CHRISTMAS PHOTOS

As always, I wish I would have taken more pictures. I am sorry I didn't get more pictures once the Eberle's and Kindrick's arrived. I guess we were all too busy to think about getting pictures. Anyway, enjoy what I did get.

A cute little gift! It sure was fun having her around.

Christmas Eve Loraya and Isaac decorated gingerbread houses.

We also visited the temple grounds and saw the nativity scene and enjoyed the lights.

Macey didn't like the idea of our Christmas Eve pj photo.
Julia reading the Polar Express.
Sorry, I didn't get this photo turned. Grandpa has always liked Looney Toons
Christmas Dad gift opening.


That's all folks!

We had a great time time with everyone here. The cousins got along quite well and really enjoyed their time together. We did have a little sickness. Julia and Isaac were sick before Christmas. Jacob got it after Christmas and I heard that Kristie's girls came down sick after they got home.

THANKS SO MUCH!

BRIAN IS VERY FASCINATED WITH THE KINDLE. HE IS REALLY ENJOYING IT. I THINK I WILL NEED TO GET ME ONE.

I HAVE WANTED A PAIR OF THESE BOOTS FOR A LONG TIME. I LOVE THEM. THANK YOU, THANK YOU.
WE LOVE YOUR GIFTS.

LOOK WHO IS HERE!

THESE ARE THREE VERY BUSY KIDS. WE ARE HAVING A GOOD TIME. MACEY, AS YOU CAN SEE, DIDN'T WANT ANYTHING TO DO WITH SANTA. SANTA ASKED ISAAC WHAT HE WANTED FOR CHRISTMAS, AND HE SAID, "SOME ORNAMENTS FOR THE TREE AND AN APPLE! I WOULD LIKE TO SEE HIS FACE ON CHRISTMAS MORNING IF THAT IS WHAT HE GOT IN HIS STOCKING.

WE HAVEN'T FLOATED AWAY YET ALTHOUGH THE AREA IS HAVING SOME TROUBLES WITH FLOODING. WE HAVEN'T SEEN THE SUN HERE FOR TEN DAYS. WE ARE HOPING FOR A BREAK TOMORROW.

I WISH YOU ALL OF YOU WASHINGTON FAMILY A VERY WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS. WE WILL DEFINITELY MISS YOU.

THINKING OF YOU

I hope you all are having fun getting ready for Christmas. I finished the decorating earlier this week. I feel badly that the tree has to be downstairs. We aren't down there very much. But, when company arrives then it will get to take center stage.

We enjoyed the First Presidency Christmas Devotional. It seemed strange to be able to watch it at home and not go to the church. I thought it was especially inspiring, and a good way to start the month of December.

What are you doing to keep focused on the Savior this season?, Reading the scriptures and reading Christmas stories are two of my favorites.

Earlier this week we woke up to rain. When I got up it was clearing but the clouds were hanging around the mountains and looking so beautiful.

Tonight I looked out just as the sun was setting, and the sun shinning on the mountain was so awesome. There is something beautiful every day to enjoy. I have enjoyed your pictures of the snow. Isn't is nice that we all have beautiful scenery to enjoy. Now we also have all the lights of Christmas to help us remember the "Light of the World".

HAPPY AFTER THANKSGIVING

I have fallen down on keeping up with the "thankful" blog. However, I have had many things to think on with much gratitude. All of our guests for Thanksgiving arrived and got home safely. Shareen and family were here for a week and left Saturday morning. Kristie and Dave with their two vehicles full of people came down Wednesday and left Saturday afternoon. Thankfully, they missed the snow storms.

We had a nice Thanksgiving--ate too much but had the best of company.

Some of our other activities: I went with the Eberle's out to Snow Canyon one afternoon. The girls aren't too thrilled about much walking so we just walked out to Jenny's Canyon and Mike got a few nice pictures. Kristie and I were crazy enough to go to Walmart at 12:00 midnight to see what madness was going on there. It was just unbelievable. I have never seen such a mob of people. It was worth staying up just to take in the sight.

Then, Kristie, Shareen and I went out on black Friday to do some shopping. However, we didn't get out until almost 7:00 am so we were slackers. Friday night some of us who hadn't seen the Harry Potter movie got out to see that. We all gave it favorable reviews.

The time went by way too fast. Now, Sunday afternoon and Brian and I are looking at each other wondering where the week went. But we have Christmas to look forward to now. Tomorrow I will put away the fall decorations, and slowly get out the Christmas stuff. Put on the Christmas music and get in the holiday spirit. Let us not forget to serve others in our rush to get things done, and express gratitude for our Savior for his life and example.

The Walmart scene. A picture in this case is not worth a thousand words!

Nov 22

Today I am grateful to a considerate daughter and son-in-law who volunteered to drive two vehicles down here on Wednesday so Brian wouldn't have to drive up to get Bronte and her two friends, who are coming for Thanksgiving. There is a big winter storm expected to hit on Tuesday thru Wednesday and we were wondering how we could get up there. THANK YOU so much Kristie and David. Now we will just be hoping the weather will be somewhat better by Wednesday afternoon so you will all arrive safely.

OUR 48TH ANNIVERSARY!

