Finishing up 2018

There are a few things I need to add before I close out my posts for 2018.  I received some wonderful gifts for Christmas.  All of them very much appreciated and thank you notes written to all the children for their generosity.  This gift from Lynda Ann sums up my feelings about the holidays and our family:

I was grateful to have the family gather for a Christmas celebration.  One of the funny things is that Neal wanted to have a sing along, but that fell right on it's face.  Just isn't going to happen with this group!

Neal had an opportunity to fly to California and go to the Utah bowl game with Tucker.  They had a wonderful time together.  Utah didn't win but the important thing was Neal and Tucker having a couple days of one on one.  I was happy that Neal was able to go.  I stayed home and took down Christmas decorations, watched a movie and read a good book.  You all know how I feel about New Years Eve.  Dumbest holiday ever!

We ended the year by going to Stansbury to hear Emmi speak in Sacrament Meeting.  She did an amazing job.

We also got a special note from Mallory wishing Neal and I a Merry Christmas.  She sent one to me and one to Neal.  Here is mine:

I finished the Book of Mormon for the year 2018 and will start again for the year 2019.  President Nelson counseled the women of the world to "Read the Book of Mormon between now and the end of the year."  That talk was given in October.  He gave a powerful promise "that the heavens will open for you.  The Lord will bless you with increased inspiration and revelation."

I want those promises and those blessings.  I love the Book of Mormon more and more as I read it and every time I learn more and more.  The Book of Mormon teaches us some major lesson.  1.  The righteous prosper, the wicked fail.  2.  Right and truth always wins.  3.  Keep the commandments.  4.  God's hand is always stretched out toward us.  5.  People are happier when God is first in their lives.  6.  The Book of Mormon is another witness of Jesus Christ and confirms the truths found in the bible.

I think I will end this year on these words from our past President, Gordon B. Hinckley.  But, I'm changing the word "Christmas" to "this 2019 year".

"This "2019 year" mend a quarrel.  Seek out a forgotten friend.  Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust.  Write a letter.  Give a soft answer.  Encourage youth.  Manifest your loyalty in word and deed.  Keep a promise.  Forgo a grudge.  Forgive an enemy.  Apologize.  Try to understand.  Examine your demands on others.  Think first of someone else.  Be kind.  Be gentle.  Laugh a little more.  Express your gratitude.  Welcome a stranger.  Gladden the heart of a child.  Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth.  Speak your love, and then speak it again."

Goodbye 2018