A white Christmas

It was an incredible day

and the snow couldn't have been more welcome.

It was sketchy for a while

But then it just started snowing

making our Christmas morning

just as we hoped.

Perfect!

Merry Christmas!

Our 2017 Christmas card

Spring: San Diego with the family was nothing but bliss,

Summer with my sister, the grand boys I did kiss.

Bike races for Derek, he's amazing to watch, camping and horse riding it was all topnotch.

Fall: George and Megan rolled in with the fair, the smell of cinnamon nuts soon filled the air. Emerson and family joined in the fun, Grandpa and Grandma took care of their twin sons. Disney and a wedding, California was calling, to say the least, it was very enthralling.

Winter is upon us and Christmas is here, we wish you the best in the coming New Year.

Merry Christmas!!

Charlie Browns Christmas Tree

This project our quilt class did awhile back, 8 years ago to be exact, was one that went from bad to worse and never came together as the one our instructor did.

Hers was so cute and festive and perfect. Mine, not so much. 

Actually, not at all. 

If ever there was a quilt that demonstrated all the mistakes a quilt could have, this was it. None of the seams came together and nothing lined up correctly.

Now I'm not going to lay blame because I am by no means a great quilter like the ladies I sew with but at the time we were given this project, I was recovering from leg surgery.

The pieces were already cut, scraps and left over fabric I chose from my stash, and ready to be sewn.

 After boredom set in I decided if I was going to be sitting around I just as well be sitting around sewing.

My recommendation, don't sew under the influence of pain meds.

Once I finished the piecing, I was appalled at the completed  work. So much so,  the hideous quilt top ended in the fabric closet never to see the light of day again.

Years later I pulled it out of the closet, it still was a horrible looking top but I decided it deserved to be finished.

Once the borders were added, I sent it off to a lady who did the quilting.

When she saw the quilt she didn't judge. She was very sweet and gentle with words giving me hope this quilt could be saved.

What ever magic she used on this poor ugly project she somehow managed to transform it. 

She used this beautiful swirl pattern giving it the look of snow blowing and swirling around.

Nine months later, as the Christmas decorations were going up, I decided to hang the quilt only to realize I hadn't added the binding. 

So once again the quilt came out of the closet to be completed.

Still a little apprehensive about displaying the quilt I hung it on the wall in the downstairs family room where it doesn't get much traffic.

Although I must confess, this Christmas quilt has really grown on me. I pass it every time I go down to do laundry and have really taken to it. 

I no longer obsess over the imperfections but see it for what it stands for. 

Pope John Paul called the Christmas tree a symbol of Christ. 

He said, 'This very ancient custom exalts the value of life, as in winter what is evergreen becomes a sign of undying life, and it reminds Christians of the 'tree of life' of Genesis 2:9, an image of Christ, the supreme gift of God to humanity.

God loves us for who we are and doesn't see our imperfections, He sees only our potential and who we can become.

Racing home

We took another trip to the west side to watch our son Derek compete in one of his cycle cross races. This particular race took place on Whidbey Island where I grew up.

After my dad retired from the Navy in 1972, we moved out of military housing and into our new home which my dad designed and built. 

That was over 40 years ago and my parents still live there. 

If those walls could talk it would have years of stories of the five children who learned how to work hard and play hard. 

It sits on the five acres where we once kept our horses and cows, not to mention the many rabbits I raised.

The walls are decorated with family photos, like millions of family photos hung on every inch of every wall.  

It has an old barn in which I'm sure has a ton of history. Not just our memories but how it came to be. 

I would love to talk to the stones and boards which hold up the barn and learn of its life before us.

The weather was rainy while we were there making Derek's race very muddy.

I kinda think they rather enjoy it otherwise the race season wouldn't be in the fall and winter.

They race for an hour lapping the course over and over.

Up hill and down hill and over obstacles. 

On the bike, off the bike. It's crazy fun.....to watch.

We got a two for one special, not only were we able to watch Derek race but we also got to see my parents as well.

He had quite the support crew. I was so proud of my 86 year old dad who kept up and walked around the course taking pictures along the way.

 My mom is just simply amazing, she has more energy than any lady her age I know. She's a go getter who will try and do anything.

We had a wonderful weekend and I can guarantee there will be some new pictures hanging on my parents wall.

Farm Kitty

Our farm cat once belonged to our eldest son and his family when they lived here for a few short eight months.

Four years ago when our son was between jobs he decided to give the electrical business a try by working with his dad. Then his dream job of being a police officer came available, ending his electrical career before it really even started.

He came with his wife, boys, dog and cat. When they moved he left with his wife, boys and dog leaving the cat behind. 

I would have preferred him to have left the boys instead.

Farm kitty is a beautiful, fluffy, friendly, loving cat who loves the farm life.

When we rented our farm house after our son left, the new tenants welcomed kitty giving him a new family to love.

After a year or so, they bought their own house and moved.

Kitty stayed.

Our new renters took on the care of feeding him and making sure he has water but they don't love him. 

KiKi seeks us out every time we are at the farm tending to the horses, which is, at least four times a day. He gets his lovin's and a good brushing then helps us with what ever chores we may be doing.

One day we noticed he was limping on his front leg so I gathered him up and took him to the vet.

Apparently his leg had healed from an old wound but left the infection festering inside. The vet recommended they lance the leg, clean and drain the infection.

After the procedure the vet said he was good to go. They gave him a antibiotic shot that was good for 10 days making it so we didn't have to give him pills.

