Eternal Families

Friday, December 23, 2011 was a very special day for me and my family. My mom and dad were sealed together in the Newport Beach Temple, and then I was sealed to them. Our broken chain of eternal families was finally joined together. My Todd did all of dad's work, including the sealing to his parents and then to mom. It was a very beautiful experience.

Nutcracker

For the second year, "the girls" went out to dinner and the Nutcracker. This year, it was just Amy, Emma, and me, as Kathy and her girls were still on the road. We tried a new cafe, one that we won't be going back to, and then the ballet. Amy enjoyed it, Emma was enchanted with it, and I kept seeing Amy dance all of the parts. It brought back some wonderful memories.

Cutest reindeer ever

One of the best things about being retired is that I am free to do things in the middle of the week. For the first time, I was able to attend a school program. Emma and Wyatt's kindergarten Christmas program was so fun. They were asked individually what they wanted Santa to bring them...Emma wants a "happy napper" and Wyatt is counting on a pet parrot!!

Monday's Memory--my favorite present

Amy gave a talk in church yesterday. In preparation for it, she asked several people their favorite Christmas presents they had ever received. When she asked me, my first thought was the tap shoes I got when I was a kid. But then I remembered this picture.

For years, I always had the kids take a picture with Santa. We even had one with all three of us in it. But then they grew up and lost interest. Christmas morning, when Todd was a junior and Amy a freshman, I opened my present from them, and this was inside. Needless to say, I shed a few tears. They went to the mall and stood in a very long line with lots of little kids to surprise me with this photo. How I love my two kids.

My BFF

As you know, my best friend, Ann, has not been doing well, struggling with lung cancer. She finally had to move up to Oregon, to an assisted living facility. She chose it because it's 5 minutes from her sister and both her mom and dad are living there. This past week, I flew up to see the place and visit with her. I must say, I feel much better about her being so far away. The place that she's in is lovely with wonderful people to help her. I was there for three days and we talked non-stop. It was great to be with her again.

Disneyland

We took mom to Disneyland to see the Christmas lights and fireworks. It was really fun to see her wearing Todd's letterman's jacket. Of course, we had to take a picture and text it to him. She had a blast!!!

FHE

Amy, Todd, and the kids came tonight for Family Home Evening. They helped me finish decorating the house by hanging up the socks. And then it was time for what they really had been waiting for, to set up the train.

They love the train. After dinner, we sang some Christmas songs, heard a great story, had some hot cocoa, played with the train again, and then it was time to head home. What a fun way to kick off the Christmas season.