December Highlights

We have enjoyed as many of the ward Christmas parties in our stake that we could attend, and musical programs. Earlier in the month we hosted a Neighborhood Open House for everyone on our street. We had a good attendance, and everyone seems to appreciate the friendship among the neighbors. Julia & Austin arrived by Dec. 18th to spend Christmas with us. They came early as Austin had an interview in Bothell, WA (near Seattle) as an energy engineer for Puget Sound Energy. We were so happy when just a few days later, they offered him the job. We are also grateful for the wonderful blessing that Julia is pregnant. This has been their desire over the last 5 years since they were married.

We appreciate Emily & Bronson decorated our home for Christmas before they left for Astoria after Thanksgiving. I always love the First Presidency Christmas Devotional that sets the stage for the season.

We enjoyed attending Sydney's Regional Camber Orchestra Concert. It was incredible!!! She's doing amazingly well on the violin. Also a piano recital for Julia, Bryson & Isaac's first one, too. Ondalynn played a duet with him. He was so proud of himself, I don't think he was even nervous. He loves his Grandpa and sat on his lap the rest of the recital.

Crismon attended the Gresham Chamber Christmas Fund raiser breakfast. He enjoys his association with good people in the Community.

Other events in December included having Seth & Tiffany's family stay with Monday night, the 11th, right after our neighborhood party, as they were flying to Hawaii the next morning to stay with the William's family for a week during their family vacation. Later they shared that it was their best vacation ever. They loved staying with Meredith's family and they had so much fun.

The family gathered at our home to go see Star Wars together. I have no interest, so I stayed with Isaac & Paxton. It was a fun thing for Dad to do with the Vance's, and Clark.

The Caudle children brought over delicious sugar cookies that they decorated at their Grandma Caudle's. I found this sweet card by Daisy saying "You're the best Grandma." I sent her a little video by Marco Polo app thanking her for her sweet card. Turns out it was for Grandma Caudle's birthday. Kind of funny. How I love my grandchildren!

Dalin & Janelle's family were able to go to Washington DC for a short trip over night to see the Zoo lights and to the temple where Dallin & Janelle took turns going in for an Endowment session.

We are so happy that Julia & Austin officially announced that they were expecting on Christmas Eve. Yay! This was the best news of the entire year!!!

Baby Ivan looked so cute in his Christmas attire. We have the cutest grandchildren!

 

November Highlights

We had a sleep over for Daisy & Kaeley the end of October. Clark stayed home for a break from his sisters.
I gave Ondalynn my fine china and goblets. This was the pattern she chose and used at Thanksgiving. Baby Ivan was born on Nov. 3rd, the same day as Vivi. We were so grateful to welcome grandchild number 25 to our family. I flew to Hawaii on Friday, Nov. 10th to help Meredith. I returned Tues. evening, Nov. 21st. Emily & Bronson arrived the next day from Provo. We made apple pies in preparation for Thanksgiving. They helped me with the Sweet Potato Pie the next morning, and they also started the Christmas decorating before we left for Thanksgiving at the Vance's.

Sunday, Nov. 26th Addison turned 14. We drove down to Eugene that morning, and were there in time for their 9 am Sacrament meeting. Then we attended his Priesthood Quorum where Seth ordained him a Teacher. It was a special time to be with him on that important day in his life.

We enjoyed a family Book Club this month, too. The book was "The Remains of the Day."

Ivan's Birth

Meredith & Bryan’s 5th child, 3rd son, Ivan Finn Williams, was born on Nov. 3rd. He was a good size at, 9lbs. 5 oz., 21.5 inches. Unfortunately, he got pneumonia within 24 hours and had to stay in the hospital for 8 days. I flew to Hawaii on Nov 10th to help this busy family. He came home from the hospital the day after I arrived, so the timing was good. I loved being there for this special time with this cute family. I returned home on Tues. evening before Thanksgiving.

Meredith is a wonderful mother and it was a joy to be there to help her. The children are so cute and so busy. I had my hands full, but I loved it. I probably did too much as I cleaned cupboards, organized her spices, made meals, bulk pancake mix, played with the children, read to them, cleared Meredith's shower and did so thorough cleaning in the family room with Evelyn's help. Cleaning is my strength, so it seems I gravitate to doing that when I go to help my daughters. I probably should have "chilled" more and played more with the kids, but I'm glad I could be a help.

The first Sunday I was there we drove to a beach that evening. I didn't really do anymore sightseeing except the last Sunday there we drove to the Laie Temple and that was a special time. Hawaii is so spectacular, warm, and inviting. I loved being there with this special family.

Evelyn was a good help. Meredith & I visited Christian's school one morning to see one of his school projects. He was so surprised and happy to see us. Hudson is quite the character. He has Meredith's radiant smile and he melts your heart. One day were playing a game in FHE and on his paper he wrote,, "Grandma has a crush on me." So cute! Jocelyn was my little partner. I loved getting better acquainted with her and we enjoyed a little walk one day to the park where we saw a double rainbow. She adores her little baby brother, Ivan.

Ivan is a very content little baby. He's so easy, but apparently all of Meredith's children have been that way at first. Bryan works incredibly long hours. We hardly see him, but life is always fun when he's there. He and Meredith are such patient, great parents. We are so proud of them. We are grateful for this precious baby that has joined our family, making 25 grandchildren!!!