I can hardly believe this is the end of the year. I'm going to have this all made into a book, and then I will begin fresh in January and delete the rest off.
It was wonderful to see Kellye and the kids. They were here the day of Julie's birthday. I enjoyed being Grandma---really! It is wonderful getting to play with each child and talk to them. I am trying to figure out how we could have Ayden and Kayla each stay for a week, and then get them home without too much hassle for Kellye. I could then devote all my attention to Kayla and her embroidery work. I could also give time to Ayden and the piano, without feeling stretched.
Julie called on her birthday. She had gotten 1 Christmas box that day and called and said thank you. She loved her cookbook (which is the same one she learned to cook from - mine) and also the peanut butter M&Ms. She opened all of her gifts that day.
Sunday was the choir program. If only we had begun sooner, I think it would have been better. It wasn't perfectly dreadful. I just remember in the Catholic choir, if it "wasn't good enough for the Lord" we didn't perform until it was. Our members (not paid for service!) just seem to do everything with a wing and a prayer. It is one of those things I find very frustrating.
Kellye came to hear the music and brought the kids as well. Gwen and I played O Holy Night, piano/organ duet. Of course, Gwen is a stickler for rehearsals so we did rehearse for 5 weeks, 1 hour each week, plus I did practice at home.
Fun things have happened. One night the Neslen family came and caroled at our door. Marley was happy to see them and wagged her tail. It was worth opening the door for - I wasn't really in a good mood, kind of cranky and then Tanner was standing there smiling at me and it made my whole day.
Christmas was okay. It was just Graydon and us. I love Graydon, he is funny and warm and caring. But I did miss everyone else. I wondered how Ryan was. Should I have called him? The unknown offense worries me, so I didn't. I did Skype grandkids and heard about their day. I read them a new story: Probuditi! by Christ VanAllsburg, one of my favorite children's authors.
Randy bought a chiming clock for the piano room. Also he found used, a 15 volume set of the International Library of Music (1948 pub). I was delighted and have a spent some time already perusing! I don't know how much I will be able to play, but the pieces are fun to hear in my head or on YouTube. Isn't technology amazing?
Last night, Randy and I finished "To the Ends of the Earth" a 3-part series on Netflix (Graydon's subscription) which was about a priviledged young man from England who sails for a post in the government of Australia. Benedict Cumberbatch was in it! Also PBS has been advertising the new Sherlock season, which I am eagerly awaiting. Anyway - on the internet queue I can find all kinds of great PBS shows (theatre productions, mysteries, other programs) and then save them to Graydon's account, and then we can watch them later. So we are watching some great stuff that is clean and have good story lines. Oh...and Randy bought me Voyage of the Dawn Treader. I loved that film. I am pretty sure that "Jack" would have approved it. Liam Neeson does a splendid job voicing Aslan.
Randy gave me 2 new books on my list: Miracles by CS Lewis and also Lakota Woman, the story of Mary Crow Dog from South Dakota. I just keep my wish list in Amazon and he chooses from there to surprise me. Isn't that a lovely way to do that?
I bought Randy a new suit and also a Kindle Fire. Wow, it is an amazing little gadget. Graydon installed all the scriptures, Ensigns, Gospel standards, etc on it and Randy is figuring it out. Graydon and I also bought him a Ryobi chainsaw. Hopefully he will have continued work as we plowed through funds for the holidays.
Randy made some really beautiful ornaments this year. They were carved doves, from African Padauk wood. He only made about a dozen. I didn't get the pillowcases done for Angie and Kellye -- maybe next year????
I submitted the transcription final December 22. I got a note yesterday that I should get my score before January 9. I feel good about this. I had reviewed and transcribed an additional 80+ reports and worked hard getting ready. The exam did not feel as hairy as the first time. I still feel compelled to complete the Voice Recognition class if I do pass, because that I will be more employable and for a longer period. I am excited to be an independent contractor and work for myself. There should be no politics and no expenditures for car or wardrobe. Also, I can practice more easily, having the piano in the next room.
I have been playing my piano alot. (I think it needs tuning =O(. It fills me sometimes....sometimes it is just plowing, but I know I am still learning and that is good. I don't fret as much about the lack of talent, because I have faith that the One who loves me more than anyone else, knows of my desires, and will bless my puny efforts. (Notice, I don't have that same faith for my mandolin, which I have asked Randy to sell on eBay or Mandolin Cafe!)
Bonnie Partridge came to visit yesterday. She is choir director in her Eagle Mountain ward. I miss playing for her. I miss the friendship. But I don't feel as lonely as I used to.
There have been some major improvements this whole year. My heart doesn't hurt (except for Julie and Ryan) and I love my daughters-in-law. I feel Kellye is a kindred spirit. I wish I could do more to help her. Angie is a powerhouse woman and she and PJ fill each other up. She is also very funny. So I like that my family is expanding.
I have given up some of the childish yearnings because they are a waste of energy. I am grateful for Randy--his love for me, his service to our family, his forgiveness of me, his generosity of spirit. He is a cut above most guys. I am a lucky duck.
Randy and I have been sick for the past few days. AURGH. Bad colds, cough, congestion etc. etc. It makes for hard sleeping when one can't breathe!
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