hear so many of our grandchildren bear their testimonies at Donovan's blessing! Laura told me that the children in her ward seldom bore their testimonies but after the Fontanos and Bloomfields bore theirs - many of the ward chiildren got up also... even the little boy that said "boo!"
I am looking at the Christmas tree and its lights. I had to get up just to see before we leave tomorrow for the week. Even without the ornaments it looks beautiful to me. I didn't think I was feeling the Christmas spirit these last few weeks because of the push for Christmas at the store. I have sold many of my little Christmas things or have some at the store to decorate and then coming home to this little place I just didn't think it was going to look very good. Tonight we put up the tree, I brought a couple of things home from the shop and I made a swag to go under the green wooden tree. It still looks a little bare in here but it is fine. I have my Nativities up and other favorite pictures and signs. I forgot that so many of my decorations bring memories with them and although I didn't really get rid of anything that was a gift, I still did sell some things that hold memories and so it is king of sad. I know I'll get over it but I do have to say that I loved the decorating in my houses of the past where every room had a touch of Christmas in it...
Tomorrow we are going to California with the Jensens. We planned this trip last year when we had to sign up for our week with Marriott. At that time, December seemed like a good time to go. We have taken several trips with the Jensens in December. Last year we went to Idaho, several years we went to Salt Lake and Temple Square, one year we went to Disneyland in January... This year it will be Southern California. We are hoping to use our free coupons to Disneyland - the ones we earned when we made our blankets for the needy. We will also enjoy some of the beaches and the coast. Maybe even get to Hollywood or Catalina Island. I am sure we'll play plenty of Hearts...
I better get to bed. It is almost 2:00 am and I have to be up in just a few hours. One of these days my mind will start working in the daytime when I need it instead of in the middle of the night when I don't...
I have a new testimony of journals. I have written in my journal off and on over the years. When I have a missionary in the field I write weekly to him and copy it for my journal. It worked pretty well but now I have no missionaries out and won't until Clayton goes. John has started blogging his journal entries and I am so enjoying them. It has motivated me to write on my blog more often as well. I feel his tender spirit and he shares his struggles and his new found joys in raising these three children as a single parent. He is a strength to me. I see three very happy children in his home and I know that his stress and worry is to their benefit. There is a good spirit and growing testimony in that home...
I must say that I am also very proud of all my grandchildren and the fact that they bear their testimonies. Kathryn sent me a copy of her testimony that she bore last month and I was proud to hear so many of our grandchildren bear their testimonies at Donovan's blessing! Laura told me that the children in her ward seldom bore their testimonies but after the Fontanos and Bloomfields bore theirs - many of the ward chiildren got up also... even the little boy that said "boo!"
I am looking at the Christmas tree and its lights. I had to get up just to see before we leave tomorrow for the week. Even without the ornaments it looks beautiful to me. I didn't think I was feeling the Christmas spirit these last few weeks because of the push for Christmas at the store. I have sold many of my little Christmas things or have some at the store to decorate and then coming home to this little place I just didn't think it was going to look very good. Tonight we put up the tree, I brought a couple of things home from the shop and I made a swag to go under the green wooden tree. It still looks a little bare in here but it is fine. I have my Nativities up and other favorite pictures and signs. I forgot that so many of my decorations bring memories with them and although I didn't really get rid of anything that was a gift, I still did sell some things that hold memories and so it is king of sad. I know I'll get over it but I do have to say that I loved the decorating in my houses of the past where every room had a touch of Christmas in it...
Tomorrow we are going to California with the Jensens. We planned this trip last year when we had to sign up for our week with Marriott. At that time, December seemed like a good time to go. We have taken several trips with the Jensens in December. Last year we went to Idaho, several years we went to Salt Lake and Temple Square, one year we went to Disneyland in January... This year it will be Southern California. We are hoping to use our free coupons to Disneyland - the ones we earned when we made our blankets for the needy. We will also enjoy some of the beaches and the coast. Maybe even get to Hollywood or Catalina Island. I am sure we'll play plenty of Hearts...
I better get to bed. It is almost 2:00 am and I have to be up in just a few hours. One of these days my mind will start working in the daytime when I need it instead of in the middle of the night when I don't...
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Party on...
