Christmas Eve

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Good clean fun. . .

Experimenting . . . Mia, Kyler, Kierstyn and Piper. . .

Heath

Cy and Logan



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Kyler, Mia and ???? (Kierstyn!)

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. . .

View from back door. . .

View from front door. . .  .

Happy, happy Birthday Alvin dear!

Isn't he handsome?  Happy 60th Birthday!

Not only at Christmas time. . .

Scripture of the Day ~ Ephesians 4:31-32
"Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."

Yes! There is a Santa Claus. . . and he came early to my house!

What a treat to have MY boys for dinner! 
It was a good night.  Thanks Santa!

Enjoying a hug from Trip. 

Do I look like Rudolph?





OK. . . I get it!

My precious daughter-in-law in HK has requested that I gather/purchase some things for Trip to take back with him.  Having lived in a foreign country for a brief time (we were in Germany while Al was in the service, however, we had access to some American goods) I know a little bit of the frustration of not having things available. . . Some of the things Jen has requested are things needed for Scouts ~ and she is now a den leader!!  :>)  I went to our "Scout Store" here in M'boro to purchase the things on her scout list.  Finding it open was just the beginning of the good experience.  There was a very nice young/college age man working there.  He was extremely helpful.  After my purchases we chatted for awhile.  No one else was in the "store".  I had told him I was buying these things to send to HK.  He asked if my son had married a Chinese girl. . . that led me to share a bit of the "situation".  Of course I had to whine and complain that not only had he moved he took his precious wife and 6 of MY grandchildren with him. . . more whining. . . Christmas is coming. . . will miss children even more. . . whine, whine, whine.  This young man, in his well-beyond-his-years wisdom says, "rather than be sad that they are gone be grateful your son is so successful."  Wow! . . .  I will continue to miss our HK Merediths and want to be with them,  however, I have a greater appreciation and a fresh out-look. . . I am pleased T is successful and works hard at EVERYthing he does. . . it really affected me differently coming from a stranger. . . SO. . . I am going to do my best to curtail the whining and be grateful.  I get it. . . . :>)

Sweet reminders. . .

Yesterday while out shopping I made a stop at Subway. . . the one on Memorial where I used to take Chase, Connor and Caroline. . . almost cried when I walked in. . . ok ~ I needed to use the restroom and get a bottled water. . . too much info,  I know. . .  So when I walked in I noticed a woman sitting alone at a table.  Now, I cannot remember where all my Christmas decorations are but I immediately recognized this woman dressed in scrubs ~ she was one of Nanny's (Al's grandmother) nurses when she was in the hospital here YEARS ago ~ trying to remember (ha!) how long ago that was ~ I think Kelly was 16ish then ~ ???  I remember her because she was SO good to our Nanny and Nanny LOVED her.  All Nanny ever wanted was a little attention and someone to talk ~ rather, LISTEN,  to her.  I approached the woman and told her my memory of her and thanked her not only for caring for Nanny but for all the people she has served over the years.  Her daughter was with her and was at the counter ordering their sandwiches.  I shared my appreciation with her as well.  What touched my heart the most was that "Nanny's Nurse" teared up, thanked me and said "we don't hear that often."   This nurse radiates an angelic countenance.   How sad that it was UNusual for someone to thank her.

          I am reminded of President Howard W. Hunter's THIS CHRISTMAS that I display each year. . . NOW, I'm going to go and do these things in the Spirit of Christmas:

Mend a quarrel

Seek out a forgotten friend

Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust

Write a letter

Give a soft answer

Encourage youth

Manifest your loyalty in word and deed

Keep a promise

Forgo a grudge

Forgive an enemy

Apologize

Try to understand

Examine your demands on others

Think first of someone else

Be kind

Be gentle

Laugh a little more

Express your gratitude

Welcome a stranger

Gladden the heart of a child

Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth

Speak your love and then speak it again



You are in my heart!

To ~ Al, Trip, Jenny, Chase, Connor, Caroline, Elllie, Ethan, Christian, Kelly, Jen, Kyler, Kierstyn, Trevin, McKenzie, Zack, Landon, Mia, Logan, Piper, Cy, Adaleigh, Meghan, Josiah, Heath, Mary Kathryn, Adam, Alexis, Hailey, Chloe, Jake and beyond. . . .

