Happy Last Day

December 31, the last day of the year

But what if you knew it was your last day on earth?  What would you do?

See / call your family and friends to tell them "Good-bye.  I love you."

Frantically try to get your affairs in order - write/review your will, throw away the embarrassing junk/clutter, no time to lose weight (argh)

Eat your favorite food

Try to find someone to care for your children/pets

Go someplace you always wanted to see

Do some serious praying and repenting

Sit and cry because there is NOT time for everything you want to do

   The idea of a last day is overwhelming and sad.  There are too many things that I would want/need to do and I would not be able to to them all.

    Maybe, just maybe I should try to do some of these things every day. 

thank you, Mesoamericans!

email to Acadia, full time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, serving in the Oregon Eugene Mission (Or is it Eugene Oregon Mission?)

Dear Acadia,

Happy New Year!

Do you make New Year’s Resolutions?? The only NYR I was ever successful at was to not make any more New Year’s Resolutions. I don’t want to break it now. I tell myself that I should be doing something similar weekly, should we not? Check in with ourselves, repent, resolve and covenant to do better? Daily even, but especially in preparation for the Sacrament. I do confess that I do not often think of it, but I know I should and I do manage sometimes.

I also do not go out and celebrate on New Year’s Eve. I prefer to be safe and comfortable at home. Maybe watch some celebrations on TV and probably go to bed at the regular time (which for me, honestly could be anywhere from 8 to 10 or maybe 11) Officially, Family Prayer and Scripture) is at 9 and then I get ready for bed. But some evenings one of us (usually me) asks for early FP&S. Once in a while so we can watch a movie and not be too tired for FP&S when it is over, but more often because we are tired.

The new curriculum for Come, Follow Me is the Book of Mormon. So now what are we going to do? We usually read a chapter every night after Family Prayer. On Monday at dinner we read from “Come, Follow Me” and call it Home Evening. I think we are going to spend a little time with “Come, Follow Me” for our FP&S. See how that works. Which will lead to new decision making next year about how to work in reading the BoM daily.

I hope you had a Merry Christmas! I hope my little package made it to you.

We had a bit of a long, leisurely Christmas.

Our traditional bread, fruit, and cheese on Christmas Eve while talking about Jesus and his birth. I had not been feeling well, so I didn’t have a plan for the evening. It would have been better if I had.

Christmas morning was just us at the Patch. I had told Santa not to bother with us, which honestly made me a little sad. He surprised us, however with chocolates! We all were up at different times and quietly did our own thing. I watched The Nativity and some other Christmasy movies. Every now and then I asked if they wanted to open a couple of presents, but no one leaped with interest, so it waited until way late in the day. David and Teresa came over and hung out. It was pleasant and peaceful, but not especially Christmasy. Miriam took the day off her special diet, so I made cinnamon rolls, we each put pizza toppings on our own Focccaia bread, and we had Tater Tots. Foods she sometimes misses a lot.

Some of us were glad to have the couple days after Christmas day to finish getting family presents together. Saturday was fun! ! We all gathered at Debi’s for gift exchange and were even able to be on the phone with your folks for hours. Three elves gave homemade chocolates to their giftee AND so the rest of us wouldn’t be jealous, each made little bags of chocolates for the rest of us. My children each gave me chocolate, as well. Debi gave a couple of us Nativities from her day in Portugal. Mine is so tiny! The base is little bigger than a good sized postage stamp! She also gave me a rock with a fish painted on it from Portugal. Really cute. I want to find time to do rock painting. I started to, but life is full. Hinds gave me and apron and “4 seasons towels” made with the kids’ hand prints. The hands are flowers on the apron and in the spring, cardinals in the winter, leaves in the fall, sand un rays in the summer. Cute and clever. Jared did a wood burning Nativity for me. David and Teresa gave me Downton Abby cds. And Mercy Street dvds. For my next, but shorter obsession. It only lasted 2 seasons. Too bad. It was good.

Chocolate was one of the most popular gitts to give and receive this year. I wonder if there will be a reaction next year and no one gives chocolate. Hope not!

So far, I have only had to give one person receipts to return the gift I gave them. I really liked the sweaters I found for Joseph and so did he, but they were two small in the neck and too long in the arm. What a combination. He does not have a thick neck or short arms. But maybe he doesn’t like things on his neck much. I don’t.

