It's A Donut

Mike and Amber went to Amber's doctor appointment for an ultrasound and hopefully a determination of whether they are going to have another baby girl or baby boy. They mad an afternoon of it and promised Morgan and Myles that if it was a girl, they would go for ice cream; if it was a boy, they would go for donuts. Donuts it was. Congratulations Dehner's!!!!!!

January Has Flown By

The snow is falling, the fire is crackling and warm, and I am wondering where January has gone. As I was writing my weekly letter to Scott, this beautiful Acrdinal (State Bird) landed on a branch just outside my window. He was so pretty. I thought you would love to see his intense red coloring against the white snow.

As I continue my working at the computer, I can feel my foot beginning its afternoon swell. I continue to make progress and as of a week ago Friday, I am in a tennis shoe and walking without the aid of crutches or a cane.

As you can see, my foot looks better (sure, maybe they're not such a pretty site, but they are the only 2 I have) and is similar in shape (somewhat straight) to my right foot. You can see there is still swelling and some redness and if you look closely, you can see some of the leftover markings so they wouldn't miss which foot was supposed to be operated on.

Thanks, Dr. Buchan, for a job well done. Three more weeks and I should be in my regular shoes and generally back to my normal activities.

Christmas 2008

Shawn and I had a great Christmas this year. Recuperating from foot surgery, I sat around in my over-stuffed chair and ottoman; she did everything else, including bringing me whatever I needed or wanted (usually food). This pattern, though enjoyable and good for the health of my surgerized left foot, has left me about 80 pounds and 12 inches bigger. Thanks Shawn!!!!

Shawn worked hard to decorate the house and make it a warm and inviting place for family and friends. Kate helped me put up the outside lights and wreaths. New this year was a collection of various nativity scenes which are from the countries where our family members served their missions.

Christmas Decorations (click to enlarge)

Everyone came over for Christmas Eve dinner, which was provided by Mike and Amber. Consistent with our past Christmas Eve's, the grandchildren adorned their robes and acted out that most famous and important birth recorded long ago. They were so sweet and at the same time so funny. They all did a great job and my highlight was having Mary (Morgan Dehner) deliver the baby Jesus onto our hearth room floor (with a solid thud). I also enjoyed the versatility of those who played both wise men and angels - very gifted role players. The entertainment ended with Morgan singing a beautiful solo of Silent Night

Cast Members (click to enlarge)

After the Nativity play, the grandchildren decorated sugar cookes provided by Beth; this gave Santa something good to eat as he made his rounds to each house; ya gotta love Christmas. Maybe my fovorite part of the night was having all the adults sit on the floor by the fire just talking adult talk while the little one's played downstairs.

Morgan, Kelsey, Dillon, Myles Decorating Cookies

On Christmas day, Shawn and I spent a casual morning and afternoon together in our empty nest. Kate and Chad were in Arizona with Chad's family. We missed them, but we are glad they had a safe and fun time out west. That evening around 5:00 pm the grandchildren brought their parents over for dinner and our gift exchange. We had a really good leg of lamb dinner and then opened up our gifts and watched the grandchildren open up their gifts from Grandma and Grandpa. Grandma was particularly excited to have Dillon, Kelsey, Morgan and Myles open up the quilts she had made for each of them. She especially loved making the Olivia quilts for the girls.

Dillon, Myles, Morgan, Morgan with Olivia quilt

Sad for us was not being able to connect with our son, Scott, for our phone call to Chile. The phone lines were too busy and so President Chavez gave permission to Scott and others to talk to their parents on the day after Christmas. It was great to hear his voice and talk of his recent mission experiences.