Christmas was, as usual, lovely here too. I've been kind of waiting for a few pictures of the day to do a blog. As usual, I didn't take any, but Brian's dad, Bill did, and as soon as I see them, I'll send some along.
Danny and his family, John, Wendy and her family and I gathered at Wendy's house for dinner and a gift exchange which we decided this year would be very frugal in lieu of the economy. And it is the thought that counts, right? With no more little kids up here anyway, even the teens were counted as adults and everyone drew a name to be gifted.
We did the thing where everyone draws a number, lowest number goes first to pick a gift from the pile, next person keeps their gift or "steals" the first one, and so on. It was so much fun!! We had already established a $20 max for gifts, so I thought it might be a huge challenge, but it really wasn't. And everyone seemed pleased with their surprise...most especially Johnny, who drew Sham-Wows and was delighted! It was a hoot...he was actually searching out things to clean up....Danny said he intended to make full use of his son's zeal :)
Wendy and Brian did most of the dinner, including Brian's famous deep-fried turkey. Brian's dad and his wife, as well as his brother and his wife spent the day there too. It was so nice seeing them all again...they're such nice people.
The two nights before Christmas,and two days following, we spent playing games, checking out our little local casino, eating everything in sight, and just enjoying each other. It's so rarely that we get Danny and his family here that it was just fabulous. His kids aren't even kids anymore, they're so grown up now, and so much fun. I think the twins are harder than ever to tell apart, but they have distinctly different personalities. So nice seeing how beautifully they get along, like best friends...I was impressed. Stephanie and Brooke are so close too...had great fun together. Karlee got a nice soft "blankie" for her gift, and was delighted...she's a blanket kind of girl :)
It would be wonderful if the whole family could be together some holiday, but with a family the size of this one, it's logistically impossible...but, I can dream. I do hope that our talked-about family reunion can maybe happen this Summer. Are you all thinking about the possibility? Linda and I have talked about it some, and Lori suggested maybe the end of June would be good. If we could do it up here, the different families could all stay at either my, Wendy's or Lori's house and spare the expense of getting rooms. We could arrange (again, Lori's suggestion) to maybe get Bower's Mansion all day for a Saturday, and then get together over the next couple of days for whatever else we wanted to do. If we could make it a 3-day event, we'd get in lots of visiting too. Sure would like to hear everyone's thought on this.
Back on earth, on December 8th, I had to have my sweet dog, Cayce put down. It just broke my heart...he's been a wonderful companion and much loved for 11 years...I miss him a lot. But, it was the humane thing to do...he was quite ill...I couldn't even justify more tests and prodding...he really left a hole here though. My other dog, Tux, was so sad and brooding for quite a while. He's coming around now, as am I, so I'm paying lots more attention to him.
I've decided to get with the 21st century and purchase a larger screen TV. Not huge, but bigger than my 27 incher. I rationalize that it'll be so much better for my ageing eyesight! Since I only have, or want, one TV, I might as well see it better. Also, my fridge, a 20 plus year one, is on it's dying last gasp, so I'm getting another one of those too. Fortunately, very fortunately, I hit a nice large jackpot at said local casino, enough to pay for both...I'm ecstatic about that!! Am waiting till next time John spends a few days out here to go with me to find the right ones...cheap. :)
I don't know how many of you have heard that our Brooke, Wendy's eldest, has decided to join the Army! She's already done all of her preliminary testing, gotten the papers signed, and will leave in mid-August to Boot Camp in South Carolina and then on to Texas for 22 weeks of study for her chosen job, Mental Health Technician. I'm very proud of her. She thought long and hard, considered the pros and cons and it's what she really is very anxious to do. Wendy's already missing her...me too...but it'll be something she really wants to do and the educational perks are great. So, everybody pray for her...please. :)
I love reading each and every one of your blogs, and especially seeing the pictures...watching the babies grow is such fun.
Pictures will follow....hopefully soon....I promise. They won't be Chelsea or Nicole quality, but hey...
Love you all....Happy New Year!!!!!
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4 comments:
Holy Crap! I didn't know Brooke was joining the army! That is a shocker. Such a huge decision, and an awesome opportunity for her.
Me neither, but what an adventure that will be! I'm proud of her, that's a tough decision to make. Sounds like you guys had a blast at Christmas. It is nice dreaming of everybody being together again...
I have never seen Brooke so excited about anything like she is about the Army. I have mixed feelings. I am very proud of her for following her dream of a profession in mental health. She wants to eventually specialize in teenagers with drug/alcohol problems and ptsd. She says she has been inspired by Mikal and a few friends. I guess maybe something good will come out of the Mikal situation after all. On the other hand I feel jipped. I know it was just yesterday that I gave birth to her and I am not ready to surrender her to adulthood just yet. I am going to be a mess when she leaves. She will be sworn in in Sacramento on August 11th. Those of us who are close including the Macks are going to try to be there, so at least I won't be alone. I already cry everytime I think about her leaving. Those of you with little ones, cherish every moment because time truly does fly and they will be adults before you know it.
I am proud of Brooke.It is a huge step but we will all be praying for her. Wendy, the Perkowski's have enough babies around here for you too share so any time you need a fix, come on down,we have enough room for you all as well. Grandma-I was so sad to hear about your puppy. I know you loved him very much. I am glad to hear that you all had a great Christmas.
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