My four year old grandson was here yesterday afternoon while I was getting ready for the ward Christmas party.
He stood by my closet door and looked at my shoes on the shoe rack.
He took my pair of bright red heels from the rack and said, " Grandma, you should wear these shoes. You'll look cute.".
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Sunday, December 13, 2009
I'm still angry
I guess I should just get over it. But I am still seething about something that I learned today.
I let my son borrow a small artificial Christmas tree for his apartment. It was one of a pair that I have. I also gave him a few ornaments that have hung on our family Christmas tree since he was a little boy.
I found out today that his roommate removed the tree, ornaments and all, from the apartment and took it somewhere else. My son didn't know where it was. I only learned this because the pair of trees were supposed to be used as part of the decorations for our ward Christmas party tomorrow.
I don't understand how someone can just take something that isn't his and say nothing. I doubt if the roommate had any idea how my son came to have the tree in the first place. It wasn't some cheap tree that he happened to pick up at the dollar store or bought at D.I. It was my tree!
So at my insistence, my son text his roommate and asked him to bring the tree back. My son had to text the roommate since they rarely see each other. The roommate spends a lot of time elsewhere.
I guess some people would say that there was no harm done. The tree is back where it belongs. All I can say it that I hadn't better run into his roommate any time soon or I'll give him a piece of my mind.
I let my son borrow a small artificial Christmas tree for his apartment. It was one of a pair that I have. I also gave him a few ornaments that have hung on our family Christmas tree since he was a little boy.
I found out today that his roommate removed the tree, ornaments and all, from the apartment and took it somewhere else. My son didn't know where it was. I only learned this because the pair of trees were supposed to be used as part of the decorations for our ward Christmas party tomorrow.
I don't understand how someone can just take something that isn't his and say nothing. I doubt if the roommate had any idea how my son came to have the tree in the first place. It wasn't some cheap tree that he happened to pick up at the dollar store or bought at D.I. It was my tree!
So at my insistence, my son text his roommate and asked him to bring the tree back. My son had to text the roommate since they rarely see each other. The roommate spends a lot of time elsewhere.
I guess some people would say that there was no harm done. The tree is back where it belongs. All I can say it that I hadn't better run into his roommate any time soon or I'll give him a piece of my mind.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
The Christmas Tree
I put the Christmas tree up the other day. It's the same tree that I used last year, but it isn't quite so sad and pathetic. I was able to retrive all of Christmas decorations from the storage unit, so the tree and the apartment look a little more festive this year.
Putting up the tree has brought back memories of the Christmas trees of my childhood. We always had the same variety of tree. Back then, I didn't know that tree species had names other than a pine tree. But now, I know that the tree was probably a noble fir or similar variety. My mother wouldn't have a bushy tree with long needles because the ornaments wouldn't hang properly on the tree. I feel the same way. No long needled pines for me.
For many years, our tree was purchased at a tree lot operated by my church. I think the lot was run to raise money for the ward budget. My Dad would always get extra loose branches when he bought the tree. Then, when he got the tree home, he'd use those branches to fill in the bare spots of the tree. It was quite a process involving a drill, nails, and wire. I used to get frustrated because it took so long and all I wanted was to get the tree up so the decorating could begin. But in the end, we always had a well shaped tree.
The decorating process seemed to take a very long time...at least to a young girl. But one reason for it taking so long was the thin, metallic icicles that had to be hung on the tree after the lights, baubles and such were placed. There was only one proper way for the icicles to be hung and that was individually, piece by piece. Throwing them on the tree in clumps was not allowed. I can remember everyone taking turns hanging the icicles and it seemed like days before the entire tree was covered with icicles. It was alot of work, but the end result was worth it. Our entire tree would shine all silvery during the day and really sparkled at night when the lights were turned on. That shiny, silvery tree was a big part of the Christmas magic.
On Christmas morning, the tradition was that all us kids had to wait in the hall while Dad went into the dark living room to turn on the tree lights. More than once, we'd hear a crash because Dad had knocked the tree over while trying to plug the lights in. Then we'd have to wait while he uprighted the tree. I can remember many times waiting in the hall, hoping and praying that the tree wouldn't be knocked over. You may wonder why he just didn't turn on another light while trying to plug in the tree lights. But I think he didn't because he didn't want anyone to have a sneak peek at the tree and all the presents.
My childhood Christmases were great and the tree was big part of it. I hope that my own children have fond memories of the Christmas trees of their childhood.
Putting up the tree has brought back memories of the Christmas trees of my childhood. We always had the same variety of tree. Back then, I didn't know that tree species had names other than a pine tree. But now, I know that the tree was probably a noble fir or similar variety. My mother wouldn't have a bushy tree with long needles because the ornaments wouldn't hang properly on the tree. I feel the same way. No long needled pines for me.
For many years, our tree was purchased at a tree lot operated by my church. I think the lot was run to raise money for the ward budget. My Dad would always get extra loose branches when he bought the tree. Then, when he got the tree home, he'd use those branches to fill in the bare spots of the tree. It was quite a process involving a drill, nails, and wire. I used to get frustrated because it took so long and all I wanted was to get the tree up so the decorating could begin. But in the end, we always had a well shaped tree.
The decorating process seemed to take a very long time...at least to a young girl. But one reason for it taking so long was the thin, metallic icicles that had to be hung on the tree after the lights, baubles and such were placed. There was only one proper way for the icicles to be hung and that was individually, piece by piece. Throwing them on the tree in clumps was not allowed. I can remember everyone taking turns hanging the icicles and it seemed like days before the entire tree was covered with icicles. It was alot of work, but the end result was worth it. Our entire tree would shine all silvery during the day and really sparkled at night when the lights were turned on. That shiny, silvery tree was a big part of the Christmas magic.
