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Show tV-iV- t Christmas by Norecn Park The bitterly cold fall wai promising to usher in an equally cold early winter as our family desperately worked at completing the largest single project we had ever that of beginning our undertaken dream house in Francis as soon as the Spring thaw of 1978 made it possible and completing it in the short summer season before living quarters in garage and camp trailer, became impractical as well as intolerable. The kids waded in the creek, hunted, fished and rode three sets of shoes off the horses as they began the new life we had chosen for us all after much thoughtful consideration. Work throughout those beauti- ful, balmy summer days was sometimes frenzied as Max and I were unlike the carefree children very aware that old man winter lurked not far from summer's door ready to sneak in on an August afternoon, catching us with firewood barrel empty and our drum converted stove yawning hungrily as it consumed what was left of wasted scraps from the house. We were fortunate that fall to elk as he bag a beautiful was sneaking from nocturnal grazing pasture bade to unpenetrable pine forest. Fortunate, because we had only two days to spare from building to hunt! The kids were out of school for UEA and were with us that crispy morning, Polly, 11; Jenny, 9, and little Tony, 7. All were expectant and excited as we drove up the dusty road to our and there he was, hunting spot the in movies! Thank like just heaven as there was really no more time to spare but a very empty freezer at home to fill. Nov. 13, 1978 found Kamas Valley reluctantly waking to a shivering -- 25 degree cold spell which would last a week! The water in our six inch wash dish was frozen solid and even though we were far from finished, we moved into our house! Friends probably 50-gall- remember white sheetrock dust on their clothes as they called to see how we were doing, and cooking evolved from the camp trailer stove to an electric fry pan and single hot plate. Ah! Such miserable, gourmet delights! As we added finishing touches of molding and wallpaper, the snow began to pile up and by Thanksgiving, where was 18 inches or so on the level. A young family building a new home usually finds itself a little short of cash at the Christmas season and we were certainly no exception as that most holy of holidays approached. Any extra money went into closing costs and final a expenses. Things were looking bleak for sure. Adults must these situations, but what to say to three little ones who are al More or Less? r-- i' i .V a . i; Friday, December 15, 1989 'r 'i 1 i'r iirjt. y, The Summit County Bee ready wearing out the "Wish Bode! I'll never forget the forlorn little Christmas tree we finally found just few days before Christmas! We did our best with drill, bit, glue and extra branches; but it was still pretty sorry looking! Christmas Eve approached relentlessly and believe me, presents were scarce that year like hen's teeth! Tony's carpet was laid in a blizzard on Dec. 23 and our dream house was finally finished. That year smells of Christmas cooking were somewhat belated and very limited, but the traditional "bird" was cooking at last on Christmas Eve when my brother, his family and my folks arrived to spend the holiday with us. It was the simplest Christmas we've ever had, but our puny little tree gleamed as the children of both of families donned bathrobes and mom's jewelry for costumes of shepherds and wise-meWe even had an infant that year, my little niece, to play the starring role of the treasured Christ child. As each made his appearance, I remember feeling as though my heart would burst with gratitude the the smells in the kitchen, the warmth and comfort of my home against the blizzard my all the small and simple family things we so often take for granted as we celebrate the birth of our Savior with tinse,; extravagance, v and confusion.- 15C n. Happy Holidays Our prescription ior great holiday; joy, love, health and laughter... along with Christmas morning after Santa had done his very best, my greatest gift was the joy of my children as they anxiously waited, not to open their own gifts; but to watch as Max and I unwrapped the one they'd scrimped and saved to buy for us! They didn't seem to even notice they had to share most of Santa's meager gifts that year. Years have gone by now and the dream house is a little tattered around the edges from the real living that's been done there by its family and friends. Many joys have been shared there; laughter from all ages of people has rocked its halls; tears of frustration and disappointment have fallen on its floors, and lessons of living have been tried and tested. The children are now grown and are seeking lives of their own; and I wonder where the time has gone! As I sit and recall that special Christmas long ago after our summer of exhausting work, in I realize that what began then in the building of a home became more importantly, the beginning of bonds of strength, love and unity between the caring members of my family. Though the home will ultimately erode with the passage of time, the relationships and experiences which culminated at that Christmas of less will become stronger and more sacred and lasting as our memories of it go on and on forever! a HI our thanks. MOUNTAIN DRUG Church Books - Gifts Wrap Cards -- 40 N. Main Kamas 783-446- 6 Holiday Delights Our recipe for a delicious Yuletlde: A tsp. ofjoy, 2 tbsps. of peace, a dash of friendship and a scoop of cheer, all mixed together with faith, hope and happiness for the coming year. Dick's Drive Inn 235 E. Center St Kamas, Utah 783-431- 2 On the Mirror Lake Htvy. - Qateuruy to the lUntas |