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

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

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

HAPPY THANKSGIVING ~ 2008

This year we are celebrating Thanksgiving with the Baker family in their new home in Virginia. I have trouble finding people sometimes since the house is so huge!

The Bakers have invited Theresa's sister, Cindy and husband Brian + their son whose name totally slips my mind. (Maybe that is because I have trouble keeping the eight around here straight!!) You (Theresa & Kevin) will be close at mind...

The kitchen has fragrant aromas and Cathleen has been cooking all day. What wonderful treats lie in store for us - yum, yum, yum.

We hope you are enjoying a wonderful day of thanksgiving wherever you are and however you celebrate it... Much love to one and all!! xoxoxo

Early THANKSGIVING greetings!!

In 2 days we'll be off to Virginia to vist our south easternly CHERRY BLOSSOM family. We are SO excited and look forward to a whole week of fun and games with all our grandchildren.

We want to wish you a very happy Thanksgiving and we pray that all will be well for everyone while we are away.

I know I am so thankful for this past year that has allowed us to visit with all of our family except Webster. Next year we'll have to force ourselves to visit Maui (sigh) and Webb.

You, and yours, are in our prayers always.

xoxoxo

Something's burning . . . CA - Happy 18th Birthday MEGAN!!

Not that Megan ever reads our blogs, but I do want her to know we are thinking about her and have a card on it's way. Turning 18 is monumental and I hope it is the beginning of better times (as an adult) for 'our Meg' and family!!

Since I've been home from Oregon we have had hot, hot, HOT weather and those horrible Santa Ana winds! CA has been ablaze - particularly in the area where the Binghams used to live. Let's all hope the winds die down soon and that the worst is almost over.

Tomorrow night I'm going to see Courtney Jones appear at the Genghis Khan in LA, with Andrea & Landon. Then I will have a sleepover with Andrea and the kids. That's if the freeways are open and the show is going on!

Countdown 5 days until we are IN the Bakers new home. What a joy!! In the meantime there is much to do to get ready for our trip.

Have a wonderful week!! xo

From Oregon to Virginia in TEN days...

Last week I was enjoying the cool rainy days with Debbie, Craig, Collin and Dray, in Oregon. What a beautiful place to be in the fall, even with all of the drizzly rainy weather! Everyone walks around without umbrellas; wearing neat scarves, caps and the traditional clothing I just love.

There are so many neat places to shop around Salem and in Portland as well! Staying with the Bingham's is one laugh after another. They certainly know how to enjoy life to the maximum - even if it's just having a couple of gals hanging around or Draper making cinnamon rolls!! Slater, the dog, brings his own kind of joy as well. Thanks to Craig for making this wonderful birthday gift for Debbie, happen!

Next Friday we are off to spend a week with Cathleen, Greg & 8 delightful grandchildren ranging in age from 2-19!! Gregory,II, Tory, Christopher, Aleks, Gwen, Jonathan, Nathaniel & little Izzie, the queen. We always remember baby Matthew who would now be 4 years of age.



It will be exciting to be there during the pre- trim the tree- time and to pick up Gregory from his college dorm. Where has the last year gone - I can't imagine. We will be celebrating Thanksgiving dinner with all of them in their beautiful new home. How exciting is that???

I'll be seeing Landon Bingham on Monday evening when Andrea, he and I attend a concert featuring his girlfriend Courtney Jones in LA. I haven't seen Landon since he joined the Coast Guard, but I can sure say he is looking mighty handsome in uniform.



I'm looking forward to a sleepover with Oliver, Ben & Charlotte - even though they may not even know I am there!!

Hope you all have a great weekend!! xoxoxo