December 29, 2007 by Melanee.

On Saturday before Christmas, Marlene and I were at a big box store that has red in its logo. Take a big guess where we were. We were getting last minute gifts for my girls. Marlene was looking over a planner to purchase for her to use in college. This jolly man approached us. He was bearded with a large belly and wearing a red long sleeve sweat shirt that zippered half way in front. He approached us pushing his big red cart in the stationary section. He asked Marlene if she has been a good girl. She said yes. He also asked what she was buying. She said she is buying a planner for college. Oh! What college are you going to? She said, “Brigham Young University. Oh, you better work real hard. And Mom I hope you have been a good girl this year. I told him I really have been trying. He said well I only have three more days left and off he went with his cart. We both smiled at the exchange we just had with the stranger.

I wanted to tell him how his friendly approach really made my day. A perfect stranger made us smile and he did not know what we had experienced the past year and how the holiday was just not the same for us. His gesture really meant a lot to me.
With the holiday shopping and crowds I just did not want to deal with rude and pushy people, which can happen.
So, thanks Santa for spreading the Christmas spirit even in a big box store with lots of red.

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December 20, 2007 by Ashley.

It’s officially winter here in Colorado. We’ve had a lot of snow in the past week, which makes everything very pretty, but it is also COLD!! Recently our ward had their Christmas party and it was themed “Back to Bethlehem.” I guess it’s something wards around the country have been doing for the past few years. Well this party way amazing! They had dimmed the lights and set up all these different stands to make it seem like old time Bethlehem. You couldn’t even tell it was the gym anymore. Families had to sit on the floor on blankets and for dinner we had to bring baskets and you put all your food in the basket and bring it back to your family. Then at the end there was a program of the Nativity story. And wouldn’t you know a few weeks back Pat and I were asked to be Mary and Joseph. (I think it’s because we’re one of the 2 couples in the ward that have no kids and thus wouldn’t need babysitting during the program). It was awkward having everyone stare at us, but we didn’t have any lines so that made things better. There were some awkward times in the program (a lot of people never came to a practice) but overall it went well. I’ve attached some pictures of that nights. As you’ll see, Pat grew out his beard for the occassion. Luckily for me though he shaved the next day.
Other than that, things are going ok. We’re not going anywhere for Christmas this year. I miss family a lot, but it’s nice not to have to travel during this busy time of year. Also, Pat was generous enough to give me an awful cold that gives me a constant headache.
Pat is looking forward to his time off from work. They shut down HP all of next week. That forces him to take a couple vacation days, but he’ll enjoy the rest. He’s been extremely stressed and agitated and could use the extra sleep.
Pat and I also went to see a nurse (to go over prenatal stuff) and we were able to hear the heartbeat. It was very reassuring because it’s been over 1 month since my last appt and I just always have the dread that something is wrong. It was hard for the nurse to get a constant beat though because apparently the baby didn’t like the added pressure and kept moving out the way. I thought that was funny because Pat doesn’t like anything on him because of the added pressure. We get to find out the sex of the baby in 4 weeks which we’re both really excited for!

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December 11, 2007 by Mallory.

Today, here in Memphis, it is December 11, which is coming very close to right in the middle of the month…..and it was almost 80 degrees today. I never thought that I would live in a place where I could comfortably wear sandals in the middle of December and not even have to wear a coat outside. I just thought I would make you all a little jealous. But of course, we will be going to Connecticut and Idaho for Christmas break…which are DEFINITELY colder than where we are. There were a couple days that it got cold overnight and there was ice on the windshield, but other than that, it’s been great! No snow, no nothin.

Since I haven’t written in a while, I thought I would add a little update. Wendell is coming up on finals and he is stressing…big time. For the first time this year, he’s not coming home with me and he’s staying on campus probably until around 10 tonight. I know he’ll be fine, but he is a BIG worrier. I decided that every family has to have a worrier. Growing up, it was my mom. Now in my own little family, it is Wendell. I am much more laid back about things than he is. We balance each other that way, I guess. As for me, my classroom is going alright. It’s still not great. My students keep getting more and more talkative as vacation comes closer. I am hoping to get a handle on them soon….who knows when it’ll be. It’s fine though. I know that when the year comes to a close, I’ll miss them terribly, but I’ll probably be grateful for the summer break too. Things are going well, generally. We put up our little fake 3-foot Christmas tree, our stockings, a wreath, and some lights around our apartment to help make it a little more festive. I have to admit that it’s a little difficult to get into the mood of Christmas when it is almost 80 degrees outside, but that’s ok. I love this time of year just the same.

