Broken Wrist

 Remember George's car accident way back in October?  

He was very lucky to walk away with only minor injuries, or so we thought.

5 weeks after the accident, when his wrist was still hurting quite a bit, he went to the doctor.  This x-ray showed that he had broken a bone in his wrist.  It is not uncommon for such a break to not show up on the x-rays taken immediately after an accident. Six weeks after his wreck he finally got in to see an orthopedist who put on a cast. Luckily no surgery required.

Everyone loved signing his cast!

Thanks Matt for the idea.

We think it makes a fashion statement.

The arrow actually starrted out as an ink dribble but I turned it into an arrow that points to the exact spot of the break.

Now with a little more luck, it will be healed so that he can swim when we go on our cruise in a few weeks.

Christmas Traditions

 Christmas traditions are important to me.  That's probably one reason that I have a ridiculous number of Christmas decorations.  Some of them my Grandma Boyle made before I was born, others I remember from my childhood, still more from the time when we had little kids plus so many from our trips. I collect nativity scenes and also try to get a tree ornament at each destination. I love them and find joy each year when I get them out.

Traditions of things that we 'do' are even more important.  During my growing up years, all of my Daddy's family came to our house for Christmas Eve.  First we went to our different churches for a Christmas Eve service and then all my aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents came to our house for eggnog and good food.A few years  after I was married the electricity went out during the party.  Unsure what to do with a crowd in a dark house, a new tradition of singing Christmas carols together was born!  Funniest of all, we sang 'The Twelve Days of Christmas" with different people taking each verse.  My Daddy's sister, Maudie, always sang, '3 French hens' and although she could not carry a tune, she was quick to laugh at herself and that just added to the fun. After Maudie passed away, we never sang again because it was just too painful. George and I did renew this tradition when we lived in Spain by inviting all our friends over for food and carol singing on Christmas Eve.  

Our George Lewis family traditions have evolved over the years.  When the kids were little, we acted out the nativity story and also read 'The Polar Express' and of course left out cookies and milk for Santa. 

Our children all have sweet memories of first Grandpa Walt Lewis and now Grandpa George Lewis reciting the Harrison R Merril Poem

'Christmas Eve on the Desert" 

They remember all the years as little children when they didn't understand the poem at all and just felt anxious for the evening to end so Santa could come.  When they were teenagers, the beauty of the poem and the tender sentiments expressed became clear. Now it is a treasured reading every Christmas Eve.

On Christmas morning we open gifts one person at a time. I love this because then you get to see the reactions as special gifts are opened.  When it is a free for all, you miss seeing the recipients delight.

Now that we have adult children and grandchildren, traditions have evolved and we seem to have hit upon the perfect mix for this stage of life.

This year I loved listening to 9 year old Isabella anticipate the Christmas traditions.  Her excitement about the games and food made all the work that goes into making this holiday special well worth the time and effort!

Christmas Eve starts with ornament making.  Every year since 2011, we have made ornaments. You can see them on our tree in this photo of Matt and Cady and their cute dogs, Millie and Baby Dog.  The boys do occasionally grumble about 'crafts' but they are good sports and make one each year!

Games are next on the agenda!  From a marshmallow toss to Christmas Tree Cup Stack to mini golf, they are all so fun.  This year we added 'Oregon Trail' and 'Left, Right, Center' to the mix.

Monica won the grand prize for the "Left, Right, Center" game and promptly gave the $24 to Isabella.

Our competitive Isabella really wanted to win the big games competition. (Although the $24 did make her happy too)  She always does want to win any game she plays but this year she really, really did.  Last year Cady suggested that I buy a trophy to pass around to the winner each year.  And I did.

Isabella coveted that trophy.

We had a Christmas miracle.

I won the game competition!

First time ever!

Isabella really did not think this was fair since I bought the trophy!

After all these years, I finally won so I am keeping it for the year.

This might be the only time I ever win.  George had the handicap of a cast on his arm.  Matt was having severe back pain. And Johnny missed the games because he was working.  Scott came in a close 2nd.

This was MY year!

Game traditions!  Ornament making traditions!  And of course food traditions!

Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup with sandwich fixings....

And the oh so important to Isabella, chocolate fountain....

Her favorite thing to drizzle with chocolate -  the angel food cake!

I agree!

Christmas morning - It's all about the presents and the food again.

Breakfast pizza and cinnamon rolls!

 I made the comment that since everyone loves these two items so much, I should make them more often.

