Going Home to Grandma's

We’re packing our bags (a surreal activity as we prepare for winter while it’s 90 degrees outside)… heading home to grandma’s for the holidays Two grandmas and two grandpas to be exact—Spokane for Thanksgiving and Las Cruces for Christmas. I have a tradition of posting tributes to friends and family who visit us overseas. I’m a bit behind on Grandma Christie’s tribute after their visit to SE Asia (okay, a year behind), but anticipating seeing her face to face in a few days’ time makes me want to let you know how thankful I am for her life! I’ve learned so much from Christie… I love how she creates such a wonderful home for her family, keeping the first things first and infusing each day with warmth and care. (Pictured: a vase of wild flowers she arranged at the Miller lake house). I’m still working on perfecting some of those “Grandma Christie” favorites… huckleberry cobbler, fresh baked cinnamon rolls, homemade apple pie. A Miller holiday favorite is krumkaka… a crepe like cookie made by the Norwegians. Maybe this year I’ll bring back a Krumkaka press to carry on the tradition in the tropics.
Christie is a “get up and go” kind of person. I loved how she’s stayed fit all her life, running five miles three days a week with the same set of special women. (Now they walk, but they still clock the miles!) She still water skis and climbs the occasional mountain. She’s a faithful woman of prayer, always lifting up her children and trusting God with their lives (I know there were more than a few prayers offered during Mark and my long courtship. Thank you, mom!)
Christie has a great sense of humor. Her love of language and word plays were passed on to her son… puns will forever be with us!
She’s the perfect mother-in-law… full of helpful advice on parenting and life, but wisely sharing her golden nuggets at the perfect moments when these fledgling parents come asking. She has the perfect blend of discipline and compassion, and is such a wonderful grandmother to our children. Grandma, can’t wait to see you in the airport very soon!

When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly. She keeps an eye on everyone in her household, and keeps them all busy and productive. Her children respect and bless her; her husband joins in with words of praise: "Many women have done wonderful things, but you've outclassed them all!" 30 Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades. The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God. (from Prov 31, The Message)