What a blast

The trip to New Jersey was so much fun. I am so grateful for the ticket and the opportunity to be with the Osolu Crew. It's been way to long since I've had hugs and seen those precious faces. Why do our kids have to move away??? I know they are all having new experiences and growing and it's great, but I sure do miss all of them. I slept in the bedroom with four active kids and it was so neat at night to tuck them in and watch them as they peacefully slept. New Year's Eve I got the kids while Amanda and Obeta took a much needed night away. We had pizza, played games in the dark-Kaobe's idea, we had ice cream, watched a movie and watched the ball drop in New York on tv. They all got New Year's kisses and tickles. We called all the family to wish them Happy New Year. We went to see Bedtime Stories, drove to Philadelphia to see the Liberty bell, played games, read stories, went to the mall, told goofy jokes and Kaobe got some cold water in the shower....hmmmm, wonder who did that. I enjoyed late night talks with A and O. I got put in a yarn jail for not committing a crime-very creative. Ada and I talked, Indy shared her monkeys, Leiah snuggled when she wanted to and Kaobe was trying to use his new tools and read a new book in just a few hours-he's fast.
Amanda and I spent an afternoon in the big city at Chinatown and Little Italy-we scored on hats and scarves, had a great Italian meal, froze our toes and noses and drove around central park. I saw alot of sights, even the ocean yeah!! I missed not having Al with me and admit I feel guilty he didn't get to see the kids. The flight out was ok-the trip home was long, cold and the weather in SLC was not fun. I drove 30 miles an hour to Layton, then couldn't see the road and my hands were numb from gripping the wheel, so I pulled over and got a room for a few hours.
I had to soak my feet in hot water to unthaw them enough to sleep. The next morning the drive wasn't so bad after Ogden, but I couldn't get into the driveway-it was two feet deep in ice and snow from the plows. I parked next door and Dallen helped me shove a path through for the car. Then I got Ellie-she was so excited, we gave her a bath, then crawled into bed with extra blankets where I spent the rest of the day and evening.
The 7th was my 56th birthday. I used to hate getting older, but I'm thankful for every year past fifty ever since dad died at that age. I realize life is a huge blessing and everyday I find joy, peace, love and learning. Clar and Deb took me out for Mexican food...it was fun. I had the stomach flu and didn't each much, but the leftovers will be good. Alan had Clar get a spring bouquet of flowers-they are very pretty...he's sneaky!
Today, the 8th I'm playing catch up. enjoying the sun, the birds in the pine tree and I'm still in penguin pajamas at 11:30. I have got some things accomplished. Life is an adventure and I want to live each minute to it's fullest. I love my dear children, my son in laws and our ten wonderful grandkids. Al is my greatest friend, love and joy, I miss him.
Anyway...Happy New Year
I resolve to be a better person, help others, love more deeply, laugh and breathe, read my scriptures, increase my prayers, attend the temple more, keep the weight off and live life to the fullest and I want to learn the piano and do some writing. Vic, 1/08/2009