Snow Walk

Neal, sadly, had to make his icy trek into work today.  Fortunately, he works in town so it's not too far.  The kids and I got bundled up and went for another snow walk while the white stuff lasts.  We identified three different animal tracks in the snow--dog, squirrel, and rabbit.  It was fun holding on to little hands while their feet searched for less slippery ground.  And although it's sad to see it melt, we did enjoy the beautiful sight of glistening icicles on the house eaves.

Christmas Day

We were awakened early by loud claps of thunder and heavy rain but luckily the kids didn't come running into our bedroom until a bit later and were kind enough to cuddle with us while we parents fully came to.

They went and fetched their stockings and emptied them onto our bed.  Then we got up and enjoyed a hot, seasonal breakfast, Apple Cranberry Oatmeal Bake with a good glug of pure maple syrup.  After family morning prayer, we went to work divvying out gifts and opening them.  We had a good time watching the kids get into it.

Then took a load of wrapping out soon followed by a load of packaging materials, which seemed less tedious this year thanks to box cutters we inherited from Susan's apartment--Thanks Grandma Sue!

We played, ate, listened to music, and talked with family until just after noon when the rain stopped tapping on the windows and skylight and the white stuff began to cover the world in a frosty blanket.  Yes, we got snow on Christmas Day!  It was quite "magicful" as our daughter would say. 

"It's cooooooooold!"

Neal found out that from the National Weather Service Fort Worth, TX that the last time there was snow on the ground on Christmas Day was in 2009, that snow fell on Christmas Day was 1997, that there was accumulating snow on Christmas Day back in 1975, and heavy snowfall was recoded on Christmas Day way back in 1926.

We ended getting 4-5 inches but the new reported just over 3.  We went out to feel the chill, see the beauty and pummel the neighbor kids with snowballs. Okay, so we tossed a few and gave a friendly "Merry Christmas!" but we still own this street!  Rhys actually voluntarily wore a real hat (as opposed to the bucket we've now hid from him.  Grandma J would be so proud as she spent the time making the hats for the kids.  

At dinner the snow as almost done dropping it's load but Opa and Oma were still able to make it to us from her parents place in West Monroe, LA.  We enjoyed catching up about our LA family over spaghetti and salad.  Then we opened up more presents from and to them.  I'm sure they were tired but it was great to see them playing with the kids.  

After more cookies and chatting, we said our good nights and Merry Christmases and soon called it a night ourselves.

We feel so blessed it so many facets of our lives.  Thank you to all that are a part of that.  Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve was filled with our usual traditions.  We were glad to be home after two full days driving back into TX and milking the alternator the last 46 miles, we were glad to attend Sunday church and enjoy a simple Christmas Eve.

This year I just knew that Santa wanted orange dark chocolate chip walnut oatmeal cookies.  Call me a visionary.  So we spent the afternoon watching Neal juggle sticks of butter and baking.  They were pretty scrumptious.  

We listened to Christmas music all day, ate treats, put out the cookies for Santa and carrots for the reindeer, and got ready for the focus of our eve.  We put in The Nativity DVD and watched it and narrate it for them as it does not have a script.  It is a short DVD but well done and we have used it for a few years now.  Rhys played with the children's nativity given them on Thanksgiving while the DVD played. 

I am looking forward to using the new Bible videos provided on our church website next year and getting into a bit more depth.  Sophie is ready and Rhys will be soon.

Sophie was excited by our reminders to listen for hoof prints on the roof, jingle bells, or "ho ho ho-ing."  We also suggested that she keep her blinds drawn just a bit to see if she could spot Rudolph's red nose. 

Just as we were turning off their bedroom lights we got a knock at the door.  I felt that the carolers were one of the sweetest parts of our Christmas this year.  They were a family from our church, the Sterretts.  I work with the wife in the Young Women's program and her wonderful daughter, I get to teach and be taught by as I serve in the program.  They sung a Christmas hymn beautifully and dropped off welcomed sugar laden goodness.