"Family" Laurie Berkner Band

More memories that make me thankful. . .

Last year at this time I was preparing for my trip to CT/NY ~ my 60th birthday gift from my precious children.  The children presented me with this fabulous surprise over Labor Day weekend of '09 to go see my buddy Melanie in December to celebrate my birthday.  When I arrived in CT our buddy Kathy was there to add to the surprise ~ and I was surprised!  Our friendship goes back to 1976 when I joined the church.  We lived in the same apartment complex.  Our children played together.  We served in Primary together.  It was the best of times!!  When we first met we had 8 children among us ~ that increased to a total of 15 ~ and now 42 (I think) grandchildren ~ Melanie now has a grandson preparing to leave on his mission.  Awesome.  Miles separate us.  Life does not allow us to see each other much, however, modern technology permits us to stay in touch.  Melanie is in CT, Kathy is in OR and I have remained in TN.  We are 3 VERY different women bonded together by love, understanding, appreciation of each others differences and talents and most importantly our love for our Savior Jesus Christ.  Thanks Mel and Kathy for being my friends.  

Melanie LOVES the beach!  It is her happy place. We were able to convince Larry to stop.  Melanie gets out, takes off her shoes and heads towards the water.  And yes!  she actually walked in the water.  It was freezing ~ SO cold ~ however, it warmed my heart to see Melanie so content and genuinely happy to be at the beach.



Among our "plethora" of experiences & adventures during our reunion, visiting the New York Temple was the BEST!



Thank you Melanie and Kathy for your friendships and the memories that come along with it!



Happy Thanksgiving. . .

Memories that make me thankful. . .

Old turkey ~ new location

Halloween pumpkin turned turkey!

Many, many years ago there was a young couple in our ward, the Biglers.  Friday night was HS football night, however, Mary Kathryn was not a huge fan, or even a small fan for that matter,  and elected to stay with a sitter on Friday nights and have pizza.  More often than not we used a young couple for the "season" and would drop MK off at their home with $ for pizza and ready to have some fun while the rest of us went to the football game.  At least for one season she went to the home of Amy and Gary Bigler.  MK was especially fond of Gary :>).  Anyway ~ a short time after the Biglers moved from Murfreesboro I received in the mail a package from Amy ~ it was these adorable wooden cut-outs ~ a turkey head and feathers ~ to stick into a pumpkin to make a turkey.  SO cute.  Not sure how I deserved such a fun gift, however, we have enjoyed it ever since.  For most years since the gift arrived our Halloween pumpkin has become our Thanksgiving Turkey.   Love him!  Sadly to say, I have lost touch with Amy, however, I do think about her yearly when I bring old Tom out.  Fun memories!  Thank you, Amy, wherever you are.

SERIOUSLY?????!!!!

SO sorry Jen 1 and Mary Kathryn. . .

Get the mail today and there is this catalog. . . set it aside. . . might browse through it to see if there are any exciting games etc. to possibly get for the grand-kids. . . oh, a second catalog just the same. . . not unusual. . . at this point we're getting duplicate catalogs for Jen and myself.  (we both have our names on MOST mailing lists) oh, a third catalog just the same. . . you guessed it. . . a FOURTH catalog identical to the previous 3! Each had this address. . . one to me, one to Jennifer, one to McKenzie Meredith and one to Meghan Meredith!!

Jen 1and MK ~ I know you feel left out ~ maybe YOURS will come on Monday!!

Granddaddy update. . .

Surgery was a week ago yesterday ~ we've come a long way.  This man is amazing.  The therapist is blown away by his progress.  On Monday he was already two weeks ahead "normal" following surgery.  Just like everything else he does, he is committed to doing his exercises.  He plans to return to work on Monday.  Sitting for long periods of time is not so comfortable, however, Monday is still several days away.  Unable to get his work lap-top to work here at the house, he is anxious to take care of his e-mails - probably 100s of them.  Even putting in a 1/2 day will be good.  Thank you for your prayers.!

True joy!

Just Skyped with Jen2 in HK ~ was able to see Christian, Ethan and Ellie ~ and of course Jen!
I am one happy Mama Mary!  MK needs to get her computer up and running so we can do the same with them in UT and they can Skype to HK etc. etc. . . . Thank you Granddaddy!!

