Happy Birthday Madeleine!

Madeleine is one year old today. She was the best Christmas present I ever received - a new granddaughter! Last year at about 10:30 in the morning Debra's water broke while she was standing at my kitchen sink. They took off for the hospital, and in about three hours Madeleine had arrived. Happy Birthday Madeleine!

Madeleine was a little under the weather when this picture was taken. I wish I looked that good when under the weather!

So Brave, Young, and Handsome by Leif Enger

A well crafted tale from start to finish. Enger has an amazing way with words - poetic prose.

Matthew turns 2

Matthew turned two today. He is another one of our December treasures. He was born two days after I broke my arm the first winter we were here, and it was very hard to hold him. That is indeed sad for any grandma. Luckily he is very snuggly, and lets me hold him all the time now. My favorite thing we do together is rock-a-rock in the rocking chair.

Happy Birthday Matthew! I love you!

Australia

Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman

We went to see the movie Australia last night. It's nearly three hours long, but I didn't even notice the length (usually at about 75 minutes I keep straining to see my watch and how much longer a movie will be.) It was delightfully romantic, with just enough adventure in it that Ray said it made it a tolerable chick flick. Very clean. I liked it a lot.

White Christmas

This morning we had a lot of snow. I hunkered down for the day, and decided to do some sewing. Audrey came over with the boys, and we decided to watch White Christmas. (Sorry Beth and Debra, I'll watch it again with you if you want.)

I first saw the movie White Christmas in 1970. We traveled all the way from southern California to Mayville, New York for Christmas that year. Mayville is where my grandmother, aunt, uncle, and cousins on my mom side lived. One night the adults went out to dinner or something - they were gone for the evening. My sister Cheryl and I turned on the TV, and White Christmas was just starting. We had never seen it before, and we immediately fell in love with the movie. In my mind I was Betty, and Cheryl was Judy. I have no idea why, or what Cheryl thought, but that's what hatched in my little brain. Maybe because I liked Betty's clothes better. I also like Betty's songs better.

We thought we had discovered some great new movie. Imagine our surprise when our parents said, "Oh, that movie. It's been around forever." Well, I say thank heavens it's still around! I think I've seen that movie at least once a year ever since that first time. I still love it every time I see it, and I still cry at the end every time. It's one of my favorite memories and traditions of the Christmas season.

Happy Birthday Beth!

Yes, that's right. Another December birthday in our family. In our extended family, we have 16 birthdays in the month of December. In my own family of four children, we have two. Ray and Beth.

Beth was born ten days before we had to leave for Ray's sister's wedding. We were sweating whether she would be here on time or not (she ended up being two days past due date). She was an easy delivery - two hours from start of labor to delivery.

I'm so glad Beth is part of our family. She is a math whiz, just like her siblings. She has musical talent coming out her ears. I used to love being in choir with her so that I could draft off her. She has a great ear, and great voice. She plays the piano and organ. She's accompanied Ray a few times when he has sung.

She is our baby, and we've had some great times with just her because of that. She's taken cooking classes with Ray, and gone shopping with me as well as being my fashion guru (aka geek patrol for mom). We had a few television shows we watched together. She beat me constantly at rummikub her last two years of high school. I'm so glad she lives nearby right now!

Happy Birthday Beth!

Beth and Bruce

The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life by Alice Schroeder

I think I've been reading this book for at least a month. It was fascinating. I love biographies, and this one was great. Warren Buffett is a very interesting man.

This book is not a fast read. It is jam-packed with information - over 800 pages for the text of the book, and 90 pages of notes. I started out reading the notes as I went along, but felt a little overwhelmed. I decided to just enjoy the book as written, and know that I could look up the notes later if I wanted to.

Happy Birthday Ray!

Today is my son Ray's birthday. It's snowing like mad today, and it was snowing on the day he was born - in Kirkland Washington. Ray was my easiest baby to deliver (15 minutes after I arrived at the hospital), and he's been pretty darn easy ever since.

Ray is a gentle soul. I can't remember a time when he said or did something mean or cruel. He likes things to be smooth and peaceful.

