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.