Surprise Grandkids

Brad, Justin, Morgan, JaxonLeese, Avey, MallorieColby(with forehead stitches & both with chocolate donut smiles) with Leese

Grandkids Colby, with his newly acquired stitches on his forehead,  and Mallorie Cannon  stayed Friday night. Brian and Cori, their parents, went on a little anniversary get away.   Other Grandchildren Justin, Morgan, Brad, Avery, and Aleese, all dropped in when they knew the others were here. It was a pleasant surprise.  I cooked some frozen pizza and  baked a ton of mini donuts. The boys and I got on Facebook, and I was shown how to "chat".  They all know I am not really with it in that department.   The rest played outside until dark.  I took some pics, but most had chocolate donut on their cute faces.

Game with Robin

I wanted to record an experience some of my children had when Robin was visiting. Cori, Nati, Katy and I played a game on Friday afternoon. It was similar to pictionary, but you mold an image with clay. This game includes a timer and a ton of guessing on what the clay image is supposed to be. What you mold is revealed on a card you get at random. We all started using both hands, and Robin without a complaint, started to mold hers with her left hand. We decided to make the game even, all of us would have to mold our clay using only our left hand. We laughed hard and had a lot of fun, but it gave us all a very real sense of what Rob has been going through regarding only one of her many physical trials since her stroke. We had more empathy and admiration for her "not-give-up" attitude.

Tetons and Twilight

I decided to try my hand at oil painting.  I have tried acrylic(years ago) and pastel (an absolutely dirty experience), but not oils.  Robin saw them and asked where the mountains were, Tetons I told her.  Where? I told her, I am sure if you looked at the Tetons from every angle, you would find a view that might vaguely resemble my painting.  She laughed hard at that.  My other painting is my first attempt at using dark shades.  I wanted it to look like the twilight time of day.  When my daughters saw it, I told them I called it Twilight.  Nati said, "yeah, it looks like it could be Forks, but where are the vampires?"  Yes, my family is into the Twilight books.

Sister Robin Visit

Sometimes life hands you an unexpected gift and that is what I got right after the holidays.  My sister Robin came for a seven day stay.  We had a lot of fun, but it was so wonderful to see the progress she has made since her massive stroke a year ago.  Her speech and walk has improved dramatically.  Even her smile has almost returned.  My Sheena gave Robin a "makeover".  She cut, streaked, and styled her hair on Saturday.

Every day we did something fun.  Just our children, without the kids, came for lunch and games Friday afternoon.  Sunday Robin went to church with me.  After I introduced her in Sunday School, the teacher asked if we were sisters in law.  I answered no and then amazed he said, "The same mother and father?"  We have been getting that all our lives.  She is tall and light, me shorter and dark.  Sunday night everyone came over for a dessert night with Robin.    Our big day was a trip to Zion Park with Walt, Jessi, and hubby Cody, but it rained the entire day.  We still went and had an enjoyable time.  I hated to put her on the plane Tuesday, but it was a comfort to know that she would be even more improved the next time I see her.  She decided that she wants to come for a visit every winter.  The weather was sunny most of the time.  She did not wear her coat most of the time.  I told her I have been trying to get someone from my family here in the winter and it has only taken about 30 years to happen.  Most family visits are when it is hot here.