SO MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR

Hi all, well I missed updating a message at Thanksgiving, but that's not because we aren't thankful, it's because we were so busy. Have you ever wondered how your life has gotten so busy? Sharon and my life sure has. If my memory serves me correctly, our lives were much less hectic in those early days of our marriage. I remember that first Christmas in our apartment. We created a fake fireplace out of brick pattern corrogated paper and decorated around the apartment with a few decorations. The tree was floor to ceiling, and gifts filled the area around the tree, even though there were only two of us. I seem to remember getting a bowling ball from Sharon. We had little and enjoyed much. Our apartment cost us $125 a month plus utilities. I only earned $500 a month. Sharon began working for the County in the Assessor's office, and between us we had more than enough to get by. We purchased a new car that year on Dec 31, what a way to end up our first holiday season together. 1964 was certainly a memorable year.

This year we again attended church on Wednesday for the annual Thanksgiving Eve service. This is always one of our favorite services of the year, and this year was not different. Christy publically gave thanks to all who had a part in the triplets lives, either by praying, coming to visit in the hospiptal or helping out with caring for them at the house. She had everyone involved stand, and in the end nearly the entire congregation was standing. Quite an example of how we as Christians are to help each other.

Like in past years, we start getting ready for Christmas even before Thanksgiving. A few decorations were already in place in our house when people arrived for the Thanksgiving festivities. As the family patriarch I was asked to offer the prayer for the Thanksgiving meal. As I gathered my thoughts I realized that if I took time to itemize the thanks to God for everything he has provided, just this past year, we would have ended up eating a cold meal, so I summed it up by thanking him for being the caring, giving and loving God he is. God has provided so much to us all, and all he asks in return is for us to love him. During the year we had tracked down Sharon's aunt who we haven't seen for years and brought her over to the house to have Thanksgiving with us. It was special to see her, and a I'm certain that she enjoyed seeing everyone.

So now for a grandkids update. The triplets continue to grow and grow. They are all rolling over, but only from their backs to their stomachs. Then they get frustrated because they can't turn back, however, I suspect it won't be long before that changes and they roll all over the place. Grace seems to have the best eye-hand coordination at the moment, but as we have seen during the past few months, where one baby is momentarily ahead, another one takes over and moves ahead of their siblings. They take turns excelling and then falling back a little to let brother or sister have a turn in the spotlight. All three have colds, welcome to the real world. Maybe in their lifetime the cure for the common cold will be found. Nicklaus continues to lead in the "I am the hunk" contest, although Madeline is close behind. Nicklaus is also the easiest going at the moment. He just lays back and takes it all in - except when it is time to eat. Then he displays a little lack of patience. Madeline and Grace are the talkers, guess that is not a surprise, they are girls after all. In the past I have not taken much space to feature our other grandkids, so here is a short update on what they are doing. Rachel, Hannah and Breanna are just growing up way too fast. We are so fortunate to be able to see them at least once a week. We see Hannah and Rachel on Sunday at church, and occasionally after church for lunch at a local restaurant, and Breanna on Monday afternoons and nights when the entire family gets together at grandma's house for dinner. The girls love to play school together, with the two older ones, Breanna and Hannah taking turns to be the teacher. Rachel accepts her role as the student, but occasionally rejects the teacher's requests. Excitement is starting to show as Christmas is approaching, although we have not seen a list for Santa yet, maybe tonight. Breanna plays soccer on the weekends. She is quite athletic, so soccer is a good release for some of her excess energy. She recently took a tour of Orange Lutheran High School where she is planning to attend. That really makes me feel old. I still remember taking her to work when she was only a couple of months old, and showing her off. Now she is ready for High School. Hannah continues to amaze with her high IQ, sometimes a little too smart for her own good. Rachel is the loving child. She gives much love, but also needs much love, and gets frustrated when she feels that she isn't loved (which of course is never).

Well, there you have it. That's the quick version. There is more to tell, but you will fall asleep if I go on. Next time some current pictures, and it won't be another month, so check back. Grandpa Bernie