Interestingly the consensus was that I shouldn't.  They like them being special for Christmas morning.

Before and after breakfast we opened presents.

There were a lot of very thoughtful ones!

Not the most important part of Christmas but still so fun!

By the end of the festivities I felt like I should have been wearing Matt's hat.

But I would need it to say

'Tired but oh so happy!'

Next year we will be enjoying Christmas in Peru and trying to make it special for over 100 missionaries who are also far from home.

I can hardly wait!

But I will really miss all these faces!

Christmas In West Virginia

 I gave Mary a sweatshirt for Christmas that said, "Life is better with my boys".  I think she would agree that Christmas is better with her boys.  Jackson, Mark and the new little foster baby!  The baby's birth mother's parental rights were terminated a few weeks ago so it appears that he will become a permanent part of our family.  I couldn't be happier! Hopefully before too long we can share his cute face on social media.

Poor little guy had RSV for Christmas.  His fever finally broke and the meds helped so I think he did enjoy the excitement.

The Reynolds family has the tradition of going out to eat on Christmas Eve.  I love that these boys have so many Reynolds cousins plus a Nana and aunts and uncles on that side of the family.

Back at home Jackson carefully lined up carrots to lead Santa's reindeer to his house. Pretty smart!

And laid out more carrots and a cookie for the jolly old gentleman himself!

From the looks of their living room, the carrots worked and toys were in abundance!

Jackson is following in his Uncle Johnny's footsteps with a love of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Uncle Johnny even parted with his vintage hat from the 1st Turtle Movie.

That is quite a sacrifice.  Johnny's had that hat since he was 5 years old and went to see the movie - way back in 1990.

"HEROES IN A HALF-SHELL!  TURTLE POWER!"

Mary spends a lot of time playing games with Jackson.

I hope he enjoys the Mousetrap game and that it isn't too frustrating.

Mary reports that Jackson's favorite toy is his racetrack.

It does look amazing and like something he and Daddy will enjoy together.  

When we can't be together for Christmas, I am so thankful for a thoughtful son-in-law and daughter who share lots of photos.  And for Facetime so I can almost feel like I am there.

Giving Machines Come to Boise

In 2017, our church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, introduced the 'Light the World Giving Machines'.  They are essentially reverse vending machines.  Instead of receiving a can of pop or a bag of chips, you can swipe your card to choose an item to donate and the item is distributed to a local or an international nonprofit organization.  The Church covers all operating expenses, including credit card fees, so that the nonprofits receive 100% of the donations.

I've waited and hoped for several years and  finally they came to Boise!

We loved doing our part to help 'Light the World'.

Thinking of our horse loving Scott, I decided on supporting a vulnerable youth through 

EQUINE THERAPY.

Remembering how important goats are to the families we know and love in Kenya, George purchased a GOAT!

The Giving Machines have been a worldwide phenomena, with more than 2 million people donating over $32 million since 2017.  

Among the items you can buy are school supplies, groceries, clean water, meals, immunizations, blankets, hygiene kits, toys, books, even a toilet, livestock (like George's goat)....and the list goes on and on.

These machines give people a way to bring

light and hope to others this Christmas.

I am glad we could participate this year.

In 2024 the Giving Machines will be in 107 cities in 13 countries on five continents.

And for the first time ever there is one in Africa and it's in Nairobi, Kenya.

Such a joyful and memorable experience.

Merry Christmas!

Light the World!

Wicked

On Friday Isabella and I went to 'The Village', a very nice outdoor shopping mall, to see the movie version of 'Wicked'.  I had totally not taken into account that it was 'Black Friday' and 'The Village' is very popular. 

I am not exaggerating when I say that we spent 35 minutes, mostly stopped in traffic gridlock, looking for a spot.  Just about the time the movie was going to start, Isabella said, "There is a spot".  Unfortunately for me, it required parallel parking.  And I hate parallel parking. In fact I avoid parallel parking at all costs BUT the movie was about to start so I attempted it.  I admit that I was probably 3 feet from the curve and I spent the entire movie hoping my car wouldn't be towed or side swiped.  And it wasn't!  Isabella told me that her Daddy could park in the spot easily in one try and I don't doubt that.  Without comparing myself to John or to George, I was pretty proud of myself.  

And we loved the movie.  Isabella gave it a 10 out of 10.

I give any time spent with this girl at 10 out of 10 - even in traffic gridlock and with parallel parking.