That said, Ray is also an adventurous person (like his dad). In fact they enjoy doing quite a few things together - shooting, and SCUBA diving to name just a couple. If I were ever in a dangerous situation, I would want to have them with me. I know that if Ray were ever in a situation like that, and if there were any way to get out of it, he would. He is a good man to have on your team.

Ray and I share a couple of interests. One is reading. We don't always read the same types of books, but we both love to read. Ray is an extremely fast reader. When our family would buy a new popular book (i.e. a Harry Potter book), Ray would read it first (usually in a few hours), then me, then Audrey, then Beth or Debra. Another thing we do is play Scrabble together. I've posted about that before. Ray is a good sport to play with me, and we have a great time.

Happy Birthday, Ray! I hope you have a wonderful day.

Ray and his sidekick Madeleine.

Two items off the to-do list

Today I watched Madeleine while Debra did some work here at my house. She was so easy that I completed two tasks from my to-do list:

1. Sort the toys into their proper bins, separate a bin for baby toys, and get the puzzles all put together and put away. (Please note that on some days that would have been at least 3 items instead of one big item.) That's been on my list for about a week, and took about an hour to do. It might not have even taken that long if I weren't playing with Madeleine occasionally while doing it.

2. Put my sewing stuff into the new plastic drawers that I bought. The only item truly damaged when we moved here two and a half years ago was my sewing table. The part that held the drawers was completely broken, although the drawers stayed intact. That's been on my list for two and a half years (I've had the plastic drawers that long), and took me about 10 minutes to do.

What took me so long??? This is the story of my life.

Naptime for Matthew

Matthew has hit the stage where he does not want to stay in his crib for naptime, but still desperately needs a nap. This has forced some creativity on Audrey's part to keep him in bed (a story for another day.)

A couple of days ago Audrey put Matthew down for a nap at my house. I have a full size crib in one of the bedrooms downstairs, and that's where he was put to bed. A few minutes after he was put to bed I walked by and heard music playing. I thought Audrey had a new idea for a way to keep him in bed. A few minutes after that Audrey walked by the door and heard music and she wondered, "what is going on?" So she opened the door. Matthew had gotten out of his crib, and gone over to the big bed. He then turned on the radio portion of the clock radio that is next to the bed. When Audrey went in, Matthew was up on the big bed in the midst of all the pillows, dancing to the music, having a grand old time. Busted. Audrey whisked him off to the crib, and boy, was he mad.

About 20 minutes later she walked by - more music. She opened the door, and this time Matthew was completely under the covers on the big bed, sound asleep. She turned off the radio, and closed the door. He slept another two hours.

What Child Is This? A Christmas Story by Caroline B. Cooney

Christmas

Sweet

Tender

I cried (of course)

You should read it.

'Tis the Season

Currier & Ives Christmas Card

It's the season for many delightful things, but one I love especially is receiving cards, letters and pictures from loved ones near and far. In this electronic age it is nice to go out to my mailbox and see tangible mail to look at and read.

I love just a card. I love pictures to see what everyone looks like (some of us have changed in the last 25 to 30 years). Most of all I love to read any letters that come. I don't mind getting a general letter that is sent (maybe because I send them too) - I just like to find out what everyone's been doing. Once a year I get to catch up on what those friends and family have done.

When I see a Christmas card envelope in my mailbox, there is an initial sense of anticipation. Once I get inside I set all the other mail aside and open the Christmas cards first. As I read each one, floods of memories come to me of the times spent with that friend. We hear from former college roommates, former missionary friends and companions, friends throughout the years that we no longer live close to, and even those who live nearby. It helps me feel not so far away.

Thanks to one and all for all the cards over the years. Merry Christmas!

All by myself

I remember one day when I was a teenager. Everyone in my family was out for the afternoon, except my mom. I was getting ready to leave and had a rare stab of conscience. I thought maybe I should stay home and keep my mom company. I asked her if I should stay, and she said no thank you. She liked to have time all by herself, and in fact was looking forward to it. Wow. That was a new one for me. I just couldn't imagine it.

Well, a lot of time has gone by. I remember another day when Beth was a teenager, and she expressed concern at my being home all by myself one time. I had the same response my mom had had those many years ago. I kind of laughed and realized I now knew exactly how my mom felt at that time.