Neal and I enjoyed the fire and candlelight and kept the evening low key after wrapping just a few last minute gifts.

Activities While in CA

While dealing with the loss of Neal's mother, we spent a lot of time with family, especially Kira, Neal's sister, and her husband David, and got out to deal with the stress.  We went to Disneyland one day, our kids' first visit, and to Huntington Beach another afternoon, Rhys' first ocean experience.

While at Disney, we made The Matterhorn our first roller coaster ride.  We gave both kids a heads-up about the abominable snow monster.  When all was said and done, Sophie was thrilled and Rhys said, "Mommy, too scary!" twice.  We took it easy until we went on Thunder Mountain, their train roller coaster.  Rhys was all smiles on this one and even tried to get one hand up in the air.

Sophie was confused for days, even weeks after about Halloween and Christmas when we went on the Holiday version of The Haunted Mansion, altered to The Nightmare Before Christmas story line.

We were glad to enjoy quite a few rides with not too much of a crowd that day in the park.  The kids did really well with all the stimulation and didn't act overtired or whiny for the most part. 

When going through photos at Susan's apartment got to be too much, we switched up plans and headed out to Ruby's on the Huntington Beach Pier.  There had been off and on light showers the day before and it was so clear we could see Catalina, Long Beach, Signal Hill, and even past the Newport Beach Pier.  It was gorgeous!

We got up close and personal with a pelican, ate an obscene amount of calories with burgers, fries, and shakes, and were entertained by a talented stunt kite flyer.  This guy could stop his kite mid air and inch it toward the kids who were excited to be allowed to touch it before he zipped it away only to give them multiple chances to touch it again.  It was a lot of fun!

 

Down to the sand and water afterwards!  We removed shoes and rolled up pants all the while knowing it was quite pointless and it did not take long for our predictions were shown.  Rhys lost his balance in the water and went down up to his waist.  Then soon after a repeat got him wet up to his chest. Indeed, tears followed, and Keri carried Rhys back to the parking garage, with a grouchy husband leading the way.  So did the outing reduce stress in the end? Not so much. But still love the pictures we got!



Missing Mom

One week after Neal's mom, Susan's cancer diagnosis, she passed away with both her children present.  It happened all so fast.  Neal and Kira have just had the most difficult experience of their lives but also one of the most sacred. 

Susan Ionne Vander Upwich, passed away at the age of 61 on the evening of December 10, 2012 at her home in Stanton, CA.  Words are not adequate to express the Susan-shaped-hole left in our hearts.

Needless to say, we joined Neal in CA a couple days after and proceeded to finish up her affairs, clean out her apartment, and meet with family as we comforted each other.  She was memorialized on the morning of December 17th at the church she attended, Calvary Chapel in Garden Grove.

Keri accepted the invitation to honor her mother-in-law by giving her eulogy.  We share it here as the blog serves as our family journal.

Susan lived a regular life.  She moved around as a daughter of a Navy man, cared for her siblings and mother after her father's death, graduated from high school, married, had a son and daughter, worked as a lunch lady at an elementary school and in retail, attended church meetings with friends, and in later years, didn't travel far but to see her kids and grandbabies.  She collected things that brought her joy.  She wasn't extravagant in her living.  However, to those who know and love her, even if she lived an ordinary life, she was an extraordinary woman.

Susan was compassionate and loving.  She could cry at the drop of a hat and we have found enough Kleenex in her home to prove she was well prepared. 

Royce, Susan's sister-in-law, hit the nail on the head when she said that what best defined Susan was her generosity and her willingness to ALWAYS put others first. She always took care of someone and even if her finances were limited she would do without in order to help you. We saw this in obvious and subtle ways. 

While visiting us in TX, and upon entering a store, we noted two homeless men sitting outside.  She went in bought to meals at the inside fast food restaurant and went out and gave it to them before we went in to pick up what we had come for.  This was typical of her.

