Reflections, etc.

I still remember the first time I used a computer. I was a senior in high school. Back then we really did use "floppy" disks. We had to insert two disks - one to run the program and the other to store data. Throughout high school and college, I used a  typewriter more than a computer. I think by my senior year in college that had flipped. I share this because it is truly remarkable to me how dependent I have become on the computer. A few weeks ago we lost our internet. Then just as I got internet access back, my computer power cord broke and I had to wait for one to come in the mail. I was without internet access for approximately two weeks and it was awful. I couldn't check bank accounts, pay bills, plan coupon shopping, create Christmas cards, download photos, create our family newsletter, not to mention communicate via this blog or facebook. It was like having a limb amputated. I can't believe I have become so dependent on my laptop and the internet.

So here is my attempt to catch up in a whirlwind. (I had this mostly done last night when the power went out and I lost everything. I think the fates are conspired against me.)

We spent Thanksgiving with my parents in North Carolina. I forget how hard it is for my siblings and their families not to see my parents during their mission because we see them as much as we did when they were in Utah. They are really in a beautiful place now in the Smoky Mountains. We drive through national forests to get to them: Sumter and Chattahoochee.

I have to confess that for purely selfish reasons I love having my parents to ourselves. They are so happy on their mission. They work really hard and have a great influence for good. My mother has a warm and welcoming spirit that attracts people that might otherwise reject the gospel. My dad has a powerful testimony and is a great teacher. Together they are an amazing team.

This interesting pyramid is located just a block from my parents house. It's in a field with a lot of big tree trunks and little hills to roll down.

These pictures will give you an idea of how big the logs were. I wanted the kids to climb inside of them, but they were full of gigantic daddy long legs.

 

 

When you gotta go, you gotta go.

David got a lift from Baylie.

David and Baylie decorated the front porch.

And then Jalen joined them for a swing. This is the swing my mom made my dad pull up from the backyard. They cleaned and painted it and it looks great on the porch.

There are several flea markets in the area, but this is the only one that has a casket available. Fortunately it's "closed."

My mom taught Baylie how to read. Baylie was so excited and caught on pretty quickly. I need to do a better job following up now that we're home.

After the kids were in bed, the adults played chicken foot dominoes. It was a lot of fun and reminded David and I of our Texas days when we used to play more often.

We have an annual tradition to make a gingerbread house. Grammy bought us a gingerbread train to put together. It was eaten before we left.

Granddad taught the kids to play marbles. (Granddad was a marble champion when he was a kid and has the dented in thumbnail to prove it.)

We had a great visit and were sad to come back home. We won't be seeing them over Christmas because my sister and her family are visiting them and want them to themselves. I don't blame them.

Once home, we started making Christmas crafts. Family Fun always has the best examples.

Popsicle stick trees

Salt dough ornaments

We made our annual trek to Lights On at the Zoo and roasted marshmallows. That's always a family favorite. 

Amazingly enough, no one cried about sitting on Santa's lap this year. Jalen wants a choo-choo train. Baylie changes her mind every time she thinks about it. So far she's asked for a Barbie, a Barbie castle, jewelry and  a train.

Baylie and David took their annual date to see the Nutcracker ballet. This year Baylie got to go back stage to meet the dancers and get their autographs. She was in heaven. 

Meanwhile Jalen and I went to Yoghut for a create your own yogurt. He was in heaven too.

We decided to have family pictures taken. There's a red barn nearby that I've had my eye on for awhile. It was a great backdrop. It helps that we have very photographic children.

 

 

 

 

 One of the few photos I actually like of myself. I think David looks like a hottie.

And last, but definitely not least, we got this in the mail yesterday. It is very humbling to be so poor, but it is so rewarding to be blessed by the generosity of others. People are good. Sometimes I forget how good people really are. We have been so blessed by the kindness of others throughout our marriage and particularly here in South Carolina. It reminds me of what Christmas is really about and how good the Lord has been to me and my family.

P.S. Thanks, Morgan, for always nagging me to update the blog.