Tonight I am the only one home. Even though my favorite times are those surrounded by family and friends, I must admit it feels good to be alone. It is not at all a lonely feeling, just quiet and peaceful. I spent some time labeling digital pictures, but now I'm going to go upstairs, crawl into my nice, cozy bed, and read. A perfect way to spend tonight.

At last!

Finally, I can post it. This is a big project that Audrey and I worked on all summer - we made one for each family (a total of 5). I don't know what possessed us to think this was a good idea. We worked so diligently at this that we ended up with neck cramps by the end of each day. We got very tired of looking at these quilts! But after having hidden the finished product in my drawer for 4 months, when I pulled them out this week, they looked great.

Last night we gave them to everyone, so they can enjoy them during the holidays. Merry Christmas everyone!
(Addendum: Audrey writes about this in a much more detailed and entertaining way in her blog - see the link to Audrey & Joseph on my sidebar)

Completion date: July or August 2008
Size: 22 X 36 inches
Pattern: 25 days 'til Christmas #423 by Little Country Quilts

I am thankful for:

My family - in particular my children and grandchildren - my friends, my many blessings in life.

We took just a few minutes from home to go take these family pictures today. The babies were good (well, Madeleine had a little bit of a hard time), and we finished in record time.

Here's the whole group:

back row, l-r: Ray, Audrey, Diane, Debra, Beth, Bruce

middle row, l-r: Joseph, Ray, Randy

lap row, l-r: Matthew, Austin, Madeleine

Here are the happy grandparents with their happy (mostly) grandchildren:

The Hanks' had a great picture:

The Petersens had a great picture too:

Poor Ray. No family of his own. Yet.

We have a tie-breaker!

Audrey is pregnant, and due in April. She just found out yesterday that she is having a girl. That will give us 2 boys and 3 girls in the grandchildren department.

Elizabeth Linford Hanks

Madeleine wants to walk

Debra has been here this week with Madeleine. The boys have been around a lot also, and I think Madeleine wants to keep up. She's started taking more and more steps on her own.

Eleven months old today!

Quilt!

I've got to perfect my quilt picture taking skills. It's hard to get a picture of the whole quilt without it being at a funny angle, or blurry. Oh well, you can get an idea of what the quilt looks like from the picture.
Quilt size: 49 inches X 65 inches

Completed: November 24, 2008

Pattern: Lincoln Logs from 11 Laps from Fats by Ellen Replogle

Fabric: hand dyed (not by me)

Too Early!

Yes, it's 2:53 a.m. No, there will not be a picture of me to prove it is this time in the morning. No one needs to see that, no matter what time it is. I think I was asleep by 8:30 last night. Promptly at 1:29 a.m. my eyes  popped open, and I have not been able to get back to sleep.

Why does sleep elude us when we want it, and overtake us when we wish to remain alert? 

I will go back to bed, and hopefully while pondering that question, will fall asleep. After all, I need to be up in a couple of hours. 

And so it goes.

Quantum of Solace

Sean Connery. George Lazenby. Roger Moore. Timothy Dalton. Pierce Brosnan. And now Daniel Craig. James Bonds, one and all. Fast cars. Hold on to your seat car chases. Cover your eyes except you might miss something fight scenes.  Plots that are just complicated enough to keep your interest, but not so complicated as to be confusing. Bad guys who are truly bad. Beautiful women.  I love James Bond movies, and this one was great. Go see it!

They're home!

Mom and Dad are home! We went to the airport this morning to pick them up - it was so fun. In fact, better than Christmas.  They've been serving in Sao Paulo Brazil. Dad's been the doctor at the CTM.  After 20 months, we are certainly happy to have them home.

Mom and Dad coming past security.

Mom and Dad with David and his children. 

The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother by James McBride

I just finished reading this book for the second time. I read it several years ago for a book group, and just re-read it for my current book group. I liked it a lot the first time, and it held up well to a second reading.

The book is autobiographical - James McBride was one of 12 children from a black father and white mother. His mother grew up in an orthodox Jewish home - she had a tough life as a young girl. The book is a tribute to her, and how she managed to bring up a family and have the color of their skin not be a factor in the family, and for much of their lives.

