Christmas Is Very Close

I know it's close to Christmas when my dining room table is covered with cookies. Today, with the help of Mom, Jessica & John, we made several kinds of cookies. Most of these cookies are only made at Christmas time. It's a tradition that goes a long ways back. The recipes are from parents & grand-parents. And they probably got them from their parents & grand-parents. Just think, I could be using the same recipe that Eve used for Christmas! Did Adam & Eve celebrate Christmas?!? I'm sure they knew about it. But I digress... Everyone seems to have their favorite cookie, so I can't just make one or two. Uncle Dan loved the nutmeg logs; Travis loves the peanut butter blossoms; Tawnya loves the galaxy cookies (with the hidden surprise inside); Jessica just had to make Gingerbread cookies this year (she talked to them the whole time as if they were real). Personally, I love them all! Isn't it wonderful that Christmas is almost here!?! Of course the real greatness of Christmas isn't about cookies at all. It's all about the sweet baby Jesus coming to earth and starting his glorious mission to save all humanity. Oh, how I love Christmas!!

Babysitting Grandchildren

As a grandma, it's important that I treat grandchildren equally. So... I consented to babysit me darling grand-daughter Ruby! Now maybe I lost the touch; or perhaps I never had it with this grandchild. But, this week has been a learning experience for both of us!! Ruby loves to play with her puppy toys, but sometimes grandma tosses the toy and it gets hung up "out of reach" for little Ruby. That causes a few growls and barks (not from Grandma)!





And then there are new monsters that Ruby isn't familiar with. Such as the vacuum. She refused to go near it, even to walk past it. This caused Ruby to crouch in her "attack position". We tried to coax her next to the vacuum by laying her toy next to it, but she was very cautious! She grabbed/rescued her toy and ran far away from the monster. We finally decided it was the cord, not the vacuum that was so intimidating.




I love babysitting! Sure hope Ruby survives this week!!

Freshly Painted Walls

It seems to me that freshly painted walls are an invitation to be creative. I just want to grab a crayon and start drawing. We finished painting the living room walls last week and they look so good. Just like a brand new tablet for the first day of school! Jessica informed me that I can't hang anything up on the walls unless she approves of it first. Honestly, I can't decide what will inspire me enough to want to drive a nail into my new smooth walls. Needless to say, my walls are still bare! Thankfully, it's time to put up the Christmas tree. Maybe that will distract me from drawing on the walls!

Thank You Veterans!

Today is a day to honor and remember the veterans of our country. I'm so grateful for their service and sacrifice on my behalf and for this whole nation. I hope other countries are grateful too for the service they have provided on their behalf. My dad was a WWII veteran. Although he didn't speak about it much, I know he had 4 1/2 years that took him away from his beloved family farm. This was a time of extreme danger and difficult conflicts in the Pacific arena. I'm fortunate to have copies of letters he wrote home during this time. He was always concerned about his family at home and his other brothers also serving in the military. Perhaps that is the responsibility of being the oldest son! From my dad I learned to respect the American flag and what it represents. To this day, I get choked up when saying the Pledge of Allegiance, or see the colors presented.

I couldn't make this posting without also saying how grateful I am for my son. His service was a nail biter for me, but thankfully he has returned home safe and sound. He is one of the very fortunate. I wasn't happy when he enlisted in the Marines, but he is a man of self-determination. He chose to serve his country and I'm very proud of him for that. I also look at his wife, Nicole, as a veteran. She kept the home fires burning while Travis was off in the big sandbox. Her service was also commendable and gracious. So thank you to all the service men and women, and their families, who have given of themselves to benefit us all!

Blessings from Heaven

What a blessing... I just held our newest granddaughter in my arms!!!! Jenna Noel Thomas was born at 2:18pm this afternoon and mother and baby are doing great. Jenna weighed in at 10 pounds 3 ounces and measured 22 inches long; no wonder Shawna had trouble sleeping this last month! She is a doll (much like her grandma), and has dark thick hair (unlike her grandma)! Her brothers and sister took several turns holding her at the hospital tonight. They will be her eternal older guardians as she makes her way through this life. What a thrill to have this newest addition in our lives and feel such happiness from her arrival already. Auntie Tawnya missed her by one day, but I promise to put a picture of her in Jenna's crib until December when Tawnya can meet and greet her in person!!
Welcome Jenna - WE LOVE YOU!