Wondering if they had to sedate him for the procedure, the vet said not at all, she had an aid stroke his face while she lanced and cleaned the wound saying, she has never seen anything like him before.

 I decided to bring him home for the night so he can rest before going back to the farm. We have always considered keeping him but our Rosie girl proved she was going to be the only cat in the house by welcoming our patient with a good swipe and a threatening growl.

 The laundry room seemed to be a safe place to keep him over night which he didn't care for at all. He's used to the wide open space of the farm.

The next morning I checked on our patient. He had taken the liberties of removing the bandage himself and adamantly told me he was anxious to get out of confinement.

I wasn't quite ready to head to the farm so I let him roam the house while readied myself. Just to make sure he didn't escape, I secured the doggie door by inserting the slider.

When it was time to go, I couldn't find KiKi anywhere. Calling and calling him but he was not in the house. The little stinker pushed up the slider in doggie door and let himself out.

 I found him in the neighbors yard.

He's an outside boy and just because you can take the cat out of the farm, you can't take the farm out of the cat.

He's happy to be back where he belongs.

5 Years old!

I'll never forget when these two were born and the joy they brought into our lives. Who knew being a grandparent would take over our hearts and change our lives forever.

They walked at nine months so by the time they were one they were confident and independent. So confident they figured how to escape from their cribs at 18 months. It wasn't long after they had toddler beds.

Turning two was a breeze, they were little chatter boxes carrying on full conversations with each in a language only they could understand, twin talk.

Three was upon us before we knew it.  How I love listening to them say, 'Grandma Saimi, Grandma Saimi, Grandma Saimi a million times before they tell me what it is they want to say.
Every sentence started with 'Grandma Saimi' repeated at least three times. It's music to my ears.

Then they turned four. No longer toddlers and ready for 

preschool. They are so different in personality. 

Sawyer on the left loves to work on projects and is willing help with any task. He worries about everyone and has a bit of anxiety, where as Oliver is a free spirit without a care in the world. He is in constant motion even when he's standing. 

They are each others best friend.

 And now the big five. Yes, those are poop emojis on their heads. What is it with boys and poop? 

 One of their favorite books I found for them is 'The little mole who went in search of whodunit.' 

Its about a mole who was pooped on and went all around the farm asking the animals whodunit. Then in the end he finally asked some flies and they told him who the culprit was.

They love lego's, riding their bikes, preschool, FaceTime, playing with other children, cheeseburgers, pirates and their grandma's.  

As for Oliver, his parents put him in gymnastics. A perfect activity for the boy in motion. He loves it, especially because it's doing something that comes so natural to him.

Five seems like a new chapter. They'll go to kindergarten next fall and not long after, those little boys will soon be grown.

Grandma's not ready.

So Thankful

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with friends this year. It was a well devised plan our sons came up with. 

Our boys have been best buddies since high school and now ten years later, share an apartment together. 

During Thanksgiving they would eat at both houses. First ours then the other's. 

The only way I can explain how they can put down two full meals is, they're boys.

This year they suggested we have Thanksgiving dinner together, combine families.

 So we did.

I brought homemade rolls, apple cobbler, raspberry salad and sweet yams.

They had two turkeys, one smoked the other baked with so many side dishes and yummy pies.

Everyone had a job doing something, working like a well oiled machine.

It was such a great time. We ate, played pool, watched football, ate some more and enjoyed visiting together.

  We may be friends but it sure felt like we were among family.

What happened to November?......Let's find out

Wow! Not only does time fly, but the days seem to disappear as fast as they arrive.

We started the month by attending Garth Brooks World Tour concert in which he performed five concerts in three days.

We were at his Saturday afternoon performance. He is simply amazing and gave us a show that was so incredible and energetic. 

A week later we attended a wedding for the daughter of a good friend of mine. It was a very formal wedding with 250 guest in attendance. A number that may seem a bit over the top but it was their way of honoring and showing their appreciation to each guest for being an important person in their lives.

Four days later the husband and I were off to California to attend my nephews wedding in San Diego. We made plans to meet up with our youngest son and his wife in Anaheim to spend a few days in Disney before the nuptials.

Disney was just as magical as ever especially being decorated for Christmas.

 The lights from the small world ride were pretty spectacular.

It's not only the happiest place on earth, but the cleanest as well. It amazes me how immaculate the entire resort is. 

Disney land did not disappoint. It has proven once again you are never too old to have fun, or get wet for that matter. A big shout out to our daughter in law who thought to bring poncho's.

After three days of the California Adventure park and the Disney Resort, the four of us headed to San Diego where we gathered with my parents and my sisters family for my nephews wedding.

The outdoor venue was amazing and with the San Diego weather, you can't go wrong.

I've never seen a bride wear a black wedding dress, but she rocked it. It was a black tie wedding and everyone looked smashing.

After the ceremony, we went inside for the reception and I was wowed by the decorations.

We had such a great time dining and dancing but most of all, being with family.

Here I am with the husband, parents, sister and brother in-law.
Ok don't judge, I wore the same dress to both weddings.

My sister's family.

Our Disney playmates, er...son George and daughter in law Megan

With my nieces entire family pretty much being involved in the wedding,

I was the lucky recipient of two week old baby Grey and got to hold him during the ceremony.

Cheers to my nephew Jason and his lovely bride Samantha.

So we left for California on a Wednesday, flew home on Sunday, worked Monday and Tuesday leaving but a day or so to get ready for Thanksgiving.

After Thanksgiving it'll be time to decorate for Christmas, which pretty much wraps up November.

I truly have so much to be Thankful for.