Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve always starts with breakfast then we open gifts.  This year Grace wanted to open stocking stuffers first.  Normally that would be fine but I did have a couple of gifts that related to a couple of stocking stuffers but what the heck, it is Christmas.

I love watching everyone open their gifts, especially the kids.  Hunter surprised me before we started opening the gifts, he turned to me and said that he was sorry he didn't have a gift for me.  I immediately told him that he was my gift!  And it is true his sister, mom, dad, Wayne and he are my gifts and I meant that.

Hunter loved the rocks that I wrapped in his stocking and the books on rocks.  I loved that Larry and he said down and started organizing the rocks. He loved the Chewbacca knit hat and the Potato Clock.

Grace ran to Larry with her  R2D2 t-shirt.  I didn't know that Larry had tried to get her the exact one but that Fred Meyers didn't have her size. She loved her stuffed animals, pottery wheel, artsy things and more.

Hunter and Grace both made owl ornaments for their parents which they loved.  Hunter spent months on building a bird feeder for them too.  It was a hit!  I painted it for him since he isn't into painting.

It was nice that they all stayed for an hour after the gift opening to play with their gifts--Hunter with his rock collection and Grace with her art supplies.  It was a wonderful Christmas Eve.



Visit to OHSU

Last night, we called Phyllis, Wayne's former sister in law whom we are friends with.  We found out that Les, her father had to be taken to OHSU due to kidney failure.  He was doing better and would be transferred out on Monday back to a rehabilitation center.  Today we went and visited him.  It was a good visit and Les was in good spirits.

The last time I was at this hospital it was when my associate pastor, Lee Wiegand.  His daughter, Katrina was transported by Life Flight there after being struck by a vehicle on Mt. Hood.  She was only twelve.  As soon as I found out, Alison and I drove up to OHSU.  I remember sitting with Debbie (one of my two best friends then) by Katrina's bedside.  Katrina was in a drug induced coma.  Debbie, a nurse, was barely holding it together.  It was a long night.

Katrina is twenty something now and doing well.  Debbie went to Heaven last year.  Lee has remarried.  Life goes on.

Today we sit with Les and I can't help but think of Debbie.  I quietly sat by her holding her as she held on.  Now, Les is nearing Heaven's door.  When I am super nervous, I talk and especially since Wayne doesn't talk much. After five minutes, Les starts talking which is good.  I don't like making small talk.  He looks good now but has given up on life.  He misses his wife, Pat who died a couple of weeks ago.  Two pictures showing both of them in happier times are on his table next to his hospital bed.  He admits he almost died and fortunately, Phyllis who is a professional caregiver called attention to the fact that his urine bag was empty.

I pray that Les makes it through Christmas so that the family can share this time with him.

Group Hug and A Double Hug

When I taught art to the Kindergarten class, I noticed that I forgot to put the "Picasso" sign up with Grace's first grade class' paintings.  So, when I finished I took the sign and the stapler that was in the bin with it and went to the wall of paintings out in the hall.  Much to my surprise--the stapler was empty. 

No problem, I went into Mrs. Marcoe's classroom where I knew that there were staplers full of staples.  I figured I'd sneak in and no one would notice me--Wrong! Morgan, one of Grace's best friends, spotted me and shouted, "Dena!"  And before I knew, I was surrounded by several huggy bears in a big group hug that was three deep!  They remembered me from me teaching them Picasso!

Several of them shouted, "Hi, Nana!" and my heart warmed so much!  Then I saw Grace standing there and she said matter of factly, "Well, Hello there!" with a big smile and powered through the crowd to give me a hug.  She asked why I was there and I told her that I was trying to borrow Mrs. Marcoe's stapler as quietly as I could.  I respect my granddaughter's space but was very surprised when she stepped forward closer and gave me another warm hug.  A double hug means she is really happy that I am there.  I used to get double hugs when I volunteered in her Kindergarten class.  Now that she is in first grade, they are rare.

Hugs are wonderful, double hugs are like winning the lottery!

Teaching Picasso in Kindergarten

Rowan with his Picasso

I was asked if I could teach the art lesson to the Kindergarten class that Wayne volunteers in.  Of course, I said, "Yes!'.  Tiffany, the teacher, was Grace's Kindergarten teacher and we got to know her well. 

