December 16, 2017

We spent all morning helping a family in our ward move.  The kids were happy to help, especially since they were given donuts as a reward.  We wore out our backs for sure.

Then it was home to open Mom's 12 -Days-of-Christmas envelope for the day.  It was loaded with cash! We all exchanged names and went off to buy gifts for each other.  But really they are from Mom/Grandma.  We had so much fun!  And Mom was super generous with us.  The kids are so amazed at how much money Grandma is spending on us all for the 12 Days of Christmas.  We are having so much fun!  We wrapped them all up and put them under the tree for Christmas morning.

Oh, what fun!! Presents from Grandma!

For the last few years, our dentist has rented out a movie theater for the newest Star Wars movies.  Greg and I couldn't go today because Austin had a basketball game.  But we sent Owen, Miles, and Julia with Emma to the movie.  We took Lance with us to the game.  The kids absolutely loved the show.  I am so amazed at the way Star Wars has captured the imagination of millions of people, including us.  Even little Lance knows all about Star Wars.

Speaking of Lance, if you ask him his name, he says, "Lancer."  It is super cute.  I love my little Lancer.

Austin was so cute in his game.  He scored lots of points, and since his team was complete killing the other team, he sat out quite a bit of the second half.  I was so mad because I forgot to have him use his inhaler before the game.  And he totally noticed a difference.  Still, I loved his aggressiveness and his effort.  He was so cute out there.

We dropped the boys off at home with the rest of the kids who were home from the movie (Emma was at a surprise 16th birthday party for her prom date, Jed), and Greg and I headed to Santa Clara--just across town.  Greg's partner's youngest daughter had gotten married this morning, and we were headed to the reception.

The reception was outside in their yard, which might sound crazy in December, but with plenty of heaters and blankets for all, we managed to stay warm enough.  The food was delicious and Greg and I had a fun time eating quietly together.  I love the romance of wedding receptions.  It reminds me of young love.  I am SO grateful that our love has matured and developed and steadied, but I still love the idea of those ultra-exciting days when everything was young and new.  Receptions take me back to those days and those memories.

I managed to finish off the Christmas cards tonight.  And I felt like I put my heart and soul into those things.  Every person on our list matters to me.  And there are hundreds more I would like to send my greetings to...  It gets me thinking about the blessing of wonderful friendships and associations which I have enjoyed.  At every turn in my life, there have been people to lift, to love, and to help me along.  So, I stamp those cards and seal them with a little bit of my love.  I hope they feel it when they open them.

Merry Christmas...with lots of love.

Well, it's been another busy day.  And another day to be grateful for.  I'm tired.  But it's a good tired.