Happy Thanksgiving

Craig and I are in Utah for Thanksgiving.  We have been to visit his mom.  She is happily established and living with her daughter and family.
We are staying with Joel and his family.  We have played games and eaten yummy meals. 

We are looking forward to our Thanksgiving Feast.  We will be sharing it with Kelli and our niece, Alyssa and (Joel;s family).  It will be a relaxing fun day because none of us have to cook, set the table, or clean up.  In fact right after dinner we are going to the movie to see Tangled.  The new Rapunzel movie.  Rather than confess as to where we are having dinner let's just say this is me tomorrow...

The only way this could be better is if ALL the family were here together.  I miss them all:  Mom and Dad, Shannon and her darlings, Rebecca and family,  Jeff, our nieces and nephews, Jan.   Next year is the 'ON' year.

Speaking of Jan...look at her blog.  She has the most beautiful Christmas Stockings for sale.  Some she made.  Some are purchased.  I dare you to tell them apart.  Please help her out by inviting your friends to her blog too. http://jananddarien.blogspot.com/

The Sky From Our Backyard

 A Double Rainbow

 That random branch is growing over the fence in the backyard

Southern California has been having beautiful  skies lately. I am often gasping over it.  Beauty yearns to be shared.

60 Years

Last night we celebrated Mom and Dad's 60th wedding anniversary.

60 years is a long time.

But not long enough.

They are simply NOT satisfied.

They are planning on having an even larger celebration for their 70th.
Surely, theirs is a marriage that will be FOREVER.

50 family members plus 2 friends gathered at our home.  

We sampled beautiful bites of the desserts Mom is famous for.

Then we sat at Mom and Dad's feet as they shared the 10 Secrets of Their Happy Marriage.

As they recounted these secrets Mom and Dad were delightful.

How could I have been so fortunate to have Royden and Geraldine as my parents?

Watching them is great training for anyone.

Mom still sits on Dad's lap.

They treat each other tenderly.

Yes, they can annoy each other but humor is often their response to the other.

So, do you want to know the SECRETS?

Here they are:

Put one another first

Have a sense of humor

Flirt/ hug/ kiss

Share responsibilities

Work together

Play together (vacations)

Sincere Compliments

Be appreciative

Listen

Be dependable.

Our nephew Stephen video taped their explanation and interaction.  I hope to be able to post that soon.  You just won't believe how adorable my parents are.

P.S.
Mom wants to add to the list:
Don't speak ill of your spouse to others

I'm Alive

Dear Blog.  I am alive.  It has been a long time since I wrote on you.  Do you miss me?  I miss you.  Will time slow down?  Just not sure. 

Jan and I have made our way through 500 boxes (Yes, I exaggerate...a little bit) and found places for most of her prized possessions.  There are still a few lingering things that are too precious to discard.  It is amazing how attached we can be to THINGS.

Coupled with moving Jan IN is the work we have begun moving Craig's mom OUT of her home to live with her daughter.  Now that she can't live alone her THINGS seem so unimportant.  Most of them are not necessary.  She doesn't even remember them and certainly doesn't need them.

Some day when I depart this earth and reminisce I will wonder why I had such a large house stuffed with THINGS....meanwhile, I need to go Christmas Shopping so I can give some THINGS to my family for Christmas.