With Christmas, 2^nd Christmas, special Sacrament Meeting, people taking days off from work, I got quite mixed up on the day of the week and frequently had to check my phone. Not done yet, with New Year’s this Wednesday but that should be less disruptive because my Christmas was sort of Sunday like, but I expect New Years to be less so.

Andrew has been called back into teaching Primary. 7 turning 8. With the 74 year old husband of our RS president. He is really a big kid. An absolute imp. Except not at all evil. Definitely mischievous. They have worked together before. It should be good.

I have had a slight cold for a couple of weeks now. Which meant that when Benjamin, Bethany, and Jacob came to the family gift exchange, I had to wear a mask and I did not try to hold him. Slowly getting better. Hopefully, I can get to know my newest grandchild soon.

I sure love my oldest grandchild! And I am so proud of you! We will be working on plans to go to your homecoming soon. Don’t get trunky! Savor every minute and keep working hard. I know you will. Some missionaries sort of stop focusing on the work, but I think most really throw themselves into it as they realize their time is growing short.

Love you!

Batman elbow

email to granddaughter Acadia,

This has been somewhat of a nothing week as I have not been feeling well.  Not miserable sick, but tired, a sore throat early on, sneezes and coughs.  I spent a couple of days doing nothing but resting.  And addressing Christmas cards.  

Fortunately, I have gifts that I am pretty much happy with for all my *8*5*9*.  Although, frankly, 9 is cheating.  I am giving Jacob a crocheted blanket as I have given all of you just for being born.  I don't think he'll notice.  I hope you got your package envelope. 

We had our "special" Sacrament Meeting which was pretty much like our regular Sacrament Meetings except both the Primary and the choir sang and the Bishopric spoke. Nice, but not newsworthy.  No false advertising in that meeting.  LOL.  The Elders Quorum provided milk, cookies and background music for some nice visiting afterwards.  I am not sure whether we had any visitors due to the advertising / invitations, but a couple of people who have moved from our ward came back to visit.  One couple who moved to West Sacramento double dipped.  A fellow moved to Montana but comes back now and then for business.  It was nice.   I would have appreciated it all more but for  my minor cold. 

I just got in from riding my bike (Sylvia) from dropping my car (Gracie) at the shop.  I have not ridden in a long time.  I need to!  

Remember when I told you that Teresa and I were getting together a couple times a week to exercise?  I don't think we have since!  I think I told you that I am not good at doing it on my own.  Something must change. 

As  I said, no news.  Looking forward to a home centered Christmas and a fun family gathering the Saturday after.  May your Christmas be filled with love. 

here a jingle, there a jingle

The Ward Christmas Dinner was a success. There was just enough food which was quite tasty. The decorations were lovely. We had about 8 loaned Nativities and 25+ craft stick Nativities placed around, plus some greenery off a ward member’s redwood trees and some battery candles. Lots of compliments for the craft stick Nativities. One sister is going to have her family do them for their extended family night. The Primary presentation was sweet and meaningful. The children sang well. Everyone seemed to have a good time (except possibly our overworked kitchen manager)

Busy, busy, but not quite as hectic as I feared. I made lots of phone calls – looking for more people to volunteer to help with the food and reminding those who had. I helped deliver “Winner, Winner Chicken Dinner” Kits which had everything one needed to make our main dish except a half (?) cup of milk and oven to bake it in. I didn’t have to go around picking up Nativities or trees. I made two apple cakes and two dinner casseroles. I helped a little with set up on Friday. I was there the whole time, only a little help LOL. It was not as organized as I expected. No clear leader. I had almost accidentally drug Miriam along – we took too long doing one of her errands and so I didn’t take her home first. Good news, bad news. She has a good eye for decorating and setup and she is not afraid to tell people what to do. Maybe she should have checked with the RS President before, but, well she did a good job. Worse news is that between that and a couple other things she got wiped out and was unable to go the actual dinner on Saturday or church Sunday noon. She was able to have dinner with the family Sunday and between leftovers and recreations, we had the same dinner as the ward had Saturday. But not the lovely Primary program, of course.

I had thought that Benjamin, Bethany, and Jacob were coming over, so I skipped a Messiah Sing-a-Long at the Presbyterian church and the Valley Choral Society Concert at our own building to take care of dinner (and try to straighten up a little). Otherwise we would have had tortilla wraps on the run. It didn’t work out for B+1, which was disappointing. We had a pleasant evening nonetheless. I also missed our local Live Nativity on our temple hill . Well, it was chilly outside, anyway. Hopefully timing will work out better last year. We have gone at least 2 years and it is quite well done.

