December 5, 1988 Orem, Utah

Dearest Johnny; Roy, Patrice & Emily; Bob, Claire, Michael, Laura, Brett & Katie; Rick, Jean, Ricky, Barbara Jean, Mary Ann & Sarah; and Ron, Ann, Susanna, Jessie, Russell, LeeAnna & Jimmy:

Wow!!! We're either in Winter Wonderland or Pea Soup whichever mood you're in!!! We have had fog for the past several days and it froze last night and all the trees and grass are covered with that frozen mist - it's really quite beautiful but on the news they tell us the air is very unhealthy.

The really big and wonderful news for this letter is that Jessie has some sight in her eye. She went in for surgery to remove the lens on Tuesday morning - I went up to stay with the other children so Ann & Ron could both be with her. When they came home they were quite disappointed - the doctor had found that the lens had become absorbed into the other tissue and he had to literally chisel tissue away and make her a new pupil. When she went back in on Wednesday morning he took off the bandage and she can see shapes and some colors for the first time in six months. The doctor held up a large lens for her to look through and she could see almost as good with the lens as she could in her good eye. WHAT A GREAT BLESSING!!!! The doctor will fit her for a lens the end of December - she will have to wear her patch until then. Dr. Ririe told them that they didn't even have the tools to chisel that area, ten years ago. We have heard that Dr. Ririe is the best in the business and we feel that Jessie is so fortunate that he was the one they called to the emergency room that day.

Annie had her BIG BIRTHDAY on Saturday. Her former neighborhood group that is so close called me to see if I could help them surprise her, so Daddy called and told her he had some fish to bring to Jimmy. We took the fish and went up there on Thursday about noon and soon her friends came - she was REALLY surprised. They took her to the country club for lunch and they had the room all decorated with black balloons - it was a special time for her. I just love her friends - they are always so sweet to us.

Jeannie - thank you so much for hose darling pictures (she sent us copies of their pictures they had taken at Disneyland and also at Barji's play Oliver). We could see Barji and it made us feel sad that we didn't get to see her in that. You must have had a wonderful trip to Disneyland and we're so glad you were able to do that. We will keep our fingers crossed from now until next Monday when it will be determined if you get your home - talk about a stressful time - Wow!!!!!

Speaking of pictures - we went in to see our family portrait proofs of Friday. They really are all quite good considering the large group but it seemed like one person ruined each one of the pictures - including Daddy & Me. We finally decided on one where Susanna is the only one and maybe Jeannie are not as good as in the others. Susanna has her head turned and we just see her profile and Jeannie isn't smiling. I really felt like they hurried us in choosing on so I'm not sure what we're getting. They gave us the other proofs so you will be able to see why we chose the one we did we love them though and will be thrilled to have them. We ordered enough wallet size to send as Christmas cards and then 8 x 10's for each of you of the family and also the immediate family - it will be a memory anyway. We also love the ones that were taken with our camera while we were waiting and I'll send you the ones of your families.

It was fun to go to Layton last Friday for Daddy's last check up. the Doctor said he is doing great and his hernia surgery has healed completely - he told him he could do anything he wanted to now but to not do it all at once - Ha!!! We went to see Ellen Mae & Mel after and had lunch with them - they are such sweet, sweet friends. Then we went to see Claire - Bob came home for lunch while we were there so we got to see him too - he had been in surgery all morning. Then we went to see Jeannie but she wasn't home -we really didn't expect her to be.

It was fun to talk to you for a minute Patrice - I'm sorry Emily got the "bug" and hope she is much better by now. That is so hard for little children because they can't tell you where they hurt. I was in the room where you and Roy slept this morning and happened to look at the pictures on the chest in there - I have never seen so much dust in my life - I'll bet you think I never dust!!!!

Daddy has gone to see Dr. Brown this morning - he is the oncologist. I hope he gets a good report - I don't know what he will do - maybe take another blood test. After his appointment he was going to the Toyota place - he is wheeling and dealing for a new car and if they will give him a good deal he may come home with a new one. I want him to get one that isn't so hard for him to get in and out of - one with more head room. He & Johnny went to talk to them on Saturday - Daddy is interested in their all - trac car that has four wheel drive when you need it. Johnny is doing good - he drops by quite often - his face is broken out and he thinks it's because of school stress - I think it's because of junk food!!!! Ha!!!!

We're going to have our family home evening group here tonight (otherwise known as the geriatric club). I am making dessert crapes and will serve hot chocolate with them and then I believe we will play Pictionary and the new game Roy & Patrice gave to Daddy - "hunting & fishing trivia" - that will be a lot more fun than some of the games we have played like "Yahtzee".

WE love each one of you so very much. PLEASE BE VERY CAREFUL IN EVERYTHING YOU DO. Let us know we can help you.
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