On Christmas morning, the tradition was that all us kids had to wait in the hall while Dad went into the dark living room to turn on the tree lights. More than once, we'd hear a crash because Dad had knocked the tree over while trying to plug the lights in. Then we'd have to wait while he uprighted the tree. I can remember many times waiting in the hall, hoping and praying that the tree wouldn't be knocked over. You may wonder why he just didn't turn on another light while trying to plug in the tree lights. But I think he didn't because he didn't want anyone to have a sneak peek at the tree and all the presents.
My childhood Christmases were great and the tree was big part of it. I hope that my own children have fond memories of the Christmas trees of their childhood.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Merry Christmas from Social Security
I got a letter today from the Social Security Administration. It read, in part:
"We are increasing your benefit amount to give you credit for additional earnings which were not included when we figured your benefit before."
My benefit check that will arrive just before Christmas will reflect this new amount, PLUS the difference between what I should have been paid between February 2009 and October 2009. I worked full time between March and August, along with a few small job assignments in September and October. Those earnings had social security taken out. It's nice that I'm going to get an adjustment.
The letter also says that if I disagree with their decision, I have the right to appeal.
Disagree?? Appeal?? I don't think so. I'm going to take the money quietly and have a Merry Christmas courtesy of the U.S. Government.
"We are increasing your benefit amount to give you credit for additional earnings which were not included when we figured your benefit before."
My benefit check that will arrive just before Christmas will reflect this new amount, PLUS the difference between what I should have been paid between February 2009 and October 2009. I worked full time between March and August, along with a few small job assignments in September and October. Those earnings had social security taken out. It's nice that I'm going to get an adjustment.
The letter also says that if I disagree with their decision, I have the right to appeal.
Disagree?? Appeal?? I don't think so. I'm going to take the money quietly and have a Merry Christmas courtesy of the U.S. Government.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Obsession
I've never understood the frenzy about all things "Twilight". I read the first book only because it was a choice of a book group that I participate in. I didn't like it and therefore, didn't read the rest in the series.
I know there are girls, women and maybe a few guys, out there who are counting down the days until the next movie comes out. Not me. I'm going to pass on that one. I guess I'm just a little too old for all things "Twilight".
I've thought that the obsession and frenzy is a little harmless, until today. I was watching "Rachel Ray" while walking on the treadmill. She had the "Twilight" costume designer on the show. The designer and others selected three "Twilight" crazed teenagers to have makeovers, right down to the hair style and color, as their favorite "Twilight" character.
Will someone explain to me what is healthy about being a dead ringer for a character in a movie and a book? These girls were so excited to be walking around looking like someone else. What's wrong with being you? These teens already had bedrooms full of every possible "Twilight" memorabilia known to mankind. Why feed the obsession by making them over to look like someone who is a fictional character.
I just don't get it.
I know there are girls, women and maybe a few guys, out there who are counting down the days until the next movie comes out. Not me. I'm going to pass on that one. I guess I'm just a little too old for all things "Twilight".
I've thought that the obsession and frenzy is a little harmless, until today. I was watching "Rachel Ray" while walking on the treadmill. She had the "Twilight" costume designer on the show. The designer and others selected three "Twilight" crazed teenagers to have makeovers, right down to the hair style and color, as their favorite "Twilight" character.
Will someone explain to me what is healthy about being a dead ringer for a character in a movie and a book? These girls were so excited to be walking around looking like someone else. What's wrong with being you? These teens already had bedrooms full of every possible "Twilight" memorabilia known to mankind. Why feed the obsession by making them over to look like someone who is a fictional character.
I just don't get it.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Marshmallows and Chocolate
Aidan: Grandma, do you have any marshmallows and chocolate?
Me: No, I don't. What kind of chocolate?
Aidan: You know, chocolate.
Me: Do you want marshmallows in a bowl and put ice cream syrup over them?
Aidan: No. Chocolate. The kind of chocolate you break in pieces.
Me: You mean a chocolate candy bar.
Aidan: Yes. You take it and smash it between crackers.
Me: Oh. And you melt the marshmallows, put them on the cracker with the chocolate.
Aidan: Yea. You smash it together.
And there you have it. How to make S'Mores from a four year old.
Me: No, I don't. What kind of chocolate?
Aidan: You know, chocolate.
Me: Do you want marshmallows in a bowl and put ice cream syrup over them?
Aidan: No. Chocolate. The kind of chocolate you break in pieces.
Me: You mean a chocolate candy bar.
Aidan: Yes. You take it and smash it between crackers.
Me: Oh. And you melt the marshmallows, put them on the cracker with the chocolate.
Aidan: Yea. You smash it together.
And there you have it. How to make S'Mores from a four year old.
The sun's going down on me....
Between watching grand kids, doing a little shopping, and attending the vocal recital of a young lady we know, the husband and I went to Antelope Island with a group of young people to watch the sun go down. I hiked three miles, round trip, to get these pictures.
I had never been to Antelope Island. It was hard to imagine that this quiet, tranquil place was twenty minutes from the metropolitan area. I think we have an outing for the grand kids in the future.
I had never been to Antelope Island. It was hard to imagine that this quiet, tranquil place was twenty minutes from the metropolitan area. I think we have an outing for the grand kids in the future.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)