Sunday Thoughts

Sacrament Meeting was a Christmas Program planned by the Bishop.  There was no singing but we did have a piano duet and a flute solo.  The most inspiring  part of the meeting was when one of our ward members played Silent Night on the violin.  No piano accompanying her, just her alone.  It was lonely and amazing all at once.  You could almost feel yourself on that silent night.  I had a hard time holding it together.

I couldn't help but think of those I've lost.  Mother, Annette and especially Jeffrey.  I was touched and sad at the same time.  I miss them, especially this time of year - I miss them so much.  This time of year can be joyous and magical, but it can also be lonely and heartbreaking.

I was overcome with gratitude as I thought about the Savior of the world who is the truest and brightest light in our lives.  We celebrate His birth because He bring us hope and joy, and the promise of reuniting with those who've passed on. 

As I've thought about this Christmas Season and the crazy year of 2020 I would say that I've learned a deeper sense gratitude.  I've been grateful to be able to go to church again.  I think I'm more aware of the beauty and wonder of the earth.  I'm grateful for my children and grandchildren and I would tell them to speak your love for each other, speak it again and speak it still once again.  It is a simple thing.  You've all heard it from each other, but it's influence can never be measured.

Christmas is a celebration and there is no celebration that compares with the realization of its true meaning.  

Picture of mother's grave decorated by Becky.  My thanks to Becky for always remembering those who have passed on.  She even tried to clear off the grave stone.  

Saying Goodbye to Emmi

It was the end of Emmi's leave and she had to head to the airport to fly back to Georgia.  Goodbyes are never easy.  But I know that she will be safe and protected while she is away from us.  We love her so much and will miss her.

Time for official goodbye and some tears.

Emmi and Abby won't see each other for a year and a half.  Abby leaves on February 15th.  Her farewell is February 14th.

I think this was called a photo bomb!  Love these girls.

Annie sent me these pictures from the airport.

I believe this one is called a photo bomb.  Love these two girls and so proud of them.  

 

Christmas Pictures

Christmas Eve and Christmas morning the kids sent me pictures.  I was so happy to get them as we didn't have a big family gathering like we usually do because of COVID.  We just have be patient and wait for next year when we can gather again as a family.  In the mean time we have to rely on family pictures.

Lynday Ann's huge 3' tall Wooden Christmas trees that she made.

The wreath she made that is hanging above her staircase.  It is huge!

Cute picture of Maren's family in their Christmas pajamas.  

Annie's family Christmas Caricature picture.  

Peyton, Jordyn Lyn and Lexi opening Christmas from Gam and Pa.

Ryan, Grayson, Mindy and Maddie.  I did text Mindy and told here that Robert should have been in the picture.  

Jamie opening one of our presents to her and Tucker.  

This was taken Christmas morning out at Maren's.  Notice the Utah mask and the BYU mask.  That is for you Tucker.

We did do a virtual Christmas.  We had everyone but Lyndsy and Derek.  Derek had called Christmas Eve and we were able to talk with him for about an hour.  So good to hear from him.  It appeared that everyone had a Merry Christmas.

 

The Christmas Star

Jupiter is 500 million miles from the earth and Saturn is 500 million miles from Jupiter.  They haven't been that close to each other in a conjunction since the year 1623.  The next year they will be in a conjunction again is in 2080.  

The news media and most everyone made reference to this phenomenon as the Christmas Star.  Neal and I went outside with our neighbors and gazed on the two planets.  It was amazing that you could actually seen them with the naked eye.  Our neighbor had binoculars that we looked through that made them even more clear.  It was fun to be able to see them.

 

Finished Another COVID -19 Project

 That is what I've called the stitching projects I've done this year.  I was very happy that I had some projects lined up because everything was closed down for months, including the Craft Center that I go to for my projects.  This was a simple one, but I love doing it.  It will be fun to get it framed.

Christmas Dinner with Ron and Judy

 Ron and Judy and Neal and I try to get together sometime before Christmas to have a nice dinner and exchange gifts.  Judy had us up to her home and we had one of her gourmet dinners.  I might add here that every dinner that woman fixes is gourmet and incredibly tasty.  This dinner was no exception.  This was an Asian dish called Egg Nest Dinner.  I have to tell you, it was amazing.  You have to love vegetables, shrimp and steak.  

