mamabeal adventures: Some important things about 2007

Before the new year gets too far along, I want to put in a few happenings in 2007 that I found important. When we came back from the beach on August 18th, I found out that a dear friend of mine Marge Canto had died and was being buried that very same day. She had been like a mother to me since I came to this country as an immigrant. Fortunately I did get to see and talk to her when I went up for their anniversary in June. Her son John told me at that time he thought his mother had goven up. she had been sick for a long time. I have many fond memories of her. Rest in Peace.
Next big event was the baptism of Spencer Nuzman. It has been great to watch Spencer grow in to a very nice young man. We had a very nice family get together with all his Beal aunts and uncles ther except Trevor, who was too far away. But I think it is a reflection on Spencer that everyone wanted to be there to celebrate with him for that important day.
We had a wonderful get to gether for Thanksgiving at my house. Jason and Holly went to Utah to spend the holidays with Hollys mom and Trevor was able to join them too. The rest came to my house and we had quite a group. but when planning the food I think we forgot most of them were young children, and we definitely had too much food. But we had a great time cooking together and talking and finding out what everyone was doing. A real family get to gether. I fact I was very proud to hear all the things Melinda and Emily were doing. It did help with the bed situation that Quincy and Natalie had their own apartment. It was nice that the children could sleep in their own bedrooms. Actually the girls slept in mine. I overcooked the turkey, and the rolls had trouble raising, but when you use yeast from 1984 I guess that is to be expected. But the desserts and the rest of the meal was great.
I got sick with bronchitis right after Thanksgiving. It worked out well. Carl had meetings down her so he was able to keep and eye on my in the evenings. It is always interesting to me to see how The Lord privides for me when I need it. It is always comforting to have Carl around. After they got me on the right antibiotic and lots of prednisone I got better, but it took me almost till christmas. I had been coughing for about 3 months so it has been such a relief to not cough.
Quincy and Natalie went to Indiana for Christmas, and Melinda and Emily had Christmas at their homes. As much as I enjoy Christmas and love doing all the preparations from gift buying to decorating to baking and cooking and having the family around, I have noticed the past couple of years that it has taken all my energy even though I thought I was taking it easy. Usually with the result that I would get sick right after. This year was really low key because I had Christmas with Jason and Holly. I went easy on decorating (not the presents), and even helped with the cooking, and for probably the first time in years got the Christmas cards out before Christmas. I also had time for reading the scriptures, and decided to read the D&C after I finished the New Testament. The time I spent in bed recovering was a good excuse for doing some long overdue thinking.
Studying the New Testament this year and having to teach it to 14 year olds has really increased my knowledge of The Savior
and most importantly increased my Testamony of Him.
I worked quite a bit in 2007, and hope to cut back on that this year, so I can make progress on some personal projects. I had planned to make a couple more trips, but due to the constant coughing I didn't feel like going anywhere.
I also had fun doing some changes to the decorating of the house. My trip cross-country in april with the furniture we inherited from Richards mother, was definitely a memorable experience of the great kind. Linda Carver was a good sport an d agreed to come with me. We drove over mountains and valleys in rain, snow and sleet. We talked and had a good time, and not once did we gossip, but we found we shared a lot of interests in traveling and our families. In the slow housing market we were all very greatful to sell Virginias house befor having to go too far down in the price.
Finally I have been able to spend a lot of time with my grandchildren, both the once here in Virginia, and the once in Delaware and New Jersey. It is so nice to be able to visit them easily. I enjoyed going up to New Jersey, and Delaware just before Christmas to see how their Christmas was coming along. The flights were full and Emily was generous to drive me to Delaware, and I drove Back from Philadelphia.
I enjoyed my Christmas with Jason and Holly, and also the new year. And just for the record, I did win one game in settlers.
2007 has been a wonderful family year for me. I am greatful for all my wonderful children and children in laws. I don't know how I can be so lucky to have had my children marry such good people. And of course all those wonderful grandchildren. Happy 2008
Now if I can find the pictures I will illustrate this blog.