Wintertime Wonders

Not too often, but occasionally, we get a really dense fog that settle upon this area we live in. And, if all the elements are just right, a beautiful frost will adhere to the trees turning everything into a winter wonderland. Such was the occasion today. Unfortunately, I was inside until the wee hours of the afternoon so I missed the most marvelous moments but I did catch a snap of the heavy frost on our tree. We live in such a beautiful place. I'm so grateful to be here - even in the winter.

Grandma Erikson

Today I helped the twins enter names in a family history book that they will use to find the names of temple ready ancestors. I'm excited for them to get involved with genealogy. One of the names we entered was of my Grandma Erikson. Just he name triggered a flood of wonderfully warm emotions and memories. She died just over thirty years ago. That is a long time to miss someone and I do very much and often.i wish she had been here as I accomplished things as a teenager. I wish my she had been here when I got married and as my children were born. I wish she had been here to hold them. I wish they could have tasted her orange rolls, chocolate chip cookies, and maybe, even, her ketchup-flavored gravy. She would have loved them and they would have loved her too. In honor of her we had twice-baked potatoes because that is one thing I remember about her and could share with them.

Exercise

It's January - the time to feel ambitious. The time to jump into exercise. I loath the thought of exercise and dread the deed. But, once it is over, it feels good and I'm ALWAYS grateful that I put in the time. You know, if exercise could elicit the enjoyment I feel while eating strawberries dipped in whipped cream I'd stick to it longer and probably never complain about it. 

McKenna's Birthday

Today is the birthday of McKenna Carol Grant. She is nineteen years old. She is also away at college and spent her first birthday away from family. I assume this was much harder on me than on her. My class and I facetimed her and sang our class birthday song. It was the highlight of the students' day. I sure hope she had a great day. I sure love her! I want this to be the best year of her life so far.

Vacation is Over

Tomorrow I go back to these people. I really like them and am actually quite excited to see them. I'm so lucky to love what I do.

A Reason to Cheer

Sometimes there are reasons to cheer. The kind of cheer that makes you want to pump your fist high in the air or chest bump your fellow team player after an amazing win. It is probably the type of cheer I would give if I had won the lottery (don't play the lottery so I won't ever win). We are cheering because we just "won" and extra $30. At least we saved that much when we gassed up the van at $1.92 per gallon. Can I get a WOOT WOOT? Go gas prices! Go gas prices! Go gas prices! GO! That's right folks, $1.92!!!!!!

Beginning the New Year

Began this New Year with freezing temperatures. I hate freezing temperatures but because of them I realize how wonderful and cozy a nice day of 50 degrees can be. There must be negatives to appreciate the positives. I scheduled family pictures today, too. So, we gathered together, with the photographer, in bitter cold temps, to smile and make permanent the start of this year. No family has ever taken pictures that quickly. I'll just say, "BURR!" Because of the extreme chill we sure acknowledged our deep gratitude for the tepid temps in the car. Can hardly wait to see them. Until then, I'll enjoy my cozy blanket while the temperatures hover in the subzero range.