A NEW KIND OF SABBATH DAY FOR US

For many years we have been blessed to have our kids and their kids over for Sunday dinner at Grandma's and Grandpa's house. Today we were all alone so we made plans to drive up to Don's and Gaylynne's home. They were having guests over for a barbecue/Home and Visiting Teaching gathering. One of the sisters in their ward asked to have all of the families they teach come to Don's and Gaylynne's to hear a gospel message, food, and an opportunity to get to know each other better. There were two elders there too. We were assured that everyone would be gone by the time we arrived but...well, we sort of crashed their party.

After saying hello to everyone Courtney led us upstairs to see the books she is now reading. I told her that they were the same books Aunt Lori enjoyed when she was a little girl. Beverly Cleary was the author.

"Grandma, I love this chapter. I've read it 3 times. Would you read it to me Grandma?" Ever since I was a little girl I have loved to have someone read to me and it was a joy to know that she loves it too. Her Great Grandma Coates also likes to be read to and so we gave her an audio book for her birthday.



Emma was sound asleep in her room so we were careful not to make too much noise laughing at the adventures of Beezus and Ramona.

Finally, we took the book downstairs and continued reading it together on the couch in the living room.

Melanie occasionally joined in with us but there were many words she didn't understand and she frustrated Courtney with all of her questions. I laughed and pointed out to Courtney that her relationship with Mel was the same as Beezus and Ramona. That's when I realized that Mel understood more than she let on because she wanted to know which of them(Mel or Courtney) was like Ramona (Ramona is the younger sister who is frequently getting into mischief and making her big sister's life crazy).

Great Grandma Coates sent Dayton's birthday gift with us and all of the kids loved it. Dayton was quite possessive and we laughed at how fruitless his efforts were to keep the toy to himself.

They had so much fun with this new toy which answers questions and tests their skills for recognizing animals.


After a while, Mr. Independent Dayton went outside to play by himself. He was so cute as he "fixed" his car and drove around the driveway.

He was so deeply focused on his game he really didn't care if he was alone or not. He stayed right where he could be seen and every few minutes Don and Gaylynne would peek out of the livingroom windows or door to check on him.

In the meantime, Neal visited with Don and I read to Courtney until we finished the chapter. Emma eventually woke up and both Don and Gaylynne commented on how much better her mood was.





She headed for my big purse which was in Courtney's room and brought it to me in hopes that she could have a piece of gum. Later she said, "Grandma, I took 1 hot one and 2 bubblegum ones". I begged her to be sure to throw the gum in the garbage when she was finished chewing it. I always have chewing gum with me because of the pills I take for High Blood Pressure. My throat gets dry and I start to cough. I find it hard to tell the girls "No" when they ask for a piece of gum.


We really had a nice Sunday and left at about 6:00 or so. The sky was beautiful and the drive home was easy.