All the kids didn't know me until I told them that I was "Gramp's (Wayne) Nana".  Then smiles popped up.  Wayne is known as Gramps and he tells them about me--hopefully good things!

The kids were fantastic and really interacted with my story about Pablo but really shined when it was their turn to make their own Picassos.

Rowan is in a wheelchair and is special needs but that didn't stop him from participating which he did with vigor!

Morgan and Nathan are two of the kids who Wayne spends one to one in reading.  They adore him and it shows.  Morgan's sister, Ellie was in Grace's Kindergarten class.  Their dad is a single parent and found work in California.  It is bittersweet to see them move.  I took pictures of each of the kids, a class photo and a bookmark with their picture on it.  I gave Tiffany Morgan's pictures and bookmark so that he can take it with him to California--along with a picture of Gramps and him.  Ellie has a picture of the three of us from last year's Grandparents Day when we "adopted" her for the day.

I matted all the paintings along with their picture and name to put in the hall.  Morgan took his home with him today.

I thoroughly enjoy teaching kids about art!  There are two more artists this year and I will teach about them to both Grace's 1st Grade class and Tiffany's Kindergarten--can't wait!

Morgan and his Picasso

future Picassos!

Wayne and Nathan

Wayne and Morgan

Gift 5-Clay Time with My Grandkids

Before painting

I had the kids over on Sunday to do their Christmas gifts for their teachers and their parents.  Every year we do something artsy.  This year, I pulled out my clay tools that have been collecting dust, bought some clay and we made ceramic owl ornaments.  I found an air dry clay that works really well!  Grace made some other ornaments and items.  Hunter made what he calls "Christmas Worms".  What can I say--he's a boy!  He gave them to me and I told him that I will be showing his children these beauties!

I was amazed how Grace really got into the clay.  She loved working with it and made a bowl using coils that she rolled.  She figured out how to do it so she got a bowl.  For one of her Christmas gifts, I got her a battery operated child's pottery wheel.  I'm sure she will get a lot of use out of it.

It feels me with pride when these two do artwork an are happy with the results.  It is wonderful spending this quality time with them!



Grace's Owl for Gramps & Nana



Hunter's Owl for Gramps & Nana



Hunter's "Christmas Worms"



Grace made her bowl by herself-she figured out how.



Hunter using the clay extruder-he loves mechanical things!



I think I may have an artist here

Gift 4-Drawing From His Word-Literally!

My latest pastime is literally drawing from His Word!  In the evening I sit and relax with my new journaling Bible and some Crayola pencils.  I have seen this on Pinterest and really liked it.  It took me months but I finally decided that this is something I will do.  My new Bible have large margins that allow me to do some artwork.  I chose a verse and draw it in the margins.  Right now, I am using some from Psalms which were on Pinterest but it is time for me to venture out of that book.  I love doing this in the evening--it is so relaxing!

 

My ultimate goal is to continue to the point of having to buy another journaling Bible.  It is my ultimate hope that when I go to Heaven that both Hunter and Grace will get these Bibles and treasure them.  And that His Word will reign in their hearts through my labor of love.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gift 3-Bittersweet Memories

One year ago today, my daughter by marriage went to Heaven.  Facebook reminds you of events, not all but some and today, it reminded me of this one.  I mourn for the time I didn't have with her which is mostly my fault for not pursing it.  You can't get time back, you can only learn and move on.  I think of Melissa and her boldness and quirky sense of humor.  I think of her family this time of the year--her mom (and my friend), Bobby, grieving the loss of not only Melissa but her other daughter, Aubrey the year before.

I think of Pat who just passed away last week and the family left behind.  I think of Debi who never took the time to reconcile with her step mom (Pat).  The words that were never said.  On the way to town yesterday, Wayne was talking about Pat's funeral and asked, "I wonder if anyone would show up at Debi's funeral--she has hurt and alienated so many.  Sad. 

I think of Patsy next door who lost her husband, Clair, last month.  They had a wonderful life together and now she is alone with her two dogs.  I thought of baking cookies for her for Christmas but I decided to sew some doggie coats for her two dogs.

When we were walking one day, we ran into Patsy and her daughter along with the two dogs.  I noticed that one was shivering.  When checking the fabric of the coat, I noticed it was so thin so I decided there and then that I would make them coats.  I made Leslea's dogs some and our Misha one.  Patsy loved them!

