Two pretty ladies

Some serious reading going on.

Fun at Burger King

Well, Phillip and Sara had fun. Jamie was tired and quickly took a nap.

Christmas 2008

I was blessed to be able to travel to Richmond and spend Christmas with William and Elisa and their children. Nancy also came down from New York and that was extra special also. Chris and Elaine, Elisa's parents, shared their home, food, and love with all of us and Chris' mother, affectionally called Nana, was also present. It was a wonderful trip.

Of course, I do not have normal trips anymore. On Christmas Eve, William and I went out to do a few last minute things and decided to go through the drive-thru at Hardee's. As we went to pull up to the window, the car made a loud clanking sound and died. William was able to push it into a parking slot, and the manager said we could leave it there as it was after 2 pm and everything was closed or closing for the holiday. The day after Christmas, we had it towed to the Ford dealership and I have "blown an engine". William is being very good to me and he is going to see someone about our getting a rebuilt engine as a new one is $5600!

Elisa, her mom, Phillip, and Jamie brought me home on the 30th. Thank you all.

My plans have been to visit Nancy sometime this summer. Last May when I went to visit Daniel, Brittany and Spencer, I got pneumonia, went to the hospital, and had to stay there an extra week. Now, in December, I had to stay extra days with William and Elisa. Needless to say, Nancy is "rethinking" a visit from me. :-)

I truly enjoyed my time with those present, but I missed Keith, Cynthia and Adam, Daniel and Brittany with Spencer and Jakob, and Linda. It was not the same without them.

A couple of special moments captured

Enjoyable Christmas Eve with family.

Christmas Day Moments

It was fun being with Nancy, William, Elisa and the grandchildren. I think they all enjoyed the day.

more Christmas Day Moments

Grandma with Jamie, Sara, and Phillip; William and Sara; Chris and Elisa (her dad); Nancy and Elaine (Elisa's mom)

Christmas Lights around Richmond

Aren't they pretty?

Grandchildren - now up to five!

top to bottom: Sara, Phillip, Jamie, Spencer, and Jakob.

I had to "borrow" the pictures of Spencer and Jakob from Brittany and Daniel's blogspot. Thanks so much for sharing with us. Wish I could be with you.

Just a comment

On the posting below, the second picture is taken from inside the Visitor's Center looking towards the temple. I like it because of the reflection of the Christus Statue appearing at the side of the temple.

Festival of Lights 2

Jen McArthur and I attended the Festival of Lights tonight, featuring the Dominion 4 Barbershop Quartet from Loudon County, Va. Afterwards, we had a nice dinner at Macaroni Grill. Jen is moving to Idaho and I do not know when we will be able to get together again, so it made tonight extra special.

Washington DC Temple with purple lights

Festival of Lights

I don't have the best camera for taking night time photos, but hope this will give an idea of the beauty of the temple during the Festival of Lights. My friend, Corie Hawks, and I went tonight and enjoyed the lights and the Singing Capital Chorus - Men's Barbershop Chorus. It was fabulous.

My Newest Descendant

Jakob Roger Strange was born on Tuesday, December 9, 2009 at 7:43 pm. He weighed in at
8 pounds and 5 ounces and is 20 inches long. Thanks Daniel and Brittany for my newest grandson and for making Spencer a big brother!

3/5 Family Visit

William and his family, and Nancy and her friend Gary, came to visit. Adam and Cynthia were the perfect host and hostess. Enjoyed them all, but missed Daniel and his family and Keith.

High Tech Game Time

Gary explaining the game on his ipod to Phillip - Phillip playing with deep concentration. He is so good with all the electronic games.

? What's in the cup

Trying to see what Aunt Nancy has that Sara does not!

Aunt "Sissy" reading to Sara

Sara loves her Aunt Sissy and Uncle Adam. She really likes it when Cynthia reads books with her.

Everyone wants Jamie

Aunt Cynthia, Aunt Nancy, and Grandma all wanted Jamie, of course, but he was most contented with his mom!

Couldn't resist

Love this picture of Phillip concentrating on his game and Gary concentrating on his coloring for Sara.

Play time

The "kids" enjoyed playing games. It was fun to watch them.

Feeling loved

OK, when I was given the Barnes Junction Branch, South Boston Branch pillowcases by members of the branch as a farewell gift, I had every intention of having them framed to hang. As in a lot of other things, I kept putting it off and have not done it. When I saw Annette last week and mentioned it, she told me to not do that - to use them and enjoy them. I decided she was right (she usually is) and pulled them out as soon as I returned home. That was such good counsel, because I smile several times a day as I notice them and immediately feel loved by all the members of the South Boston Branch. Just looking at them warms my heart and fills me with pure joy. I have so many wonderful friends in the branch and will always treasure my memories of each and every one. In today's world of conflict, doubt, and troubled times, what a delight that something so simple can bring so much comfort and peace!