Clark's birthday, Caudle's move

Cute Clark turned 9 yr. old on January 18th. We gathered as a family the day before his birthday, to celebrate. He is such a good boy. I'm grateful to be close to get to know them better. We were so happy for the Caudle's. They were able to find a house to rent, barely in their ward boundaries. It is so nice, just perfect for their family. We helped with the move as best we could on Saturday, Jan. 23rd. I made a big pot of Taco Soup that we took over that evening. 

While we were there, Gary Johns texted us and asked if we wanted to hear Alice-Anne's Sat. eve. Stake Conference talk. We were thrilled. Amazingly, through technology, we were able to see and hear her give her talk. She did so well. This was possible because Gary is the technology clerk. She spoke on the power of pray.

Anniversary Trip to Spokane...Moscow...Pullman

When we learned that BYU was playing Gonzaga the middle of January, we knew we needed to make a trip to see our darling granddaughters, and for Dad to attend the game with Dallin. Gratefully, we were able to make the trip, especially since I came down with something two days before we were to leave. I hadn't been sick in a long time, but I was hit with something. I couldn't bear the thoughts of not going as we were so anxious to see Dallin & Janelle's family, even though we just had them at our house for Christmas. We looked forward to seeing their home, Dorothy's school, touring the campus where Dallin was teaching English, and just enjoying their darling family.

I know their is power in prayer, especially as we join together as a family to pray for each other. I contacted each of the family and asked them to pray that I might get well to make this trip. Crismon and our home teacher, Jeff Hinshaw, gave me a priesthood blessing. I think I prayed all day and the next day. I had to miss serving in the temple on that Wednesday. By that evening I started feeling a little better and began to pack. By Thursday morning, Jan 14th I felt well enough to make the trip. It would have been so disappointing to miss this fun trip, so I was very grateful for the tender mercy to get well. Heavenly Father is so good to me. He knows the desires of my heart, and I feel of His generous kindness to me. The drive was so pleasant with bright, blue skies and even warm enough to eat outside on the picnic table at the rest area for our lunch. Of course, we were still bundled up, but it was a delightful drive.

The girls had fun playing with this cute rainbow that their Aunt Elise made for them. It is simple, but it has so many interesting ways it can be used.

Cute Gwendolyn was so darling and huggable. I loved the time to enjoy these girls. Dallin and Dad had a terrific time at the game where BYU won in the end. Janelle attended a cub scout meeting, so I had the treat of reading and putting the girls to bed.

On Friday, Julia arrived in the morning. She and Austin are in Moscow, ID, just an hour and half away. It was nice we could have a little extra time with her. Having lunch with Dorothy was a treat, as we got to see her nice school and her good teacher. In the afternoon, we braved the cold, to visit the Gonzaga University and see Dallin's office and where he teaches. Janelle prepared such great meals, and we had such a great time with them. 

Saturday morning, January 16th was our 41st Wedding Anniversary. I presented Dad with a gift that I put together from January 16, 2014-January 16, 2015. I kept a daily journal of things Dad each day that brought me happiness. It was a sweet project to do that year, and I loved that idea of staying focused on the many good things my sweetheart does for me. He truly is a great man, and I love him so much. Emily was good to format the book for me, get the cover and have it printed at the BYU Press where she works. It only cost $9 as she gets half off. It's entitled, "How I Love Thee, Let Me Count the Ways, Memoirs of Crismon by Vivienne.

We were sad to leave and miss the fun of reading and playing with the girls, but we were excited to go to Moscow and see Julia & Austin's apartment and to spend some time visiting with them. We drove in a snowstorm. It was slick and times and so it was a little nerve racking, but Julia did a good job. I rode with her and we visited all the way with Dad following behind. Julia prepared a delicious sweet potato, kale soup, and we enjoyed her yummy bread. We wish we could have had more time with them, but we still had a 6 hour drive ahead of us, and the weather was still snowing.

Gratefully, the roads improved and we didn't have any problems. It was fun for me to see the hospital in Moscow where I was born. It was too modern looking to be the actual one, but in the area. I was especially looking forward to going to Pullman, WA where I grew up for the first 9 years of my life. We went up the steep Monroe road. At the bottom of the hill it had a sign that said "Historical Area." In many ways it still looked like I remembered, but the roads were more narrow, and everything more compact. I guess when you're little everything looks bigger. The address had changed on our house, but I am positive it was our house, only white instead of pink, and again, everything smaller than I remembered. The feelings of the heart when you connect back with your childhood is quite amazing. We drove through the Washington Stake University campus, downtown, and then headed home. While driving through Pullman, we received a call from Seth announcing that the U of O had offered him a position there. We were thrilled to hear the good news, but he had to consider his offer at the Univ. of Missouri, too. We were so happy to make this fun trip!

