Waiting

for the new year. 

Gary is blowing a horn to practice.

We just got a text from the Dan, and they are a couple of hours from home.  There were many kindnesses extended to them in their stay in Rifle.  A man at the car rental place gave them $50 dollars because he wanted to.  Misty tried to say she didn't need it, but he wanted her to take it. They had been talking about what was happening and he had a son Jackson's age and just wanted to do something to help.  There is goodness in people.  The local LDS Bishop took them back to the totaled car to gather all their belongings and helped them carry them in to sort through and clean out. 

Misty said today that they were eating peanut butter sandwiches they had made and that they both said, "These taste like smoke."  Then they realized that the smoky smell from the airbags deploying had penetrated the bread.   Dan sent a picture of the car, and it really is a miracle they were not injured.

Well, it's time to go blow a horn and then go to bed!  I have lots of pictures and memories of our wonderful week long visit with the family, but there has been no time to post them.  Later. 

Happy New Year! 

A very sick

feeling,

but also a feeling of gratitude.

Misty and Dan headed home today.

She kept us informed with texts as they went through various places.

All was well until we got one that said they were in an accident

And the car was totaled.

It was one of those heart dropping moments.

Tiffany quickly texted back and asked if they were all OK.

She texted back, "yes."

My first thought is to get in the car to go get them and give them our Suburban.

Since they are in Rifle, Colorado, that was really not a good option.

So as of now, two hours later, they are sitting in the cab of a diesel

waiting for a ride into town.

We've made a hotel reservation for them and lined up a rental car to get home.

They did not need this at this point in their lives.

But it is definitely a time to count our blessings.

All seven of them.

The house is no longer

peaceful, quiet, or clean.

But it is very joyful.

Someone asked what I wanted for Christmas.

I've got it.
It's this.

Country store tokens
dispensed

Grand Opening of the Country Store

These next four pictures were of the map (????)

I'm not sure where it's heading, but Harrison and Annie did.

Nothing sweeter . . .

The house is

much too peaceful and calm. 

I thought I better take some pictures of the decorations before they become a thing of the past. Marshall is crawling, so I think that there will be quite a bit of rearranging once they get here. That is something I will gladly do!  

We thought Tiffany and Justin might be here today, but I'm glad they held off because of the bad weather.  Misty and Dan are also heading this way tomorrow. I'm really hoping the weather will cooperate for both of them.  I don't want them taking any risks.  I will be saying lots of prayers while they travel.

So the shade on the G&G Country Store is closed for the time being. 

(Although, I came downstairs a minute ago and found the shade half way open).

Since there is only one other person in the house besides me,

I have a pretty good idea who opened it.

If you are in the nearby vicinity,

please stop by the store for a bag of treats.

Please, Please do. 

I've never worked in a candy store before,

and I'm excited to share.

Free tokens will be given.

You'd think all I do

is eat.

Ward Breakfast at 9 this morning.

Football Banquet at 11:00 this morning.

Extended Ashton party at 5 pm.

I think that says it all.

"Have you noticed

that we live our lives around time?

What time is it?

Time to get up,

Time to take care of the kids.

Time to work.

Oh, Heaven, forbid.

Put things in their place,

No time to search.

Time to fix dinner.

Hurry to church.

Time is the essence

Of our existence.

Twelve years with friends.

Kept through our persistence.

Luncheon each month.

Has kept us all near,

Let's have a Merry Christmas,

And another good Year."

That is poem written by and Maisel about this group of ladies who have been called the "lunch bunch."  We meet monthly at a restaurant for lunch, though today it was at Helen's house.  I love these ladies.

I had volunteered to have it here at our house, but then Helen wanted to do it. I am so glad she did! I barely had time to get my cupcakes together and get over there. 

I

I've had work every day this week.  Which is a curse and a blessing.  A curse because I have so many projects I want to get done.  A blessing because it will help me pay for all the projects I want to get done. 

Twelve Days of Christmas

Last night we got together for dinner with our friends, Barbara and Ron, to exchange our 12 Days of Christmas gifts.  I blogged about the history of this tradition last year (12 Day Tradition).  It is something we both look forward to each year.

That tradition started me collecting all my Twelve Day of Christmas decorations.  One of these days I'll take pictures of all of those.  But, not tonight.  I've been pulling too many late nights this last week, and I'm headed off to bed.