New Haircut

I was brave and changed my hairstyle. I try to do that once every five or ten years, just to keep myself on my toes. Madeleine was kind enough to keep me company during the picture taking.

Snow!

Our first snow of the season. Here's a quick shot of my backyard pond. Note the yellow leaves on the trees in the background. It's that tricky transition time between Fall and Winter.

Madeleine loves her Uncle Ray

It's always fun to see Ray and Madeleine together. He holds her and plays with her all the time. Usually when they're together she's riding on his shoulders. 

They sure have a good time together.

I voted!

I am proud to be an American citizen, and feel blessed to be able to use my voice in the election of our leaders - local as well as general. The age to vote changed from 21 to 18 just in time for me to vote in 1976.  Jimmy Carter won that year. I don't remember much else, except that it was exciting to be able to vote.  It's still an exciting process for me,  and I'm thankful to be able to vote. 

The Mother-Daughter Book Club by Heather Vogel Frederick

This was a fun book. We're reading it for my juvenile lit group. It is definitely geared for girls.

The book is about a mother-daughter book club in Concord, MA. The book they discuss througout the year is Little Women. That alone could have the potential to make it enjoyable for me, but part of what made it so fun for me, is I was just there! They talked about places I've just been, and walked or driven around. Too fun. 

Boston in October

I love the Boston area. I could spend lots of time there. Ray and I went a few weeks ago, and I'm still relishing the trip. It was fabulous. I usually like to sit down and write about a trip right away, but I think I've been putting this off, hoping the trip would still be alive if it weren't committed to paper/computer.

We had some airplane tickets we had to use, and the airline mostly flies east from us. Ray said, "where do you want to go?" I think "Boston" flew out of my mouth before my brain knew I even had the thought!

Ray's cousin and family live in the Boston area (Hingham), and were gracious enough to host us. It was enough just to see them - add the rest of what we fit in, and I just couldn't think of more I would want to do. Something about the northeast really speaks to my soul. Lots of trees, lots of water (so far that is also like the northwest, which I also love), great architecture, but added to all that is lots of history. I just can't get enough of it.

My favorite type of vacation includes a great amount of relaxation and reading. Boston has been the exception to that rule. It is one place I am happy to go visit many locations, and soak up atmosphere.

Here's my little travelogue. Bear in mind that although I love the idea of lots of pictures, I kept getting caught up in what we were doing, and promptly forgot all about the camera. I did manage to get a few shots in.

Thursday, Oct 16

We arrived. Diane Nielsen picked us up from the airport. On the way home we gazed out the windows constantly, marveling in the foliage. I learned that the locals call it "leaf peeping".

Friday, Oct 17

Off and running. The plan was to head to Newport, Rhode Island to see the mansions. We had a slight change of plans and ended up at Steven's office instead. Steven is Ray's cousin, and ophthalmologist extraordinaire. We had to be there for a pre-surgery appointment for Ray (more on that later). We never ended up making it to Newport that week. I guess that means we need to plan another trip!

After the eye exam we headed to Concord. First stop, Orchard house, one of Louisa May Alcott's homes. I am a LMA fiend. I think I've read most everything she's written - many of them several times. We arrived just in time for a tour. The tour guide was very good. Entertaining, and knowledgable. Orchard House is an interesting historical sight. About 80% of what is in the house is actual furniture from when the Alcott's were there. There are drawings on the walls and window sashings that were done by LMA's sister - still there for all of us to see. The movie Little Women that Winona Rider was in used the actual Orchard House in much of its footage. I made a few purchases in the gift shop - including a chocolate bar that had a wrapper with a picture of a cover of Little Women. I just couldn't resist. (It's on the side bar of the blog)

Above: me and Ray in front of the school Bronson Alcott had. It is to the rear of Orchard House.

Below: a closer picture of me and Ray
After Orchard House, we did some drive-by sightings. We drove to Lexington and saw where "the shot heard round the world" occurred - the beginning of the revolutionary war. Then we drove back through Concord and saw Thoreau's shack where he lived at Walden's pond. The bonus of all this was still more beautiful foliage everywhere around us.

We stopped in Weymouth and had some great fish and chips at Caswells. It's a favorite for locals - always a good sign. I recommend it if you get to that area!