Cousins saying "Hi" to their HK cousins. . . while visiting Granddaddy!

Mia reading letter from Caroline. 

Silly Cy, Logan, Piper and Heath!

Traded Cy for Landon

Adaleigh entertaining Granddaddy ~ she says "Hi" too!

the "perfect" patient

Al had knee surgery on Thursday.  When I went back to see him just before they took him into surgery he says, "I'm having second thoughts about this."  Really.  Well, it's too late!  "I walked in here and now I won't be able to walk out."  He has put this surgery off for 11 years.  It was time.  He had a few drugs in him by this point, so perhaps it was the drugs talking. . . you think?

Mary Kathyrn asked me to make note of anything funny he said while he was drugged.  The recovery nurse, who is a friend of mine,  Kathy, said he was SO funny.  I missed it.  He was however, extrememly sweet and pleasant ~ now that might strick some of you as funny!  At one point he did stop mid-sentence, look me right in the eyes and with all seriousness and concern ask, "you do know if there are long blonde hairs on me that they are from the nurse, right?"  Yes, Dear!  :>)  Poor Kathy was very busy in the recovery unit.  She had to excuse herself several times to tend to other patients, which was totally fine.  I was enjoying having a converstion with Al, even tho' he would never remember it. :>)  Everything was finally in order to leave ~ papers signed, instructions given, pain pump attached etc.  Everything took maybe an hour ~ I have known Kathy, the nurse, since our girls were in 1st grade (I think) together when she was in nursing school at MTSU.  She does not know Al except for an occassional  "Hello" in passing here and there.  So, Kathy says, "Ok, Mr. Type A personality, let's get you out of here."  Now ~ to ME ~ that was funny.  Man, did she ever have him pegged ~ and he was drugged!!  Made me laugh!!

First day home from the  hospital ~ settling in ~ still pleasant.

LOVE that smile!

Saturday PM ~ back to being the Al we know.

At this point he has asked me to "respect his independence." He is doing GREAT. . .

going up and down the stairs like a champ.  Starts therapy tomorrow.

My week in Utah. . .

I flew out to Las Vegas on October 27 and rented a car to drive up to St. George/Hurricane, UT.  Mary Kathryn and her growing family were in the process of moving into their new home which really is in Hurricane, about 9 miles from where they were.  I clocked it numerous times, however, now I can't remember the exact miles.  They are living in Dixie Springs with is across from the San Hollow community and golf course where Adam works.  The girls are still zoned for the same school :>) and Adam is closer to work - even rode his bike one day while I was there.  I was able to watch the kiddos some while MK and Adam loaded and  un-loaded vans and trucks and ran errands.  My job was fun!  We celebrated Halloween with MK's yummy chili and Trunk or Treating at the Church on Saturday.  All the children were so adorable in their costumes.  Unfortunately all my pictures are on my phone and we aren't able to download them yet.  Alexis was a black cat - I brought her ears, a collar with bells and a black tail from TN.  She was the cutest black cat ever!  SO CUTE!  Hailey was so excited.  She was a 50's cheerleader - I was able to find her pom-poms in TN and took them to her.While she was getting ready she looked at me with the most excited expression and said, "Mama Mary, this is my best day ever!"  Oh, how they love dressing up.  Chloe was a skelton (pink pjs with the glow in the dark bones) and precious Jake was a Biker - to go along with Hailey's 50s theme :>)  Adam was Tiger Woods with his head wrapped and 'blood' dripping down and MK was his wife complete with bent golf club and divorce papers.  Wish I had pictures.  MK will when she gets her computer up and running.

There is so much more room at their new home.  LOTS of outdoor space to play.  A & C LOVE to be outside.  The previous occupants left a children's battery operated car.  No battery - however, Adam has 2 and a charger.  Instant fun!  C wanted me to ride in the car with her.  I kept telling her I was too big.  She continued to tell me, "you're not too big" - Ha!  I was flattered . . . but was way too big for the car!

The older girls are thrilled to be able to play in their own room even when Jake is napping - his room is on the other side of the house.  Cute Chloe has her room by A & H's room.  Great layout and very family friendly house, in my opinion.  Soon they will have new friends in their new neighborhood.  A already knows two boys that live out there from her classroom at school.

