Luke and Papa had a marvelous time in Florida. They weather was a bit cool, but nothing these two couldn't handle. I'm so glad we made this fun tradition happen over the years. This is the very last papa trip. I think Luke enjoyed every minute. We also ended up getting Luke new transition lenses at the beginning of January. I didn't think Luke would like them, but they ended up working perfectly for this trip.
We ran into one problem though - I couldn't find the present he wanted the most. I bought him prescription lenses to go inside his VR headset. I searched, and searched, and searched all over the entire house. Peter even joined in the searching. We finally gave up and I ordered another pair. I assumed I had somehow thrown them away. Then, last night Peter found them in this cupboard. Too funny! A sign that I am getting old because I don't even remember putting them in there.
January blahs have entered in full force - it's been a discouraging week where I only managed to barely survive it. Life is hard despite keeping myself super busy. Hopefully this next week will be better.
I started the week attending my Great Aunt Sherrie Misel's funeral. Oh, she was the sweetest lady ever and I love her so much! She was so happy despite struggling so badly with depression, and chronic pain. I loved to go over to her house and listen to her stories of when she was a little girl. Then we would laugh and laugh.
She was so kind to me and let me borrow all of Great-Gma Chamberlain's recipes that she had. I am so grateful that I managed to get them all uploaded to family search. She desperately missed her sisters - especially Aunt Donna with whom she was very close. Whenever a loved one passes away I feel a bit jealous. Mortality is difficult - and I'm just hanging on for the hope that I may mange to earn an eternal reward in the heavenly choir. #celestiallifegoals
Her funeral was delightful and my sister, Amy, and I listed to each one of her daughters speak. She was one of those rare people that absolutely love everyone. One habit Aunt Sherrie had was to sneak $20 bills into your hand or pocket before you left her house. She was so generous that way. I know she is having an absolute blast with her family right now. I only feel badly for Uncle John - her hubby that is now alone. Thank goodness he has a daughter nearby that will be his caregiver.
Went to church choir today. We have a lively group that attends. Sadly, we are always short of men - I wish the many men that know how to sing in our ward would actually come to choir. It's annoying that they don't. Nursery was more of a challenge then we are used to. It's just taking a while for the tiny kids to get used to senior nursery. Hehehehe! It will be my turn for the lesson next week and I'm already getting nervous. Fingers crossed.
Springville still doesn't have any snow. I think we've only had one tiny storm that left a little skiff a snow. It's such a weird winter that way.
I had lots of time on my hands during Christmas break this year. Truthfully, I've got to do something different during Christmas break '26 'cause I almost went completely crazy. One of the things I did do, was visit Pirate O's Gourmet Market in Draper. They have so many yummy European treats. I took Luke in December, and wanted to go back and see what they had on Christmas clearance.
I scored! These, my friends, were the best haul of the trip. So, so yummy! Next year I need to go back and get more.
Since I was in Salt Lake County anyway, I happily agreed to go and pick up the daughter of my bestie. Her daughter is going to BYU. We had a very lovely ride down to campus while she filled me in on the first semester of her college adventures. I loved hearing all about it, and was so thankful it wasn't me trying to navigate college classes and boys. Bwahaha!
I kept expectations low this year, so the holiday was absolutely beautiful! We did our multiple advents, ate loads of holiday treats, danced around the Christmas tree, watched The Muppets Christmas Carol, and retold the Nativity story. I don't remember a Christmas season that felt so comforting and special. I am grateful.
Christmas morning I had to wake up the kids to come open presents. That was a first. I was so thankful to have the financial ability to buy the kids Christmas gifts.
I decided to try something new this year. I'm working on this ambitious embroidery advent calendar. At the rate I'm going, I won't be done in time for Christmas. I've been juggling too many other projects as well.
A month or so ago, Luke told me that he would really like to go on a road trip. I think this boy has 'wander foot', but he has been afraid to mention it because he knew how financially tight things have been. For some reason, I decided that we really should go on a trip together while Peter and Brandon were out camping.
I was able to find a cute place to stay that cost half of what a hotel room would. It had quirks, but we were only there for one night. Luke really loved being able to pick where we went out to eat. It was fun to see him excited about making choices.
We did a lot of reading books while we were away. It was nice. It was also nice to come home and sleep in our own beds though. I think going away makes you appreciate what you've got at home.
We decided there are a few things that we really need to be comfortable. Those items are: a bathroom in the room, two queen beds, a place in the city. Luke said he isn't a country kid like me. The bathroom smelled like 'old lady' which was nostalgic for me, and miserable for Luke.
