JJ, my joy

Here's our special "JJ"- Jonathan James Provost. "J" could also stand for "Joy".

Born nine years ago. Hard to believe how fast times flies! He's our first grandchild, and so special in so many ways. He's almost always happy and helps me to be more optimistic.

"J" and I have always had a special bond. When he was a baby I felt a little like Sally Fields- "He likes me, he really likes me!" I don't know why that amazed me, but it did. We got to spend lots of time together, especially when his aunt and uncle were on their missions. His mom was an only child for awhile then, and JJ was the only grandchild. As the family started to grow with siblings and more aunts and uncles, we didn't get as much one on one. But that doesn't diminish the bond I feel with him.

Because Jonathan is so special, we celebrate all of his accomplishments. Every one is a milestone. His life reminds me daily that I want to be a better person- a better grammy and mom. I know I have much work to do. But his life encourages me to keep trying, to never give up, to keep up the effort. J always gets an "A" for effort!

I love you JJ! I'm so proud to be your grammy! I was blessed the day you came to our family! Happy Birthday, my special joy!!!

Home Made for Christmas

Christmas was home made this year. It started when Jessica, Clint , and Owen came in to town on Dec. 18. The first thing we did was borrow Tony's truck and go to Home Depot for a real tree to decorate as the "kids' tree". For years I have had 2 trees- one for me that's pretty, and one that has all the kids' ornaments....some homemade, some as old as Mique that we had our first Christmas. (Mique was a newborn.) The tree even included the string of cheerios garland that Jessica made while we were still in the Green Orchard house before her mission. Jessica and I had fun decorating and reminiscing.

.Christmas eve was spent here with the Gunderson family joining us for a turkey dinner and a fun game of Hand and Foot. Then it was time for bed.

In the morning we got up and opened presents with the Ericksons. Owen was getting the hang of opening presents, and loved the stuffed talking, singing dog he got. I especially loved the sweater Jessica appliqued for me.
At around noon Mique and fam joined us. We opened more presents. I think everyone loved their gifts. I know I did. Every gift was thoughful. I especially loved the "Chill" picture Mique embroidered for me. An inside joke.

And the necklace from Tony and Erika is just so me! (It's the first pic of this posting because I don't know how to move the pictures around. You know me and technology!)

The best part of this Christmas was the fun we had playing games and spending time together, grandkids playing together and with Grammy and Papa. That is what is truly homemade.... the love that we share! May we have many more.

I love you all.