Today we are celebrating our 48th wedding anniversary. It doesn't seem possible. I am so blessed to have found the right person to marry, and to have spent these 48 years together. We have weathered some tough times, but always together. Thank you, Brian, for our wonderful life together.

Nov. 20

The Eberley's arrived today safe and sound. I'm grateful they could come and spend the next week with us. I wish it were possible for all of us to sit down together at Thanksgiving, but you will be in my mind and heart.

Nov. 19

Today I was able to make a visiting appointment with an inactive sister. That is something to be grateful for. She is nice when we do get to visit with her, but very hard to get to see. Now, I'll have to see if she will really be home when we go see her on Sunday. We have another inactive sister that we have yet to see. I have dropped by her apartment on numerous occasions--day, night, weekends, etc. You get the idea. No luck in finding her home. Maybe finally seeing her will be something to be grateful for at some future day.

CATCHING UP

Nov. 16 . I'm not nearly as clever as all of you in posting your thankful list, but here goes, but no pictures this time.

Today I was out running some errands, groceries, shopping etc. As I was driving around, I thought how nice it was to not have bad traffic. I thought of all the times in Seattle just sitting in traffic. That's not a problem here, and I am very grateful.

Nov. 17. Today I am thankful for the Book of Mormon. I know, I already said that. But I am reading now in some of my favorite parts. I love reading about Samuel the Lamanite's predictions of the Savior's birth and death and then reading about his prophecies come true. It's good reading getting ready for the Christmas season.

Nov. 18. I am looking out our window tonight at all the beautiful stars. The creations of Heavenly Father are truly inspiring. How can anyone doubt His existence.

NOV. 15 CONTINUED

We actually got out of the house today and took a drive up to Zion's Park. The day was perfect--beautiful sunshine, crisp fall air and more beautiful scenery than we could take in. Don't you just love fall? We don't get all the beautiful colors in the leaves here, but as you look at some of the pictures I took, we have nothing to feel bad about. After an afternoon of driving through the park, we stopped at Brian's favorite place to eat (Taco Bell) and had a taco salad. Tonight we celebrated with a cupcake. I guess I would have to say, a pretty great day. I hope my hubby had as much fun as I did.

Enjoy the photos, of course, a picture hardly captures the beauty.

He looks too handsome to be 70 don't you think?

The end of a perfect day.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRIAN

15. How fortunate I am to have picked the right man to marry! Brian is the kindest, most generous man in the world. Yes, that is true. All my children know it, also. I hope he has a most wonderful 70th birthday.

DAY 14

Yes, today is Sunday. I am thankful for the Sabbath. Going to church has been a big part of my life. I can't remember ever waking up thinking, "I don't want to go to church today." Well, maybe when I was sick. Today was our ward's Primary Program. This is the third Primary program we have seen, and they have all been good. I did feel a very special spirit today. When the kids sang "I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints", I really felt just how lucky I am to be member of the only true church.

12 and 13. The temple and the scriptures keep me on that straight and narrow path. We are very lucky to live close to the temple, and can go weekly. Attending weekly has helped to feel closer to Heavenly Father and remember the promises I have made to Him.

This morning I was reading the Ensign, the talk by Bro. Costa on following the Prophet. He was quoting from a talk by Pres. Benson. You need to read it. He mentioned some things about obedience that I hadn't thought about.

11. Today, I am reminded of how much I love my country. We are so blessed to live in the greatest country on God's earth. We live in a land of freedom and liberty not even imagined in many countries. We owe that freedom to the many veterans and current soldiers today who have demonstrated courage and honor. Brian and I have been watching the History channel some today and am reminded again of the sacrifices that have been made. One of my favorite quotes is (paraphrased), "Never has so much been owed by so many to so few". Churchill said that during WWII, but it fits all current and past soldiers. I am very grateful.

I love old glory!

BLESSINGS UPDATE

My gratitude list is a ways behind. I'll do my best to catch up.

2. Our trip to Branson with Bob and Corene was such fun. They were great company. I'm grateful for my siblings.

3. I'm so grateful for a brother who has always been an inspiration to me. He is a good person and inspires me to be better. The only book he brought to read on the trip was a Norwegian copy of the Book of Mormon.

4. and 5. The four of us got along great. So, I'm grateful for good times and good company. Also, notice the nice leather jacket I am wearing. I'm grateful for a wonderful husband who takes such good care of me.

6. I'm grateful for music, all kinds of music. On this trip we heard country, Irish tenors, Christmas music--all kinds. We were able to take a trip down memory lane and hear some of the great music from the 50's and 60's. Here we are with a poster of the group "The Platters". They had 35 number 1 hits. They gave us such great songs as "The Great Pretender" and "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" to name a few. They don't make music like that any more.

7. After being grateful for "The Platters" music, we found out they were only an imitation of the real group. The real group members are all probably dead by now. But I was still grateful they gave us a good show. I even got my picture taken with one of the group.

8. I'm greatly blessed to have Corene for a sister-in-law. We had lots of fun together.

9. I am amazed at the beauty of the country we live in. No matter where you are, you find beauty and amazing things to see and enjoy. This is the arch in St. Lewis.

10. I received a calling to teach Relief Society. Yes, I am grateful for it even if I am nervous about it. It has been a while since I have taught a class. Callings in the church are a blessing, and I have learned so much through the years from callings and from the people I was privileged to be associated with.