It's Called "Francom-ite-ess"

Last night at the wedding dinner for Cousin Michael and his fiancee, Sarah Francom, we found out that Sarah is not really being what we thought was grumpy or mad. During the dinner speeches, they explained that it's just a family trait, which they call "Francom-ite-ess." That's where people think they don't smile and they're being mad or grumpy, but they're really not. Actually, they're happy, they just don't show it. So at the bridal shower the other day, I guess Sarah wasn't really being grumpy or mad, she was just exhibiting "Francom-ite-ess." How was I supposed to know? Last night at the dinner, however, she seemed genuinely happy and she was smiling a lot. There were a lot of family members there from both sides. The dinner was at "Granny's house," which we wondered if it was a restaurant that we hadn't heard about or something. But it was, indeed, at "Granny's" house. She's Sarah's "Granny" and that's all they call her. The dinner, prepared mostly by Aunt Tamera and friends, was delicious--pulled pork, mashed potatoes & gravy, and green beans almondine. For dessert, pumpkin pie. The highlight of the dinner for us was the French bread, served with the appetizer salad, which was all made by Granny, who is French. It was the best thing we have ever tasted! Grandpa T. and Cathy were even able to come, and Grandpa got along pretty well. He said he surely would have felt bad if he had stayed home knowing what he would have missed. Bob and Sandy were there along with Clark and Barbara and David and Tamera's family (except for Kristin who arrived late last night from Texas). So all in all, it was a very nice evening.

Yesterday Karalie called with the news that she has cancer occurrence #4. That's not good news. Just before her upcoming birthday party, too. She'll find out soon how the doctors want to approach everything. We're praying for you, Karalie.

Today Steven and I went over and played with the little girls while Lindy went to the store for a few minutes. Nate has been on a business trip to North Carolina since Thursday, and will come home tonight. So while Lindy was gone, Steven and I played with them in the playroom and enjoyed all the delicious food they prepared for us, Sidney included. There was also some dancing going on. Then we had some hogi sandwiches for lunch before playing outside for a little while. It was a lot of fun.

Now we're just doing some laundry and packing for our trip on Monday. We talked to Tiff on the phone this morning as she was headed to Chicago from Mattoon on the train. She should be in Chicago right now headed for the airport, then off to South Carolina this evening. We hope she has a good trip. We're all excited to see Sarah and Joel and Eliza this week.