Friday, December 26, 2008

Happy 25th Anniversary, Debbie & Craig!!!

Well I'm an hour shy of their 25th, but how well I remember the day! Two days after Christmas and we were up at dawn driving to the LA temple. Debbie actually slept the whole way!!!

Tonight, at Fuddrucker's, I found the family sitting in a different spot than the usual one we occupy. After getting Heather seated I looked up at the nearby booth, as a matter of habit more than anything.

My instant reaction was that I was looking at Debbie, but no, Debbie is in Oregon, with all kinds of snow and a family Christmas of her own... still I couldn't believe how much this woman looked like Debbie and I started to comment to Poppy about the resemblance when I finally looked at the other person in the booth - yep, it was Craig.

BUT...Debbie and I talked for an hour last night - pretty selfish as it was Christmas day. The long and short of it is... Debbie and Craig are here for the night ~ and tomorrow (their 25th anniversary) they are driving to Santa Barbara to see Landon who celebrated Christmas with a fellow Coast Guardian who was "on duty" as well.

KFC was their Christmas feast - Landon really felt alone all day. So "the cruise" Craig & Debbie were planning for their 25th, took a more practical turn and we will get to see them again on Monday when they return this way, prior to flying home again on Tuesday - in time for New Year's Eve.

Fuddrucker's (most Friday evenings) yields many happy memories as all who gather w/us from time to time will surely agree. xoxoxo

T'was the day after Christmas...

T'was the day after Christmas when all though the house,
Poppy was scouting around like a mouse.
Clutter and Christmas lights, treats and 'what have you,'
Leftover food and four gifts undelivered, too...

Christmas has come and left us quite grateful,
The spiritual gifts have left us most faithful;
The hustle and bustle which was found round each home,
Reminds us the wise men were thankful to roam,

In search of the Christ child, of whom at His birth,
Gave joy to all people all over the earth.
And Grammy, Poppy and Sydney feel glee,
That a New Year is coming for you and for me!

HAPPY NEW YEAR ~ 2009 ~ and may you be ever blessed.

xo

Sunday, December 21, 2008

The shortest day of the year!!

Imagine being born on the shortest day of the year. Actually it is also the first day of winter and this year it appears that many families are being hit with snow, freezing rain, etc. We had a rather mild and sunny day - custom made for an old lady's birthday.

I've heard there is still plenty of snow in the desert, as well as in Las Vegas proper. And in Salem, OR. they had a complete snow week - no school - and church was canceled today!! Now that is quite an event!!

Here in sunny southern CA we enjoyed Denise's lasagna w/Theresa's cheesy bread. We had so much dessert I will gain another 5 lbs this year!! We missed the Bingham family's annual Christmas party, but have started a new tradition this year. The meal was simple, but delicious and the company was mighty fine.

I love family get togethers, wherever they may be! I'm sending special thanks and Christmas greetings to each and every one of you. I am going to love using my new Sony 300DSLR, a gift from Duncan that tickles me so much!! Phanfare here I come!! xo

Friday, December 19, 2008

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ~ Taylor & Riley!!!

Today was Riley and Taylor's birthdays. I think Riley is the oldest by at least 10 minutes!


It has been 24 years since Debbie and Craig deposited the two little bundles right upon the same leather couch that is still standing in the exact same place in our home. They looked just like plucked chickens, as Debbie immediately freed them from their clothes & blankets so we could see their fingers and toes.


I might add that all were moving about at the same time along with a sudden urge to eat - and NOW. Debbie, trying to nurse both boys, had quite a project on her hands - those little boys were so tiny, but they sure made a lot of noise!!!


A lot of Christmases have passed since they were newborns. Our first grandchildren - we had no idea how quickly time would fly by and how many more grandchildren would follow them down through the years.


This year we are anxiously awaiting the birth of another child. Margaret, is due to arrive the beginning of February and will be our 1st GREAT grandchild. Thanks be to Riley and Megan for this fortunate event! This is really something to fully appreciate and anticipate; how lucky can we be??!


This has been a really decent year. We have spent time with every grandchild save one... Webb's son Ryan whom we hope to spend some time with soon.


We have seen our 1st granddaughter, Megan, in her apartment in Utah. What a beautiful girl she is. We have also traveled to Virginia to see the Baker eight; Gregory, II, Tory, CJB (Christopher) Aleks, Gwen, Jon, Natey & Isabelle, all wonderful to behold.

We have Landon in the Coast Guard in CA and a very special young woman from Salem, OR in his life. Taylor married Katie this year and we had fun with them this summer. Riley and Megan were on hand for that as well!


We saw Draper & Collin a couple of times this year and then we have all the locals. Connor, simply the best, Kate, the horse person and then there's Sean, Trevor, Maya and Rachel living nearby so we can share Friday evenings at Fuddruckers several times a month at least. Not to be forgotten are the 3 little Aussie's; Oliver, Ben and Charlotte who are - where else - but in Brisbane, Australia right now.


Lots of wonderful memories over the years and to finish things up Debbie and Craig (The Binghams) are celebrating their 25th anniversary on Dec 27 of this year. They deserve a round of applause for the fine job they have done this past quarter century!!


I (once again) turn older than dirt in a couple of days and I'm proud to share this birth month with our first 3 grandsons. Life doesn't get any sweeter than this... Merry Christmas - may the joy of the Savior's birth be with each of you and remain throughout the coming year. xo

Thursday, December 11, 2008

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Landon!!

It is exactly TWO weeks until Christmas Day. I should be panicky with all the things left to be done. But this year it seems as if it's okay if nothing gets done; at least until the last minute, anyway.

I/we have had visits with people who love us ~ 'worts' and all. I might add that Tory would relate on some level since she has regained her footing with Harry Potter following a detour through the (ahem) Twilight series of late.

I have several books just awaiting my perusal... once the holidays are over and the rains hopefully arrive. Only one book is of substance; but I'll enjoy all with equal relish I do believe.

Duncan (poppy) recently renewed a very long time acquaintance with his grammar school principal. It has been very meaningful for both parties and we quickly emptied a box of delicious McIntrye chocolates that Duncan received in the mail the other day.

It is wonderful that such an occasion could bring such personal joy. We also received a Christmas card from a fellow classmate - Ramsey high school, class of '58... which brought a bit of warmth to the season this year, as well.

Our tree is up - amazingly - and there are lights all about the house. Sydney faithfully plugs most of them in each night - her contribution, so far, to the holidays quickly approaching.

For those of you we are still hoping we'll see, before 2009 appears, our doors are open and the house warmly awaits your appearance any time at all... We send our love to each of you with hopes that this holiday season with family will soon be complete. Enjoy the next 14 days!! xo