Her kids remember her noticing a homeless man who had stayed under an overpass for a few days.  She gathered a bag of clothing, stopped on the freeway, dropped it off, and later drove by again to make sure he had gotten it.  She also worked with her church in feeding the homeless.

She took in stray cats, even ones who needed medical attention.  She was their mommy.  Her daughter, Kira and her husband, David, have surely followed in her footsteps regarding this, as they have the animal kingdom living with them as they help out with ferret and cat rescue.

When Susan got her hearing aide, she made sure to show it off to a hearing impaired student that she served lunch too.  She wanted the child to know that they were not alone. 

She also participated in a prayer group at church to help care for and strengthen others as they petitioned their Heavenly Father regarding their needs and desires.   

Her brother, Brad, also saw how self-sacrificing she was.  With this in mind, he gave her a very fine watch as a gift.  Susan loved watches and they really wanted her to know how much she was appreciated.  Usually being the giver, Susan was overcome with emotion.  She truly believed it was better to give than receive.  Brad shared that “She has taught me so much and how giving is truly a blessing from God.

Going through her things supports what we already have come to know through her actions.  Susan, despite any distance or opposing views, loved her family. 

It is likely that being part of an often moving Navy family and losing her father, Waymon, as a child, and later her younger brother, Eric, cemented the value of family in her heart.  It has been hard and wonderful all the same time to go through her photo albums and read her journaling – births, birthdays, graduations, weddings, family trips. It has been quite a ride.  She showed her love to her family in other ways too.

First, she would tell you.  She wasn't afraid to say “I love you.”  She told you how much you were a blessing in her life.  She said humble enough to say “I'm sorry.”  She called and gave kisses over the phone.

But her actions showed how much she cherished her family as well.

As her family and friends, we know that she prayed regularly for us.  We have heard her do so and she has told us that she did.  Much of her family lived far away and she knew even if she did not know the nitty gritty specifics of our lives, that God did and He knew how to love us.

Sheena, recalled, “Aunt Sue used to kidnap me all the time growing up just to take me on adventures. I remember her coming and taking me to Knott’s Berry Farm, Disneyland, and Sea World. One time when she was coming to get me from the house she grew up in, on New Zealand Street, she went to the wrong house two doors down. I never let her live that little mix up down.”

Royce shared that Susan was eager to babysit her little nephews, one of which had special feeding issues that required a little more patience and care.  Others shied away from watching him for this reason but not Aunt Susan.

Waymon, her nephew, remembers that she would read to him until he fell asleep.  That she would take him and Josh places and played with them.  They knew that when they were going to see her, they were going to have fun.

When I was sick with some long term health issues, she sent me cards regularly, at least two a week, often more.  Hallmark made a fortune off her but I knew I was loved and thought of.

When her mom, Ionne's,  health declined in later years, and at times she was not able to even recognize her daughter, Susan would still go to hold her mom's hand, sit with her, roll her wheelchair outside for some sunlight and fresh air, and attend services in the chapel.

She regularly sent packages and cards to her grandbabies, Sophie and Rhys.  We would often point Grandma Sue out in our wall of family photos so they would come to know who that love was coming from.

I could go on I'm sure but you probably have your own special memory of how she loved you.

Susan enjoyed humor.  A quote from Gordon B. Hinckley, I think sums up her take on life quite well.  “In all of living, have much fun and laughter. Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured.” 

First, she could laugh at herself – she took forgetfulness or little mistakes in stride. I remember her telling me how she had taken a fall and had a good laugh before working to get up.  She'd laugh at herself when finding cards and little gifts she had tucked away long after their intended event.

She had fun giving gifts that made her laugh and she thought would make others laugh.  On Christmas she sent Kira and I matching fur aprons and fur covered brooms.

To open any wrapped present from Susan was an accomplishment in itself as the woman LOVED tape and was not afraid to use obscene amounts of it.

