December was a fun, fast month for us. Sydney had her holiday choir concert. Buddy had a ball camp. Katie visited, and we decorated Grandma's tree (tradition). Grandma had a story in a date publication. We took the kids to Disneyland for a non-traditional Christmas. I got to see my cousin, Bex, for a brief moment, and my mom was dressed like a Russian mob wife in 75 degree weather.
I don't get to see my brother very often. He is a big kid now and lives in Texas with is beautiful, sweet girlfriend, Adri. When he does visit, I don't get much time with him because he has a lot of people that love him here in Yuma. Aside from my mother, I think my boys love him most. Look at this picture I happened to see today on my phone. I thought the back of my brother's shirt was appropriate.
Sydney got her license the last week of April. This is every teen's right of passage, isn't it? She's a driver, and it's wonderful. She can get herself to seminary, school, work, etc. The only drawback is that I worry constantly. I don't say it, and I try not to show it, but the worry is there. Don't get me wrong, she is a very cautious and level-headed driver, but I am not, and I always wonder if my ways have rubbed off on to my children.
Here is Syd driving Kay around on their first outing together in Syd's car:
My mom is famous for saying, "The fair ain't fair!". I think it's quite clever and so true.
Sydney had a great year, and we have no complaints.
So I guess I'd say, "It's rare. The 2014 fair was fair."
My grandmother had some health issues and was in the hospital for a week or so. Grandma Evelyn is 84, so the smallest issues can be very scary. I walked in the hospital room, I looked around, and I saw oranges and dates ready to give to doctors, nurses, and visitors. This is no surprise. It's actually quite normal. I laughed, took a picture, and sent it to some cousins and siblings. We are a farming family, lead by a great matriarch. During her hospital stay, I had the honor of sitting by her side for as long as I wanted, and I took full advantage. This is time to be treasured because my grandmother doesn't stay still long. I learn so much each time I am with my grandmother.
Here is just a taste of things I have learned from Evelyn Duke Berryman growing up:
~keep phone calls under five minutes
~take care of your teeth and feet (you only get one set of each)
~college is the only option
~boys can wait
~family first
~give more than you've got
~drive five under (tough one)
~animals make exceptional teachers and therapists
~treat everyone like they are the favorite (it's really me)
~she loved me first
Here are some things I learned in just a week's hospital stay with Evelyn Duke Berryman:
~no one turns down fresh oranges and dates
~kindness really does make a difference
~respect is earned
~don't wear too much makeup
~independence is invaluable
~choose your breeding stock carefully
~let them think they know
~grace and dignity are always appropriate
~I've made her proud
Josh and Clay brought their kids down to Yuma to escape the cold Colorado weather for a few days. I was just beside myself, but I tried to act calm. I am a little upset with myself because I didn't take too many pictures (Trust me, I was dying to.). We had a couple of good visits. I'm so thankful they came my way.
