"In the Spirit" Christmas Family Gathering that the money that would have been spent for us and from us be donated to a charity. It turned out that our kids and their Dad made similar agreements to exchange with gifts to charities of their choice.
By the time our party came around Ron & I had already selected a little family in recovery who could benefit with a little help. We took the 27 year old single mom and her 3 yr old and 5 year old to the Oak Knoll Christmas Tree farm where they got to ride the train to the trees and select their own tree. They got to have hot cider, or hot co-co and play with the gentle big dogs in the Farm's guest room filled with decorated trees.
Ron bought a Christmas tree stand for them – and put the tree in it. Then we proceeded to be sure there were presents under the tree for all. With the money we would have spent on family members – the Mommy got $50 cash to shop for the children while I stayed with them. While Mommy was gone shopping I helped the kids wrap some simple gifts for Mom and put them under the tree. When Mommy got home beaming
with her success – she got a cash gift of $45 dedicated to spend on herself for make up and the basic necessities she has been doing without. What a thrill to see their beautiful Christmas tree all decorated with lots of presents underneath. Thank you to my family for agreeing to share in this remarkable way. It has been the most joyful season I can remember.
Other Charities receiving gifts were the Humane Society, Multnomah Women's Crisis Center, Ronald McDonald House, and Building Blocks (a place dedicated to helping families at risk. Boy did we spread the joy all around!!
Our family gathering was spent playing games, singing Christmas Carols together with Marilyn playing along on her acoustic guitar. We snacked on all the finger foods and treats anyone could want. It was Grand! We were entertained by our youngest family members - Sophie and Winston - the Grand-dogs!
On December 17th Ron & I enjoyed taking a ride with Tim & Marilyn to see all the beautiful Christmas lights. Afterward Tim treated us to Ice Cream at Dairy Queen. What fun!
On December 19th Eli invited Ron & I to his lovely apartment for a Prime Rib Dinner.
What a wonderful evening that was!
On December 22 Ron & I took a drive to Lebanon Oregon where our former neighbor and friend Rilletta lives in a Elder Care Center. We took her out to lunch at Sheri's and the Lottery was friendly to Ron there at Sheri's – and bought our lunch for us! Rilletta was happy with the visit and for those of you who know her – she is doing great. She enjoys the other 3 residents in the small facility and remains quite independent. She was happy with the big can of cookies we took along for her. She will share them with her family on Christmas Day. She had to hide them from the "boy's in residence"!
Our daughter and son-in-law are spending Christmas with his family in Bend Oregon enjoying the snow. Our little Grand-dogs don't know what to make of it!
Our son and daughter-in-law will spend Christmas with her family here.
Eli will join Ron & I for this evening – and Christmas will have all to ourselves to do whatever we decide to do!
On December 27th we will celebrate our Son's birthday with a day at the 3-D Tron opening!
We are well and happy. Sending our Love your way. Enjoy Everyday!
