leder legends

  Just a few picture from Christmas 2021. The boys and families came for dinner on Christmas Eve.. a tradition since we left Puerto Rico.  I used the Christmas dishes that I got from Aaron last year - from his friend who was getting rid of his grandma’s stuff.  We ate pernil, arroz con gandules with veggies and snow salad as American sides. I did not burn the garlic bread. The meat was so good this year! Traditionally pernil is a seasoned fresh ham but mine has been dry the last few years so I got a 10 lb pork roast.  Everyone agreed we should do that again.  Gifts were opened afterwards much to Asher’s delight!   New yard art.  My outdoor pig collection is growing! His teeth will be clean!

Today at church I overheard a little girl ask her dad “What is wrong with the babies ears” as she pointed to June. The Dad knelt down and was explaining the best he could, so I came over to them and let the little girl ask me questions. I told her that I was glad she was asking questions and I explained why June needed her hearing aids.  Why am I telling you all this? Because I want people to know that it is okay for kids/parents to have questions. I know that hearing aids aren’t all that different, but as a person who works with special needs kids, I want to say this: don’t shush your kids in public, don’t just walk away embarrassed. Teach your kids about the differences and maybe even say hello to the person who is different. Many people are even willing to explain things to kids so that they understand... The Dad at church didn’t shy away from it, and even admitted he’s not sure how to explain things to his 3 year old. You know what? That’s okay.  Please acknowledge the dif...

  We got a new TV. Is 55 inches enough? The grinch looks great!

So that I don't forget --because I often ask A or myself "When was that etc?"  I had carpal tunnel surgery (through the wrist) and I had the ulnar nerve released in my elbow as well. This was four days ago and all that shows are two small scars and lots of bruising. I find it utterly amazing how quickly this sort of thing gets done and how minimally invasive surgery can be these days! The body is also wonderfully quick to heal. The only restriction the surgeon mentioned was lifting...nothing more than 5 lbs for a while. Not bad for my age!  The final outcome should be that my hand no longer tingles or "falls asleep" especially at night.  So far so good!

 Just went to Christmas concert - Grand Rapids Christian- Middle school and High School choirs.  As always they sing very well! Why do secular songs get the most applause? Why is everyone in black but santa hats get put on for the "special" songs?  Ava will be in high school next year!! Time flies!

 Spinach quiche for Sunday lunch. Tastes great but a little wet!  Who says a quiche has to be done in a round pie pan?

  Life can be hard. These gorgeous young girls need to use hearing aids. It’s part of life. They are being raised as “hearing” children which means no sign language.  That’s part of life too. It’s not something people generally understand. This morning the four year old asked why she and her friend could not go to preschool together. She was told it was because she went to a special preschool for children who used hearing aids or had cochlear  implants.  So she asked “can my friend hear without hearing aids?”  Hmmmm! Ok!  Life is hard sometimes...maybe all the time!

The tree decorators!   Since Sarah and Andy and their girls were spending one more night at our house, I invited all the local grandkids to come help decorate the Christmas tree. It was loud and chaotic but so much fun.  We missed the two in Anchorage. Nathan tried to lift Ava up too!! haha All done!!

Sarah really wanted us to get family pictures and I was able to find a semi-professional photographer to come to the house. )