Grandma and Chuck-a-Rama

JOY is the "Grandma Maxine

 monthly dinner at Chuck-a-Rama
tradition"

Monthly, we would take Grandma Garff to a delicious buffet dinner at the Chuck-a-Rama on 4th South. It was such a thrill to recapture old times with her and then to have Mom and Dad accompany, was like icing on the "Kettle Roasted Turkey" and the "Bread Pudding." A favorite line of the evening was when Grandma  asked how to spell Shrew...

JOY was revisiting a tradition.

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Christmas Guests

Grandma and Grandpa made the rounds...unfortunately for them, the miles in distance was far and wide...Idaho Falls for Christmas Eve and opening presents on Christmas Day with Howard and his family and then quickly back to Salt Lake to spend the day with us. Noah was thrilled to have their company and wanted them to have a sleepover. We settled on dinner and a few games. "Name 5 Professional Teams that do not end in the letter 'S'...Broncos? No. 49ers? No. Packers? Bears? Steelers? Redskins? No. No. No. Then who?"

JOY is truly having an enJOYable Christmas Day.

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The 3rd JOY of Christmas...Generous Gift

At the head of each of our plates was an envelope containing two letters from Grandma Garff and a check for our Christmas. Grandpa Garff had a love for books... particularly the classics. He had a wonderful library with his personal handwritten notes in the margins. For Christmas, Grandma would like us to come pick out a book or two for a keepsake to enJOY. It was a JOY to witness the light in her eyes as her Grandchildren read the letters silently.

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Gift giving is symbolic of the Gifts given to Jesus by the Wise Men and the miraculous Gift Jesus gives to each of us...His Atonement and Everlasting Life for all.

Black Friday

Now I have heard of BLACK FRIDAY, but staying up all night in bitter cold with anxious people standing in long lines only hoping to obtain the desired gift with and at an unbelievable price just never sounded like a whole lot of fun. My co-worker believes it is an adventure that every one should experience. Maybe I am a little jealous that others have enough in them to accomplish the feat. Noah will be starting basketball and he is without a sturdy pair of basketball shoes. His cousin had picked some up the night before for a fabulous price. I decided to go with Grandpa and get Noah a pair at the outlet just before Thanksgiving Dinner. Every store was closed...not a car in sight. Noah was so disappointed and tears welled up in his eyes. Grandpa knew the stores would open later that night beginning...Yes, BLACK FRIDAY. I was thinking...we'll go tomorrow and hope there is something left. After dinner at Grand America, Noah rode with Grandma and Grandpa. They took a detour to the outlet malls...still no cars. Grandpa saw that stores would open at 10:00 p.m. Noah was so excited that he could hardly contain himself. Again I thought, we will go tomorrow. Rick and I were out like lightbulbs before 10:00. My sweet Father, Noah's awesome Grandfather did something so special for Noah that even Noah's parents wouldn't do...wait in line. At 10:00, Noah and Grandpa headed to the Nike Store. There were lines of cars leading to lines of people. It was midnight before they returned with a handsome pair of shoes. When I awoke the next morning to see the pair of shoes on the fireplace I felt overwhelmed with gratitude for Dad. Now that is a great Dad and Grandfather. Noah and Grandpa shared this experience together and that brought me JOY beyond words.

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A Grand American Feast

There was a reservation made for 5:00 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day at Grand America. It was our good fortune to celebrate this day of thanks with my Mom and Dad. Eating out ???? I had no idea what to expect but I knew I wouldn't be cooking, cleaning, or snacking on leftovers. The Hotel was exquisite. It was beautifully decorated for the Christmas Season. The Garden Room so quaint and intimate. I am sure we had the very best table. King Crab, Salmon and Shrimp, salad, beef, turkey, dressing, vegetables, maccaroni and cheese, rolls, soups, and so much more. There was a delectable dessert table...everything appeared perfect and we were to help ourselves. Some personal favorites of mine were the sweet potatoes, the pumpkin cheesecake and bread pudding. There was no preparation, no cleanup...just plain enJOYing the delicious food and wonderful conversation. JOY was being together as a family again.

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Over the River and Through the Woods

JOY was getting to our destination safely. The truck was acting up and I had to pull off to the side of the road more than once. Noah exclaimed, "I think I am having a heart attack!" I reassured him that we were going over the river and through the woods to Marriott Summit Watch...Richard and his family, Grandma and Grandpa Hart were there to greet us. Technically, Grandma's home is the Marriott for the time being. JOY was being together and seeing Noah with his cousins.

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Creativity With My Camera

Here are a few before and afters that brought a great deal of laughter which lead to JOY! Oh technology and young minds. Noah and Allie gave Grandma and Richie a make-over. If memory serves me well, Stephen also fell prey to the same treatment. Here's to a sense of humor!

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To Market, to Market

Mom and Dad called and invited us to dinner. Typically we go to Zupas or Cafe Rio. Tonight Mom felt like enJOYing a bowl of clam chowder. There is only one place for that...and that is where we went...to Market Street Grill. Delicious food, nummy desserts,
delightful conversation made for a JOYful evening. Noah loves being with his grandparents and I am always thrilled to be with them. JOY! JOY! JOY! and Noah gave me the hiccups.

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Utah State Fair

Always a JOY is a trip to the Fair with Noah (and friends.) Grandma and Grandpa made this adventure possible so we are more than grateful for the opportunity. The weather cooperated--it didn't rain and it wasn't too hot. There was ice cream and I SCREAM with laughter. Quite frankly, it is the bright and cheery colors that draw me in for the thrill and though I never set foot on a ride, it is a pleasure to watch my boy have a grand time with his friends. Besides, it is the roasted corn that is a REAL TREAT for me... what would a Fair be without a visit to the Pigs? Without winning some fish? Without having a water fight in the spas?

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Time

June 25, 2011
Grandma and Grandpa took Noah and a friend to dinner and the movies. As much as I love the little guy, we were able to get so much accomplished.

JOY is receiving a gift of time.

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Fresh Start

It is a mixed blessing to have parents willing to help like they do. Half empty...I feel guilt for the countless hours of unwavering service and dedication to me. Half full...grateful that they are the means for providing oh so needed help. JOY is a fresh start. JOY is gratitiude to parents for that fresh start.

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