12/3 to 12/9

All the Children participating in Silent night

This has been a busy week,  Monday was the recital and all the children did very well and the bells choir was a hit.  It was great to see how the children had progressed.  Tuesday, I when to lunch with Kathy and kneaders again.  I learned that after 8 0'clock pm that all their pastries go  on sale for half price.  Good to know when you get a sweet tooth craving.

Kathy at Kneaders

Wednesday I went to see Dr Hodson's nurse Holly and she didn't know why I was having so much leg pain, then we went over to Dr Curshman, and he said that I would be in the hospital for two days, which I felt much more comfortable with. Then I went over to the hospital and did all my pre-opp stuff.  When I got home I realized that I had forgotten to ask if my port was going to be taken out so I called on that.  They had to get approval from Dr Hodson for that.  Deborah came over from work and offered some Soma, which is a muscle relaxer and it really helped.

The scarves I have gotten done

Thursday morning I woke up with a swollen upper throat when I called Dr Cushman's office they said they didn't deal with that so I called Dr Maderious and he gave me a prescription for Azithromycin  and it took it away.  Now if I can just stay well. I was sad that I couldn't go out to lunch with Nancy but  she brought me over some yarn that she wants me to make for her daughters and grand daughters.  There was no pressure of time but I have 3 done and probably get the rest done before Tuesday. I am grateful that she asked me because I gives me something to do sitting down

Friday I went to Norco to see if my machine was working because Willard said that I had been snoring horribly for the last two nights.  But nothing was wrong with it but I did find out that I got the order for a new one approved.  Then I went to Brownsfields to get fitted for camisole that I can wear while my surgery heals. They were very nice and it was a good experience.

Saturday we went to Hailey's dance recital. I so enjoy her recitals because so many of the kids in the ward dance there.  The costumes are great and the stage timing is wonderful.  All of them did such a great job

At Hailey's Dance Recital.  I wish I had her energy

On the way home, we were listening to Christmas music and they played "I'll be home for Christmas"  and memories of my childhood Christmas's came flooding back.  We would always get a fresh Christmas tree a week before Christmas.  It was always a Douglas Fir and we would put silver icicles on the tree.  Now I wasn't as patient as Mom.  She would place one icicle on and hang it so just a little would be on the bough and so it would hung beautiful.  I of course just put handful on.  Consequently I got to help with the back of the tree. 

Me with my doll. Notice the beautiful laid icicles

 Mom would make us a new Christmas dress each year and I especially loved this blue taffeta with the rabbit fur collar.  Jeanette's was green. It went well with her fiery red hair. When we were young Jeanette and I usually got the same dress except in different colors. It saved on pattern. Mom was very thrifty.

Taken in 1954 with my favorite Blue Taffeta Dress

Christmas morning was always the same.  When we got up we had to get dressed and make our beds.  Then we would all gather at the foot of the stairs to await for everyone to get done. The older kids were always a little slower then us younger ones.  Then mom would tell us that we could come in the living room.  We would all rush and stake out our place.  Then Dad would say family prayer.  It always seemed that it was the longest prayer ever.  Then he would hand out the presents one by one, waiting for each to unwrap their gift.  Mom had a rule that we would only get a full figured doll when we were 12, so I always got baby dolls, which I loved each one dearly.  I loved my Tiny Tears Dolls.

For dinner Mom would make a turkey and we would eat in the dinning room on our very large table.  She would set it with her prized Dogwood plates and crystal goblets.  I always loved those dinners.  Everyone was at the table and everyone was happy.  

It was great if there was snow outside.  We would go out and have snowball fights using the huge inner tube as a fort. Then we usually would all go up the hill to the Steels and  share our presents. Then later that night we might pop some popcorn and have a fire in the fireplace. 

Our house on a wintery days.

 All these memories feel my heart and love for my parents and my brother's and sisters.  I am so thankful for those precious memories.  They warm and comfort my soul and I am so thankful at this time for the gift of the Savior and for this special season of love.