Now I need to finish gathering and wrapping family gifts. Try to get my Christmas cards out. And maybe, maybe do a little to take of myself and home. Or that can wait until next year.

stick it to me

 email to my granddaughter, Acadia, serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Oregon Eugene Mission

 

Patchy news. not much

Baby Jacob Bruce Robarts spent a little extra time in hospital. Apparently he had swallowed fluid before or during birth.  With his tummy full, he was not eager to eat.  And he was sleepy.  After they pumped his stomach, he started eating better.  He is a rather laid back, easy going fellow.  Benjamin and Bethany are totally in love.   He is a charmer.  And wearing 3 month clothes.

Despite feeling like I was quite busy all week, I have nothing to report. 

We are almost done making the craft stick Nativities.  Which is very good, because the Ward Christmas Dinner is Saturday.  I need to remind everyone who signed up to let us use Christmas trees and/or Nativities and everyone who signed up to help with food.   The RS 1 C is putting together kits of ingredients  which we will need to deliver.  I need to help deliver food kits and collect trees and Nativities from those who cannot get them to the church as needed.  There is a lot of shopping to be done.  The RS Pres was going to do most of it, but she was very sick Sunday, so that may change.  I need to get CDs from Tom with a playlist of Christmas music for background for the dinner.  And get hold of a CD player.  Friday we are setting up and decorating with the youth, maybe just YW? and having pizza.  Saturday I will be doing some cooking for the dinner.  Not sure what all yet.  I know at least one Winner, Winner Chicken Dinner, but I may have to also make some Apple Cake.  This is going to a busy week.  I hope the dinner goes well. 

I went to a class Saturday about watering and  pruning trees.  There is a lot to learn and I only remember bits.  Then, too, I don't have any young tress right now.  My "baby" apple tree is several years old now. 

Church ads inviting people to a special service Sunday the 22nd end showing hands reaching for cookies.  Having heard nothing, Miriam, Teresa, and I started asking.  As of last Sunday, there were no plans for cookies.  False Advertising!  That troubled us, so we started thinking about what we were going to do about it.  Do we have time to bake?  Costco has a great bakery.  I usually do not care for store bought baked goods, but I have never had any bakery items from Costco that I did not think were very good.  Fortunately, yesterday Relief Society brought it up in Ward Council and, joy of joys! Elder's Quorum accepted the assignment.  At least there will be cookies.

Do you find that people are more willing to learn about Jesus Christ and His gospel this time of the year OR are they too busy with Christmas preparation and activities ? 

Wishing you warm hands, feet, nose and heart.

Love,

Grandma Barbara

8*5*(8-2+1)

email to my Granddaugher, Acadia, serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints - 

What a wild wonderful week!

Monday was mostly shopping for Thanksgiving and attendant activities. That was wild enough.

Tuesday morning was Relief Society Presidency Meeting. We are in charge of the Ward Christmas Dinner. Just dinner and music. They keep announcing it as a party, but to Miriam and I party sounds a little more active and festive. I hope that the kids are not disappointed. 

Then dinner at Ruth’s with your family. Hawaiian Haystacks. And lots of talking. Almost everyone at once.  It was loud.  All of my children and almost all my grandchildren. Everyone except you and Molly. I so seldom see Molly. Does Benjamin and Bethany’s baby count? He was in utero. We even got to meet the ever famous Kali (Roser's dearly beloved Maine Coon Cat)

Wedneday morning David and Teresa, the Hinds, and we Patch people met at Country Club Plaza Mall for a scavenger hunt. Everyone seemed to have a good time. Peter only intermittently because he just woke up in a bad mood. Lol. Since there were few of us, we all stayed together and worked pretty much cooperatively. Sam had pictures of things to look for, the rest of them worked from written clues. We played about an hour before dispersing to our various preparations.

Take a picture by the capitol. 

 

 

 

 

Find a Fairytale Town element.

I prepaid for each child to choose a balloon.

The hunt planning crew.

Clue: Make a bird sing.  (When you enter the shop, this bird sings. So fun!)

