Light the World - day twenty

We enjoyed the FIRST ANNUAL GRANDPARENT SLEEPOVER a few days before Christmas.  It was so fun to have the grandchildren here as we made gifts for their parents, crafts, decorated sugar cookies and had dinner and overall fun.  It was also the BYU bowl game that night, so the older girls enjoyed watching that as well with Grandpa.  A victory for the Cougars helped to keep the holiday spirit alive as we headed into Christmas.  These little children are so fun and they say such funny things.  I'm so grateful that they live closer so that we can enjoy many more evenings like this in the future.  Their parents had a much needed break to make their final Christmas preparations and to sleep in.  A good time was had by all!

Light the World - day nineteen

I love to send and receive Christmas cards.  This year was no exception.  I love to see how people are doing, how their families are changing and growing and to exchange Christmas greetings.  This card will be our last one with Jake on it.  It was with mixed emotions that I sent it out.  I'm so grateful for all our beloved family members who are on it.  Each one holds a special place in my heart.  As we celebrated this time of year commemorating the Savior's birth, I'm so grateful for His life and atonement.  It means everything to me.  It means that through Him, our family will be together again. Everyone.  Jake will be with us again.  My Dad will be with us again. This was an especially meaningful thought to me.  Even though Jake won't be on our card next year, he will always be in our hearts and even though he isn't present, his presence is felt.  Because of the Savior, it was a Merry Christmas and it always will be.

Light the World - day eighteen

Each year my sweet little Elf brings a little treat and leaves it on my car seat in the early morning hours beginning the 12 days before Christmas.  It is usually some candy, useful Christmas plates or glasses, decorations, candles, wrapping paper and bows, or some other item to delight and please me. He has done this for years and I appreciate his thoughtfulness and kindness to me. He is my true love and he takes good care of me.  I wonder who it could be?

Light the World - day seventeen

We enjoyed a girl's night out at the Covey Center in Provo watching The Nutcracker ballet.  It was so well done and fun to watch the beautiful dancers of the Utah Regional Ballet and listen to Tchaikovsky's gorgeous musical score. I couldn't help but think of my niece Sydney who danced in this ballet for many, many years.  It was fun to go with Barbara, G. Pat and Jordan and her girls.  Sitting in front of us was one of the members of the Studio C cast and he was instantly recognized by the girls who are fans.  It was a lovely evening.

Light the World - day sixteen

Claire, R, Lizzie and Will have lived with us for the last six months. They moved into their new home a few days before Christmas. It has been wonderful to have them with us and to get to know them better.  Every Tuesday, Tommy would come over to play with Will and they would have lots of fun playing as only little boys can do.  I loved having them around and watching them play.  They are such funny and sweet little boys and they brought a lot of Christmas spirit and happiness into our home.