Ok, so I am taking over the blog from the internet Twilight Zone... We have had trouble logging in, and couldn't remember the password, etc. So, after some computer sleuthing, it is now securely in my hands and just might be updated with some regularity from here on out. That is, if I can figure out how to do it!
Today Dave and I celebrate a milestone rarely achieved in today's society: 25 years of marriage. Yep, the Silver Anniversary! We celebrated over the weekend by spending the afternoon together shopping, dinner at Taggart's Grill (a fabulous spot up the canyon), and spending the night at East Canyon Resort. It was a rare one-on-one, very nice and relaxed, and it was nice not to have to worry about the kids. They are getting all grown up now (ages 13-21), and very self-sufficient. The Biddulph family party was Saturday morning in Morgan, so we met them there. We left instructions for the party, and they just took care of everything. And when we came home from the party, the house was clean, animals fed, and 12 Days delivered.
Speaking of 12 Days... We have done the family across the street since we moved to Layton 17 years ago, and this year was no different. They know it's us, we know they know, and they know we know they know. (Get all that? It's no secret...) We have seen many things change over the years. This last year, Jim passed away from cancer, and Sherma's son and granddaughter moved in. It is a sad change, but part of the natural process of life. We have chosen gifts this year that will involve them all, as Katie is in high school. Lots of treats, trinkets and goofy things. Part of the fun is making up silly rhymes at the last minute to go with the gifts. This year, day 1 had the following rhyme: "The Christmas Elves are getting old and fat,/ and can't outrun the young./ Please give us some time to lumber away/ to keep this tradition fun." I don't know their reaction to my silly rhymes, but I sure enjoy putting it together every year. Another rhyme: "Tis the 6th day of Christmas/ Figgy pudding was hard to find./ We substituted Butterscotch/ And didn't think you'd mind!" Hee hee! I have fond memories of my kids being very young, huddled in the bedroom window, watching as Dad ran across the street through the snow to deliver the goods, slipping and sliding, and us giggling and watching for them to get to the door. A fun holiday tradition, started long ago when I was growing up. Another fun tradition is the yearly visit to Gardner Village for ornaments. Each person gets to chose an ornament that reflects something memorable about the last year. As you can imagine, our tree is filled with ornaments of sports, hunting, and mini versions of motorized things.
It has been nice to reflect this Christmas on years past. 25 years is a long time! And how things change. Our first Christmas, we had been married 3 days. We were trying to buy a house, go to school, and figure out life. Fast forward a few years, and we have a few children, girls. Christmas was Barbies, dress up, and girly stuff. Then came Stu, and the testosterone surge began. Christmas became bikes, riding helmets, and grrr. (And girly stuff.) We visited Grandma and Grandpas, and looked forward to their smiles when they saw the kids' joy. Now Christmas is teenagers, sleeping in, grrr, and girly stuff. But, it also comes with some bittersweet. Loved ones are gone, families change, and life has brought us many ups and downs. Still, the constant is always the Savior and the great gift He gave. It makes all else fit and feel right. I am so grateful for the Gospel and the knowledge it brings about families. I love being a mom, and it brings me great joy to know they are mine forever!
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