Election/Wallet Woes

My friend Sarah is headed back to Alaska, all her "expensive" clothes have been donated to the needy, and I'm still numb about the election results. Although this election was "history in the making", I'm not pleased with this page of history that is being written. Yeah, I've heard it is now time for all U.S. citizens to unite... but frankly, I think that's a crock! When have all our opinions been united?! We thrive on diversity and difference of opinion. I will continue to speak with a conservative voice and oppose government regulation and controls. I have a wallet, but no control over the spending of any funds within it. My only hope, as a member of the middle class, is for all my money to be redistributed. Then, as a member of the poor class, I will have access to the redistributed wealth! Working as an election judge in East Bethel Precinct 1, it was very satisfying to see the results of the voters in our area overwhelmingly support the republican candidates. So all I can say is that I'm surrounded with a majority of politically like-minded neighbors. That brings a smile to my face!!

Run Away Girl

I can't believe it has been almost a month since I ran away from home and went to SLC, UT! It was a good run and I've had a few others since then. Ran to Fredericksburg, VA, then to Rapid City, SD. The last two were business meetings so all I saw were airports, hotels, and convention centers! My trip to SLC was the first and most enjoyable. At Tawnya's school in West Jordan, I transformed myself into Betsy Ross. It turned out to be a lot of fun as I visited four different 5th Grade classrooms. The kids in Tawnya's class informed their parents that Ms. Bator's mother was Betsy Ross! That must have raised a few eyebrows at home.

Jessica and Tawnya planned some very interesting activities and we dined at some great places too. It's fun to go and let them wait on me!! Gardner Village was decorated for Halloween with witches flying everywhere. (Tawnya hasn't shared those pictures with me yet).

A drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon to Park City was absolutely gorgeous. The aspen trees were ablaze and looked like they were on fire! The picture just doesn't do them justice.

I'm a sucker for water and rocks. I love the way the sun makes the water shimmer and puts a glint on the rocks.

Dinner at the Mayan was a treat with some very buff guys diving from the high rocks above our table. Ou-la-la! Tawnya & Jess tried to show their Michael Phelps form!

I'm glad to be able to run away every once in a while, but it's great to be home too. After two weeks of travel, my house is in dire need of cleaning. I don't know why my house gets so dirty when I'm gone, you would think it would stay clean with less people running in and out. It makes me wonder what goes on at home when I'm gone!?!

Up, Up, and Away

I've decided to run away from home... but I'm only running to Utah! Jessica & Tawnya talked me into a visit. I got a good price on a ticket, so it's all set. The plane flys west on October 1st and doesn't come back until the 7th (Travis's birthday)! The girls pamper me when I visit, so I'm really looking forward to the time away. Tawnya is getting a good deal though, because I promised her I would come to her school as a mystery guest. So who knows anything about Betsy Ross? I've been looking on the internet for costume ideas... guess I better get busy sewing... Where's Betsy when I need her?! I'm anxious to see how the "mop hat" Betsy wore will look on me. Wish me luck.

Lasting Impressions

With so many writing about their memories of 9-11, it brought to my mind other times when tragedies have created lasting impressions. It seems to me those thoughts and impressions are very real and unforgettable. 1963 - Who can forget where they were and what they were doing when JFK was assassinated? 1966- I will never forget coming home from school and learning of the death of my 19 year old sister. 1985- The death of Pres. Spencer W Kimball; although this wasn't a tragic event, it was very memorable to me because he was "my" first prophet to whom I could relate. 2001- The 9-11 attacks on the USA.
And so it is, life is full of ups and downs. Some events shape our lives forever. I'm so very grateful for the knowledge the gospel of Jesus Christ brings. Although I don't often know "why" some things may happen, I do know through eternity all will be just fine. And for now, I'm okay with that!

Meet My New Friend!

What a breath of fresh air! As I listened to her talk tonight at the RNC, I was impressed with her composer, her directness, her commonness, and the fact that she is a woman!!! GO SARAH PALIN! I'm so glad McCain chose her as his running mate. She will make the next 2 months of campaign rhetoric sooooo exciting. I can hardly wait for the debates to begin. She inspires me to be a politician. But then every time I watch the American beauty pagents I wish I was Miss(Mrs) Minnesota... if only I could come up with a talent!!