 

Thanksgiving

 Our Thanksgiving was perfectly lovely! Truthfully I was thinking of taking the family to Chuck-A-Rama like we did a couple of years ago when only Monica, John and Isabella were joining us. The variety of foods was a big hit for everyone and the quality of the food was better than I remembered,  Chuck-A-Rama was one of George's Dad's favorite places. He made sure to get his money's worth by piling his plate high and even stuffing rolls in his pockets.

My original plan changed when Matt told us that he was not going to Wyoming with Cady to her Grandmother's 90th birthday because he knew we would be in Peru next Thanksgiving and he wanted to spend this one with us.  When I heard that I knew I had to fix a traditional meal with all the foods we love.

And that is what I did!

Turkey, dressing, gravy, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, fruit salad and rolls.

Followed by cherry and pumpkin pie with lots of whipped cream for dessert!

Served on the china my Daddy bought in Occupied Japan with the silver that was once my mother's, the water glasses that belonged to my great grandmother and George's mother's bread bowl. 

A multi generational table setting.

Isabella did the centerpiece and also helped with dinner preparations.

I googled 'best mashed potatoes' and found a recipe that called for a 2 sticks of butter for 5 pounds of potatoes.   Isabella cut them into small pieces and added them to the potatoes.  I told her to count to 20 between each addition and she very carefully did just that.

And the potatoes were definitely the best ever....tons of butter tends to make everything 'the best'.

I love these people more than I can adequately express.

Sure glad they are mine!

We followed this advice.

And we don't even feel guilty!

Grandma and Grandpa Are Going on A Mission

Ever since George stopped working, I have been talking about serving a senior mission as a couple.  True to our personalities, I was immediately enthusiastic and George was much more thoughtful and concerned with details like finances and our house and our cars.....

I knew that Matt and Cady were planing on moving sometime next year and hoped to live with us while they had her house on the market.  One day I casually asked Matt if they would consider living in our house for 18 months while we went on a mission.  I was pleased when he said that was something they would consider.  Several more weeks went by and George was still 'thinking'.  He wasn't opposed to the idea, just not totally on-board like I was.

Then came a Sunday when several talks at church were about the blessings of serving a mission as a senior couple and the great need throughout the world.  That very evening, Matt texted.  "Mom, are you and Dad serious about going on a mission because Cady and I think it work for us to live in your house while you are gone."

Ah a sign from Heaven that now was the time for us to go!  George recognized it  and knowing they would take good care of our house, we got the process started.

Now came interviews, doctor and dentist appointments, and lots of questions, which ranged from 'what is your interest in learning a new language?' to 'can you drive a truck?'  to 'what is your level of expertise with computers?'. The application process took 5 full weeks.

Senior couples can list eight 'preferences'.  Our list included Nigeria, the Congo, the Philippines, Vietnam, Niue, and Guatamala. Finally our papers were complete and we had our last interview and our missionary application was officially submitted.

Just before submitting our papers,  our Stake President (an ecclesiastical leader over 9 congregations in our area) asked us to consider going to Peru where another couple from our area are serving as Mission Leaders.  They have no senior couples in their mission and are desperate for help.  We enjoyed meeting them through a 'FaceTime' chat.  As we ended our conversation, they said that they were going to officially 'request' that we serve in their mission.  It wasn't a 'done deal' and still required confirmation from the spirit to the Apostle who was extending the call. 

So we had no idea how all of this would turn out.  Where would we be spending 18 months of our lives? Now the wait began!  Three to six week waiting time was the norm.  Patience doesn't come easily to me but I did survive the nail biting weeks before we learned where we would be going.  

November 12th we both woke up to this notification: 

And turned on the computer to see this 

One more click took us to this screen

And then we stopped and looked at each other and knew that we were supposed to open it with our children.  So we waited another day until everyone could arrange a FaceTime that fit work schedules and time differences.

After a few technical glitches getting all of us on FaceTime at the same time, we opened the call and learned that we would be serving for 18 months in Piura, Peru.

It's in a desert area way up in the north of the country. 

Pirua has 12 days with rain on average each year.

Boise has 89 days of rain.

Portland has 157

Harper's Ferry has 117

Phoenix has 33.

Yes it is a desert!

Funny how when the call came, it immediately felt right.

And like really there was no other place where we could have gone.

It was meant to be.

It's where Heavenly Father wants us to serve.

We go into the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah on March 3 and fly to Peru on March 15.

So happy and excited!

And a bit nervous as well.