Susan seemed painfully aware of her weaknesses at times but she did recognize her gifts and talents as well, though she was never boastful.  We did find a little slip of paper where she had scrawled out some of her strengths—self-sustaining, dependable, caring, industrious, confident, and persistence.  We agree.

Susan was raised as a Christian, however, after her divorce; she developed a stronger relationship with her Savior. 

With this new enthusiasm, I can remember her driving Neal and I to a restaurant when an ambulance with sirens wailing passed.  She robustly, and not quietly, prayed, “Oh Lord, bless those people!  Bless them that they will receive the help they need”…and so forth in that fashion.  We were a bit taken aback for it was not the style of praying we were accustomed to and we had to check to be sure her eyes were not closed as she was the one driving. 

The way she prayed may have mellowed over the years but certainly not her testimony and faith.  She surrounded herself with things that reminded her to lean on and enjoy the blessings of her Savior.  She made her home a place of refuge and peace. 

She often said That God was in charge, even upon accepting the cancer diagnosis.  Susan believed that He would provide what she needed in various circumstances.  In particularly trying times, she liked to quote one of her favorite scriptures:  Psalms 46:10: “Be still and know that I am God.” 

That is particularly fit advice for those of us that she has left behind that are missing her and hurting.  She said she had had a good life, she was ready, and God was in charge. 

God loved this daughter of his very much.  I believe that He recognized that the love Susan had for so many of His children, although well communicated, was not able to be expressed to its full potential because of health and other hindrances.  He has given her an opportunity to do what she does best without pain, sorrow, or other limitations.

Susan wanted to be a ballerina when she was a little girl.  She wanted to take center stage and have all eyes on her dance. What she got was hula lessons which she actually did very well in.  I believe Susan very seldom took center stage as she almost always played the supporting actress in life.  She wrote that although she “never wore...ballerina slippers or danced like a swan across the stage”...she still loved to watch the ballet and “say a silent “thank you” to the ballerina.  For she has given me joy in watching her...and my dream can still live on as long as I can watch her dance.”  Let us give Susan the performance of our lives as she looks down upon us from heaven.

I would like to close with a Mother's Day poem written by Kira's hand when she was probably in Jr. High.

You are the one who loved me,

You are the one who cared.

You are the one I could count on,

Especially when I was scared.

We've had our good times,

And we've also had our bad.

But I always know you love me,

And that makes me kind of glad.

I have depended on you all my life.

I'm glad to call you “Mother.”

And as for one being just like you,

There could never be another.

Susan, you have been a blessing as a daughter, sister, aunt, wife, friend, and mother.  We love you and miss you.  We know you are celebrating with family and friends that have gone before you.

...
Neal is functioning but it taking the loss of his mother a little at a time.  We are thankful for the love, prayers, and support we have received from so many.  We are thankful to our Heavenly Father and for his plan of salvation and the knowledge that families can be together forever.  This knowledge makes this experience doable even in the difficulty.

Anderson Ornament Exchange

I love, love, love this yearly gathering!  I pick out my ornament over a month in advance, arrived with it wrapped in one hand, and treats to share in the other.  It's a great time to chat, poke fun, and eat naughty, delightful yummies. 

I came with a snowman ornament and left with 2 snowmen ornaments and a kiddy craft kit to make 10 pom pom snowmen!  Whoever the giver was, I appreciate your generosity!  I didn't get a close up look at the ornaments but picked it because of the kit.  With Neal flying to CA to see his mom, I wanted something I could entertain the kids with. 

Happily, upon closer observation, the ornaments are cute.  One is a snowman atop a windmill which spins and creates quite the lights show when its button is pushed.  The other is a rustic snowman that waves and kicks when you pull it's string.  Fun, animated, and crafty--a total win!

I won't mention all the goodies I've eaten but let it suffice to say that I NEED to run the half marathon on New Year's Eve!