After our whirlwind sight seeing, we were back at Steven's office by 2:30. Time for Ray to have eye surgery. He had lasik surgery on one eye. This allows him to read with one eye, and see distance with the other. No more glasses perched on the top of his head. How will anyone recognize him? I was able to watch the surgery on a computer monitor. The entire surgery took about 30 seconds. We took Ray home, and put him to bed (thank you, Xanax!). He fell asleep promptly, and didn't wake up until the next morning. Meanwhile Diane and I ran to the Talbot's Outlet there in Hingham (Talbot's headquarters are in Hingham). We found a few good deals and went home to check on Ray. Sound asleep. So Diane, Steven, and I went to dinner at Panera. I wish they had those in Utah. Back home - Ray still asleep. I read for awhile, and got a great night's sleep.

Saturday, Oct 18

Ray woke up feeling great! We took off for more sightseeing, and this time Steven was able to join us. We made a quick stop at Steven's office for a post-surgical check on the eye. All was well, and off we went.

Here is a tree right next to Steven and Diane's - beautiful! We saw so much more like that everywhere we went.

First off we drove to Salem. We toured a place that was set up to show what the dungeons/prisons were like for the people during the time of the witch trials. There was also a skit depicting what the trials were like. Everywhere we walked were houses with little placards on them saying they were historical houses, and what year they were built. We saw some built as far back as the 1600's. I wish I'd taken a picture.

We ate lunch at the Boston Hotdog Company. Located only in Salem. Too bad, because the hotdogs were amazing, and I think they could do a rousing business anywhere in the U.S.

After Salem we headed into Boston proper. Our goal: to arrive at the Museum of Fine Arts by 4:00 p.m. (we made it, no sweat) . Before we left for Boston, I looked at things to see in the area. I found that a documentary about Louisa May Alcott was being shown at the MFA on Oct 18 at 4:00 p.m. I couldn't believe I would actually be there for it! It was only shown about 4 times, and the 18th was the last showing. It will be out on PBS in the fall of 2009. (Look for it; don't miss it!)
I could go on and on about the documentary, but I won't. It was one of the best 90 minutes spent on this trip. It was very well done.

We went to dinner in the north end of Boston - the Italian district. After waiting for about an hour and a half (during which time we walked over and saw the Old North Church - one if by land, two if by sea), we had an excellent dinner in a restaurant I neglected to get the name of. We stopped at a bakery on our way back to the car and got dessert to take home. I have to say the bakeries in the north end were amazing. Good thing I don't live there.

Sunday, Oct 19

Truly a day of rest. We went to church, then home for a long, long nap. Then dinner, and some great time to chat and visit with Steven and Diane.

I was reading Mornings on Horseback by McCullough while there. They saw my book and said, "We know his son and family!" I must admit to a great pang of jealousy.

Monday, Oct 20

Another pretty relaxed day. We went out to World's End - a natural reserve there in Hingham, and walked around. It was so beautiful. Right on the water, and beautiful foliage everywhere around.

Above: Ray and me

Below: Diane, Ray, and me
After that we ran a few errands, and had lunch at Caswell's again. Who knows when I'll be back to have it again? Ray made clam chowder for dinner that night, and it was a fitting end to our stay.

Tuesday, Oct 21

Back home to reality. Thank you Nielsen's! I can't wait to go back.

Randall S. Peck, piano

Randy gave his recital last night. Wow.

Here's what he played:

1. Piano Sonata No. 24 in F-sharp, op. 78, "For Therese" by Beethoven

Adagio cantabile: Allegro ma non troppo

Allegro vivace

2. Nocturne no. 17 in E Major, op. 62, no. 1 by Chopin

3. Preludes from Book II by Debussy

XIII. Ondine

XI. Les Tierces Alternees

4. Suite for Piano, op. 14 by Bartok

Allegretto

Scherzo

Allegro molto

Sostenuto

5. Piano Concerto No. 1 in F-sharp Minor by Rachmaninoff

The Rachmaninoff was a show-stopper, but my favorite was the Bartok.

Great job, Randy!

