Home for the Holidays!

This year that phrase brings a new and deeper meaning than ever before.

Twas a week before Christmas and all through our house,
not a creature was stirring we'd all headed north.

We had a baptism and blessing and things to attend,
Even Lindsay was planning her trip from Bend.

Jen and with her kids were the first to arrive,
with an older sister checking on every hour of drive.

Then it was I who arrived on a flight from Southwest
and grateful for Rich to give his 4 wheel drive such a test.

Brian and Mal headed north in their new car
because of the storm it took more time to travel that far.

Natalie then boarded a flight that was soon coming our way
she stopped in Boise and found Bill too, on his way.

Saturday arrived and Redden's baptism day,
The weather was terrible but most found their way.

We all got dressed up and ready to go
We hoped that we'd all make it through the deep fallen snow.

We arrived at the church and had a wonderful time
but soon learned that Mother nature was not being kind.

So we decided it was best if we blessed the new babe
because the chance to leave would soon possibly fade.

We gathered at Andreas for food and some fun
and realized we're staying when the forcast was done.

The weatherman relayed some bad news to us all
We will all have to hunker down for a very long haul.

It was snowing and blowing on I-84
We were going nowhere and must stay indoor

We had 19 of us in that Turner household
We soon realized this would be a story often retold.

For most I am sure that it was a challenge to bear
but for Grandma Chris it was a chance I hold dear.

You see the grandchildren are not often together
Now you can see why I was so glad for this weather.

Children were running around and around
and people were sleeping all over the ground

Andrea learned from what prophets had said
What food should be saved so that your family is fed.

Bless her heart for her efforts and listening close
We all had plenty to eat be it her fruit or pintos.

Our dear Jenni was busy with her scissors a clipping
She had people lined up for their turn at her snipping

We waited and waited for news from that man
hoping he would tell us we could continue our plan.

The news was announced early Tuesday morn
As the news came to me i was really quite torn.

It was time to pack up and to head out the door
We first must buy chains from the old tire store.

A special thanks must be given to Brian, my son
Your putting on snowchains i am sure wasnt fun.

We sprang to our cars to be on our way
You see I-84 had verily opened that day.

But a tear came to my eye as we drove out of sight

Merry Christmas to my children I'll miss you alright!