Sorrow

Yesterday, Neal and I received the bad news that his mother, Susan, was diagnosed with terminal cancer.  At age 61, she has stage 4 pancreatic cancer with spread to the liver. She has decided not to participate in cancer treatment.  Needless to say, we were aghast at the news.  Neal will be losing his mother, and our kids, a top-notch grandma, in weeks to months.  Before the news she was taking steps to move from California out to Texas to be closer to the grand kids and now this.

We are grateful for Heavenly Father's plan of salvation and the gospel in our lives.  Understanding this makes this heartbreak doable little by little.  We know death is part of life and we will miss her when she does pass but we also know families can be eternal.

It is our shared hope that she will be able to spend Christmas with us before settling in at her daughter's in Colorado to live out her days.  Prayers are always welcomed especially for comfort and strength.

Christmas Advent Activities

We have started our advent to count down the days to Christmas.  We have 25 little boxes strung up on the wall and have started doing the activities inside.  We have written letters to Santa, made gingerbread houses, made ornaments, and sand angles.  It has been in the high 70s and low 80s!  We don't have any snow so we went to the sand park and made Christmas sand angles.  But today the weather changed and it is getting much cooler.

The ornaments were easy for the kids.  Mom helped them add eyes and antlers.  And mom, alone, handled the hot glue gun, adding a miniature red pom pom nose to each.  So cute!

Sophie has been fighting a cold.  We had a youth activity at our house tonight and Sophie was good to stay in her room since it started at her bedtime.  When all was said and done, this is what we found:

She'd laid out her blanket on the hard tile floor, and stationed her tissue box and waste paper basket to be handy.  Such a resourceful cutie!

Mmmm...the Smell of Gingerbread!

Earlier in the week Keri gladly made the trip out to Grapevine to visit with her friend, Karen, and have her teach Keri how to make gingerbread.  We mixed, we rolled, we cut, we baked!  It smelt like heaven.

This Saturday afternoon we got together at our house to make the icing and have the kids decorate the houses.  The adults were in on the fun as well and everyone was sneaking candy to savor.  We had a great time creating and being with our friends.  Thanks, Karen!

Nativity Exhibit

All the volunteers' hard work paid off when the Nativity Exhibit opened this Friday and Saturday.  It was gorgeous, well attended, and filled with the Spirit.  We visited for about an hour as we looked over the hundreds of nativities and sat and listened to live music and singing..  The kids were excited to find their nativity that they shared this year. 

Sophie's favorite part was viewing the Bible videos that played in a room off the exhibit hall.  Rhys did not want to leave the singers and musicians.

Later, that evening as the event ended, Keri got to spend another couple hours carefully placing nativities back in their boxes and moving poinsettias out of the hall for their owners to take. She gave 14 hours of her time to this special event in just this week.  Totally worth it!

Rudolph Run

This morning Keri, with her friend, Sara, set out and completed a 10 mile run.  That's double digits, baby!  And a first for Keri.  It was warm and humid too so that added to the challenge.

Once finished, Keri rushed home to shower and grab the kids to head to Allen's Rudolph Run.  We had made signs before to cheer our friends and everyone participating.  This was our friends' Kari and Carter's first 5K!  Yippee for them!

We got so many laughs, "thank yous" and compliments on our "Random Stranger" sign while the participants shuffled by!  People were stopping to take pictures of Keri with that sign.  Very well received and we were glad to participate in the Rudolph Run in our own way.

Tree Lighting

The first weekend in December is always a holiday kick-off!  We started Friday night with our annual visit to the Christmas Tree Lighting at city hall. We skipped Santa this year as the line was incredibly long.  Instead we decided to make sure we sent him detailed letters some time soon.  We took in all the other fun and goodies.We got candy, cookies, and cider, not to mention Christmas themed crafts for the kids.  We watched ballerinas dance and saw lots for friends from school and church.  The lighting went off without a hitch and was followed by some beautiful pyrotechnics!