Thanksgiving

We went to the Experience Music Project in Seattle and took a tour of Pike Place Market to see the fish fly. Then the next day was Thanksgiving. We have had a wonderful time with Jonathan and Janilee. I would like to express my gratitude to them for coming to see us and also for the fun we had with them. Their trip didn't turn out the way they thought it would but in the end they had a relaxing vacation because of the bad weather.

What a wonderful day Thanksgiving was and it wasn't because of the turkey, the cranberry dressing, the spicy cranberry sauce, the mashed potatoes, the marshmallow yams, the blueberry salad or the perfect rolls. It was because of Jonathan and Janilee taking the time and expense to visit with us. That was what made the day perfect. Having family with us to celebrate the holiday was the best gift of gratitude that we could have been blessed with besides all the great food that was prepared by several people. Janilee outdid herself on the blueberry pie with the buttery crust that she slaved hours over. Jonathan experimented on cranberry sauce with jalapeno peppers which was really good and his famous cranberry dressing was outstanding.

I have been thinking about Thanksgiving. George Washington suggested that we have a day of Thanksgiving in gratitude for the Constitution. I am grateful for this country that I live in and that I can vote and have a voice. I am thankful for our Constitution and the founding fathers who sacrificed so much for this country. I am also thankful for all my children and their spouses (which I consider my children too) and my wonderful grandchildren, Lily and Sawyer. I am grateful for a good husband who is faithful to me and tells me he loves me every day. He sacrifices so much for me and tells me he loves me by doing things for me around the house and at work. I am thankful he has a job and his health. I am thankful for my health also. There is much to be grateful for in life. I am grateful for the vacation to Italy and for the time we spent with Jenessa. I had so much exhausting fun. I wish that everyone could have been here.

Congratulations to Jenessa!!!

Congratulations to Jenessa for her achievement in academics. She has been awarded the Newel K. Whitney Award for excellence by her department. Four professors voted for the student who has starred in their classes. Jenessa deserves this award with her straight A's and her design ability. I love you Jenessa. Keep up the good work!!!!

It's Been Awhile

This week has been some firsts for me. Jonathan has come for Thanksgiving. He hasn't been home for Thanksgiving for many years. In fact, I don't remember when he came home last for this holiday. It was a real treat to find Janilee and Jonathan here on Sunday when I got home from church. (They flew in during church.)

We have been playing games, talking, finding patterns for crocheted dog sweaters and discussing how to make them, having FHE, watching Netflix, and going to see Harry Potter. Our days are filled with fun. Tomorrow we have even more fun planned.

Yesterday, when we came out of Harry Potter a little before 6 we were greeted with one of the coldest snaps we've had in November since I've lived in the Northwest. Cars were going off the road and the freeway was going along at the fast speed of 20-25 mph. We were slipping all over the road but we made it up the hill due to our great city services of putting gravel down on the road. I was thankful that we got to go see the show and also that we got home safely... More fun tomorrow.

I Love to See Kids Smile

Today I had a little boy smile at me. It was a genuine ear to ear toothy smile. He was so happy. I love to see kids smile. It doesn't matter when or on what occasion. It's fun to see babies laugh that first laugh. I remember Jonathan's first laugh. He actually squealed at first until he could do a haha laugh. His baby grin was ear to ear without teeth of course. One of the funny things I remember about Jonathan is a trip we took to Chicago for Christmas. In order to entertain him I would put his toys on the back of the seat and then they would fall. He laughed and laughed because he thought it was so funny. It was a great to remember his laughs and squeals.

Forgot...Who Me?

Never forget. Never. That is my motto...except I can't remember what I was to ever forget. Have you ever had a day like that? I can't remember if I have had one or not. I have decided to live in the moment until I decide whether I have a memory problem. If I do. Then help me remember what I'm suppose to remember...

"No More Monkeys Jumping On the Bed!"

When my children were little they loved to jump on the bed. I remembered the silly song they would sing as they flew up and down, their hair flying around. "Ten Little Monkeys jumping on the bed. One fell off and broke his head. Momma called the doctor and the doctor said, "No more Monkeys jumping on the bed."" There are times when this memory comes back and I can see Jonathan, Cherie, and Kent jumping on the bed. This happened last week when I taught Kindergarten.

We had an extra half hour at the end of the day and so I started reading stories to the children and doing finger play games. This was one of the finger plays that we sang. I let the children choose some of their favorites and then I chose some. I found that I thoroughly enjoyed teaching Kindergarten. Maybe I choose the wrong grade to teach. The children at that age are so little and cute. They have this little innocent look about them and they are so eager to learn. I even had a little boy draw me a picture. I find that the younger ages require a lot more energy than the high school students. At the end of the day I can say that I am satisfied that I have worked and have done a good job.

Letter from August 20, 1979

Dear Mom, Dad, and Maurine,

Hello from wet Utah. How is everyone doing? We are all doing just fine. It has rained two or three times every week this month, but we're not complaining. Our garden is growning well and we have been eating lots of cucumbers, squash, and onions and beans already. We soon will have tomatoes, carrots, cantelope, and watermelons, We made a few mistakes, but were pretty proud of the way in which our garden has turned out.

As I type this letter I have little Jonathan at my feet destroying last weeks TV guide. He's getting super curious, and he gets around really well now. He is also getting very heavy to try and lug around. He likes to play and will giggle for an hour as he plays with us. He wakes up very happy and loves to lay and talk in his crib with all of his toys.

Well, we weighed the pros and cons and have decided to stay with Natures Way for a little while more, as long as things go well there. After I talked to you on the phone I went in and took a calculated risk and told them that their offer was not acceptable and I would have to give them two weeks notice. Well, they didn't give me a bigger raise, but they said, that they would cut the review down to 30 days from the original 60 days and if all went well I could go salary, which would mean holiday and sick leave pay, and it would also mean more insurance for the same money I am paying now, and it would mean a steady paycheck, which would be easier to budget.

Carolyn did really well in school this block. It was a hard block, but she came through with a B+ and a B. She became really discouraged about school because of a couple of professors that she had.

I'm looking forward to getting going in school again. I really want to thank you for all of the sacrifices that you have done for me to get my tuition. I really appreciate your love and concern that I finish school. I didnt get all of the classes that I applied for as of yet, but I plan on taking a Greek Mythology class, and accounting class, a class in weight lifting and two communications classes. I am kind of leaning right now in the direction of business communications. It is a new area of business that began last year and looks really good. It has a lot to do with personnel management. I don't know if I told you, but I did finally get a B out of Spanish. I am glad to get it out of the way.

Once again, I thank you Mom and Dad for paying my tuition this semester. It is really kind and thoughtful of you. Keep praying for us.

Love,

Kerry, Carolyn, and Jonathan