Taking It Easy

The surgery is over and I look like a freak! Seriously, I look like the loser in a bar-room fight. The bandage covers my whole upper lip and then some! The pain is tolerable, of course Darvocet is helping. Nicole came over last night and we played Dominoes. Today I slept in, but when I woke up to such a beautiful Minnesota day I just knew we couldn't sit inside the house recuperating. John suggested a drive to Duluth and we all thought that was great. We (John, Nicole, Ruby, and me)drove along the north shore all the way to Two Harbors, then had lunch there. After that we drove back to Duluth and walked along the board walk of Canal Park. The pier and drawbridge were beautiful against the Lake Superior backdrop. There were so many sail boats on the lake, but my camera couldn't do justice to the scene. I thought of Travis since he is my little (now big) sailor! One summer our family rented a cabin in Wisconsin. It came with a sailboat, and we hardly heard from Travis the whole week. He was in his glory out on the lake sailing! After walking the boardwalk, we drove up along the Skyline Drive and stopped at Enger Tower. They have absolutely beautiful shade perennial gardens there. We strolled through the gardens and walked up to the tower. I love to look at the water with it's many movements. The scenery of water and rocks was just what I needed. It was a wonderful day and a great diversion while I'm taking it easy!

Prepare Ye

It's the night before my little surgery and I have worked myself into a tizzy! What am I to do with myself? Even though I know it won't help one bit to worry, I'm very good at just that very thing. To relax and prepare myself for the big day, I'm currently sitting in front of the TV with a lemonade in one hand and a bag of M&M's in the other! What do you suppose I am watching?... Pride and Prejudice, of course!! I shall not be vexed any longer! Mr. Darcy is easy on the eye and Mr. Collins provides great laughter. I love the way Mrs. Collins handles her "dear" husband and she admits she is "quite content". Although I find the British of this era very annoying, it would give me "great pleasure" to visit some of the castles in England or Ireland.

Three of my dearest friends gave me a great boost last night. They made a surprise visit and came bearing very thoughtful gifts. The only problem was I had gone out for the evening and wasn't home to recieve them. They had a wonderful visit with my mother and then bid goodbye. When I arrived home, to my surprise their best wishes for a successful surgery was there. I have beverages, chocolate and hats with wide brims to see me through! True friends are such a blessing and not to be taken lightly. It is my hope to be such a friend to others.

St. Cloud Visit

I arrived home yesterday afternoon after spending 3 days in St. Cloud for a business conference. Was able to listen to some really good speakers about the energy business. We also had two motivational/humorist speakers. They were awesome and kept me awake and laughing! The final day turned political as we had a visit from senate hopeful Al Franken. He had a warm (but reserved) welcome from our group.

However, it wasn't all work! I had time to visit the Gruber's Quilt Shop... it's an awesome place with an unending supply of fabric and ideas. My favorite pasttime was spending about 1 1/2 hours walking through the Clemens and Munsinger Flower Gardens. The water fountains are very refreshing. It was a perfect time to be there because most everything was in full bloom. The gardens were beautiful and the stroll along the river made a perfect backdrop. Each time I attend, I'm impressed with the additions of more gardens. Just when I think they couldn't possibly add more, another one is planted. This is a perfect spot for a family to visit and take a picnic. If you get the time, enjoy!!

Garden Show

Going, Going, Gone...

As parents, we work hard to teach our children so they will grow up into well adjusted, testimony rich, productive adults. So why is it so hard to let them go? Children leaving home is suppose to be a positive thing right? So why do I feel so bad? Taking children to the airport, or seeing them leave on their own, is not easy - anytime. I should be use to it by now; we have experienced many comings and goings, many moistened by tears. But taking a line from the Sound of Music - "Why don't I feel better?" I've been owly the last few days, knowing Tawnya is heading back to Utah. Today was the departure. Although Dr. Pepper helps, it doesn't cure the heartache.

So what positive spin can I put on this? I've been blessed with wonderful children that I enjoy being with, and they enjoy being with John and me. They brighten our lives in so many ways. I'm grateful they have the desire to return home to visit after they move out. That is a wonderful gift for the many years of parenting. It is so true that we hold our children in our arms for a short time, but we hold them in our hearts forever! Enjoy the holding.

Can You Teach An Old Dog New Tricks?

I'm not sure I can learn how to blog, but Tawnya says "for sure"! I'm definitely an old dog panting through life. Maturity however, does help to identify likes and dislikes. Experience quickly narrows the choices. I plan to write about, and show pictures of, things that bring me happiness - in other words, felicity. At this stage in my life, I may as well focus on the joy and forget the rest! Perhaps my musings will be uplifting to someone. If not, with a click of the mouse I will disappear! So what are the felicities in my life? Future writings will focus on flowers, fabric, food (which includes fudge), family and faith... not necessarily in that order.