BLESS THEIR HEARTS!!!

Yes.  Miracles DO come true.  This was the first year of many that I did not participate in organizing the orchestra for Tempe South Stake's Messiah.  Each year 2 of our 4 (3, including Rachael) have given no guff, as they have claimed a spot in their sections.  This year, as I bowed out, I was relieved for them.  It would be the first year in many they would have no pressure from me.

Along came the weekend of the performance and as if I was in a fog, I heard Rachael's voice say, "Did you know that Gregg is playing in the Messiah?"  I turned around in disbelief to see Gregg standing behind me with a big grin on his face.  I couldn't hug him fast enough!  Gregg happens to work with the director this year, so he had an in (without Rachael, because someone had to watch Francie).  And it turned out that Carianne was the instigator.   She devised this Christmas surprise  and  would be playing also.  Wow!  Imagine that?

But the shocker came Saturday morning (as we lazily basque in the joy of finally having Julianne and Brended here from Utah, arriving the night before) when in walked Jeff.  All ready to start his day.  No Vita.  No Henry.   It's always great to see the "kids" (no matter how little or big).  But in a confused voice, I couldn't help saying, "Hey Jeff! . . .What are you doing?"  He continued at his focused pace, greeting all who sat around.   Then I heard the words, "I came to pick up my bass."  NoWwwway!  Pinch me!  But it was true. and he couldn't run away fast enough before the hugs began.  Usually there is one or maybe two basses, but this year there would be six.  That was an easy decision for him, a little rust wouldn't show.   It was tempting for Julianne, too.

But that Carianne.  She knew the needs from friends that would miss her.  And, there would be plenty of seats to fill.  It thrilled me to see each of them fall in line together.  That just plain doesn't happen very often.  But I can't give all the credit to them.  When you are single and fancy free,  your life is all about you.  Now they are all married with spouses and families of their own. Their choices now are a team effort.  I have to thank Rusty, Vita, and Rachael for their support!

This Christmas,  I'm permanently marking my happiness card to read:  THANK-YOU!!!  I'll never forget it!

I Love You All
Mom

They really do take awesome photos, but I can never resist this pose!

SURPRISE!

2014 can't continue without documenting Randy's 60th birth day.  We succeeded in completely surprising him with a party.  It was held on Nov. 27 at the Corona ball field ramada.  The next day would be Thanksgiving, so we plugged in a party the night before, since most of his siblings would already be here.  Invitations, decorations, banners, tagboard face images on sticks of Randy's changing stages, a tiered hostess treat cake, a "roasting", were all lovingly produced by each of our good children.   We were treated with fresh fry bread and beans, etc. ("etc." being the key word!)  The best part was that he was indeed surprised, even though he had every opportunity to put some strange pieces together!

On December 22, he officially turned 60.  Again, there was a wonderful dinner planned at Carianne's, and every child and grandchild rallied around.  It was also the night of the Messiah, where we claimed 3 of the participants!  Happy Day!