Christmas Boxes

For the last few years, Joel has come home with a set of four gift boxes from Harry and David which were sent to him by a client. It occurred to him that his job change would mean no boxes this year. I shrugged my shoulders and moved on but Joel wanted to continue this tradition. I thought he was out of his mind, knowing how expensive those boxes can be. But he thought the girls would miss it and especially after I told him that Tersa realized there would be no boxes this year, he was determined. As luck would have it, there is a Harry and David at the outlet mall and while we were there doing some shopping, we bought a set. The girls enjoyed unwrapping their box and sharing the contents for another year.

Christmas Fiesta

Our Ward party was on Sat. night and was a "fiesta", which just means that we had enchiladas, tamales and nachos for dinner with churros for dessert. We socialized and the Activity girls did a skit (which only entailed them reading some lines and scriptures and singing "Samuel tells of baby Jesus.") Then the rest of the primary children sang the "Nativity Song" from the children's handbook. The song mentions aspects of the nativity one by one...the star, the angel, the stable, etc.... As each line was sung, the children (who were dressed up) would file out in front of the stable "set" and with each line we "built" a nativity. Keddi was an angel, Shinara a shepherd and Mardi got to be Mary. They sang beautifully and brought the spirit into our Christmas party. I didn't get any pictures because I was behind the children directing them when to go to their places and helping them remember the words. I wish Joel had thought to get some pictures, but to get close enough to make them any good would probably have been distracting.

Christmas Spirit

We believe in having Christmas Spirit, but Wow..... Joel thinks Shinara went a bit too far.
I just don't have the right camera for taking low light pictures of children! They move too quickly.

Anyway, here are some of my Christmas decorations around my new mantel! Joel got it done for me to be able to decorate on. It needs some touch-up but is sufficient for now.

We hope everyone else is getting ready for and feeling the excitement of the Christmas season. Our weather will cool again this weekend and will feel a little more like winter. Have a safe weekend. We love you!

Thanksgiving concluded

On the Sat. of our vacation we went to a nearby school and played on the equipment for a while. The kids rode bikes and scooters and Randall brought a remote controlled helicopter. On the blacktop was a huge game of Chutes and Ladders which Lindsay brought dice for and we played with the younger kids. They had enough fun that we played twice and Keddi and I played one more time.


This tree was in the front yard and these kids were in it all the time!! Shinara and Mathias (the four year olds) got the older kids to help them into it a few times, but the ones who could get up there by themselves were there quite often. We so enjoyed the fact that there was a back yard to play in too and Keddi spent a large amount of time entertaining herself out there!

We had so much fun that the kids have talked of moving one family or the other nearer. Sorry guys, but California is too expensive, you'll have to come to Vegas! We had so much fun and are really enjoying the tradition of spending Thanksgiving with you. (And any other excuse that can be made for getting together!)

Happy Birthday Joel

14 years ago I met the man this baby had become. Quite a change in stature I know! But also changes in spirit and personality. I never knew this boy, but there are some things that evidently haven't changed.
Joel is still very intelligent and it is still easy for him to aquire and retain knowledge. He is still analytical and contemplative. He has a quick mind and wit. His humor is not ment to hurt, but simply to entertain himself. If others find it funny...bonus! Joel is driven to do a job well and does so in many aspects of his life. He is loyal and good.

Some things have changed.

Joel's ambitions for his career changed with the birth of his first born. He better understands the love of a father for his children. He is patient and kind toward them; a friend that they turn to. He has learned to live with a woman, one with all the stereotypes of being a woman, and does so with humor (sometimes ill-timed) and gentleness.
Whatever you know about this boy or man, know this... He is someone that is very loved and looked up to. He is dependable and quick to be of service. He knows God and leads his family the best he knows how. He loves his family and his friends and recognizes the blessing you are in his life.