Dec. turned into a very busy month as I look back. Weds. the 1st was R.S. T.L.C. Thirsa was in S.L. or Casper with Joy as she had stayed to help Joy return home to Casper from having Oakley there again. It has been a very difficult 8 months about since that sweet little boy was diagnosed and taking radiation and now chemo. I went to T.L.C. with our R.S. president and there was only three of us there for Dec. I enjoyed the spirit that is in our temples.The lunch was great and the conversation was how to get more sisters out in Jan. We got home safe and all was well here at my place. I got 3 or 4 Christmas cards on the 30th of Nov. and the cards came a few every day till the 29th. I got lots of family and friend pictures that are always enjoyed several times before putting them away for another year.
Our mail came so late all month and It looked like some days we were forgotten here on my street it would be almost 6 before he arrived. I found out one day why that started and feel sad our good kind mailman retired. We should have our new one starting this month. I hope whoever it is turns out to be a good kind person.
On the 2nd Clay and Jim picked me up and we went to sizzler meeting some of Jim's family there. I like Sizzler but Usually Clay prefers some place else and that is o.k.
Dec. 4th was a bridal shower for Susan's daughter-in-law to be at Susan's Holly's home. (Jossine and Lyle's old home). Holly has made a few nice changes and altho I couldn't see into the bathroom mirror as it moved up quite high on the wall I like what she has done. Back to the shower I rode up with Arlene and Brecca and children. It was a very fun enjoyable time. Out in the country we got mixed up with people moving cattle a couple of times and laughed about going on cattle drives on our way to the shower. Cathy is a sweet young lady and I feel Jake is lucky to have found her.
I attended church each Sunday this month. The 8th was one busy day. I gave the lesson at the Care Center over by the hosp. went with Melba and Jeannette to Smitty's for our monthly get together. Melba had a kink in her back and didn't feel like scrabble so we all came home after lunch.
On the 8th we had our ward dinner and the bishops wife had each one write their name or family name on a star to decorate the tree. They had a good program with Christmas music from different folks in the ward. As it appeared folks were starting to get ready to leave the bishop told every one to pick a star and give that person or family a gift. He suggested it be done without letting the person are person's know the giver. I got a nativity left on my step then a day are two before Christmas I got a big cheese ball and crackers. I found I could take my person's to her next door neighbors and she would deliver for me. It was a fun time. Ann told me my person was thrilled with hers and told her to thank the giver.
On the 9th I had a cute call from Nathaniel thanking me for his birthday gift. My he talks so plain now it is hard to believe he's a four year old. Then the next day Ryan had his b/d.
On the 12th I went to tithing settlement right after my church meetings so I didn't have to go out after dark. I'm not really afraid of the dark just rather not be the driver after dark.
The doorbell rang on Sunday evening and it was the young women's President. She invited me to attend a dinner sponsored by the bishop and the youth. My what a good meal we had and the bishop ask each of the single folks who had been invited to tell some thing about our growing up years to let the youth know what they have and maybe make them realize how good they have it. It seems most of my generation went to one and two room schools and walked threw or over deep snow to get to school and church. It was a fun filled evening then the young folks walked us to our cars (it was slick) carrying a gift poinsettia for us.
I finally caught up with my visiting teaching companion and we went out on the 15th. It is always a good feeling to get that accomplished.
The 16th was our 60's and friends lunch. and as usual the meal was oh so good and well attended.
Ryan called me on the 17th to let me know to expect a baby girl at their home in May. Arlene had called and ask me if I'd like to ride down to S>L>C> for Jake and Cathy's wedding on the 18th. She had reserved rooms and I called Penny and ask her to join me in my room that night so we could all be together and visit etc. She was invited to the wedding dinner and went there first. We went down by the pool and watched those who braved the water fun. I think some of the family members inherited a bit of a fish gene as they swam and jumped up and down and simply had a great time. It was fun seeing Jossine and Lyle and doing some things with them. We had breakfast early the next morning there in the motel before going to the wedding. The night before Arlene, Deidre and children and Jossine and I went to the old Trolley Square for a spaghetti dinner. The line up was some thing else. Arlene went to see how long the wait and since it was at least 1 1/2 hrs we looked around and left looking for some place to eat and there wasn't anything on that street till we got back to the motel and went where the children wanted to go in the first place. we had a fun time laughing about the little ones wanting to go to McDonald's before we drove up to Trolley Square. I went with Arlene and Deidrie to see the lights on temple square that night. I did a bit of walking and am so happy I've tried to stay active.
We had to be at the temple the next am at 8.15 for the wedding so we were up by 5 am to get ready and eat that good breakfast at the motel. I was oh so impressed by the motel feeding so many so early in the morning and doing such a good meal. We arrived at the temple and got our shoes checked in and went up to the sealing room where it was already almost filled to capacity. I shared my chair with a fellow who shared with his wife and me. The sealer was so inspired and I'm so happy I was able to be there and hear his council to the bride and groom. It was a testimony builder to me and I think I needed that. W e were included in family pictures on the east side of the temple. Such a beautiful place for a wedding and pictures. We went to the down town Olive Garden for lunch. I had there soup and salad all I could eat and probably a bit more than I should have. Penny and I sat by Lyle and Jossine and John and Ruth. It was a real special family affair. ( just want you all to know I know how to spell my sisters name.I could be misspelling Her granddaughters name but I think I'm right there also)
After eating we went back and checked out of the motel then went to the Joesph Smith building for the reception. Cathy was a very beautiful bride and Jake was a handsome bridegroom. Deidrie wanted to leave by 2 so we did get away by about then and of course took the wrong exit and ended up at the airport. With all the new roads and freeway change's you have to be a native of SLC to get where you want to go.
We had some bad roads part of the way and then just before the big city of Arimo one of the children needed a potty break really bad. Deidrie was out getting cloths to change from our dressy cloths to finish the drive home and she heard air leaking from one of the back tires. Arlene called Ryan her son and he said don't drive on it are it will be ruined. The clerks over heard and one said she could change it. They drove to where the lady lives and she and her father had a grease pit in one of the garages attached to their home. It took about 1 1/2 hrs by the time it was all said and done. We all had a burger and fries while waiting and the other clerk put some of the children to work after Katie ask to help. We still had some bad spots to slow down for and after dropping Arlene off at her home and taking the children and me on a tour of a few Christmas lights we got here about 10:30 p.m. Then Deidrie had to drive up to county line road and back west a mile are two to get home. Needless to say I was a wee bit tired on Sunday.
On the 23thrd CJ and Lenell and boy's came to stay at my place over the holidays. It was so fun having them here and getting to spend time with the boy's again. They are all growing up so fast. Alex is as tall as me and I think a bit taller now. They spent the next day with the Peterson's in Firth. Penny arrived on Friday and stayed till Tuesday. CJ and Lenell left Monday. They all picked good travel days from here much as I hated seeing them leave. I always have an empty house and heart.
All through Dec. and part of November Darleens David was in the hospital are a rehab place then back to the hosp. He had a stroke then was finally diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer. They sent him home to Rio Rico on Thursday before Christmas and he enjoyed the day with family then on Friday didn't talk at all to anyone and passed away on Monday at 6 am. Darleen and family members in Provo went down for the funeral got home safely Sunday Jan. 2nd at 2:30 am. She sounded so tired when I talked to her yesterday the 2nd. That is it for this time.
