Feeling Blessed

  Last month we had a large windstorm in our area.  This is a picture of a tree that fell on our rental house.  Lots of other trees were uprooted, and shingles were blown off houses.  Our son, Rob, was helping fix a stranger's roof because shingles had been blown off the home was it was leaking.The homeowner was the friend of a friend, but Rob had never met him.

Rob lost his balance, fell onto a piece of plastic covered with dew, and landed head first on the rocks below.  He was rushed to the emergency room of the hospital and stayed in the hospital for 5 days.  It was determined that he had cracked skull his skull in several places and also his pelvis when he landed.  This is what Rob looked like in the hospital.

We were very worried about his recovery, but are pleased to announce that he has been blessed more than we could have ever imagined.  A doctor neighbor commented that 25% of people who land in similar accidents do not survive.  Many of those who do have brain damage or other problems for life.  The eye and ear doctors looked at the x-rays and were sure there were be problems with his vision and hears.  However, Rob has no long lasting problems, and is now walking with only a limp.  It was a month of many miracles, and we are grateful for them.

Snowbirds for a Week

At the beginning of our winter break, we had a family Christmas party at our house.  Everyone had a wonderful time eating good food, telling stories, and watching movies of parties of the past.  Our favorite movie was one where Daniel and Lorum dressed up like girls so they could hang out with the girl cousins.  Fun times.

Grandma, grandpa, Bruce, Bev, Carrie, Suzanne, Wes, and I then packed up and headed south for a week.  We visited a Spanish mission that is between Tucson and Sabrina's home.  It was quite amazing.

 The chapel was decorated for Christmas Eve and was very ornate.

 While we were taking in the mission, Sabrina, Brett, and Parker were home fixing a delicious Christmas Eve dinner.  There was more food than we could eat, but it was so good that we tried.

Sabrina finally even got to sit down and eat a plate of food.

 The girls decorated cakes for Jesus's birthday.

 We all walked around the neighborhood that night and looked at the Christmas decorations.  Parker had a good time even though his eyes look a little red.  He was fighting a cold.  He slept through opening present the next morning.

 Chase was excited about everything he opened.  His biggest challenge was that he wanted to play, and we were trying to get him to open more gifts.

 Santa made sure that everyone got a stocking and presents.

 Adie was equally as thrilled about her presents and danced all through the house with excitement.

 Grandma and I loved the hot pad holders that Adie weaved for us.

 Here are the cousins who went to Daniel's luncheon.  They all loved hanging out in the warmth.

 We all got together and took a picture, but it is hard to see everyone.   It was a beautiful setting, and a wonderful ceremony.

My dad's cousin, Tom Alec Chappell, and his wife Alice joined us for the festivities.  Tom was Lisa's hometeacher.  Although he was almost like my dad's brother growing up, our family hadn't seen him in about 40 years.  His brother, son, and daughter-in-law also came to the reception.  It was great to see them all.

Daniel and Lisa are married and happy.  We are glad we were able to spend this important day with them.

We enjoyed our trip and look forward to more family time.  This is living, living, living.