I have no clue if this is going to work...you know your mom and her abilities with modern technology. But, I am going to give it my best shot. I do want to thank Jeff for being so creative in thinking of this wonderful Christmas idea. I love it and hope each of you will get in the spirit and stay in the spirit all year long. Nothing will make me happier than to be able to look in the Journhalls and see a note, a picture or something about one of my kids or grandkids. I will love reading it or looking at it time and time again. Please do it. It may take a little time, but think of the joy each of us will have as we all get to see each other weekly. I can hardly wait. I have already enjoyed seeing Mason in her braces and watching Angie and the girls dancing away. What fun!
A little about Christmas for Rick and I. Naturally, a bit sad after burying Mom on the 19th, but then each of you know about losing a parent this year. That first year is the toughest, but Rick knows his parents spent Christmas together for the first time in 17 years so that provided him a degree of gladness. We fondued with Sherri, Brett, girls, and Brett's parents on Christmas Eve. This was Brett's parents first time and my 41st time (minus 1 year that we didn't do it). What a tradition..I love it. Everything about it. I am glad that most of you still carry that tradition out. Remember the video your Dad made for you all? It shows each of you fondueing as you grew up. We always did it every year and I have such fond memories of the fun we had and opening up PJ's around the table. Christmas morning, Rick and I were up at 5am and on the road early. We stopped at every one of his kid's houses and also Mark's. Enroute, I talked to David and Michael, Jeff, & Sherri so I talked to all my kids on Christmas Day. Then onto our house where we had a turkey dinner with Jeremy and his kids and Mark, Ang and the girls. We sat around afterwards and talked about our favorite gifts, our favorite traditions, and our favorite thing about our mother. What a tender time for all of us. Angie surprised me by telling something about her mother and then something about her mother-in-law. I sure love that daughter of mine. Many people think she is my daughter since we are both dark headed, tall, slender and beautiful. Ok, I got carried away. Rick and I went to bed Christmas night feeling very blessed that we have such wonderful kids and grandkids!!!
December 26th, well, I have to say we woke up to snow, snow and more snow. The day was a day to celebrate my handsome hubby turning 70 years old, but who would know it? He does not look it or act it, but the calendar says it is true. By days end, he had shoveled our drive 3 times and we had 8" of snow. 30 people showed up for his birthday dinner, including all of his kids, Mark and Angie, and his brother, George and Marianne. What a treat, considering the roads were awful. 4 more inches of snow fell over night and thus, he had to shovel again early Thursday before we set sail for St. George. It was a treacherous drive and snow fell most of the trip, but we made it back safe and sound. It is only in the 40's here, but no snow and sunny with blue skies does help.
Again, thank you, Jeff, for this most thoughtful gift. I love it and I love my family. I am so blessed as a mom. I pray we will all find 2013 to be a good year and may God continue to bless us with good health, good family, good times, and let's vow to get together at least once in the New Year.
Mom & Grandma
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