Either I'm going to have to get on the ball, or change the name of this feature to "Sentimental Saturday," which I don't like as much, but alliteration is a must when it comes to special features, don't you think?!
I was talking to my dad on the phone a couple of days ago, and he told me that Baylee was insisting that her parents take her to Grandpa's house for Christmas, no matter what came up, no matter how she was feeling. Christmas was supposed to be at Grandpa's...and there should be Honey Baked Ham! Over the past several years, we have spent a few Christmases at Grandpa Jim's...and as much as I love not having to travel, I have to agree...Grandpa's house just embodies Christmas, year round. It must be the Victorian charm...or the charming, red-headed Grandma G. who makes such a fuss!
I don't think I could have a better Christmas gift than the giant, passionate kiss I'm going to get at the Okinawa airport...but as wonderful as that will be, it would sure be sweet to join my brother Jimmy and his family at Grandpa Jim's for Christmas, too. We will surely be there in spirit...and of course, in our dreams!
Jimmy, Shellie, Thomas, Baylee and Alden
I love this picture! Look at Baylee...she's just so earnest in whatever she's sharing with Coree. She is such a sweet girl, and she is doing well, under the circumstances. She's on a break from her chemo and radiation right now, so she's got some appetite back and some peach fuzz growing on her head. She'll have to hit the treatment hard again after the holidays, though...so please still keep her in your prayers.
All the cousins together. Can't wait until Justin and Brittani add some to the mix. (No pressure!)
And here they are again, this time at Temple Square in Salt Lake City. This is one of my favorite pictures of all time. I even had it blown up to 16 X 20. This is SUCH a great group of kids. If only it were possible to "do" what we do, and still live near them...Doesn't the Great Salt Lake need a Naval Station?
We love you guys! Hope your Christmas is magical!
5 comments:
Well the time of departure draws near. You are very sweet to have helped us understand how many memories we have facilitated here in our little victorian along the olde Millcreek. Our goodbye in October still stings. God's speed, Imperial Stuarts . . . God's speed!!
Love, Dad
I could have commented on every post I read--so I'll just leave this note on your latest. I loved the Christmas photo from 1999--your kids were all the ages mine are right now. It made me think of how fast they will grow up and be driving. Thanks for seeing the humor in things. Reading your funny stories helped me keep things in perspective today. Instead of being frustrated with Kyle for screaming while I was making dinner, I took some video of him. (Fast forward nine years, he'll be Jake's age and we'll all be laughing about it right?) I look forward to hearing about your future adventures. It's kinda like you're taking us all with you!
Hey!!! I got your Christmas card - thanks SO much for the update!
I don't know if I've ever told you this. I was Coree's age when we moved to Okinawa. I remember sitting on the plane over there next to a sailor while my mom sat across the aisle with my sister. He drew illustrations for me to color and sang Inna Gadda Davida (baby!!!) and just generally entertained me for 17 hours. My mom is probably STILL grateful to him!!! I hope you find 4 people like him today !!! Totally thinking of you...especially today!!
Have a safe trip and a great reunion!!!
Janette! It's so great to hear from you! I had forgotten that you went to Okinawa. I knew you were somewhere in Asia, but I didn't know where. Here we are! Tell me what else you remember about the island...and give me an update on you guys! Merry Christmas!
Shauna...YES! If that is the one thing I could have sent as a message back in time to my "mother of pre-schoolers self" it would have been that! This time really does go by in a blink, and looking back at the pictures of the crazy times (on those days I had it together and took a picture of the mess before I cleaned it up) I feel nothing but laughter and longing. I used to say "I look forward to the day when I look back on all of this with great nostalgia". Well...that's the season I'm coming into, and I wish I would have loved it more in the moment. We are going to be leaving here with an entirely different family than we arrived with...as we might be returning to the USA with half of our kids. That just blows my mind! Anyway, enjoy your sweet boys...and take pictures!
Post a Comment