life is what happens when you're not blogging...

 

I didn't get the tree put up until 5 days before Christmas. The boys reluctantly helped decorate. They think a Festivus pole would be a better solution. And then I hear from a another parent, "Chase and Oscar were so incredibly helpful. They put up the tree and set the ornaments while I wrapped presents." I am glad to know they pitch in where needed.

The celebrations started when Chase arrived home from Missoula. Good to see that son of mine. U of M agrees with him. We drove to Henefer to start the holiday off attending Grandpa Edison's party. (gotta love his name). Grandpa is 92. And as with it as ever. Sharp sense of humor.

We played "Minute to Win It" games. My aunts and uncles all laugh with "gusto." It is infectious. Look at all those children... the family tree is blooming. Wasn't it just last year we were the kiddos playing games and running through the church hide and seeking?

I'm going to explain the above photos. 1- Cousins holding cousins (no, they are not married - that happens on the other side of the family. It is just my cousins who are bro and sis holding their latest offspring). 2- My dad is texting, not Land. 3- The wall of men (seriously, was that stage going to fall without them) and (I am not cowboy but I come from cowboy.) I miss my mom so deeply at these gatherings, but I have this strong sense of well-being and belonging when I am around her (my) family.

Generations

Christmas Eve was welcomed with a feast. Family and friends. I perfectly executed the gravy this year. First time ever... my mom always did it before. Our Olsen four had watched "Pirate Radio - the Boat that Rocked" a few days before and so we played the "name game" that they played in the movie. My dad and Chase planned the guesswork and we took turns giving clues. Above you see Chase, and then Natalie (newly graduated and the freshest morning reporter for the NBC affiliate in Boise) and then Oscar (the beloved - he and his mom and brother Oscar joined us. Their house flooded just two days before - yuck, I know how that goes), and then Spencer, and then you see the whole gang, mostly. Miles and his guests were sick, and tried to relax in the other room, Land and Dallas went upstairs and conquered some video games. Norman Rockwell we aren't but it will do.

 

 Christmas morning is mellow when you have young adults. Come on already, wake up! Darren received a new dive computer and my dad's freaky toes didn't quite fit into the five fingers. Land received a new Monopoly board and so the afternoon was filled with real estate transactions.

 After Christmas THE FERGUSSON'S ARRIVED. It's always a jolly holiday with the good folks from down under. I'm telling you since I just saw them in July I felt like we were neighbors. They are a big part of our family. Our agenda then became skiing. Someone built a behemoth Frosty to greet us in the canyon.

The Land Man took us on adventures through the trees and deep pow. At one point I didn't know if I could find the rest of Ella.

Myself and Jenny looking good (ha). I was skiing all aggressive thinking I was susie chapstick and made a spectacular fall ending with my helmeted head smacking whiplash downhill. Unfortunately, it was right under the lift and the birds-eye viewing audience could not control their commentary and laughter. Soon we heard, "Oh, we're sorry, we didn't know you were old." The nerve.

 

Skiing is just too awesome. We had powder days, corduroy days, freezing days, rainy days, and blizzard days, and brilliant sunny days. Put in my time at Beaver and at Alta. Sigh as we watch the sun set leaving the resort

Peace.

ottoman marathon

I taught interior materials at USU this semester and as the final project I had them create their own upholstered ottomans... 8-way hand tied springs, Turkish corners, staple guns, hog rings, etc. It was all possible because John at Rocky Comfort is patient and talented and hosted the workshop at his shop in Logan. (480 W. 1400 North #12). It took 3, 10 hour days to get the whole class through. Worth it. Yeah, my class is the coolest.

it's just the way I feel

Christmas is uneasiness for me. Always has been. I'm ok with it. In my mind there are expectations and I never seem to hit the mark.  I just get a bit overwhelmed by the point of it all. I do like the Christmas tree, and the fairy lights, and the cards and greetings and I do love my Harry Connick Jr. for the Holidays. (I love him year round). And 17 years ago I bought a Christmas Album that haunts and soothes me simultaneously. The Bells of Dublin by the Chieftains. One song in particular opens it up, the questions, the contradiction, the light and darkness of the season... the Rebel Jesus with Jackson Brown.

All the streets are filled with laughter and light
And the music of the season
And the merchants' windows are all bright
With the faces of the children
And the families hurrying to their homes
While the sky darkens and freezes
Will be gathering around the hearths and tables
Giving thanks for God's graces
And the birth of the rebel Jesus

Well they call him by 'the Prince of Peace'
And they call him by 'the Savior'
And they pray to him upon the seas
And in every bold endeavor
And they fill his churches with their pride and gold
As their faith in him increases
But they've turned the nature that I worship in
From a temple to a robber's den
In the words of the rebel Jesus

Well we guard our world with locks and guns
And we guard our fine possessions
And once a year when Christmas comes
We give to our relations
And perhaps we give a little to the poor
If the generosity should seize us
But if any one of us should interfere
In the business of why there are poor
They get the same as the rebel Jesus

Now pardon me if I have seemed
To take the tone of judgment
For I've no wish to come between
This day and your enjoyment
In a life of hardship and of earthly toil
There's a need for anything that frees us
So I bid you pleasure
And I bid you cheer
From a heathen and a pagan
On the side of the rebel Jesus

PS: I'm not saying I can't figure out the real meaning of the season... got it. (for me at least) Are there not any of you out there who question let's say, hmmmm, Santa? I am totally moved by the Hallelujah Chorus, but am equally amused by Tim Burton holiday poetry (stick boy's festive season). Well maybe not equally. Like I said I am ok with the uneasiness and contradiction. 

thanks-living

nice hat