This and That

I have always been less than perfect when it comes to writing in a journal and it would seem that keeping my blog updated is also a challenge.  I guess the challenge is that, while I enjoy my life, it really isn't too thrilling or noteworthy.  Recently I was talking to Hannah about Individual Worth and how some of the things we do can lead us to value our individual worth a bit more.  I don't seem to apply that principle to myself very well and thus, the lack of noteworthy material to enhance my blog, but I am shortchanging myself.  I lead a quiet life, but I try to do the right things, help people, love my family.  Are these not all noteworthy endeavors?  I think so, but then I don't want to brag...hmm?  I think I better up my game and write about even the small things in my life because I believe someday, my posterity may find it interesting that ggggggggreat grandma was a nice person.

So, to begin I am going to share some pictures and thoughts from the past several months.  My last post, previous to the Pumpkin Patch, was about Melanie leaving on her mission.  Now, just 7 months later, she is home because of an illness she contracted in the Philippines.  To say I am happy to see her is an understatement...I am overjoyed but I am also a little sad.  I don't want her to be sick and I know she really wanted to stay and serve where she had been called.  Here are some pictures of her homecoming.

Right after Melanie came home, Ray and I went to a concert in Lodi, California.  We went to hear Cecilio and Kapono.  They are a soft rock/folk music duo from Hawaii.  I first heard them when I was a senior in high school some 30 years ago.  They are just as good now as they were then.  I am lucky Ray likes their music as much as I do and we have gone to see them several times.  On this trip, we got to see some of the countryside near Lodi.  I had no idea that there were so many wineries around there.  Here is a picture of Ray near one of the grape vines and a picture of us at the concert.  We had a great time!!

 

Here is a clip from the concert.  Cecilio and Kapono are kind of hard to see but you can get a taste of their music.

Pumpkin Patch

I have to say, having grandkids is pure bliss!! I always loved, loved, loved being a mom and I didn't think it could get any better and then I was blessed with grandkids. One of the joys is being able to share in their fun and adventures. Monday we(Amanda and I) went to the pumpkin patch with Melissa, Bob, Joshua and Kent. Joshua absolutely loved the animatronic chickens who would sing and tell very corny chicken jokes. I captured a bit of Josh and Amanda dancing to one of the songs while Kent is waving at the chickens.

Melanie enters the Missionary Training Center

Before we actually drove into the MTC with Melanie, we went and took some pictures in front of the gates and also a little video footage. Once you drive in, there is no time for pictures. I don't think we were parked for more than 2 minutes...just enough time to unload her, her luggage, and to get a big hug, then we were off and so was she!

By the wall where the sign used to be.



With a grin as big as this, how could one not be happy to be alive!? Joshua brings so much joy and fun to our lives and we are excitedly waiting for his baby brother to join our family. Being a grandma is a wonderful blessing...easier than being a mom and every bit as rewarding!

Elder Nelson is home!!!

Our wonderful son finally made it home on Saturday after a 1a.m. call on Friday telling us he would be delayed. We were so excited for him to get home, that after his call, I couldn't go back to sleep and the whole day was kind of a bummer but then Saturday came and the excitement level climbed again. Our family and many of our good friends joined us at the Sacramento airport to welcome home our missionary. That first glimpse of him was so exciting...I could hardly contain myself as he descended the stairs. I just wanted to wrap my arms around him and hold on tight. He was a good sport and let me hug him as long as I wanted:) Now the world is waiting for him to make another mark on it. He will begin by finishing classes at Butte and finding a job

Christmas

Christmas was great!! Melissa, Bob, Joshua and my dad were all here to share in the joy of the season. The highlight of Christmas day was when we all got to talk to Elder Lyle Nelson! He sounded wonderful and we are looking forward to the day when he will back with us. Josh was so much fun to watch open his presents. He also wanted to help everyone else open theirs and of course we all let him. As has been the tradition in our family for years, stockings were the first to be opened and then on to the pile of goodies Santa left for everyone. After presents, we ate breakfast and then just hung out enjoying each other.

Joshua and grandma trying to get a picture.