Pat, Clair and Melissa are in Heaven and that is great comfort but bittersweet here on Earth.  I am reading a book about Heaven and those who died, went to Paradise and then came back.  It references the scriptures that support these near-death experiences.  Wayne died and came back.  He told me about leaving his body and hovering over the accident scene, going through a tunnel, and being covered in light.  He was amazed at the love that he felt from the Light.  He compared it to your first love times a million.  What a glorious place to be!

Second Gift-An Hour of Reading

Unfortunately for Wayne, he was sick with the stomach flu today and spent most of the day in bed.  As for me, I feel fine for now.  I almost got up at 5 this morning but resisted and finally fell back asleep until 8am.  I went to the gym and did my 40 minutes of strength training reducing my weights.  Tuesday I had too much weight on the machines and my knee paid the price.  It feels so good to get back into my workout routine.

This afternoon I did something that I usually reserve for that hour or half hour before I fall asleep--I read!  I love reading and to give myself an hour to read in the day is just unheard of for me.  I have five books that I am reading at the same time.  I ordered one yesterday and read a chapter on my Kindle as a sample.  I prefer non-fiction in hard back form and fiction on my Kindle.  However, I had two books on my Kindle that I put there because I was down in Florida when I could read them.  Books weigh more in the suitcase than on a Kindle.

Today I read a couple of chapters in "Imagine Heaven: Near Death Experiences and God's Promises", Billy Graham: "Where I Am", and "The Emmaus Code by David Limbaugh.  I am half way through the first two and just started on the last.  "The Emmaus Code" is about how the Old Testament has references of Christ.  I find that fascinating.

The TV was off and the Christmas lights were on.  I curled up on the recliner with my cat, Olivia on my lap and read.  It was wonderful not to feel rushed or guilty of this unique pleasure.  I love books and enjoyed this gift of time to just lose myself in them.

My First Christmas Gift

Yesterday, I finished all my Christmas stuff...no more gifts, decorations, etc. One possible party to go to next week and Christmas Eve Breakfast with the family.  My hope this year was a gift to myself to be able to sit and enjoy the peace of Christmas.  I always rush through Christmas and miss the whole reason for the season. I always feel exhausted and regret that the season went so quick.

Lately, I bought a "Journaling  Bible".  It is a Bible with large margins where you can draw illustrations of verses, color them and really turn your Bible into a beautiful art praise.  I wanted to do this for awhile and finally got some art supplies together and bought the Bible and started.

So, yesterday I sat on the couch and began my fourth illustration in this Book.  I keep my Bible and supplies on the couch so I can't ignore this time. Colored pens and markers in hand. The verse was in Psalms--"Trust the LORD and do good".  I did the verse plus flowers, birds and butterflies. Colored the images. It is an escape and praise at the same time.  I love this time. 

When I was done, I looked up and saw the lights on my Christmas tree, the lights and stockings on the fireplace and wreath above it and just exhaled.  I was caught up in the peacefulness of it all.  A celebration of His Peace.  I felt so relaxed and warm that I just sat there and got lost it in all. A reminder that He came to Earth to give us Hope.

My first gift of Christmas wrapped up in His Love--His Peace.

Wayne's Former Mom-In-Law

This is Pat Macomb, Wayne's former Mom-In-Law who passed away last week.  She was a warm friendly lady who I had the pleasure to get to know.  We occasionally would drive up to St. Helen's where her husband, Les, and she used to live.  She always made me feel welcomed.

Both Les and Pat have known Wayne since he was a teenager.  Wayne married Debi (Les' daughter and Pat's stepdaughter).  I am touched that they consider Wayne as their own son.  Debi burned the bridges with Pat and Les just after we married.  Sad.  Debi had said horrid things to all her family and the result was Debi disowned he entire family.  When Debi had the stroke, the family did come to her side only to be insulted again to the point of Pat and Les saying that if they died, they didn't want her at the funeral.

Last year, Pat had bowel cancer and survived until this year when it took her life.  The week before when we found out that she might not survive, I flew Leslea here from Utah.  Leslea said it was the best Christmas gift--a little bittersweet but Leslea was able to see her grandma before she passed.  Les has given up on life and at least Leslea got to visit with him as well.