Judy even made the nest made out of noodles.  She never ceases to amaze me.

We had a delicious dinner, exchanged presents and played bridge until midnight.  So enjoyed being with them.  They are such great friends.

Christmas from the California Maxfields

A text came from Jamie that we would be getting a box from Amazon and that we shouldn't open it until we could face time with them.  I have to admit that I was worried that it was going to be another electronic thing that I wouldn't be able to figure out and would totally tax my feeble brain.  So we called Tucker and faced time with him and this is what they sent us.

 The wonderful thing was that Tucker was able to set it all up from his computer at home so all I had to do was push a button here and there as he directed.  That kind of set up I can handle.  

Thank you Tucker, Jamie and the girls.  We love it and I turn it on every day to see the pictures.  The fun thing is that Tucker sent everyone the password so that they can upload pictures on it.  So every time I turn it on I get new pictures.  We are loving this Photo Frame.  What a great gift.

A Christmas Surprise

 I get a text from Maren that she and Greg have been at the house to "install" something for Neal and I for our Christmas present.  It was hard to stay at work all day because I was so excited to get home and see what was done.  When I drove in and the garage door went up it was like the middle of the day in the garage.  Greg and Maren had come and installed florescent lights above Neal's side of the garage and my side.  They are on a sensor so they automatically go on when the kitchen door opens or when the garage door opens.  Absolutely LOVE them.  What a wonderful Christmas present.  Thanks Greg and Maren so very much.  Those lights come on and my thoughts go right to 'thank you'.

Gingerbread Houses

 Emmi came into town for the Christmas Holidays.  How exciting it was to see her.  Such a blessing for her mom and dad and siblings to have her be able to come home.  Emmi had almost every minute of every day and evening planned.  One of the nights they put together gingerbread houses.  I haven't seen anything quite as elaborate as the ones they put together, except at the Festival of Trees.  I told them they should think about doing some for the Festival when we are allowed to have one again.

 Apparently it took them a couple evenings to complete them.  These are the pictures they sent me.  Notice this first one is an aircraft carrier.  I told Emmi she should go to a toy store and buy tiny airplanes to put on the deck.  

Not sure which house was Mallory's and which one was Abby's, but they were both very creative.

All I can say is amazing!

Sunday Thoughts

 "I invite you to strive to ever more consistently to let what God wants for you to take priority over what you want for you.  Seek to recognize and understand His will and timing in your life.  As you do so, you will be directed, protected, and blessed spiritually and temporally in ways that you today cannot possibly imagine."   David A. Bednar

Smile Often

 Nothing needs to be written.  The pictures tell the whole story.

Oh Yes.  We can all agree to that!

A Sweet Surprise

Monday morning we woke up to snow on the ground.  Not a lot of snow but enough to cover the lawns and driveways.  I wandered into Neal's office to look out the window to see just how deep the snow was.  Too my surprise as I looked down at the driveway below, it was cleared!  Someone had come and shoveled our driveway.  Not only did the shovel our driveway but the left a message in a heart shape that brought tears to my eyes.  The whole scene just screamed Merry Christmas / We Love You!  

Amazing and a wonderful scene.  So perfect for this time of year.  Actually any time during the winter months.  The most interesting thing is that I tried to think who would do that and as I started listing possible people in my mind, the list was so long that I couldn't possibly narrow it down.  Now that is amazing.  A ward family of love.
 

Emmi's Apartment

I mentioned on one of my posts that Annie was the only one of my kids who had sent me pictures of her decorations for Christmas, so Emmi took some pictures of her little apartment and her decorations.  Love them Emmi.  Thanks for sending them.  Just proves that even if you are all alone in a tiny apartment you can bring in the spirit of Christmas and the light of Christ.  Of course, for some reason, the two pictures she sent me won't transfer to my lap top.  But I did get this cute picture of Emmi and her siblings when they picked her up at the airport this week.  Welcome home Emmi.  So happy you are here and can spend some much needed family time.  We love you!

They called me and said they were going to stop at IHOP for breakfast and invited me to join them.  I left work and had a great visit with them before they all headed back to Stansbury.  
 