After Christmas activities

With the excitement of Christmas soon over, there was more fun around the corner. Dallin's family left in the afternoon of Monday, Dec. 28th (that wasn't fun!). Julia & Austin also left that day, too. It's always hard to say goodbye! Ondalynn brought her children over about noon for us to watch them for a couple of days. It was there 14th Wedding Anniversary and they had a chance to get away for just a day and a half. We were happy to have the cute Vance children in our home. We went to the "Peanuts Movie" at the Mt. Hood Theater and then saw the beautiful decorated tree in the center of Gresham. The children loved running along the sidewalk and open areas. The weather was amazingly warm. I appreciated the children doing some little projects for me around the house, like organizing my huge supply of colored pencils. Sydney was not feeling well, so it was a difficult time for her as she was flat out on the couch most of the time. We played games, did puzzles, and had a great time having them here. Of course, when their parents arrived, the boys nearly knocked their Mom down by running and hugging her.

Dad Crismon turned 67 on December 30th. He loves receiving a box of delicious canned peaches from Alice-Anne every year. I think that will be considered his all time favorite gift. I gave him a photo book of our year highlights, and Vivi gave him a computer pad with a picture of all the grandchildren on it. He doesn't want to use it as it is too nice.

While Dallin & Janelle were here for the holidays, they helped me clean out more stuff from our house, mostly the basement. We hauled out tons of books, bookshelves, got rid of bedding, etc., and many other things we don't use anymore. Some of our camping supplies went to Dallin's family. It feels wonderful to have things cleaned out. I want to keep moving through the house and do more! For Dad's birthday, he meet me at the temple after my shift and we did a session together and then went out for Mexican food to celebrate. I'm so grateful for my good husband! He is a joy to me. He enjoyed hearing from the children throughout the day. We are at the end of another great year. Life is wonderful!

Christmas 2015

Emily and Bronson were good to pull our Christmas decorations out before they headed back to Provo after Thanksgiving. Then Ondalynn came with Sydney and Julia and they decorated the tree and transformed our living room into a beautiful festive sight. I appreciated so much all they did as this is very exhausting for me.

A fun way to start the holiday vacation was going to the Vance's to watch the BYU vs Utah in the Las Vegas Bowl. It was a disappointing loss, but a super fun time together. Julia & Austin arrived Thurs. afternoon, Dec. 17th, just in time for a quick lunch and then we took them to the airport to fly to SLC for Austin's sister, Cami's wedding. Dallin & Janelle and girls arrived the next evening about 9 pm, then Emily and Bronson arrived by 10:40 pm. So grateful when they make it safely. What a joyous time to gather and begin the holidays! Julia & Austin returned Sunday evening.

Dallin makes the best Artisan bread. He kept us supplied the entire holiday. Delicious! I loved going to church with my beautiful family. These precious girls bring me so much joy! Dorothy, Ruby, Norah and Gwendolyn warm my heart so much. Other pre-Christmas activities was all the grandchildren gathering at our house to make Christmas cookies. I was in quite a bit of pain and weakness that afternoon, so sadly, I was in my room the whole time, resting. I love having my family together, but it does drain me and with my Post-Polio I definitely need time to rest to be able to keep going. Crismon gave me a Priesthood Blessing Sunday evening that I would have the strength for this holiday season.

We had our usual tradition of making caramel corn popcorn for our friends and neighbors. I'm really done with all of that work, but Emily and the others pitched in and made it happen. Emily also prepared a number of very yummy treats for everyone to enjoy. Bronson was fighting a sickness the whole time, so unfortunately he was sick, but he still tried to be a part of things.

I served in the temple on Wed. and Julia & Austin came to do a session that morning, too. The temple devotional that day was especially beautiful. Although a busy Christmas season, my temple service two days before Christmas was a sweet experience.

Traditionally we gather at the Vance's for Christmas Eve. Ondalynn prepares a delicious spread of appetizers and treats. Everyone contributes some to the light meal. We played a few fun games with the children and adults. Then the children acted out the nativity scene. You want it to be a spiritual event, but the children are so cute and funny, its hard not to have a few smiles. They did such a cute job. Christmas is especially fun with children around to enjoy. I'm so thankful I have some of our grandchildren near by to brighten my life. 

How deeply grateful I am for our Savior. His humble birth, His perfect life, His Infinite Atonement make it possible for me to have joy in this life with my family and for the covenants and ordinances that make possible the gift of Eternal Life as families. I deeply love my family and desire that so much in my life.

Returning home from the Vance's, Dallin's girls received their traditional pajamas before going to bed. Soon the house was still and beautiful, a sweet Christmas Eve.

Christmas morning was magical, of course. What fun we had with everyone! I love being surrounded by my family. We received many nice gifts from family. Vivi and Ondalynn gave us their large family pictures, Meredith a cute picture of us with their children, Emily & Bronson a bluetooth for our car, Alice-Anne a tie and cashews for Dad, and the Melt Method Book, roller and ball for me. Dallin & Janelle gave me a rolling pin and closures for my bags. Crismon gave me a framed picture of our family at the wedding. It's beautiful, but we do miss Meredith's family. I gave Crismon an updated book from my blog. All the children surprised us with a nice suitcase for Dad and an exercise bike for me. I was so surprised and excited to receive it! I rarely get something "new." So this was fun. Austin put it together for me after Christmas. All the family came that afternoon for a big Christmas dinner.