> Drake (my first born grandson) is one of two tuba players in his school’s Sixth Grade Beginner Band, and the FIRST tuba player in our family. He goes to a small school (although not that small compared to their neighboring rural towns) so the Christmas concert is a combined effort of beginners, junior high, high school, and the jazz …
>Fa-la-la-la-la!
> Tis the season! I wish I were one of those early shoppers who had all my gifts purchased, wrapped, and under the tree by the day after Thanksgiving, but I’m not. As a matter of fact, I don’t even have a list made yet, so if you’re out there and still want to get your request in to me, …
>A Celebration Worth Noting
>Last spring, my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer during routine mammography. To say we were shocked and devastated goes without saying. The latest technology, pinpoint accuracy in locating the nodes closest to the tumor, microcellular examination of tissue, and a bevy of amazing doctors became a part of Donna’s life in this most unexpected interruption. She had surgery, a …
>HAPPILY EVER AFTER
> We have attended more weddings this year than we have total in the last five years. Love must be in the air, and it is so encouraging to see young couples in love, their feet on the ground, and their heads in the clouds. Weekend before last, my nephew, Robbie, married his sweetheart, Kylee, in a beautiful, just-before-sunset, outdoor …
>Happy Birthday to a Special Girl
> This time last year, I announced the birth of our first granddaughter. Today, she’s a year old, and the magic has not dimmed. She is still adorable, soft, smells of baby powder, and babbles girl-talk. Happy Birthday from Mimi and Papa Max.
>Taking a Short Vacation
>I’m spending a few days in Denver with my sis—some much needed time together for both of us. Thought you’d enjoy a few pics of the local sites.
>A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Ball
> The wedding party hung back amid the pillars and cushioned benches, taking a moment to catch their breaths before their grand entrance into the Magic Kingdom Ballroom. Evening clad friends and loved ones filtered in two, six, and eight at a time through heavy doors, flashing their table numbers for the greeters who checked names from the master list. …
>Welcome to the Family
>On August 2, 2008, Allison Janan Danielle Garner repeated her I Do’s and became Mrs. James Stewart, the lovely wife of our youngest son. It was a beautiful ceremony in the Rose Court Garden at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim. There were so many tender, beautiful moments. Lovely music. The sacred vows sealed with holy communion. The gathering of family …
>THE GATHERING
> For more than a year, James and Allison have been planning their wedding. Finally, last week, we packed our bags, boarded airplanes, stuffed SUVs with belongings and children, wedding attire, and wads of extra cash and began the journey west. James arrived first. On a Tuesday. On the day that SoCal had their biggest earthquake since 1996. James and …
>One Week from Today—THE Wedding
>It’s hard to believe that after a year of anticipation and preparation, our youngest son’s wedding is just around the corner—one week from today. James and Allison have had a storybook romance and now are mere days away from their fairy tale wedding. All our lives have been a whirlwind of activities (wedding showers, engagement pictures, gift registration, planning, shopping, …