We had a fantastic Sabbath yesterday. So much so that we hated to go to bed and end it. Gale did 9 temple recommend interviews which are always fun cause he gets to know people and about them. I was alone in the nursery with 15 kids. The other nursery leader decided to get her temple recommend from the Bishop during the first hour of nursery. Let me tell you that it was not pretty. They were bellowing for cookies, crackers and water faster than I could get around the table. They are very cute but very noisy. Anyway we asked another lady to come in to help and the second hour was much better. So here is our staff: Sister Crystal Nelson is out with Pneumonia, I am still recovering (slowly) from my knee surgery and Sister Twolanie Bullock fell off a chair and wrenched her knee and is on crutches. If only they would all sit and let us read them books all would be well. Transfers are next Monday so we may be losing one of our sisters. We won't know until Friday. These sisters are so fun - all of them - I am so grateful that we could do this.

I remember when we didn't need Smoky the Bear at Birthday parties

Unlike me, Dad doesn't think that birthdays are a big deal. He usually orders his present sometime in January or sometimes a couple of times in January. But we still try to have a small celebration. This year he ordered chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting. Minon and the boys came over to mark the day and we began lighting the candles, and we lighted, and lighted , and lighted. We tried to hurry cause the first ones lit were getting very small. Anyway, it was fun and I am grateful for another year with this great man. I have pictures but they wouldn't load - darn!

Having a baby born into a family is always a wonderful event. Our newest addition, Elizabeth May Heiner was just such an occasion. She is petite and darling. I had such fun holding and snuggling her. It made me think of seven other little wonders. It's funny how sights and smells can transport you back to another time and for just a second let you relive some long forgotten event. I'm so glad that I was able to spend lots, and lots of time with my babies. What a blessing that special time is. With each one we realized more and more Heavenly Fathers wisdom and creative ability. Seven who are completely different. A new experience every time. They are my Jewels and oh how I love them.

Sad

Sunday one of the little boys in the Nursery had a three fingered red mark on his cheek. I thought at the time that it looked like a slap mark but trying not to add drama when there is none I dismissed it. Especially since one of the girls got her finger cut at the first knuckle and barely attached. Her mother sent her to the bathroom alone. We never do that! She is in surgery as I speak. Also, I have three children and their mother here now. The little boy with the slap mark that definately looks like a handprint today his brother, and sister are here talking to social services. Apparently he doesn't beat his wife but the kids are fair game. This little boy is barely over 2. I am appalled and shocked, and very sad.

Happy Thanksgiving

This will be the first Thanksgiving ever we haven't spent with Gram and Gramp. We are going to St. George for a few days since none of our children will be here. Gale and I love the place and wish we could retire there but as the saying goes "If wishes were horses...all beggars would ride" Thanksgiving has always been a big deal to me. It was the fun holiday when my mom would get out the good silverware, and china. I helped set the table and never realized how much my mom was doing in the kitchen. My gramma Kinard almost always came and she would sneak olives off the table before dinner was ready. Danny and I thought that was great fun until Mom blamed us. My mom was one of those women who was a very good cook but she didn't enjoy it at all. I remember always wanting the turkey leg, though now I can't fathom why. My mom had a special dish that we rarely used except for Cranberry Sauce right out of the can. After dinner the adults would lay around and some would nap and Danny and I would play outside. It is a warm fuzzy memory. Thanksgiving with Lois and Gale was much the same although there were always more people. Barbara and Guy were there one year with Barbaras brother, and Little Gramma was sometimes there and as our families grew it just got bigger and bigger. We all brought pies, and other delicious food but Lois cooked the turkey and did the most work. Lately she has made noises about not having it at her house and they will probably celebrate at Nancys house. I'm afraid that our family Thanksgiving may be coming to an end. I did have it at my house once when Gram and Gramp were on their mission. It was kind of fun to fuss over the table but Nancy and Rick were out of town so it was just us and Torrey since he didn't go with them. It was a nice dinner but it was a little too quiet and there weren't many children running in and out. I love our traditional dinners with Lois and Gale and wish they could go on forever.

Summer is over

Summer is over - or is it. We have closed the pool. The garden has been cleaned. And the temperature goes up to 80 degrees. I don't know what to wear every day. I have put the capris away. And, thankfully, the canning stuff but this spot of warm weather is sure enjoyable. I'm heading to Texas tomorrow and I understand it is warm there too. I am so excited to spend a little time with Abby. She is making Christmas stockings for her friend Ellie and wants my help I doubt that she needs it but we always have fun on these projects. Especially, after a late night when we find our mistakes and have to fix them. After this trip I am home for a bit then it's off to Colorado for Joshuas Baptism. Gale really wanted to go. I didn't because of just coming home but after asking Gale if he was sure about not having any meetings for stake conference I booked the tickets. Sunday Gale came home from his meeting and said "I'm so sorry - I should have listened to you but that weekend IS Stake Conference. So not only am I going alone but I am missing Stake Conference also. Now the good part; Jody told me to stay with Breea so I'll get a couple of days with Brian and Bree and we'll go to the baptism together. There is always lemonade somewhere in the bushel of lemons!!!

Aliens

 
This was such a fun project. I sat at my table making these guys and let everything else go