OCT. THRU DEC. - FAMILY FUN!!

Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree; getting ready for the favorite holiday of all is always so much fun. Somehow I don't drag out quite as many decorations each year as I used to, probably just part of getting older, but the memories, traditions, and love seem to grow every year. As seen in my Christmas tree photo, there was lots of RED around the tree this year, University of Utah bags with my 14 grandkids Christmas gifts in them. Of course, U of U jammies, and other treasures for the kids. We have a clam chowder feast with other yummy food, and a favorite warm drink we've had for years called wassail. Then when everyone is ready, the kids sit around me and we share the Nativity Bible story, and the true reason for this sacred season. sometimes the kids help me read. I think this a part of the evening they really enjoy. Then it's present time!! This year I made each of my grandkids a small published book that had many photo's of each of them in it, from when they were born. I loved making these books, and they seemed to be a hit, even with their parents! Part of my own children's Christmas was a copy of my Life Story, which I finally finished this year. A warm, wonderful Christmas, once again!

November, the month of thankfulness, is never overlooked by my family. We've come up with a way to have Thanksgiving Dinners together every year with everyone at my home. We have it the Sunday afternoon before Thanksgiving. Yeah, I'm probably selfish, but this way I can enjoy my gang every year, then my kids don't have to do the every other year thing. I appreciate my blessings of family, good health, a warm home, nice retirement, and dear friends so much. I think about them even more at this time of year! A very special blessing happened this month, my granddaughter, Megan, shown in photo with my kitty, came to live in Utah with my her dad, my son, Eric, his darling wife, Jennifer, and sons Brennen, and Connor. We're so happy to have her back home again!

October brought lots of fun for the gang. We went to the Black Island Farms CornMaze where they had some really fun "farm" rides and activities for the kids. And of course, the corn maze goes on & on, and we got lost a few times! Really fun. Then great food topped it all off.

Halloween came and our annual party was at Aunt Marilyn's, in Pleasant View. She lives right on the edge of the Wasatch-Cache National Forest, and it had the right, spooky atmosphere for our Halloween fun, chili, games, and a Halloween photo with Grandma!

JAX - Goodbye Sweet Pup

Oh my goodness, how do we grow so close to these wonderful pets, and then eventually have to say goodbye. We had to put our lab, JAX down a week ago from complications to cancer. Just too difficult to watch her suffer any longer. JAX was actually Eric's family's dog, but she's lived with me for this past year. What we will remember are the amazing bird hunts she provided, the ribbons she earned, her love and patience with children, her tricks Eric had taught her, her two beautiful litters of labs....well the list goes on & on. I can tell you one thing I miss is her devotion to me and my family, she really loved us all. When I used to pull in my driveway, I'd click the garage door open, and out she'd come charging to greet me with licks and nudges. Now, out of habit, I click that door open and hits me right in my face that she's not going to be coming out to greet me anymore. Memories will have to do, and there's plenty of them. Enjoy the photos of JAX. We love you, little Jaxie!

McKENLY'S BAPTISM - SEPTEMBER 4, 2010

McKenly Kennedy, my sweet Granddaughter and Rachel's daughter, was baptized by her Uncle Eric on Sat., September 4. It was a beautiful day, and many of McKenly's loved ones and friends were there. Eric also confirmed her a member of the Church. Rachel's been listening to the missionaries at her home, and was excited with her decision to be baptized. I was asked to give a talk about baptizm, and loved have the opportunity to do so. Above are some photos from McKenly's very special day!

YELLOWSTONE - JUNE 2010

It's been quite a while since I went to Yellowstone with my family, and this year we decided it was time! Rachel arranged for each family to rent a 26' trailer that were parked in a campground just outside the south gate, 2 miles from the Park. It was very convenient to the activities at the Park. The families that went were Adam & Rachel's, Blair & Karen's, and Eric & Jennifer's. We had such an awesome time, hitting Jackson Hole on the way up, the Park for 3 days, and then back via Bear World. The weather was perfect while we were there. The wildlife that we saw was unreal this time....bears, both grizzly & brown, elk, moose, buffalo, and others. All of the kids were so excited to see them, and knew the drill about not getting too close! And of course, getting the best photo as well. We saw many of the hot-pots and geysers, and Old Faithful did not let us down (altho a few minutes late!). Does it ever "not go off"? Had so much fun with the fam, and wished all of them could have been there. Photos tell it all!

BRENNEN'S BAPTISM - FEBRUARY 6, 2010

A very special day for Eric's #2 kid, Brennen Wayne Fryer. Brennen was so excited, and a little nervous, but took the baptism dunk very well! After a short program in which a great friend, Jenn Burgess and Grandma Marsha gave short talks, Brennen was baptized by his dad, Eric.

After getting dressed, Brennen's dad confirmed him with a great father's blessing as well. Uncle Blair, and other friends stood in the circle. Aunt Rachel gave the closing prayer. These are the events that make it all worth while, and I'm always so thrilled to be part of it all. Here are some photo opp's from Brennen's special day!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS! 2009

Another wonderful Christmas week has just past. I love Christmas Eve! This is the night of my annual Christmas party with my whole family, at my home. Yes indeed, a bit tight, but the spirit of the holidays seems to always kick in and the air seems to be full of hope and delight. What a joy it is to watch my grandchildren as we gobble up our favorite clam chowder meal, and then all sit down to hear the Christmas Story, usually read from Luke 2. This year, Eric wanted to be the reader, and he did a great job, and was patient with each little child as they would place they're "piece" of the nativity scene in it's correct place. Of course some of the younger ones make us smile and sometimes laugh, even with this sacred story, just with their little kiddism's. My Fisher Price Nativity is perfect for this activity. Above are some shots from the reading.

Following the story, I passed out my gifts to the Grandchildren, and then my adult children and their spouses. I love either shopping or making gifts for my family each year, and with 14 grandchildren, I'm usually trying to decide what I want to do fairly early in the year. Anyhow, after I give my gifts out, the cousins, who drew names, exchange their gifts, and also the adult kids. We all try to watch what each other got, but it does sometimes get crazy. Then the kids make me sit down and open my gifts, always so much fun, and appreciated... I'm so thankful for a close, happy family, that they love the holidays, and more importantly, it's meaning.