Light the World - day fifteen

My sweet sister Lee and her husband Mike come to town for an overnighter and it was so fun to spend some time with them.  We enjoyed dinner and then went to the Riverwoods to walk around and see the Christmas lights.  The next day they, along with Jessica and Brad, were so kind and thoughtful and they helped out at the homes of Jordan and Claire, doing some tasks that needed to be done. Their service was so appreciated and it definitely helped to bring an added measure of happiness and light to our lives.  Many thanks to Lee, Mike, Jessica and Brad.  We love and appreciate you!

Light the World - day fourteen

I especially enjoy this cover of Mary Did You Know done by Yahosh Bonner and Malea Lunt.  It is so beautiful!

Light the World - day thirteen

This Christmas I got to do something I've always wanted to do!  I got to attend the Christmas concerts of some of our grandchildren.  Now that some of them live near by, this is an added perk.  Lizzie and Will were involved in Christmas programs at their schools. It was so fun to hear the little children sing and to see Will (in the train conductor cap) do his little part on the program and Lizzie play the drum in her school program.  Being around little Santa believers who are full of enthusiasm and excitement was so fun this year, and brought back great memories of when our children were young.  It was fun to hear the songs I use to sing and to see their happy faces.

Light the World - day twelve

On December 15, we had the opportunity to go to Temple Square in SLC and attend the annual Mormon Tabernacle Christmas concert.  This year we were able to get eight tickets, (thanks Dave!) so Rick and I, along with G. Pat, Jordan and girls and Lizzie attended.  We went early in the evening so we could eat at the City Creek food court and look around that beautiful shopping center and wander around temple square that was all decked out for Christmas.  It was a lovely evening to share together.
We also had a special chance encounter with a young woman who grew up in our ward years ago. She married and moved into the home she grew up in with her young family and lived just down the street.  Some years ago, she had a surgery of some sort and was prescribed some pain killers.  In a story that is tragically becoming more common place, she became addicted to prescription pain killers which basically ruined her life.  She lost her home, her family and her life.  We saw her with a group of people outside of temple square who were selling funnel cakes and working towards being drug free.  It was so wonderful to see her, hug her and give her some encouragement.  Rick was the bishop of our ward when she was a teenager and she was so happy to see us.
It was the perfect reminder to me of what Christmas is all about.  Hope.  Change through the Savior. Celebration of beauty and progress.  Joy.  Happiness.

Light the World - day eleven

Through all our holiday activities, we don't forget our three little ones in NC.  We now have nine grandchildren!! Charlie, Margaret and Sam are always dear to our hearts and we love to chat with them on Facetime and stay connected with their activities.  Their family is having fun being together and enjoying fun activities this holiday season, and with Dave home on paternity leave, there are extra hands to help out. These little ones have the sweetest faces and I would love to snuggle with them.  They are staying home this year and we will miss having them with us, but understand that they need to stay put with a newborn this time of year.  We love them so much! Merry Christmas little family.