Already missing those sweet children.  We were able to read books, watch Wizard of Oz, play Simon says, watch Wizard of Oz, do some shopping, watch Wizard of Oz (it is C's favorite movie) . . and more, together.  I took A and H to school on my way to the airport on Wedneday.  As A was getting out of the van she stopped and said, "thank you for getting us a camera (webcam) so we can see Caroline in HK".   Alexis and Caroline are just a little over 2 months apart.  Different as night and day but have fun playing together.  Last year they both wanted to be doctors. 

Hey, Caroline, I have an idea.  I will hide you in my suitcase and you can come to Utah with me instead of moving to Hong Kong!  (Wouldn't you love to know what was really said?)   Sweet cousins: Alexis and Caroline

a VERY pleasant, humbling experience. . .

Friday I ran out to run some errands.  A stop at Sam's was on my list.  Just had 3 items.  Picked the shortest line.  Was behind a very attractive women, dressed well, accessorized plentifully but tastefully, very classy.  I was sorta in la-la land. . . not paying any attention to what was happening at the register with the customer two in front of me.   There was something going on. . . I thought it was a pricing thing, register problem . . . actually, I wasn't thinking at all.  Then the classy woman in front of me asked the gal checking out how much more money she needed.  Then I figured they were related . . . thought it was a mother/daughter, maybe her daughter-in-law.  Classy lady pulls a $20 out of her wallet, then asks how much more she needed. . . hands her another $20 and says somethings like. . .don't worry about it, I won't miss it, I've been where you are, insists that the gal take it. . . The younger gal checking out is shocked. . . .VERY appreciative and wanting to contact the woman later to pay her back.  Classy Lady again insists that is not necessary . . . says, "pay it forward when you are able."  Wow!  These women did NOT know each other.  I was so moved!  What a great way to start the holiday season!  The gal checking out looks at the Classiest Lady Ever and says with tears in her eyes, "God bless you!"  I thanked the Classiest Lady Ever for her sweet example and vowed silently to pay more attention for a similar opportunity . . . Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me. 

Thank you, Classiest Lady Ever, there REALLY are GOOD, GREAT people in this world!

WHAT???



Yes, you are the most precious one. 
You are SO cute and loved so much!!
Mommy has something to tell you. . . .



What?  I'm going to live the first 2 years of my
 life in Hong Kong?
Are YOU crazy?  What kind of Ding Dongs are you????

What we've done with the place. . . .


                                Changes:

We've added Kyler - just kidding - Labor Day wknd.
Playing remote control cars with Granddaddy. 



View of living room from above.
Made a few changes since this, but basically this is the "new" look.



Before. . . and wondering IF the boxes would ever
GO AWAY!

After. . . finally! 

Boy's room



Girl's room



For our Hong Kong folks . . .

the house two doors down did sell.

They are in the process of making it livable. 

Home Sweet Home with lush green grass.
Granddaddy is a mess!

PLEASE BEAR WITH ME. . .

 Loooong post with LOTS of Pictures.
Don't know how to eliminate (TOO many cute ones)
and I clicked on something before so needed to start
a new post.



 MORE cuteness, sweetness, preciousness, thoughtfulness. . .


Too much FHE fun!!  True joy!!

 

My mouth is BIGGER than YOUR mouth!



SWEET good-bye kiss. . . .




Ohhhh!  I am so cute!



Ethan and his Thomas



More ice cream. . . Ethan says Yum!!



Proof that a picture is worth a thousand words! 
Our sweet Logan!

 

Ellie feeding Adaleigh. . . precious!!



Kierstyn, oops ~ Piper and Kelly!  Buddies!



Hailey, Caroline and Alexis enjoying ice cream together.
I scream, you scream. . . they ALL scream for ice cream!



These two are kindred spirits. 
Connor and Hailey Bug being silly together playing the wii.



Yep, melted your heart, huh?  CUTE Jake!!!!

 

Mia, Caroline, Kierstyn and Alexis. . .
Too cute, huh??? 



Snuggle time - Kyler and Heath



Trevin LOVES little Adaleigh and
little Adaleigh LOVES Trevin.



Hello, this is Chloe, can Connor come out and play?