I went to our Relief Society Christmas Party tonight and it was delightful. Suzi Shakespear has an amazing house and she decorated every room! She had her ancestor room with a revolving tree and not only pictures of her ancestors with mementos of each on her walls but also on the huge tree. There were ancestor pictures with cameras for a photographer, a pair of gloves for a great aunt, a pair of antique scissors for a uncle who was a barber, a small old fashioned sewing machine for someone else who liked to sew etc. It was quite beautiful.
Her kitchen had a M&M theme with bright colors and large balls hanging from the ceiling. Her dining room was done all in gingerbread men. She also has a basement that she has made into a 50's diner and she also has a theater room complete with posters from various movies. It was fun to see it all and I was glad it was her's to decorate and "un-decorate" when the time comes.
I realized that I am in a down-sizing mode right now. I haven't even considered that it is the first of December and I have done nothing in this little place but take down Thanksgiving. I need to get my Christmas up here at home but also at the shop. It seems rather overwhelming right now... the shop is first of course and I'll just need to squeeze in some time to do the house. But if it is just simple here at home that is okay with me.
I did think that as I looked around at tall the decorations I didn't see any Nativities that I recall. I love my Nativities and in this house I think perhaps those will take precedence. Not enough room for everything else, and besides over the years I have come to believe that Christ is the reason for the season and I have come to resent the Santa or Snowmen or whatever overload...
Anyway, back to the Party... it was so fun to visit with these ladies. I am so much more comfortable this year with them. I love each one of them and find them delightful. We were at the fun M&M table and we had some great laughs... we talked about caskets and funerals and obituary pictures. We enjoyed each other and I especially had a great time talking with some of the ladies that I haven't known so well. I received many compliments on the little baskets that Laura made and also on the shop that several have come in to see. It is exciting to see something I am enjoying so much have a positive affect on others. I think my philosophy is that if they come in and enjoy snooping around I have accomplished one of my major goals. I love shops like this and I usually don't have money to spend... but if they can just have a good experience looking around then I'm happy too. Coming to the shop is kind of it's own party... so I say... Party on!
PS... one of my discussions tonight was with Julie Leigh. She told me she was an aide at South elementary. I could see her mind working as she realized I was figuring out that she was one of Jack's aides. She actually was very positive about him and his progress. She told me that he was in very good hands and also that the children in his class were very good to him. She said she loved him and I know that is true. I feel grateful that Jack has her influence in his little life. She is a wonderful and loving person and she can only do great things for that sweet little boy. So yes - party on...
Her kitchen had a M&M theme with bright colors and large balls hanging from the ceiling. Her dining room was done all in gingerbread men. She also has a basement that she has made into a 50's diner and she also has a theater room complete with posters from various movies. It was fun to see it all and I was glad it was her's to decorate and "un-decorate" when the time comes.
I realized that I am in a down-sizing mode right now. I haven't even considered that it is the first of December and I have done nothing in this little place but take down Thanksgiving. I need to get my Christmas up here at home but also at the shop. It seems rather overwhelming right now... the shop is first of course and I'll just need to squeeze in some time to do the house. But if it is just simple here at home that is okay with me.
I did think that as I looked around at tall the decorations I didn't see any Nativities that I recall. I love my Nativities and in this house I think perhaps those will take precedence. Not enough room for everything else, and besides over the years I have come to believe that Christ is the reason for the season and I have come to resent the Santa or Snowmen or whatever overload...
Anyway, back to the Party... it was so fun to visit with these ladies. I am so much more comfortable this year with them. I love each one of them and find them delightful. We were at the fun M&M table and we had some great laughs... we talked about caskets and funerals and obituary pictures. We enjoyed each other and I especially had a great time talking with some of the ladies that I haven't known so well. I received many compliments on the little baskets that Laura made and also on the shop that several have come in to see. It is exciting to see something I am enjoying so much have a positive affect on others. I think my philosophy is that if they come in and enjoy snooping around I have accomplished one of my major goals. I love shops like this and I usually don't have money to spend... but if they can just have a good experience looking around then I'm happy too. Coming to the shop is kind of it's own party... so I say... Party on!
PS... one of my discussions tonight was with Julie Leigh. She told me she was an aide at South elementary. I could see her mind working as she realized I was figuring out that she was one of Jack's aides. She actually was very positive about him and his progress. She told me that he was in very good hands and also that the children in his class were very good to him. She said she loved him and I know that is true. I feel grateful that Jack has her influence in his little life. She is a wonderful and loving person and she can only do great things for that sweet little boy. So yes - party on...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)