Ward Christmas Party.
1. Our ward had a live manger scene. The manger the Elder's Quorum build
was amazing. It was neat to watch.
2. Sunday we had a spontaneous Christmas Dinner. I think I
realized it would be the last time we'd be here to get together
before we leave. It was a good Sunday.
Stake Conference was so good, both the evening and morning.
Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy was emphasized again.
3. We decided to do more Sabbath Day activities, so after dinner
we did Family History. Oh my, Noelle really was discovering
her mother's line. When you can start to look up on Google
one of your ancestors and see statues of them, you know you
have gone way back and hit into royalty. It was great
4. Chris entertaining Mia so Colleen and Robin could work on her line.
5. Ellen and Daniel and Mike and Emily came a bit latter.
Of course, there were games and visiting.
6. I delivered a little something to my primary girls for Christmas
and this tractor was in their front yard. It has Christmas lights
on it, but it is just like the tractor I remember growing up.
Had to take a picture for the history.
7. Monday night we had a wonderful dinner with our empty nester FHE group.
We were at Lynn & Shiela Capener's house. With their addition it was
a perfect set up for a large gathering. Josh, I've found the kitchen/family
room for my dream house, and it's not a million dollar mansion.
We even dressed up in their Nativity costumes and read the Christmas Story
We are by the "star shining brightly" (Either side of Lynn, the star)
I'm getting some of those costumes - the beards, and animals are so cute.
8. Tuesday was Noelle's concert with Janet Carter. So beautiful
9. We sat behind Wade Walton and was entertained by him and his little
girl. Thought we would share it you since he's a good friend of Rob's age group
10. Tuesday night was Josh's jazz band concert. Wish I could have gotten
a closer picture. The weather was terrible and we only stayed
to hear the Jazz Band, which sounded amazing.
11. Dad's project was to finish staining the piano bench
that David made for us for Christmas.
It's so beautiful! Thank you, son
Old age is sure a mixed emotion time. We will miss
seeing you all during the holidays, but I'm so excited to go
see Paul and his family in Arizona. It's been a long time since
we've been there. I thought we would still be able to come back for
part of the holiday, but I feel such a need to go see my brother Paul.
He is getting worse and it's so hard for Ellen.
We never know what life brings to us, but we do the best we can.
I remember my mother saying (paraphrasing):
"No matter how hard life might be, if one hand is in
the Lord's it can be done."
I love you all deeply. May we find a deeper relationship with the
Savior Jesus Christ no matter where that relationship is now.
