A New Tradition

Aunt Francie invited us to Greybull this Sunday for a Christmas Eve dinner. I know, it's not Christmas Eve yet, but we decided that the 2nd Sunday in December we would make it a tradition to go down there for their (the Oleson's) traditional Christmas Eve dinner. Which is Lasagna, green jello salad, garlic bread, relish tray, and trifle. That is also our LaRae dinner in September because of this tradition.

Jodi was out of town. Between Amy and I, we watched her 3 kids and were able to take them down there with us.

The picture below is of Paige and Torrun, one of Jill's twins. Below that, Maren and Sedley are playing with Ava, her other twin.

Someone that LaRae had given this drawing to when she was in collage, had recently contacted Francie and asked if the family wanted it back. She thought it should go to them. We were very happy to see it. Kelli gets the original from drawing out of a hat, but we all get scanned copies of it. It will be a nice addition to the boy praying we have. Jensen was always being held by someone, Jackson just happen to have him when I took this shot. Gracie loves cameras and was pretending to take pictures of everyone. So cute.

I almost didn't, but decided to gather all the kids on the stairs for a cousins picture. I'm just sad Sammy wasn't here to be in the picture. He stayed home, too much homework I guess. I'm surprised at how cooperative they all were. In this photo, they are all singing Jingle Bells.

Dana was in Laurel yesterday, and took most the girls down to stay the night. Aliza, Maren, Sedley, and Karissa. They had church at 1:00 and Dana curled all their hair before hand. I counted all the girls..... 8! She curled 8 heads of hair before church. Wow. I am amazed Dana.

I am so blessed to be a part of such a great family. I am thankful for traditions old and new. I'm glad we have started a new tradition.

Remembering Donna LaRae

Six years ago today, Donna "LaRae" past away due to cancer. She lived a full and happy life with family and friends.

She loved being a mother. She had 9 beautiful and wonderful children.

On the back of this picture, it says 'Richie and mommy 1 1/2 wks old'. Sam's middle name is Richard:)

Every Christmas, she would read the story "Twas the Night Before Christmas". We all, (including us older kids), enjoyed listening to her read.

She enjoyed giving books as gifts, she gave classic and precious books.

LaRae loved being a grandmother. Although her youngest, David, was 5 when Sammy was born, she treated Sammy and all her other grandchildren, like they were the "one and only". She would sing to them, hug them tight, be happy to watch them, and would make them feel very special. August 2002, Sammy, Aliza, Grandma P., Jackson

LaRae never had a bad word to say about anyone. She accepted, and loved all who came into her life. She stayed up late (2:00a.m. or so) I think to have "LaRae" time, and later in life she made up her own ingredients to creams, hair removal etc. As I've said before, she has a beautiful smile, which went with her personality as well. She loved the Gospel, her husband, and family.

A few years ago, Sam decided we needed to have a "LaRae" dinner. Every year since, about this time of year, Labor Day, as many of us that can, will get together and eat some of LaRae's favorite foods. We have her Lasagna, green jello salad w/ carrots, french bread, and trifle. We remember the great things about her. This year, aunt Francie and uncle Ken and Sam's cousin Jill, w/ her new baby Grace, were able to come. Dana and Tony were already here watching our kids and Clint, Amy and kids, and Kenny, Jodi and Sedley came over. I hear it was a wonderful dinner, since Sam and I didn't get back from our little get-a-way until 8:00 due to Labor Day traffic.

We miss LaRae and am thankful to her for the wonderful example she has been and still is.