The funeral is this Saturday.  Les called Debi and invited her to it.  In my opinion, Debi has every right to be there, Pat was her step-mom.  However, the rest of the family doesn't want her.  I know that if I show up with Wayne, it will just add fuel to Debi's fire--she is there just for the drama.  So, I will not be there.  Wayne will but will leave if Debi shows up--he doesn't want the drama either.

So sad that a family is this way but I do understand...don't like it but understand.  My former husband, Gary's ex-wife (Bobby) and I got along as best of friends when I was married to Gary.  We never talked about Gary. He adopted her two kids and my daughter, so we recognized that we need to be friends for their sakes.  After the divorce, we remained friends.

Last year, Bobby lost her daughter, Melissa to lung cancer.  The year before she lost her youngest daughter from another marriage to leukemia.  I received a beautiful Christmas card from her this year.  When Melissa was dying, I paid for Bobby to go and visit Melissa before she died.  It is what Jesus would do and I would do it again without a thought.

This last month, my neighbor, Clair, passed away leaving his wife, Patsy.  My heart goes out to her too.  I thought about baking cookies for her for Christmas.  Instead I sewed coats for her two small dogs.  She loved it.

This Christmas brings sadness but also celebration.  I have been reading a book on Heaven and stories from those with near death experiences.  The book references scriptures along with the experiences.  It is a comfort to know all those who were lost this year awoke in Heaven in the Light of Jesus. 

I thank the LORD for His Grace and Promise.  I thank Him for letting my Mom survive cancer and giving me more time with her.  I pray for His Peace for those left behind when their loved ones passed on to Heaven.

Teaching Picasso!

 

I had signed up as an Art Literacy Volunteer--fancy way of saying "Assistant Art Teacher" before I went to Florida.  So, when I got back, I scheduled a two hour block with Grace's teacher, Mrs. Marcoe to teach Picasso.  In November, all of us Art teachers met and the coordinators gave us a lesson plan, some slides and a book to teach from. 

 

I recalled last year when Wayne told me about one volunteer that taught about an artist to the Kindergarteners.  He said it was way over their heads and the kids lost interest quickly.

 

So with that in mind, I decided to do my own thing.  I ordered the book on Picasso.  Great book at Kindergarten and 1st grade level with lots of photos and cartoons.  I scanned a handful of Picasso's pieces into my computer, printed out as big as I could get and mounted them individually on a 12x16 foam board.

 

I then made notes from the book and matched up to some of the pieces.  I threw in some fun facts about Picasso:  Picasso had 12 middle names, he had a dog named "Dump", he added perfume to his paintings to help sell them and his BFF (best friend forever) was Matisse.

Grace and BFFs Lucy and Adeline

I was nervous and got to the classroom when they were still out at recess.  I setup everything. Said a quick prayer for success.  I arranged oil pastel crayons and paper for them to make their own Picassos and sat in the rocker in the corner.  The kids came in and some of them remembered me from Kindergarten.  They all surprised me and sat in front of me on the floor asking why I was there.  Grace told me that I can't say I am her Nana or grandma and don't embarrass her.  Sigh, she is just like her Mom.  I respected her wishes but her friend, Morgan loudly shared that I was Grace's Nana.  Grace rolled her eyes but survived the embarrassment.
 

I started with the lesson and I couldn't believe how the kids were so excited to ask my questions.  I asked who had a middle name and who could tell me how many middle names that Pablo Picasso had.  Hands went up and they all loved trying to answer all my fun fact questions.  We laughed a lot and I had them tell me what they saw in the paintings and talk about imaginations! 

Brody and his Picasso!

Mrs. Marcoe came over to me and said that she was so surprised that one of the boys, Brody, is interacting with the group and me.  He never does that!  I felt so good about exciting all of them about art (but especially Brody!) and they couldn't wait to do their own painting.
 

I was so nervous that I would fail at this but I really did well and felt so great about it--the prayer to Jesus sure helped and He answered it!  I have always wanted to teach art to children.  And now, in my retirement I get to do it!  Thanks, LORD!  I have two other teaching sessions to do but Mrs. Marcoe has asked me to help out every Friday after Christmas break and I can't wait!