Abby Says Goodbye to Lightyear

 It was a sad time for Abby as she and Lynda Ann traveled to Oregon to the Guide Dog Campus to officially turn Lightyear over to the trainers who will finalize his training to be a guide dog for a non-sighted individual.  Abby leaves for her mission the first of February so she was grateful that the campus was able to recall some of the dogs who were ready to be back on campus.  Lynda Ann said that it was very sad to watch Abby telling Lightyear to be a good dog and to be brave and not afraid of new things.  Annie said they drove back to their hotel in silence with tears falling off their cheeks.  I was hoping to get some pictures of Abby and Lightyear but didn't have any to post as I'm writing this.  They may send me some later.

They did get the chance to stop and have dinner with CJ and Justin.  Annie said they had a wonderful visit with them and spent most of the evening talking and reminiscing.  They had a great time and said the food from Justin's food truck was amazing!

Fun Pictures of Derek

 Derek sent me some fun pictures that I am excited to post.  It has been such a good feeling to be able to talk with Derek every month.  It is good to hear that he is happy and doing well and that he has found someone that he is happy with and even mentioned the word marriage!  Wouldn't that be exciting.  This is Derek and Margo.  Just so you know, I did edit this picture but for some reason my phone won't transfer the edited picture to my computer so we get the Instagram picture.  Either way, I'm just happy to have the pictures.

I'm guessing that Margo took this picture.  Notice the stuffed Gumby behind him.  

The two following pictures are of Derek at a Food and Drink Convention of some kind.  Could be a awards show.  Not completely sure but the pictures are great and one has to love Derek's suit and tie.  Only Derek could get away with that.  Love it!!

You look great Derek and we love and we miss you!

Christmas Message

"The older I get . . . the simpler my holiday preparations become

The closer I feel to old friends as I write or send Christmas cards . . . the more I cherish the oldest ornaments

The more fondly I remember Christmases past . . . the longer I hold on to a holiday hug

The more I realize Christmas is a matter of the heart . . . the tighter my throat gets when I sing 'Silent Night

The more I enjoy giving than receiving . . . the more I try to see Christmas through the eyes of a child 

The longer I sit at night in the glow of the Christmas tree . . . the more wondrously beautiful the Christmas story is

The deeper my awe at God's infinite love . . . the more I LOVE Christmas!"

Sunday Thoughts

"Christ is the light; the gospel is the light; the plan of salvation is the light; that which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light growth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.  As the light of the sun enters the body through our natural eyes, so the light of heaven - the light of the Spirit which illuminates our souls - enters through our spiritual eyes." 

Christmas Decorations

We've been busy at our house and Annie has been busy at her house.  I'm sure all my children have been busy decorating their home but no one has sent me pictures except for Annie, so I will post what I have.  Neal was determined to decorate the tree outside our home and finally, with the help of a neighborhood boy, he was able to get it done.  And, he finally gave up on the big tree that we've had for 20+ years.  He just couldn't get the lights to completely work.  There is two strands in the middle that have not worked for the past two years.  After 4 hours of working on them this year with no success, he finally gave in and we bought a new smaller tree that we can handle.

Missionary Shopping

Last week, Annie, Mallory, Abby and I drove to Heber to have lunch with Susan and take her some flowers.  She was having a hard time and Annie and I were worried about her.  On the way back we stopped at the outlets to see if we could find any clothes for Abby for her mission.  The problem is that finding summer clothes in Utah in the winter months is an impossible challenge.  We were able to find a nice rain coat for her so our shopping wasn't a total loss.  While Abby was in the dressing room and we were waiting, I noticed Lightyear looking out under the door and had to take a picture.  So cute.  

Just a side note.  Annie and Abby are in Oregon right now taking Lightyear and another guide dog named Bacchus back to the campus for their final training to become official guide dogs and be matched up to a non sighted person.  What a wonderful program.  These guide dogs are amazing and the trainers, like Abby, are just as amazing.

To add a little humor, which we all need as much as we can get, here is a cute cartoon for the holidays.

Reminiscing

 I was cleaning out a drawer and found this book mark that Derek made me.  I was looking at it and thinking about Derek and our journey together from the time he was 8 and I became a part of the family.  Deedle, as we all fondly called him, became my son, shadow and little friend.  As I was thinking about him, I got a notice that there was a new post on instagram and there was a picture of Derek and Margo.  I had to smile.  What a coincidence.  

Cute picture of Derek and Margo.