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December 5, 2007 by Melanee.

Yesterday Marlene has really been working hard to get businesses to sponser her for her half-marathon run for the PanCAN team for January. She visited several businesses yesterday and was able to collect 85 dollars in cash and checks and 20 dollars in gift certificates for her trip to Miami. (The business said she can sell the Blimpie gift certificates) I am really proud of her ability to come out of her comfort zone and do this. She is driven to do anything to help others in memory of her father. The fund raising has gone slow this year, but with a little hard work I think she will make it. We have raised $725 out of the $2500 needed.
If you can help by spreading the word or making a donation this would really help her cause.
Just click on…Help Marlene Run for A Cure….it is on the side bar.
Click “search” under the “Top Teams” box on the right and type in Marlene’s name. Her site will come up for you to donate. Or you can write a check to PanCAN and give it to us so we can send it in.
Thanks for all your support.

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December 3, 2007 by Melanee.

I took a trip back to San Diego to attend my brother-in-law’s funeral. What a wonderful program to celebrate his life. So many people were there to support and help. So many well wishes and flowers for Kristy. My sister-in-law is greatly blessed with such a big support system-family, friends, and church members. Just being together as family is what really helped us.
The funeral was so fitting for Doug. He planned it. The talks and songs honored him. Just as many people attended Doug’s funeral as Kev’s funeral.

Personally, the funeral hit me pretty hard. During Kev’s funeral I was strong, but with Doug’s the emotions were raw for me. Having Kev gone really has settled in. I miss them here on earth even though I know full well that Kev and Doug are needed for something important. The Lord has a purpose. But, I can still miss them.

I have been saying that 2007 will go down in history for the extended Webster family. We have experienced two weddings, two great grandchildren born, two high school graduations, several college graduations, and two passings.

For my little Webster family we have had one high school graduation, two college graduations, one wedding, one grandchild born, and one passing. What a year! I wonder what 2008 brings? I know I have one grandchild that will be born and one going to college, and the marathon that Marlene is running coming up too. Boy, life always keeps going.

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December 3, 2007 by Melanee.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of all. What we share is time together and good food. Leah, Ed, Anya and little Kevin spent time with us on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday before Thanksgiving then they had to return home. Ed had to work the holiday. I marvel at Anya and little Kevin and how they are growing and maturing so quickly. We fed Kevin his first bowl of rice cereal. He loved it.
The newlyweds, Mallory and Wendell, drove 22 hours to be with us for Thanksgiving. I loved having them here.
Mallory, Wendell, Marlene and I spent Thanksgiving holiday with my folks. Most everyone was there. The food was wonderful, as usual. I did a cooking marathon that morning of 6 dozen rolls, sweet potato souffle (traditional Webster recipe), chocolate oatmeal bars, and chocolate cream pie. This was brought to my parents for all to enjoy. (I kept some of the rolls) Cooking was so much fun and so satisfying.
Friday we packed up the car and Mallory and Wendell followed us to Leah’s and Ed’s house. Saturday we had our traditional Thanksgiving dinner. All delicious. So, I had Leah, Mallory and Marlene, 3/4’s of my family together. Somehow during dinner we started singing Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen. Go figure. We were in a good mood.
Little Kevin also has been babbling a lot. He talks to you like he is having a conversation with you, but only in babble talk. Leah would talk with him and say..Oh, and then what…Kevin would continue with his babbling….Oh, really…..babble….Are you sure?……Babble. It is the cutest thing you ever saw. I swear he is going to start talking at 6-8 months. He has a lot to say. While I was taking care of him at church he looked into my eyes and I felt such love and we truly connected. Even though he had his pacifier in his mouth he started to talk (babble) to me. It was a memorable moment. I am so glad to be a grandmother. I am also really looking forward to connecting with Ashley’s little one due in May.
We came home Sunday afternoon. What should have taken 3 1/4 hours took me 5 hours of driving. But, we made it.
My blessings are many…my trials are many….but I choose to see that I am blessed.

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