Christmas letter 2021

 

Merry Christmas 2021. Well, here we are, actual COVID, 2 vaccines and a booster later. Everyone is healthy. We have much to be grateful for.

 Paul is working as a consultant for a pharmaceutical company in St. Louis. To break the evening boredom, he has entered the race with Mom and me to see who can find the best junk at the thrift store. He’s very proud of the fact that he purchased tennis rackets from “Goodwill” and sold them for a profit to “Play it Again Sports.” His favorite part of the year was spending time with grandchildren. My favorite part of his year was when he built me raised beds and a potting table. Also, when he took me on an anniversary trip to Savannah. So much good living.

My year has been filled with scary, but fulfilling adventures. At church I’m serving in Communications which ironically was my college major, but I haven’t thought much about it since, well, college.  It has been new territory introducing me to many of my weaknesses, but also wonderful people and opportunities for service in the community.

 In my garden I took a step towards my dream of becoming a farmer/florist. I started tiny seeds indoors, put them under shop lights, kept them watered and fed until I could plant them outside. My winter was saved. Where I’m usually fighting the bleakness and darkness in my mind and heart, I jumped out of bed each morning to check for the slightest growth in my seedlings. I rejoiced at the progress and mourned the casualties, but there was so much hope for the future. The garden is where I learn to wait for good things to come, build barriers to protect from that which would destroy, nourish to strengthen, water to revive, and multiply to replenish. It’s also where I’m reminded of God’s love for us in his beautiful creations.

Gabe works hard taking classes at Southern Crescent in Griffin. I can’t really relate to this, but he kept getting 100% on his math tests. Is that crazy? He also works hard at his job/jobs. He loves to earn money, but he’s still looking to find that area where he really enjoys his time at work.  Gabe is building his food preparation portfolio. He makes brownies, popcorn, macaroni and cheese, hot dogs, frozen pizza, mashed potatoes, waffles, cupcakes, and the best cheesy chips.

My mom is doing well. She had some health challenges with sciatica and a kidney stone, but she is actually getting around better now than she was last year. Her delight is shopping and going to lunch. Olive Garden endless soup and salad is her favorite. She likes to visit with her family and friends. She indexes and grows flowers in pots. She also loves serving as a greeter at church.

The kids that don’t live with me are out and about, fighting the fight, having grand adventures- code for working really hard solving problems. 

We added 2 new little people to our family, Reagan (Andrew and Mallory)

 and Lexi (Nathan and Ariane.)

We hope you are doing well, and making a place in your life to garden a little and love a lot.

 

Love, the Stokers

 

What an Honor to Finally Meet You, Lexi Elise

Isn't she just the cutest thing? These great people moved to Sacramento, CA from Augusta, GA 2 years ago. That meant I couldn't just drive 3 hours to visit. I'm happy they're by their CA family, but I've been missing out on a lot of beautiful faces. This new little Stoker, Lexi, is sweet, sweet. She has a ready smile that is so rewarding. The word on the street is that she doesn't sleep, but that means more time to enjoy her company.  (Says the Grandma who doesn't get up with her in the night.)

Her brothers and sister are also very fun to be with. You know when there are costumes worn, it's going to be a great time.

Especially when riding a bike. This little 2 year old reminds me of his Daddy when he was little. I could not resist the cuteness.

My first day in CA we went to the park. I was very impressed by the tenacity shown by the littles. There was bike riding, scootering, climbing, a couple falls, but a lot of bravery, strength, and trying again. And when 2 year old was done playing, he picked up his bike and sat in his stroller to wait.

I took a short trip to Dos Palos to see my brother and go to my old house. It was pomegranate season and I loved seeing all the pomegranates growing all over the central valley. (Goals)

The next day we got up to go to YOSEMITE!  I hadn't been in decades and it was thrilling. First off, adventuring with these guys was a treat. When they say they're leaving at 6:00 am, they're leaving at 6:00 am. Kids in the car, lunch packed, muffins in the cup holders. Let's roll. It was spectacular. There had been a rare rainstorm the weekend before and the waterfalls were definitely showing off. So much beauty and so much impressive hiking demonstrated by my family. My son and daughter-in-law each packed a child. The 4 and 6 year old walked by themselves and didn't whine at all. They were good examples to me. I tried to keep my whining to myself, but mostly I was just excited to be in that special place with these special people.

The next day we went to the pumpkin patch. It was very Halloweeny and we had a blast.

Sweet 2 yr. old gave me 3 gifts: a dandelion, a rose hip and lichen. I just might keep them forever.

How lucky is this Grandson to have a piano lesson with his Dad every morning?

 I'm very proud of this wonderful family. I hope I get to be with them again soon. Thanks for being lovely.