I couldn't resist adding a picture of the food served after the recital. Randy's mom, my good friend Jeanie, did all the food/set up for the reception. She does an incredible job at this kind of thing. Please note the piano key cookie.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney

This book was okay. I think boys might like it. I can usually enjoy "boy" books as much as "girl" books, but this case, no. It's a best seller, and I imagine that's true for 4th to 7th graders. It didn't transend the generation gap for me.

Boy, I need a firecracker book!

A Calculated Risk by Katherine Neville

This book was just okay. I had hoped for more, because I liked The Eight so much. The story was fine, but parts of it were so dated that they were distracting. The main part of the plot deals with computers, and I'm sure when this book was written the computers in the book were state of the art. Not so now. Oh well.

Happy Birthday Dad!

Today is my father-in-law's birthday. It is the one great thing about October 31. I think about Dad all the time, and all the great things he is to/for us. But when I sit down to write about it, it's hard to put it all in concrete words instead of just thoughts.

So, here are a few things off the top of my head that I'm grateful to Dad for:
1. He is a wonderful, loving husband, and I am thankful for his example in this arena to my own husband - I reap the benefits of that great example every minute of my life.
2. He has a great enthusiasm for life. He is actively interested in what is going on around him.
3. He is entertaining in many ways. He has a beautiful singing voice (my husband likes to sing the songs Dad sings, but never thinks he sings as well as Dad - he loves thinking about Dad while he is singing). He also entertains the grandkids - singing fun songs like "There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly", "Shortnin' Bread", and many others.
4. Dad has spent thousands of hours composing poems and inscriptions for all the books they have ever given their grandchildren. Think about it - over 50 grandchildren times a book for their birthday, and a book for Christmas, and any other books given in addition to those! Those inscriptions are priceless.

That's just the tip of the iceberg. His name is Ray Housley Linford. My husband is Ray Austin Linford, and my son is Ray Orris Linford. My husband has always been so proud to be named after his father that he always wanted to name his first boy Ray also. One inscription Dad wrote when our son Ray was born is this:

To Ray. What a grand name. If you know my name and if you know your Daddy's name you know the name of one of the greatest grandsons we know.

I would say we would know the name of one of the greatest dads and grandpas we know.

Happy Birthday Dad!

Dad and Mom in Brazil - currently serving their fourth mission!

*If you look at Dad, you will know what my husband will look like in about 30 years, and you will know what Grandfather Linford looked like about 30 years ago!

3 good things about Halloween

Hmm, I'm trying to think of them. Yes, I'm the Halloween Scrooge of the Century (this century and last). I love autumn things, but not yucky, scary Halloween things (spiders come to mind at this point).

Okay here goes - three good things:
1. It's my father-in-law's birthday (poor man - having to share that holiday). It's one thing that redeems the day for me.
2. We have a big family dinner together to celebrate Dad's birthday, then the kids go trick-or-treating.
3. I guess there's always something good about a holiday that makes chocolate more accessible.

It took me all day to think of all three. Oh, I forgot the most important good thing!

4. I will now start playing Christmas music in the open (I feel Christmas music is okay all year round).

Lunch at the MOA

Everyone who's anyone knows the best place to eat on the BYU campus is the cafe at the Museum of Art (aka MOA). Audrey and I drove down with the boys, picked up Debra, Madeleine, and Ray, and met Beth at the cafe for lunch. Mmm, mmm, delicious. But better than that was all of us together. The grandkids were beautifully behaved and we had a great time as well as a great lunch.

Believe it or not, this was the best shot we got - the babies were fascinated with everything but the proper focal point:

L to R: Audrey, Debra, Ray, Matthew, Madeleine, Beth, Austin

After lunch we wandered through the bookstore. I forget how much I love that place. Now that we live here I don't feel so driven to make sure I get there everytime I'm in Provo. It's been a long time since I've been there, though, and I need to get there more often. At one point we were waiting for Audrey to buy something and I got a couple shots of Matthew and Madeleine side by side in their strollers.

I think in this one Matthew is trying to pull a quarter from behind Madeleine's ear:
Believe it or not, they are both happy. This is Madeleine's latest posed smile for the camera:
Madeleine's not so sure what Matthew is laughing about here:
We persuaded Austin to come over for a picture too:

It's the best way I can think of to spend my Friday afternoon!