David and Teresa were going to spend Thanksgiving with her sisters’ family but the kids started getting sick, so we got DT for Thanksgiving! Typical Thanksgivng Day dinner close to our regular dinner time. We were so full we didn’t eat any pie. Pumpkin pie for breakfast Friday!

Benjamin and Bethany went to the hospital Thanksgiving morning about 10 to have labor induced. We were on alert all day. And all night. And into the next day. Jacob Bruce was born on Friday at 1:39pm 9lbs 11 oz, 22 inches Big boy! We have only seen a picture, but he looks a bit like Ben did.  They are settling in, learning to feed, and avoiding germs.

Naomi got sick, so we cancelled plans to play games with Hinds for Forced Family Fun Friday. (Frankly, I think that delightful, but short lived tradition is dying. I am going to try to encourage more Family Day togetherness January 25) Tried to do some cyber shopping. Small stack of birthdays right after Thanksgiving! Benjamin Dec 1, Bethany Dec 2, and Molly Dec 4. (Bethany’s brother is Dec 3, but I don’t gift him.) Miriam convinced me to wait until we looked at Target. Joseph and I went to Office Depot where he got a Chromebook that was on a good sale. And we bought a new printer. There was a $50 trade in on any printer, so I went home to get our old one. We bought the printer. Andrew, Miriam, and I went to Target. None of us found what we were looking for. I ended up on Amazon ordering a book to be delivered to Molly, and gift cards for B&B.

Joseph worked on setting up the printer. Which said an ink cartridge was leaking. He checked and didn’t see anything, but the printer insisted. So, we went back to the store. (That made 3 trips to that store for me in one day.) At first, they were baffled, but when they took the printer out of the box and looked at the back, there was ink everywhere. Unfortunately, they didn’t have any more in stock. Offered us a discount on a different printer, but I declined. A new one will be shipped here tomorrow. Hoping it works out! In the meantime, instead of a printer that hates me but sometimes works for the others, we currently have no printer. Of course, I get last minute requests to do some kind of sign up sheet almost every week for Relief Society. This week it was for temple cleaning. I got one up on-line and it will be in the notebooks next week. (I hope!) The assignment is Dec 14-20, so we have a week.

Saturday was Andrew’s last day as Building Cleaning Supervisor until July. Joseph went to help and they had a good crew. Andrew felt like they went out well. I think the Spanish ward will do December and June. The other ward in our building will do January through May. It’s a big job. Andrew is glad of the break.

I got a surprise text! My friends, Kent and Melanie Larson, who moved to Utah years ago, were in town. Their oldest son married my Bishop’s daughter and their daughter married one of my former Bishop’s son. They had Thanksgiving with the Bishop. On Friday, which was the best weather day of the holiday week, they went to the ocean so Melanie could put her feet in the ocean. Saturday they visited friends. Joseph and I spent an hour or so with them. They are friends that when you get together it seems like there was no gap in time or distance. 

Sunday evening we managed some Downton Abbey time with David and Teresa. 

Now it’s back to the regular life. Clean, cook, pay bills. EXCEPT I must get ready for Christmas! I got a few things together to send with your folks, but now I need to get on everybody else. So far I have not been adequately inspired by “what to give a missionary” and all my years as a missionary mom still leave me without great ideas. Any modest suggestions?

I am charge of gathering / making Nativities for each table for the Ward Christmas Dinner on the 14^th. With Teresa’s help, I am making cute craft stick Nativities. I am also in charge of background music. Working with Tom to get a playlist and with David to set it up for sound through the building’s speakers. 

I have been neglecting my ministering sisters. Gotta spend some time on that this week for sure. I have a couple I should contact multiple times a week. 

Over booking, over booking. The 13^th, 14^th, and 15^th is the Live Nativity on our temple hill. But the 13^th is set up and decorate for the Ward Dinner. The 14^th is the Ward Christmas Dinner. And the 15^th is a Sing-along Messiah at Bethany Presbyterian Church at 4 and Valley Choral Society Messiah concert at our building at 7pm. I think we will miss the live Nativity this year. Teresa, David, Andrew and I went to the Sing-along last year and determined to make it a tradition. We should be able to easily make the Valley Choral Society Concert. 

My bruise from the last visit is almost healed.  Time to book another platelets donation. 

So glad I am retired and have lots of free time. LOL

Thank you for bringing joy to our world through the gospel of Jesus Christ.